French Restaurants near Carmel By The Sea, CA

“We got married in Carmel by the Sea and it is one of our favorite places in the whole world. Whenever we get the chance to visit, I book a new foodie spot for us. This last visit, I found Chez Noir through Yelp and made reservations. We were not let down at this meal. Not only is the entire restaurant extremely charming inside and out (love the furniture & art!), the food and wine pairings were on point. The wine selection is eclectic and I loved that about it. We really enjoyed our time here and would definitely visit again!“

“Beyond amazing. Service ambience and food was impeccable“

“Great food service and atmosphere“

“We had an amazing 3-course lunch with a fresh frisée salad and soufflés for the main course and dessert. The service and the meal were top notch - an experience. The restaurant has a fine French ambiance with beautiful decor and a lot of natural light. I look forward to coming again soon!“

“Loved the food, Teo our server was exceptional. Cozy yet romantic. A must to enjoy when in Carmel.“

“Nestled in the heart Carmel-By-The-Bay in a residential area (meaning parking can be challenging), "L'Escargot" transports diners on a culinary voyage of French cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that evokes the romance and sophistication of the French capital, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.The moment we were seated, we were greeted warmly by the staff, who exuded the elegance and hospitality synonymous with French culture. The restaurant's intimate setting, adorned with subtle decorations, created an atmosphere that was both inviting and refined.For the apps, one standout was the escargot, served in a garlic and herb butter sauce. The snails were tender and succulent, with each bite offering a burst of flavor that lingered on the palate. The Duck Leg and Foie Gras was equally impressive, although we would've preferred more bread than just two small corner pieces. The French Onion soup is a must try. The caramelized onions, lovingly sautéed to perfection, impart a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory, setting the stage for a culinary journey like no other.For the main course, our favorite (in order) was their Beef Wellington, Duck two way, Seared Scallop Risotto and the shredded rabbit pasta. I've had Gordon Ramsay version of Beef Wellington, but what's different about this one is the golden pastry shell that enrobes it, providing a crisp, flaky exterior that gives way to tender perfection with each bite that's not too salty. The Seared Scallop Risotto was a bit of a miss with the Risotto as it was missing the crunch, but the Scallop was seared to perfection that melts in your mouth.No French meal would be complete without a decadent dessert. Our favorite was the Lemon Tart, follow by the warm Apple Crisp with a scoop of ice cream, and a home made cheesecake.The service was, with attentive waitstaff ensuring that our sparkling water glasses were never empty and our needs were always met with a smile.“