Elegant but cozy bistro off the main strip at Carmel Just a couple blocks north of Ocean Ave hides a cute little bistro tucked away between some houses. Somewhat unassuming from the outside, you might be forgiven for thinking its interior was also rather low key. But upon stepping in, you are hugged with a relaxed but definite vibe that screams French bistro in a cottage. The service was warm, friendly, but forgiveably slow, seemingly apart of its charm. Ah, but the food is worth the wait! What did we get? 1. Potato leek soup. Deliciously done, you can taste the potato a bit while savoring the leeks. Solid starter. 2. Onion soup gratinee. Arguably one of the best French onion soups we've had (we had some in France even), the broth is full of flavor and not at all overpowering. The onions are deliciously sweet and the cheese crusty and salty as desired, with the added gratin being a nice addition. Definitely recommend. 3. Mushroom escargots. If you love garlic butter-cooked snails per the French staple, finding them in mushrooms is definitely next level. The mushrooms are a perfect pair with the snails and buttery goodness, offering a complimentary soft chew. Total recommend. 4. Scallop Risotto. Scallops were perfectly cooked, tender, and not too tough or dry with excellently done carmelization on the grilled crust. Risotto was soft but not mushy and had some nice texture as a result with great savory flavor. The green sauce added a nice sweet touch. Absolute recommend. 5. Rack of lamb. Total recommend, and my favorite of the evening. Lamb was perfect: no gaminess with beautiful savory flavor, well cooked and tender with a nice crust added. 6. Apple tart. Served warm with vanilla ice cream. I'm a sucker for apple anything or pie, so this hit the spot, ending the meal on a high sweet note. Apple was just the right sweet and tart, and the paired ice cream was an excellent march. Recommended. Will we go again? You bet. But don't take my word for it. Give this hidden gem a try when you're in town next. read more

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This place is such a charming little gem in Carmel. The food is absolutely delicious! Their escargot is my favorite dish: rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, and very "Carmel." The service has always been kind, attentive, and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. I've visited twice already, and both times I preferred sitting outside. The outdoor seating feels lively and relaxing, especially in the evening. Inside is cute too, but for me personally it felt just a little stuffy compared to the patio atmosphere. The only small disappointment was yesterday, during my birthday dinner. I mentioned that I was celebrating my birthday, and I honestly expected at least a small complimentary dessert or gesture, especially considering the level of the restaurant. It didn't ruin the evening at all, I still give this place a five stars review, but it would have made the experience feel even more special. Overall though, this is still one of my favorite spots in Carmel for French food, atmosphere, and a cozy dinner experience. I'll absolutely be back again, mostly for that incredible escargot and crème brûlée. read more

L'Escargot - French Near Me - Carmel, California

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We had a perfect table, very nice and easy service (Freddie), and delicious wine. My lamb chops were generously sized and perfectly cooked medium rare. Loved the simple interior and lighting as well. read more

The food was good, albeit the portions a bit small (as expected of a fine dining experience). The lamb was especially good and tender, and the BREAD!! the bread was so good. We sat outside - would recommend sitting inside to be honest. It was a little chilly, even though they have heaters. Service was smooth. read more

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Great intimate dining experience with amazing food from start to finish. The escargot felt like a must-order dish and a perfect homage to the restaurant's name. The Beef Wellington was excellent, and the French onion soup was just as memorable. A truly great French culinary experience that we'll definitely be thinking about long after the meal. read more

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L'Escargot was a real treat in Carmel. It's located a bit up from the main Ocean Ave so it definitely feels a little more private than many of the restaurants in the area. We started by sharing the classic escargot and the French onion soup. Both were delicious! Definitely use their bread to soak up all that good butter garlic parsley dripping! And really take time to savor the soup. It's not too salty, chocked full of onions, and has a deep beefy flavor. For mains, boyfriend got the Wellington and I got the duckling. The duckling was super tasty! I thought the breast, specifically, was cooked to perfection! It had a nice crust but was also melt in your mouth tender. The confit duck leg also just shredded with ease. As for the Wellington, I thought my small bite was right on par with my memory of Ramsey's at HK. I think the price point was a little high at L'Escargot though since it's a "special", so just keep that in mind. For dessert, we shared the apple tart which was not too sweet and sufficiently spiced with cinnamon. Overall, really enjoyed the experience and would recommend! read more

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Absolutely the best restaurant in Carmel--perfect menu, inspired chef, attentive service, and atmosphere. My mouth waters just thinking about the crab cakes, beef Wellington, scallops and Dover Sole. Freddy guided us through the impressive wine menu and suggested the best cheesecake we've ever tasted! It's our favorite spot! read more

Excellent food, excellent customer service, amazing ambiance! Highly recommend this place.

Awesome food and service. Waiters are fantastic, their food is great. Truly one of the best restaurants in the whole California.

This cozy dinner spot was delicious and courses well paced with attentive service. The escargot was complimented well with the herb butter and the french onion soup was comforting and hearty. The duckling was great - tender and cooked to the ask, but the veggie side was a little mushy. The scallop special was nicely cooked and the risotto had perfect texture - the fried capers and asparagus bites paired well. The warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream was a perfect end to the meal! read more

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Wonderful dinner, one of the best I can remember. French onion soup was one of the best we'd ever had. Wonderful flavor and just the right balance of onion, cheese, and bread. Salad was good. Duck (two ways) was outstanding along with Scallops and asparagus risotto. Creme brulee was fantastic. Service was terrific. I'll be back. read more

Absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish! The service was warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely cared for. The ambiance struck that perfect balance -- upscale but still cozy and welcoming. The duck was the star of the night -- perfectly cooked, juicy and tender with beautifully crisp skin. The fries were spot on -- golden, crispy, and seasoned just right. We also loved the fish dish, which was fresh and flavorful. And don't skip the house-baked bread -- it had that perfect chew and was clearly made with care. You can tell there's pride behind every detail here. Highly recommend -- we'll definitely be back! read more

Definitely my new favorite restaurant in Carmel. Rustic French food with a quintessential menu. Ambiance is cozy and service is wonderful. 10/10 recommend read more

I have eaten at this establishment twice before. I am in Carmel this weekend, wanted to try but the restaurant does not take reservations for 1 person. I called and spoke to someone at the restaurant. He assured me it is a mistake on open table but it is not. The restaurant clearly has policy of not taking less than 2 people. I must say their policy is pretty discriminating and they assume a party of 1 always spend less than 2 people. read more

L'Escargot - French Near Me - Carmel, California

My wife and I celebrated her birthday at L'Escargot! The restaurant is nicely decorated, cozy and welcoming. Every dish was outstanding and the service attentive but not intrusive. I highly recommend L'Escargot for any occasion!! read more

They were on point with service and kind to our dog. It was a great outdoor setting. Food, Caesar salad was perfect and the special beef Wellington was not tend, chewy. read more

L'Escargot - Beef Wellington - French Near Me - Carmel, California

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Love the restaurant, loathe and detest the corkage policy that grossly favors tourists over wine loving locals.

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. read more

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My found this amazing small French restaurant in Carmel last week. The service from the 1st moment you step in to the end is very friendly and amazing. I wish I can remember his name, but he can describe every single dish in the menu. My favorite is (everything that I order that noght) escargot, highly suggest that you get the one with mushrooms caps. Don't forget to order French onion soup. For entrée: beef wellington if they have it (not many restaurant serve this dish). The chicken breast dijonaise also great. Don't forget to safe room for dessert. read more

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This restaurant is amazing. Not only was the food great, the service was top notch. Our waiter was excellent and the chef/owner as well. Very friendly and even let our kids help with a table service on one of our dishes. If you are ever in Carmel I would highly recommend L 'escargot. read more

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Wow.. I will preface my review by saying that this is a must try spot .. even if you're not into French food. This little culinary haven operates only for a couple dinner hours, so the attention and food quality you'll experience is quite special and intimate. It was my first time trying the coveted 'beef Wellington' and let me tell you - I felt the gaze of the entire team looking for positive reinforcement during my first bite.. it was a success! Perfectly cooked when cut in half. Well done team! The true winner though was the lamb. (How do you do it?! No words) Everything else was delicate and well portioned. Make sure to pair w/ a bold red. Bonus: the off the menu cheese cake (ask for it!) was made of a farmers cheese-- so definitely not your 'cream cheese delight' type deal. Enjoy read more

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Wouldn't come back again. Decent food, but just isn't worth the prices they charge. I ordered the escargot since it was thats its namesake. Not a fan of food that doesn't taste good unless it's doused in sauce. I also got a rabbit spaghetti special, which seemed popular that day considering I heard the waitress telling another table that they only had two more servings of it. The rabbit was too lean and tough for me. As for my companion, he got a lamb entree for their regular menu. Honestly the lamb impressed me more than the escargot and the rabbit special combined. The service was excellent. The bread and butter were also good. I just wish the food that wasn't bread matched. read more

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Had an absolutely wonderful experience. The food and service was worth every dollar spent. It is also dog friendly. We had their namesake escargot and lobster risotto and of course pomme frites for appetizers. For, the main course two of the evening's specials diver scallops and the coq au vin, followed by the caramel tart and the cheesecake. The cheesecake recipe is a family recipe from one of the employees mom. Sean our server was outstanding, very personable and made you feel at home. In Carmel venture away from Ocean Ave and discover this excellent gem 4 blocks off the beaten path. read more

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Came here for our anniversary dinner and wow! Everything was cooked perfectly. I ordered: -Escargot stuffed mushroom cups (5/5) So glad we opted for this over the one in the classic shell. Much more flavorful in my opinion. -Beef Wellington (4.5/5) I have never tried a beef Wellington made professionally before so I definitely wanted to try this. The mushroom duxelles had truffle in it which made it delicious. Definitely worth a try if you've never tried beef Wellington before! -Duck prepared two ways (4/5) Duck was cooked to perfection. Good but I enjoyed the other dishes more. The restaurant was very romantic. I would say it is perfect for date night or an anniversary dinner. Servers were also very attentive. I had a great experience here! read more

L'Escargot - French Near Me - Carmel, California

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The presentation of the food was beautiful and food was tasty. We ate indoors and enjoyed the atmosphere. While we were here, there were a few other parties in the room and it was quiet for the most part. read more

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If you get to eat at this restaurant, consider yourself very lucky. It's small, quaint and delicious. Everything we have had here has been excellent services with a smile always. If you like French food with an American twist, this is your place. read more

Overall Pros: Cozy but romantic ambience, absolutely beautiful exterior/ambience. Cons: Pricey and portions were surprisingly tiny for some dishes. Staff was friendly. Drinks: Moscato ($15) was deliciously light and sweet. Food: Not to rave too much about complimentary bread - but that bread and butter crock they serve with the meal was insane. The butter didn't even need salt! It was so sweet and creamy. -French Onion Soup ($16.95) - Everything an onion soup should be - chock full of melty cheese, caramelized onions, and bread bites in a deeply flavored broth -Goat Cheese Tart ($18.95) - Laughably Tiny, but tasty I guess. It was a small disc of pastry with goat cheese and caramelized onions. -Escargot Mushrooms ($23.95) - First time having snails - I liked these! The chimichurri on top paired well with the hearty mushrooms. -Two Way Duckling ($46.95) - Perfectly cooked, paired great with the sweet cherry compote. -Beef Wellington Special ($70) - incredibly juicy and flavorful. Perfectly cooked interior and buttery, luxurious pastry with a delightfully truffle-y mushroom mixture. -Lemon Tart ($8.95) - Nothing special, but a nice sweet finish to the meal. read more

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The food at L'Escargot was a gastronomic experience. The scallops were amazing not only in presentation but also the mixture of sweet with savory in the rice upon which the scallops rested. My husband's rack of lamb was super delicious as well. The service was exceptional as well as the ambiance. One of the best restaurants in Carmel read more

Our favorite restaurant in carmel! Authentic French cuisine at its finest. Everything from the warm bread, to escargot ( namesake) to beef Wellington, cheesy onion soup,and i could go on. The dining room sets a warm and inviting atmosphere for your dining pleasure. The service is friendly, professional and on point, most have been there for many years. There's a reason this great restaurant has been here for decades, its fabulous..... close your eyes and travel to France worth every penny. read more

Our service was fantastic! We were sat in a cute quiet part of the restaurant. It was not a very crowded day. Our service was timely, our food was great and the price was also great! read more

We had a very nice dinner here recently. The service from Freddy was very attentive and professional and friendly. The food overall was tasty albeit overpriced especially the Beef Wellington at $82.95...we didn't know the price or ask when all the specials were told to us... we just ordered so we were flabbergasted when the bill came. The beef was tender but the portion size was small in a puff pastry which itself just tasted ok. I know beef prices have gone up but....Anyway probably won't return at these prices and we are local Bay Areans that eat out at nice places. read more

L'Escargot is my favorite place in Carmel. We do not miss eating twice each year when we visit and are never disappointed. Our first dinner started with the scallops and risotto. In my best cooking efforts I cannot make a dish this lovely - both in taste and presentation. I had the local sand dabs - these were lightly breaded with panko and the silkiest tartar sauce I've ever had. Mr had the duck two ways and cleaned his plate. Dessert was a vanilla velvety cheesecake and chocolate brownie. Our second trip started with the pate, olives, and crispy crust bread. We had the same entrees - the lamb chops and when we were done there was nothing left but bones and rosemary garnish. We finished the meal with the crème brûlée and ( since it was so tasty) the cheesecake. The atmosphere is amazing and Freddy and Sean are the best waiters and always great us like old friends. Chef Kerry's tireless work in the kitchen is evident when the plates come out. We look forward to our meals every year. read more

My partner and I came here for our anniversary celebration, and we're so glad we chose L'Escargot for our dinner! Overall, we really enjoyed our dinner. The interior was well appointed with different French posters and prints that felt very similar to bistros we've been to in Paris, and the tables are spaced far enough apart that it feels more intimate yet not crowded. We really enjoyed the enthusiasm our server brought to the table, and he told us that the scallops special dish has been quoted as the best scallops some customers have ever had. With that level of endorsement, we had to try them! Along with the scallops, we also got the french onion soup, the mixed greens salad, and the duckling prepared two ways. The french onion soup was absolutely perfect -- not overly heavy, super flavorful, and absolutely hit the spot! The mixed greens salad was also a standout, and the scallops were perfectly tender and extremely generous in size! The only slightly letdown was the duckling, which erred more on the side of a medium-well preparation whereas I prefer duck to be more rare. I also wished that there was more intense raspberry flavor in the demi glace. We topped it off with a vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate cake dessert, which was also just about right -- not too sticky and not too dry, and the sweetness wasn't overpowering the way that I tend to be afraid of chocolate cakes. All in all, we were very happy with our meal and the setting, but I'd definitely choose the scallops over the duck next time! read more

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My girlfriend and I came here on a Saturday night for a date night. I would recommend making reservations beforehand as they are only open limited hours. The outside was quaint and fit Carmel's vibes perfectly. We ended up ordering 3 things: escargot with mushroom caps, duck cooked two ways, and the beef Wellington. Escargot (5/5) This was probably the best escargot I've had and I would recommend getting them with the mushroom caps because they help hold flavor so well. The sauce is great as well. Highly recommend Duck cooked two ways (4.5) The duck was cooked perfectly two different ways and had nice flavor to it. The roasted potatoes offered a nice crunch to the dish and tied everything together really well. Only reason why this isn't is a 5 is I probably would've just preferred this dish without the duck confit. Although it was good, I'm personally not a huge duck confit guy but it was cooked well. Beef Wellington (5/5) We decided to order the beef wellington because it was on their special today and it definitely didn't disappoint. We've attempted a couple of wellingtons at home before so we really wanted to try this one. What's unique about their wellington is they actually have a mushroom truffle duxelles that gives it just that extra little flavor boost. The pastry was nice and flaky when biting into it and of course, the filet mignon inside was cooked to a perfect medium rare. This was probably the dish of the night for me and would recommend getting! Overall, I think L'Escargot is a great date night spot for you and your partner. It has a great ambiance, great food, and great service. Everything you need for a perfect night out with your partner. read more

L'Escargot - Escargot in mushroom caps - French Near Me - Carmel, California

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What a delightfully cozy restaurant! Our waiter Sean, a seasoned server, was attentive and knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu and wine list. Definitely a splurge for our anniversary: foie gras, escargot, beef Wellington and an amazing cheesecake plus a delicious Cabernet Franc. read more

It very good in terms of food quality. I must say the french gratine is by far the best from general places and the goat cheese tarts are delicious. One thing i do not like is how the butter comes presented... not soft... stuck to the very top for one to struggle if you can scoop it, it hurts my hands to use such force to scoop it when i can have some room temperature butter this place i dont know if they freeze it but its hard as a rock and i cant enjoy my bread and butter. Everything else including staff and ambience is decent and aright i suppose read more

The best!! Incredibly good food, authentic French. Friendly service understated environment. The place is perfect.

Definitely a 5 star dining experience. Experienced front of the house staff and great presentation from the kitchen. Kinda hard to find hidden on Mountain street but worth the effort. read more

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Excellent service on a cold, rainy day. Warm and toasty inside and delicious food to warm us up! Highly recommended! read more

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What a bunch of idiots. Three menus for dinner each with a different price for the same entrees So when you show up there is a different price again! Great marketing tool! By the way the cheesecake is made for people with no teeth! It has the consistency of pudding what a joke! Anther note don't order the rack of lamb it smelled and tasted like mutton! read more