
Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel
Aubergine offers an innovative New American dining experience with a two Michelin star rating, celebrated for its exquisite tasting menus and impeccab...

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Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aubergine offers an innovative New American dining experience with a two Michelin star rating, celebrated for its exquisite tasting menus and impeccable service.
"The best restaurant experience I’ve ever had. No question."
Courtyard Dining
Reserve courtyard dining for a beautiful setting, especially during sunset.
Wine Pairings
Consider opting for wine pairings from their extensive collection for an indulgent experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
Fine dining
Phone
(831) 624-8578
Address
7th avenue Monte Verde St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Website
auberginecarmel.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Michelin-Starred Culinary Artistry
Experience exquisite tasting menus featuring fresh ingredients prepared by acclaimed Chef Justin Cogley.

Impeccable and Attentive Service
Staff go above and beyond, offering personalized interactions and special treats for celebrations.

Elevated Dining Experience
This two Michelin star restaurant offers a refined, upscale atmosphere with a robust wine list.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Courtyard Dining
Reserve courtyard dining for a beautiful setting, especially during sunset.
Wine Pairings
Consider opting for wine pairings from their extensive collection for an indulgent experience.
Engage with Chefs
Talk to sous chefs who describe dishes with stories and unique emulsions.
Post-Event Dining
Visit after major events like Monterey Car Week for a quieter experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Courtyard Dining
Reserve courtyard dining for a beautiful setting, especially during sunset.
Wine Pairings
Consider opting for wine pairings from their extensive collection for an indulgent experience.
Engage with Chefs
Talk to sous chefs who describe dishes with stories and unique emulsions.
Post-Event Dining
Visit after major events like Monterey Car Week for a quieter experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aubergine is widely celebrated for its exquisite tasting menus and impeccable service, often compared to top-tier restaurants. Diners highlight the artistry in each dish, the attentiveness of the staff, and the overall elevated experience, making it ideal for special occasions. However, some reviews suggest that while very good, the restaurant might not consistently reach the extraordinary heights expected of a two Michelin star establishment, with minor critiques on dessert offerings and occasional service lapses.
"The best restaurant experience I’ve ever had. No question. Definitely the most expensive (I’m not usually about this life 😂), but I can’t wait to (be able to afford to) go back.
The best food I’ve tasted probably ever. Beautiful presentation. I got so full—i had to take food home (and it still tasted so delicious the next day).
Incredible wine pairings (and GREAT nonalcoholic pairings). Super knowledgeable staff. We went the first night of our honeymoon and they surprised us with a delicious chocolate mousse.
100/100."
Abby Jo Walker
"Dining at Aubergine in Carmel is like stepping into a quietly luxurious world where every course is composed like a sonnet. With its two Michelin stars, the restaurant delivers on expectation - and then gracefully exceeds it.
The meal unfolded like a well-structured symphony, but two dishes stole the show: a kinmedai prepared with a subtle hand that honored the fish’s natural richness with incredible texture, and a scallop course that was so delicate and well balanced it felt like a dream. Both exemplified the kitchen’s ability to balance restraint with imagination, and they were elevated by perfect seasoning and thoughtful accompaniments.
Service was warm, intuitive, and never overbearing- precisely what you want at a place of this caliber. The pacing of the meal was relaxed but never languid, and the setting, understated and serene, reflected the food’s own quiet elegance.
If there was a miss, it came from the cocktail program. While technically well-executed, the drinks all leaned into a similar taste profile that lacked range or surprise. It didn’t detract from the experience, but it was a noticeable gap in contrast to the creativity of the food.
Still, Aubergine easily earns its 9.6/10. For anyone seeking an evening of precision, artistry, and grace by the sea, this is one of California’s most rewarding dining destinations."
JonLuca DeCaro
"Far and away one of the best dining experiences my wife and I have ever had. I've been to French Laundry, Gary Danko, Manresa and others but I have to say, this is the little engine that could (they turn 10 tables a night!!!) Everything was fabulous from the food to the service. We had the sommelier choose a budget friendly wine based on some flavor profiles we gave him and he picked a real winner. The food was absolutely delicious and we loved how the sous chefs came out to describe and finish the dishes with a story or an emulsion. It was fun asking them questions about the many amazing ingredients. Will definitely go back!"
Matt Olson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant maintains a refined atmosphere, suggesting smart casual or more formal attire to complement the fine dining experience.
Yes, advanced reservations are essential due to the restaurant's intimate size and high demand. Book well in advance.
The menu is seasonal and can often be adapted. It's recommended to inform the restaurant of any dietary restrictions when booking.
Consider visiting post-Monterey Car Week when downtown is typically quieter for a more pleasant walk before dinner.
Yes, Aubergine offers wine pairings from an extensive collection. Nonalcoholic pairings are also available and highly recommended.
The service is noted for being warm, intuitive, and flawlessly executed, with sous chefs often describing dishes.
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The Best Restaurants In Carmel, California
Restaurant, North American, Gluten-free, $$$ Receiving a five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide, the contemporary Californian Aubergine is hailed by locals as one of the best restaurants in Carmel, supported by the fact that executive Chef Justin Cogley has been recently named as the Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine. Serving two menus nightly – either ‘the menu’ or ‘tasting menu’ – the cuisine showcases the finest, freshest ingredients, perfectly treading the line between tradition and innovation. Dinner is paired with wine from a 2,500-bottle wine cellar, stocked from famed wine regions around the world including Monterey County and France.
13 Best Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Exquisite tasting menu and impeccable service have guests dropping French Laundry comparisons at this special occasion destination. Aubergine, which has One Michelin Star, offers a seasonal eight-course meal from superstar chef Justin Cogley features theatrical presentations of local seafood and produce like oysters and caviar packaged like a gift from a high-end boutique. A 2,500-bottle-strong wine cellar makes the supplemental wine pairing an indulgent must.
Romantic Carmel Restaurants - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums
The restaurant that used to be called L'auberge Carmel has just recently been re-named Aubergine, since the menus and chefs have changed completely. The original chef moved back to LA and the new chef is the sous-chef from Marinus at Bernardus Lodge. I liked his food there, so I imagine I'll probably like Aubergine, but it'll cost you more than $50 per person, especially with the wine pairings.
These Restaurants Just Earned A Michelin Star in California
Additionally, John Haffey of Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea accepted this year’s Sommelier Award, and Austin Hennelly of Los Angeles’s Kato received the Exceptional Cocktails Award. Harrison Cheney, executive chef of San Francisco’s Sons & Daughters, took home the Young Chef Award, an accolade announced in 2020, given to “a young starred chef with exceptional talent and great potential.
The 17 Best Restaurants In Carmel - Carmel
Aubergine is a Carmel classic for a reason, and there’s no better place in town if you’re looking to impress. Their ten-course tasting menu constantly changes, but you can expect seafood-focused dishes like oysters with a yuzu emulsion and lobster in dashi broth. The plating is almost too beautiful to disturb, but you won’t be able to resist digging in.
Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
To eat and sleep at luxe L'Auberge Carmel is an experience in itself, but even those staying elsewhere can splurge at the inn's intimate restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2022. Chef Justin Cogley's eight-course prix-fixe tasting menu (your only option at dinner, $265 per person) is a gastronomical experience unrivaled in the region.
Carmel-by-the-Sea | Visit California
Those in search of heartier fare could not find themselves in a better place— Carmel-by-the-Sea has around 60 restaurants in one square mile, making it one of the most restaurant-rich small cities in the nation, and it’s also home to more Michelin-recognized restaurants than any other city in Monterey County (Chez Noir and Aubergine have both been awarded a coveted star). A few other standouts include Cultura Comida y Bebida, where Oaxacan dishes like smoked pork mole and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers seasoned with lime and salt) are best paired with one of 39 mezcals, and La Bicyclette, where the vibe is pure French bistro. Early June is a particularly good time to experience it all, as it brings the weeklong Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week, which offers tasting events, curated menus, and special offers at more than 30 participating restaurants.
betriebsanweisung pumpen WebNov 17, 2022 · Receiving a five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide, the contemporary Californian Aubergine is hailed by locals as one of the best restaurants in Carmel, supported by the fact that executive Chef Justin … https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/gourmet-guide-to-carmel-s-10-best-restaurants-local-eats/ WebPeppoli at Pebble Beach 243 reviews Closed today Italian $$$$ Menu “Amazing dinner and view!. ” “Outstanding.” 2022 9. Treehouse Cafe 617 reviews Closed Now Mediterranean, International $$ - $$$ Menu 2.9 km Carmel “We had Salmon, Sea Bass and Paella.” “We had olives, pita breads and hummus dips as starters.” 10.
L'Auberge Carmel Reviews & Prices
With only 20 rooms, this Relais & Châteaux property appeals to travelers looking for an experience more akin to that provided by a bed-and-breakfast without sacrificing the amenities – like in-room spa services and the gourmet California cuisine served at Aubergine – found at a deluxe hotel. Guest rooms here all feature unique decor, but no matter which accommodation you occupy, you'll be treated to down bedding, soaking tubs and iPod docking stations. Previous visitors raved about the hotel's European influence, though some wished the small property had more on-site amenities.
The Best Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Located in the L'Auberge hotel just off the main strip, Aubergine stands as a pinnacle of fine dining, where Executive Chef Justin Cogley and Pastry Chef Yulanda Santos craft a Michelin-starred menu that transcends the ordinary. Known for its artistic presentation and a dynamic blend of global cuisines, each dish celebrates the seasons with flair and precision. The restaurant’s atmosphere is as meticulously crafted as its cuisine, featuring muted sea-green kelp-inspired curtains and custom sconces that reflect the local coastal beauty.
20 Best Restaurants In Carmel-By-The-Sea
With its intimate dining room, delicately prepared dishes, and ingredient-driven menu, Aubergine reflects the many reasons why locals and visitors alike love the dining scene in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This California hotel restaurant is tucked into L'Aubergine Carmel, a boutique accommodation built in 1929, and serves up a renowned tasting menu that changes daily. Aubergine demonstrates a distinctly Californian feel and dishes include oysters served with a yuzu emulsion and cucumber gelee and uni topped with sweet soy and potato.
25 BEST Restaurants In Carmel, California [2023 Foodie Guide]
Address: Monte Verde at 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921Contact info: (831) 624-8578Cuisine: Fine diningBest for: DinnerDon’t miss: Their tasting menu Reserve a table here Menu. Aubergine is the go-to restaurant for a special occasion, offering exceptional food in intimate surroundings, and can easily claim to be among the best restaurants in Carmel. The restaurant, located within luxury hotel L’Auberge, offers a tasting menu of delicate, flavorful courses inspired by the seasons and California’s bountiful produce.
Michael Bauer’s Top 12 Carmel restaurants
2 Aubergine: On a trip to Carmel last year, when I saw Aubergine chef Justin Cogley on the beach foraging for seaweed, it became evident how serious he is in using the local bounty to inform his eight-course fixed-price menu at L’Auberge Carmel. The elegant dining room is a serene setting for his stunning combinations. Oysters may be bathed in seawater and seaweed, asparagus is enhanced with hazelnuts and an oyster emulsion, and local abalone is paired with lettuce and white tea.
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Monterey County’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant, Aubergine offers an eight-course $265 tasting menu of California coastal cuisine with global flavors, which changes daily, from 2013 F&W Best New Chef Justin Cogley, formerly at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. Praised by the Michelin Guide for ingredients of “spectacular quality” artistically presented, the restaurant pairs the fare with wine from its 3,500-bottle cellar, which has a Monterey and France focus.
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In its write-up of Carmel, the magazine singled out Aubergine’s acclaimed executive chef, Justin Cogley, who joined the restaurant in 2011 by way of Chicago. Under Cogley’s direction, Aubergine has been nominated for three James Beard Foundation awards including Best Chef, West. Cogley also has been awarded the title of Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, joining an esteemed list of internationally celebrated chefs, as well as “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine magazine.
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Aubergine opened with L’Auberge in 2004, but it wasn’t until 2011 that executive chef Justin Cogley took the reins and launched a bold new era in refined eating with the goal of changing Carmel’s culinary credibility. James Beard recognition soon followed, and, just this year, the first Michelin star for a Monterey County restaurant. Seventeen other restaurants total were listed in the guide, including a handful that debuted this decade.
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To eat wagyu beef prepared by Aubergine Exec Chef Justin Cogley is to enter another dimension. But it’s not cheap: Every ounce costs $32, 4 ounces minimum. Steep, to be sure, but in the words of Restaurant Director Nathaniel Munoz, it’s “due to the complexity of the preparation.” “Chef Cogley brings out the umami characteristics of the beef through a searing preparation over a binchotan yakitori grill,” Munoz writes by email.
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Located in the L’Auberge Carmel, Aubergine is an elegant and sophisticated hotel restaurant that is backed by Chef Justin Cogley and renowned pastry chef, Yulanda Santos. This is an award-winning restaurant, and it’s definitely on the more expensive side, making it a great spot for a special occasion. The use of locally grown and sourced ingredients enhances the quality of each dish and the desserts are out of this world.
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Located within Relais & Châteaux property L'Auberge Carmel, Aubergine is a two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Justin Cogley. The $285 seven-course menu changes daily based on what is available and in season, and the restaurant also houses a 3,700-bottle wine cellar with wines from all over the world. While you can always expect new dishes during each visit, some regular options include oysters, lobster, ribeye and uni.
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Having earned a Michelin star in 2019, this fine dining restaurant is one of the most talked-about restaurants in town. Located in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea at the award winning Relais & Châteaux property, L’Auberge Carmel, this spot defines California’s brand of laidback luxury. Executive Chef-Director Justin Cogley and his team serve food that highlights the region’s quality seafood and produce.
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Though Carmel-by-the-Sea is but one square mile in size, the village has more restaurants per capita than any other small city in America, including MICHELIN-starred Aubergine Restaurant and Chez Noir, plus more than a dozen wine tasting rooms serving up some of the best Monterey County regional wines. Download the free mobile Carmel Wine Walk for exclusive experiences and specials!
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Though Carmel-by-the-Sea is but one-square mile in size, the village has more restaurants per capita than any other small city in America, including Michelin-starred Aubergine Restaurant, and more than a dozen wine tasting rooms serving up some of the best Monterey County regional wines. Download the free mobile Carmel Wine Walk for exclusive experiences and specials!
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Aubergine is located in one of the trademark courtyards in Carmel, but it’s not just about location and charming surroundings at this Michelin-starred culinary treat. With over 3,500 wines on their expertly-curated list and tasting menus that rotate daily, you’re in for a treat when you reserve a table at the restaurant from Justin Cogley and Yulanda Santos.
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Nestled within L'Auberge Carmel, Aubergine offers an unparalleled fine-dining experience. This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases innovative New American cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentations. The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and breathtaking ocean views make Aubergine a perfect choice for a special occasion.
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At the award-winning restaurant Aubergine, diners are treated to Chef Justin Cogley’s clever combinations of flavor and texture. His tasting menus change every day to support the best ingredients available throughout the week. Desserts are masterfully prepared by Chef Yolanda Santos, which perfectly complement Chef Cogley’s savory courses.
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For a full Michelin-starred culinary experience (and when we say full, we mean an eight-course meal), head to Aubergine. This fine dining establishment is housed inside the L’Auberge hotel here and serves up eats that will undoubtedly wow you. It has won numerous awards and continues to be one of the top dining experiences in the area.
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I love fine dining and Aubergine is my favorite for a “wow” experience, but when I want a delicious and quick dinner after closing the gallery, Aw Shucks on Ocean Avenue is where I head. It is a casual place for locals that has the best fried oysters in town and paired with a Hendricks gin and tonic, it’s just about perfect.
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Step into the Aubergine kitchen and you might see Yulanda Santos working calmly in the center of a swirl of kitchen activity. Whether it is hand-kneading dough, delicately frosting pastries or garnishing plates, Santos creates decadent desserts with the patience, focus and effortless grace of a masterful pastry chef.
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Aubergine is a Michelin-starred restaurant, located in L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux hotel in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. The restaurant showcases the best local ingredients in offerings that are meticulously created and beautifully presented. You can sit outdoors in the courtyard, or indoors.
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Aubergine: The accolades on the wall as you enter, Wine Spectator, Forbes Travel Guide, James Beard, among others, should give you some indication that you are in for something special. However, try not to read too much about this place before you go —and I will try not to be a spoiler.
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For a fine dining experience, Aubergine features a creative tasting menu using local ingredients paired with wine. Though it's on the pricier side, with luxe dishes like wagyu beef, abalone and foie gras, you'll easily taste what you're paying for at the fanciest restaurant in Carmel.
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Aubergine, Justin Cogley and Yulanda Santos are launching a monthly three-course “Redefining Flavor” series Wednesday, Feb. 15, with reimagined delicacies like brown butter halibut, sunchoke purée with brioche and burnt eucalyptus ice cream ($115 includes wine, 624-8578).
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Chez Noir centers on a strong locavore ethos and joins Aubergine as Carmel-by-the-Sea’s other Michelin-starred restaurant. Husband-and-wife chef team Jonny and Monique Black’s accolades include a James Beard Foundation nomination this year for Best New Restaurant, too.
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Aubergine Carmel is an award-winning, upscale dining experience, perfect for a special occasion. They have a daily changing eight-course Tasting Menu and offer course-by-course wine pairings from their extensive wine list. Eating here really is an experience!
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One of the best restaurants in carmel located within the ultra-luxe L’Auberge Carmel resort, Aubergine offers an unforgettable fine dining experience marked by superb execution and presentation. rated as one of best places to eat in carmel by visitors.
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Take advantage by visiting Aubergine inside L’Auberge Carmel. You’ll dine inside an intimate dining room lit with candles, the menu is always changing, and Food & Wine magazine awarded them with “Best New Chef” recognition.
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If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, head over to Aubergine. This restaurant is known for its exquisite tasting menu and impeccable service. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
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Meanwhile, Secoya Restaurant—from Michelin-star chef and Charlie Trotter’s alum Justin Cogley, of L’Auberge Carmel’s Aubergine, which earned a Michelin star in 2019—is open exclusively to hotel guests.
Carmel Restaurants
Aubergine at the L’Auberge Carmel is a lovely fine dining spot. In 2016 and 2015 they were nominated for a James Beard Foundation award including Best Chef, West and Outstanding Service.
Carmel Travel Guide
It features prix-fix, multi-course meals with changing menus. It can be a little tricky to get a reservation to this coveted restaurant but it’s worth the wait and price!
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