Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel

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Address:
Monte Verde & 7th Ave.
Carmel, CA 93921

Neighborhood:
Carmel

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Cuisine:
Californian

Price: $50 and over

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Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.auberginecarmel.com
Email: reservations@laubergecarmel.com
Phone: (831) 624-8578
Hours of Operation: Dinner served daily from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.

Private parties in the Wine Cellar or al fresco dining in the flower-filled courtyard can be arranged upon request. Contact events@laubergecarmel.com.
Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Californian, Seafood, Contemporary American
Executive Chef: Justin Cogley
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: For weddings, private dining and special events please call our Events Coordinator at 831-622-5907 or email: events@laubergecarmel.com.
Private Party Facilities: Restaurant buy-outs are possible at L'Auberge Carmel. L'Auberge Carmel's private Wine Cellar can seat parties up to ten people.
Private Party Contact: Reservations (831) 624-8578

Getting there

Cross Street: 7th
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: Valet parking is offered; street parking is optional.

A word from Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel

Executive Chef Justin Cogley and Executive Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza prepare sophisticated modern California cuisine. With access to an array of outstanding local products as well as ingredients and artisan purveyors from around the world, Cogley and Mendoza focus on incorporating these elements into… their ever-changing menus.The intimate 12-table Aubergine restaurant features an underground wine cellar that was constructed beneath the inn's courtyard to house the restaurant's 4,500 bottle collection. The wine list features great wines from around the world but especially wines from Monterey County.

Reservation Cancellation Policy: 24 Hours Prior to Reservation Time.
Late Cancellation Fee: $50 per person Cancelling.

Dining Room Attire: Smart Casual. Jackets for gentlemen are encouraged. Ties are optional. No t-shirts, shorts, or tennis shoes please.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food

Diner Reviews

"Small and very intimate, perfect place for romantic if budget doesn't matter. We had the tasting menu and it was hands down one of the best meals I have had, only place I know has topped it on one occasion is Manresa in Los Gatos and Le Bernardin in New York. Wait staff were amazing and really I don't see how the chef could have prepared a much better meal! We will definitely be back and hats off to everyone at Aubergine, they are definitely right up there with the best restaurants in the world!"
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Auberge is one of those rare balances of remarkable and innovative cookery in a truly warm and inviting ambience. Every detail is minutely addressed from the property, personnel, food, and wine list ensuring that the guest has a noteworthy experience. We celebrated a special occasion enjoying the overall evening in a relaxed and decadent manner. The food was exquisite with each new course elevating and enticing your palate. There is no doubt that Auberge has become one of our favorites! Thank you for an exceptional evening."
Dined on 12/26/2013
"We stopped by here on our honeymoon and were overjoyed to find a restaurant capable of holding its own with the best of San Francisco or Napa. Very friendly service and some amazing dishes on the tasting menu."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"I found this place on Yelp & was unbelievably impressed with the quality of food, wine & extraordinary service. Darling neighborhood gem and so much more. A bit pricey but worth every$. So accommodating wrt dietary needs-gf, low sodium, anything."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"$110 per person for a 3 course pris fixe menu without wine should be an unforgettable meal. The only thing that was unforgettable was the portion size. So small, it was almost comical. The beef course consisted of 2 small slices; and the chocolate brownie dessert was literally one bite. The amuse were wonderfully inventive, and delicious, but the main meal was very disappointing. And $30 for a glass of mediocre champagne added insult to injury. There are several good restaurants in the area (try Christopher's) that offer great service and wonderful food for much better value."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Dining here is quite an experience. The food is amazing and the service impeccable."
Dined on 1/27/2014
"Wanted to make Thanksgiving special since we were both away from our families for the first time. Aubergine was amazing and delivered a truly memorable experience. We got our fix of holiday classics next to the fireplace, and were treated to stellar service. Just a great experience all around, such a special night."
Dined on 11/28/2013
"Everything from appetizer to each and individual disher was overly salted. Have to say the chef himself wasn't there that night."
Dined on 12/5/2013
"We selected the regular menu with two added cheese courses for the four of us. The food was delicious, with very elegant presentations. The Sommelier selected a great wine and the entire staff was friendly and comfortably attentive. We left feeling very satisfied on all accounts."
Dined on 1/2/2014
"Interesting menu, but very difficult to follow even thought the waitstaff attempted to explain it. Selected additions for Four Course dinner were extra and highly priced. It was a fun experience in a historic hotel setting. We got to meet the Chef in the kitchen and he was very gratious (nice touch)."
Dined on 1/2/2014
"We chose the prix fix menu rather than the Chef's Tasting Menu this time but we are now encouraged to try the tasting menu next time. Each course was a feast for the eyes and taste buds. We had the abalone for the "main" and it was fork tender, followed by sharing the cheese board. These choices add $100 to the meal but worth every bite. The service was extremely professional and practically invisible (best kind, if you ask me). How lovely to find a dining experience of this caliber right in our own backyard."
Dined on 12/27/2013
"We ate at Aubergine last Christmas as well as this Christmas for dinner. I beileve we received more food last year than we did this year. Perhaps because this year two of the amuse bouches were cocktails. The food is creative and delicious. The service is fantastic. My only real negative comment is that despite being required to provide a credit card number at the time of reservation, we still were not immediately seated when we arrived on time. This happened last year also. I found this to be a little annoying."
Dined on 12/25/2013
"A lovely quiet gem a little off the main drag of Carmel. Excellent ambience & lovely special occasion restaurant."
Dined on 12/25/2013
"Aubergine is a special occasion restaurant -- or at least for my family. At more than $1,000 for four, we would not be eating here often but it is a very special treat. Aubergine is tucked into L'Auberge Carmel, a small, romantic inn, which is part of Relais et Chateaux. Chef Justin Cogley has recently been awarded Food & Wine's Best New Chef 2013 and for good reason. From the eggnog amuse-bouche to the crab with sunflower sprouts first course, Dover sole second course and an entree of beautifully prepared dorade, this was a meal to be remembered. Service was impeccable with a staff of knowledgeable people attending to every need. The sommelier was fantastic -- helping us selected two great wines from very specific local regions."
Dined on 12/24/2013
"Pricey - good for our occasion which was a birthday."
Dined on 12/23/2013
"The food and service are great but I don't agree with their pricing practices. The restaurant called is a few days ahead of time to confirm our reservation. They explained that the chef was preparing a special "themed" 4 course menu that included a cowboy steak for 85 per person, wine included. Nice! Upon arriving at the restaurant, we come to find that the steak is an additional $70 supplement fee PER PERSON and it can only be served per couple. Only other option was lamb which was not to my guests liking. Bummer. The steak was just OK go get a Prime steak from Costco and save yourself $200. Worst part was they gave us what appeared to be butter knives to cut with so our hands were sore by the time we'd finished sawing at the thing."
Dined on 12/17/2013
"Food was underwelming, staff was awesome but only good items were the desserts! Way overpriced and no nutritional balance or anything healthy served..Was a special occassion and was highly disappointed. I have been to Auberge in Rutherford and this one did not even come close to my experience there!"
Dined on 12/9/2013
"Amazing team. There's a reason why Chef Cogley won 2013 Best New Chef from Food & Wine magazine. Great hospitality from Mr. Munoz whose also an amazing somm. Go and go big."
Dined on 8/20/2013
"Food was bizarre. It was as if the chef went out of his way to prepare strange ingredients. Wine selections did not go particularly well with the food. Portions not just small (and we don't eat much) but minuscule. Very overpriced."
Dined on 12/8/2013
"Great food, unpretentious staff, and a friendly chef who is willing to meet his guests!"
Dined on 11/23/2013
"This was one of the all time BEST dinners we have ever had...ever! We were celebrating a special anniversary and the chef and staff went beyond in creating an incredible meal with paired wines. The food presentation was outstanding, along with the creative infusions of flavors and the artistry on the plates. Even the plates/ceramics are exquisite presenting each course."
Dined on 11/1/2013
"We were visiting the Monterey area from the East Coast and were looking for a special dining experience. Aubergine did not disappoint. We've been to The French Laundry, Restaurant at Meadowood, Inn at Little Washington, and Per Se and this place was right up there with them. The culinary Team and staff did a great job with a creative menu and excellent wine pairings. Service was attentive and friendly, answering all our questions about the various food courses and wine. We opted for the tasting menu which was superb. This is not an inexpensive restaurant and with various optional add ons and wine pairing, a dinner for two could approach a grand. But, it was a special experience and one we would repeat if we were n the area again."
Dined on 11/6/2013
"truly different approach to "cooking". the menu reads nothing like what you're used to from any other restaurant. the courses are art work with best local and seasonal ingredients. worth the price. plus great wine list and staff. recommend."
Dined on 10/18/2013
"Overall deserves 5 stars and should get 3 stars Michelin Young chef from Pennsylvania with lots of imagination . Fabulous food with local ingredients used to the best of the chef's talent. Would go back anytime."
Dined on 10/28/2013
"We had the tasting menu along with accompanying wines. Fantastic all around, the food, the service, the ambiance."
Dined on 10/24/2013
"For the main course we had only two choices-chicken roulade or a porcini mushroom-not much for $98.00."
Dined on 10/24/2013
"My husband and I had a very intimate elopement and followed it up with dinner at Aubergine. It was truly remarkable. The food was outstanding, the service impeccable. We were more than taken care of. Aubergine was the perfect place to commemorate the moment."
Dined on 10/14/2013
"We both loved the restaurant - each course was perfectly sized and a work of art, not to mention a taste treat. We have recommended it to several locals who had not been there (or even heard of it). We shall return and maybe bring 2 of them."
Dined on 10/8/2013
"This restaurant allows a choice of 2 tasting menus. Our group went with the Chef's tasting, which provides the ingredients the chrf will use, but no other description of what you will receive from the kitchen. We were delighted with each dish that came out to our table and also enjoyed the wine recommendations Nathaniel made. Service was spectacular. A very expensive evening, but we enjoyed every minute of it."
Dined on 10/10/2013
"Food, service, and decor were all outstanding - equivalent to any of the best restaurants in San Francisco. And extra points to the chef for a very creative tasting menu - wow!! This restaurant tops the list of truly special restaurants in the Carmel area (with prices to match, by the way - and well worth the price if you really want to splurge)."
Dined on 10/6/2013
"The whole experience at the restaurant was very nice, from the welcoming to the finish. The servers were knowledgeable of what they were serving us and answered any questions we had without hesitation. We had dined at a 2 star Michelin restaurant 2 nights before and I can honestly say that this restaurant was much better than the other one (food, service, atmosphere)."
Dined on 9/24/2013
"I would not consider myself a foodie, but do enjoy a good meal. The food here was incredible - although well above the price range I would usually go to. We both did the 8 course meal tasting menu, which had a great variety of foods, including the abalone, which was unbelievable. We also had a wine pairing, which made me, for the first time, truly appreciate how wine can be paired with food - the flavors meshed beautifully. Great experience for very special occasions, price is a bit prohibitive otherwise."
Dined on 9/24/2013
"Our experience at Aubergine was simply wonderful. The food was not only a work of art to look at but the tastes were sublime. The service from the staff was on par with the food. The staff was very attentive but not so much as to disrupt our dinner conversation. The only one slight disappointment was the quality of wine in the sommelier wine pairing. The wine was okay, but for the price paid, the quality was just not there. Overall, we would visit Aubergine again - without a doubt!"
Dined on 9/22/2013
"We dined at their "Food for Thought" dinner featuring tomatoes. Each course was outstanding and unique. The chef and kitchen did an incredible job. The staff and service were equally impeccable. The wine pairing was thoughtful and complimented each course perfectly. Everything was perfect and one of our best meals this year. Thanks Aubergine!"
Dined on 9/3/2013
"Michelin take note, this place is going to be on your next list. Amazing dinner. Better than some 1 and 2 star restaurants I've visited."
Dined on 9/2/2013
"This chef deserves 2or at least 1michelinstar. Wondelful inventive ans balnced dishes Worth every pennie. ery attentive staff. Sommelier had great knowlwdge and was creative in offering diferent wines. we had a wondelfull evening"
Dined on 9/1/2013
"World class restaurant, with fabulous food provided by a super chef. The service was wonderfull and we had a fantastic tasting experience, having the chef's 8 course surprise menu. Perfect for the celebration of my bithday!!!"
Dined on 9/1/2013
"Every little detail from the warm welcome to the tiniest ( and very delicious) detail on your plate has been thought out and we so appreciated it. There were two tasting menus... One of four courses and one of eight with choices on the four course option. There was also the opportunity to add in some very special Kobe beef and some abalone which we did with pleasure. We enjoyed the descriptions of how certain items are prepared by the knowledgeable staff ( seared at 1000 degrees on a Japanese Grill, bathed in sake, seared again to caramelize the sake then wrapped in seaweed) for the beef....some fun elements too - the ' stones' that were chocolate mint bites for example! So many other details but only 12 characters left on this review!"
Dined on 8/25/2013
"To top off our Carmel experience we booked our reservations with the high anticipation. The atmosphere and service were excellent but that is all. The courses were pre set with vague discriptions as to what to expect. Portion sizes were a joke and the plates that they were presented on where huge! We decided to forego the Kobe Ribeye at $32/oz with a 4 oz minimum which was in addition to the $95/person 4 course meal. Each course resembled a small bite and the food taste and texture was weird. We still are not sure exactly what it was we were eating!! The petite rolls were good (thankfully) and our $16.00 bottled water washed the food down. We ended up spending over $300. w/o wine or extras & left with indigestion. We won't return!!"
Dined on 8/22/2013
"Bottom line: every dish is exquisitely presented and delicious, but portions are microscopic and pretentiously presented. Example: gazpacho "deconstructed" consists of a two-inch by two-inch portion of food which does not resemble anything you've ever thought of as "gazpacho", nestled into the corner of a 12-inch by 6-inch plate. Some kind of Japanese beef is offered at $39 per ounce, four ounce minimum. But the smoked chocolate mousse topped by corn ice cream (yes, CORN ice cream) and corn silk is to die for. Warning to those who are not antique car afficionados: do NOT eat here during the annual "antique car show festival" unless you like clueless antique car fans gunning their antique engines in your ear during dinner."
Dined on 8/15/2013

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