Very disappointed. Food was bland and mediocre for such an expensive and highly touted place.

I admit, when I walked in, I had high hopes for this place. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant are absolutely enchanting. The staff are very courteous and attentive. For the most part, even the food was good. Sadly, my main entree ruined the experience for me.

For an appetizer, my girlfriend and I had the stuffed mushrooms, and they were delicious! I wish I could have had more. Her main entree was the shepherd’s pie, and this also was very good. The meat and veggies were tender and piping hot, the potatoes were nicely baked and crisped on the top without being dry, and the flavor was good too. My meal, however, left much to be desired. I ordered the beef bourguignon, which sounded by the description like it would be a wonderfully warming bit of comfort food, but it was anything but. The beef wasn’t tender - especially not for a dish that traditionally takes about 10 hours of slow simmering to prepare - the accompanying veggies were dry and plain, and the potatoes gratin were bland and unexciting. The bourguignon was also served barely warm, while the rest of the meal was an appropriate temperature.

Don’t get me wrong - the meal wasn’t disgusting. It was perfectly edible and I’m not an ungrateful snob so I ate it and didn’t complain. It just wasn’t on par with other dining experiences I’ve had in Carmel for a similar price. It would have been perfectly passable we’re it served at many diners up and down the California coast for half the price, but it was rather disheartening to pay $30 for an entree that was “just ok.”

Everything else was good. Our server was kind and attentive. I really did love the decor, music, and the crackling fire. The other food was good too. I was just really let down by my entree. Perhaps if I ordered something else, it would be great. It’s just that Carmel is a 6 hour drive from my home, and I doubt I’ll be too bullish to give this place another try on my next visit with so many other options available.

The duck special was terrific and the chocolate mousse dessert was heavenly. The owners go all out to make you feel welcome.

Really great food and terrific service. Shepherd’s pie and beef bourgignon both delicious.

The service and wine were excellent. I ordered the duck and thought it to be overcooked/dry and the flavor just seemed a little off. Otherwise, the potatoes and veggies were very good and everyone else in my party enjoyed their meal. We took several desserts home and they were all delicious.

Cute dining room, well spaced. Attentive service. Food was good, but nothing was great. I expect one or more items to be perfect at a place like this.

Wonderful find for couples, old and young. We made a dinner out of their exciting appetizers plus desserts on our first visit. We're already planning the next one to try their regional French/Italian main courses. The onion soup as reported many times is truly excellent. The stuffed mushrooms win applause, too. A special of crab cakes with a savory corn and mango salsa was very generous and so we went on to ask for a dessert menu. None is available: you simply go to the bakery counter by the entrance, choose, and have your choices delivered to your table. That was fun and the chocolate ganache was dark and rich and truly great! The atmosphere is rural charming with comfortable seating and lovely fresh flower arrangements throughout. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality.

First rate service, excellent salad ,very good wine, good choice of entrees. All in all, a
good meal in nice restaurant. We would go again.

Delightful and delicious

Lovely place to eat in Carmel. The waitress and owner were very nice and helpful throughout the whole meal. It is very warm inside when the restaurant fills up and cooking increases.

Wonderful French dinner with great service in a beautiful setting. We will definitely come back.

I ordered the Scallops St. Jaques. They were mixed with a couple of shrimp that I thought was not traditional. They were a little under seasoned, they needed a little more salt and I do not over salt my food. Likewise with the gratin potatoes a little more salt would have made them a lot better. My wife had the roast duck and she enjoyed that very much. The waitperson was great. The place was decorated very nice and comfortable.

Loved the atmosphere—cozy, warm, really comfortable. My wife had shepherds pie—perfect for a chilly evening. I had the duck, which was beyond my expectations: lots of meat, easy to access around the bones; the sauce was just right and I loved the apricots!

Very nice Birthday dinner. Great service and thoughtful apple streusel!

Food was delicious. Location and ambience lovely. Service superb. Thank you, we will be back!

This cozy restaurant is so charming and the food was absolutely wonderful!

The Duck was so tough we couldn’t cut it with a knife 😏; the Coquille St Jacques was tasty but again a bit over cooked;
The French Onion Soup and Stuffed Mushroom starters were Wonderful! Great wine list; the payer use looked devine!
Our next visit will be for wine, starters snd dessert! Can’t go wrong!

Enjoyed the food and ambience of the restaurant. I’ll be back.

I’m very sorry for this review. Leslie the server was awesome. Ambiance yes , yes quaint French decor was great, but that’s it on the great. Duck was full of bones. Maybe consumed 4 bites of real duck, minus the fat and bones. rack of lamb was cooked perfectly,but again bad choice of meat… maybe the pandemic has affected quality, but doubt it. We have been here maybe 3x in 7 years and will not be returning

Excellent food and service!

Always enjoyable. Cozy and intimate.

Partners entree was fine but the "filet mignon" I ordered was not a good cut of steak.

Loved the ambiance inside. Delicious food. Attentive staff.

My wife and I found the food to be excellent as well as the service. The staff was very helpful and professional. We would highly recommend this restaurant.

Excellent service. Fantastic food! Would definitely recommend while visiting Carmel.

Excellent rack of lamb and great svc

The food, service, and ambience were all fantastic. The services provided by the professional management and staff are the main reasons that we keep coming back. The old world elegance is a rare thing, and we value their focus to make sure that everything about the dining experience is excellent. I highly recomend this restaurant.

Great meal and hospitality as always!

Pleasant spot with fireplace and a nice friendly staff.

This spot should not be missed. We happened upon it one day at lunch and knew we had to return for dinner. The food is delicious and the service is phenomenal. Don’t miss out on the onion soup! Simply put, it’s the best I’ve ever tasted.

Incredible service and incredible food! The owner was friendly and a joy to talk to. Looking forward to gong back

Celebrating Bastille day……food excellent…had the short ribs….meltingly good
Daughter had the lamb chops…excellent local wine….good value

Lovely place, attentive wait staff. Seafood was excellent. Filet Mignon was over cooked and gristly. Staff made us a special creme brûlée which was amazing.

French onion soup was excellent! Service was attentive and cheerful. Short ribs and duck entrees were also enjoyable. Loved the pear tart. Not a great selection of pinot noir by the glass, but overall a nice meal and pleasant experience.

The short rib is absolutely incredible; it just fell apart. The mashed potatoes were very good and the duck was also excellent. The only that wasn't amazing was the bread, which was good, but not very French. But the restaurant is great and the service is great.

The service is always excellent— warm, inviting and very attentive. The new owners have kept the traditions of this Carmel institution, but added a new cosmopolitan flair to the menu. Delicious!

This restaurant was a wonderful place to celebrate my 40th birthday. Outdoor seating had lovely ambiance. The food was delicious. The service was stellar. Highly recommend. The Argentinian Malbec by the glass was great. The desserts were exceptional. We had chocolate mousse and pot au chocolate. The Caesar salad dressing was amazing too. They make it themselves. Super wonderful. Everything about it.

Food was really tasty but a bit too salty. Restaurant was small but classy and cozy.

We had a delicious dinner with excellent service.
The French onion soup was perfect, the caprese salad was okay. The braised lamb shanks were cooked to perfection with vegetables, scalloped potatoes. The owner recommended a French wine that was delicious and moderately priced. Highly recommend!

The food was much better the first time that we ate here. Maybe they are having some pandemic related labor or supply issues. I don't regret eating here, but I'll likely try somewhere else the next time we eat out.