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    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Intimate
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - ROUX

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    Reviews With Photos

    Paella for 2
    Edison H.

    Came here on Sunday evening shortly after opening. Reservation wasn't needed at this time. The service was a bit slow despite not having a full restaurant. Water took forever and we felt other people had seen the server more than we've had. The food was decent. We only ordered their paella for two and that was more than enough. They do have outdoor seating which seems to be the preferred choice. We sat inside and ended up dealing with flies. Appreciate the parking availability though! That's one less thing to worry about.

    Charming Entrance! (07/31/23)
    Jennifer Y.

    Easy last minute reservation made. Great patio; stifling inside. Friendly service. Keeping name, there's been a change of owner and executive chef since here last. On this visit: hearty "Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata"; standout brandy sauce with undercooked shrimps "Gambas with Brandy"; and, an amazing abundance of seafood, chorizo, chicken but with no socarrat whatsoever found in their "Spanish 'paella' Surf & Turf". Cheers!

    My pup enjoying his treats .
    Stacy H.

    My husband and I tried this place while visiting Carmel valley . Service was impeccable. Our food came out quickly and was so tasty . Our only mistake was ordering too much . We started with the scallop appetizer . This was so delicious ! We also got the French onion soup and seafood soup . Both were good but the French onion was to die for. The seafood pasta was fantastic along with the baked lobster . Our pup was allowed inside and had mini burgers . The crème brûlée and chocolate cake were so tasty . Enjoyed a wonderful bottle of Pinot Noir from Bernardus. We will be back !

    Duck confit with mushroom ravioli and tuna tartare with taro chips
    Kenneth S.

    Long time no Yelp review! Attracted to this place cause of the duck options on Yelp! The interior was very intimate and classy - a very nice date night location. They have a full page of wine to choose from though I opted out cause I just had some pain meds. My girlfriend did partake in white sangria which was quite refreshing (couldn't help but try haha). They have a nice selection of small plates available with pastas and entrees. I haven't had tuna tartare when I felt satisfied. Typically, you get too little taro chips or not enough tartare but this was a good balance. I felt it had enough tang though my girlfriend felt it was just so-so. The duck confit with mushroom ravioli was fire! It was very savory and the meat felt like it melted in my mouth after it fell off the bone. I was able to taste the truffle oil and it had a delicious mix off flavors with the mushroom ravioli, sauteed mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, and roasted squash. The yucca fries had a crispy exterior and just can't get enough of the chipotle aioli, ask for more! We got there an hour prior to closing but they were able to serve us their paella for 2! We did ask for it to go since it took a bit to be prepped and but it was worth the wait. The Spanish surf and turf was good with chicken sausage shrimp veggies and rice and tasty spices. I really like that it survived a 15 min drive without drying out in that box! Be warned, it might not look a lot in the pic but it really is for 2. Definitely would return for date night in Carmel Valley!

    Made a reservation for Christmas Day for 7:30. Called half an hour before my reservation to confirm that they were serving their full menu and not a "Christmas Menu" as some restaurants were doing, otherwise we would have found somewhere closer to eat. Someone answered and said yes. Drove 30 minutes to find the restaurant completely closed down, it did not look like they were even open today. I understand completely that most businesses are closed for Christmas but to have reservations available online, answer the phone and confirm their menu and then end up being closed is completely unprofessional. (They even had reservations available at 8pm, their closing time, which makes zero sense.)

    Rosie W.

    Their white wine sangria is so refreshing. I heard they used to sell it to-go during covid because it was so popular. They use fresh fruits like oranges, mango, peach and it blended so well with the white wine. We enjoyed their tuna tartare with taro chips. The chips were thin and crispy and went well with the fish and avocados. We also got the chicken and seafood paella, which was tasty but honestly a bit heavy, but I think all paellas are like that. Come hungry! Oh and they didn't take card when we went. Cash or Venmo only.

    Outdoor patio
    Helen H.

    This is a really nice and trendy restaurant in Carmel Valley. I dined outdoors with two little ones and felt very comfortable. They have baby chairs available upon request. I arrived on a Saturday right when they opened and guests quickly filled up the dining space. It seems like folks come here for mimosas and small bites. I tried the pomme frites, house smoked pulled pork sandwich, orange glazed chicken skewers, and the house beer batter alaskan cod sandwich. Everything looked really pretty and presentable. The fries were crunchy and not overly oily. The pulled pork sandwich was a tad on the sweet side, but came with a nice purple cabbage slaw that balanced the meal. The salad was rich and creamy. The bread was fresh and soft. The chicken skewers were soft and had a nice touch of orange glaze that was not overly sweet. The cod sandwich was crunchy and not oily. It tasted pretty good and fresh. The food was made quickly and there was absolutely no wait. The waiters are attentive and come out often. There is free street parking, and a few spots specifically for the restaurant right out front. This was the first restaurant out in the Carmel area in my experience that either took cash or Venmo. Venmo was convenient as there was a QR code. Perhaps the COVID precautions here are different as I did not see workers wear masks or hand sanitizers readily available.

    Deviled eggs and stubs Tartare with Caro chips
    Greg W.

    We were here for our Anniversary weekend as we were staying at Carmel Valley Ranch close by. It's cash only. Not sure if it was always like this. No problem for me. We came 2 times once on a Friday, the other on Sunday. Parking can be a challenge as there are many places to eat. My wife and friends got the paella which they loved. I had Tuna Tartare with avocado under and it was delish. Found out they also sell wine. Ate outside on a very nice day. Wait staff was very good . We will be back

    french toast / caramelized banana / pineapple-coconut syrup / crispy bacon
    Nicole M.

    In sum: the food is unbelievably wonderful and the service is UNBEATABLE! They also serve the BEST French toast I've ever had! I came here for a wonderful brunch, beautiful seating outside with the sun shining and keeping you warm, but also has nice cover too. Beautiful! Sat near some cute doggos too. I've seen their whole menu, they serve some wonderful dishes for lunch as well, and I will absolutely travel across the country just to come back here. french toast / caramelized banana / pineapple-coconut syrup / crispy bacon u n b e a t a b l e French toast... I have no words (or all the words). The caramelized banana that was with the rich and toasty bread complemented with the pineapple-coconut syrup is the best combination that has ever been created. It did not taste like an artificial banana flavor but if fresh, caramelized bananas. I can still taste it and I still dream about it as I'm writing this review. The bacon also complimented the sweetness of it all, even though the dish itself wasn't extremely sweet, it was balanced very well. There's only one way to find out if this is the beat French toast ever... it's the get it and see for yourself ;) Yucca fries: if you don't know what these are, they're basically like a thicker (thiccc with 3 c's) type of fry that is crunchy on the outside but also comparatively to a potato, creamier in fry form. Technically speaking, it is a gluten-free and fat-free (also root) vegetable that is high in Vitamins C, B & A as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, and it has a higher amount of fiber and potassium than potato's! It was super delicious, don't let these fool you because it's an appetizer for a reason so although they look like a small portion, remember it's pretty thick in fiber so it's pretty filling too. I shared these with my boyfriend and we both love it! The sauce is a Chipotle aiolï, it was super delicious! Complemented the fries very well. Crab cake Benedict: extremely filling and super delicious! I could definitely taste the nice freshness of the grab flavor and the Holland aisle that covered it was very creamy and rich, it went so well together! Bacon was also super crispy and crunchy, perfectly cooked and not overdone. The potatoes were great, I do have to admit, the potatoes are quite average and we should've asked for some kind of sauce, maybe ketchup, but eating it with the chipotle aïoli leftover from the Yukon fries was great (until we ate all the sauce haha). My boyfriend got the french style scrambled eggs: with house made sausage, puff pastry, creamy eggs, and roasted Yukon gold potatoes. I had a couple bites of his and it was super delicious! The pastry was flakey, buttery, and delicate, and paired with the creamy eggs and a bite of sausage? It takes me to flavor-town, it's like a happy dance in my mouth! The house-made sausage was so delicious. It was so savory and juicy, it reminded me of an Asian type of pork I've eaten back at home, with a lot of flavor inside, reminds me of a type of soy sauce blend, and it was so good! Service: this is the best service here. There is a man who is so kind and so passionate with his work. On a day we came by, he told us he was running a bit behind and it seemed like he was the only one who was there to service the many others who were there. He was running everywhere and you can tell that he only wanted to deliver the best quality food with the best quality service, he was so kind and funny, very personable and apologized many times, but we didn't see a problem and completely understood. He also told us that he loved the French toast too and that we made a great choice! Such a wonderful man, we tipped him very well, he was such a hard worker and cared for his customers very well. In addition to the French toast, I would also fly back just to see him :)

    Steak Frites
    Adam C.

    Had a very nice date lunch here with my wife while we dropped the toddler off at a friends for a play date. It's a small spot with a wine cellar vibe inside, pretty patio seating outside. The service was friendly and attentive. All of the food was fresh and cooked perfectly. The shrimp all was tasty, my wife loved her gnocchi and the steak for my steak frites was cooked perfectly. I feel like it's really hard to get a perfectly medium rare steak anymore. This chef clearly knows what he's doing!

    Scallops and Brussels sprouts
    Ashley M.

    The food, especially the brussels sprouts and scallops as an appetizer are amazing! The service is impeccable and top notch. I came here about two years ago and still the food keeps my attention. I actually dream about the Brussels sprouts,Definitely worth a try and highly recommend coming here to this slice of heaven!

    Fried Oreos

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    2 years ago

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    Good food, good service and creative flavors and presentation. They have a good variety of options to select from on menu.

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    3 years ago

    Great Meal. Service was fantastic and food was exceptional. I highly recommend and will come back.

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    Top notch. Well prepared and presented. Good service. Highly recommend. Support local great cuisine!

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    Page 2 of 13

    Ask the Community - ROUX

    I have not been able to open your menu on your website is there another way to get to see it I have many dietary restrictions and need to make sure there is food I can eat ? Thx

    Hello sorry you have not been able to open our menu. Our website was down but it’s back up and running so you should be able to look at out menu.… 

    Are there high chairs?

    I did notice a high chair in use by another party on the patio.

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    Cafe Rustica - Pizza

    Cafe Rustica

    4.2(674 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    My husband and I had a delightful evening at Cafe Rustica! After spending time in the hustle and…read morescene of CBTS, the vibe of this restaurant and surrounding businesses was just what we were after for a cozy, delicious, dinner. Roman took amazing care of us, efficient and friendly and making sure our plates weren't empty for long. Made great recommendations on the menu. Food was incredible, all seems to be homemade/from scratch, and had great flavors. Grilled shrimp skewers, beet salad, butter lettuce salad, lentil soup, vegetarian pizza, and passion fruit sorbet, finished with a decaf americano... would order it all again in a heartbeat! Memorably good spot for us!

    We decided to drop by here for lunch on a whim after going to the Carmel Valley farmers market this…read morepast Sunday. The place looked packed out. It was a beautiful day in Carmel Valley. The veranda seating was pretty much filled up, but there were a couple of tables left, but it was too warm outside for me and so we wandered inside and got a table for two. It was very quiet inside except for the busy staff doing their thing. There was only one other table that had customers in the room where we were sitting. My sense was that there were more tables around the corner from the bar where several other people were sitting. They were super super busy, but the head guy who I suspect may be the owner was very attentive and kept a good eye on us. I love it when a restaurant is this busy but so organized they don't miss a beat. That takes good management and hiring good talent. I was thrilled to see German potato salad on the menu. You never see it anywhere you go around here and I grew up eating German potato salad regularly and loved it. My husband and I are in our 70s and we recently in the past few months started making our own German potato salad at home and have just become addicted to it. I ordered the special of day which is a lightly breaded cod that is pan seared covered in a berre blanc sauce and served with a huge helping of German potato salad, and then a huge side of lettuce salad. I was so sad because at this time in my life I have a medical device called an ostomy that prevents me from eating salads or most fresh vegetables, but I snuck a taste of that salad and I got to tell you that vinaigrette they need to sell that by the bottle there. I just wanted to lick it off the lettuce since I couldn't eat the lettuce. The German potato salad had well cooked potatoes not too mushy not too firm still in their red skin jackets, cut into nice large pieces and then marinated in the vinegar and parsley and I believe there was bacon in it, but I didn't see much of it. The cod was delicious flaky perfectly cooked with two large pieces and then a smaller portion too. I took my leftovers home and had a delightful second lunch when I got home. $29 My husband got the pork sandwich which looked good and also came with a side of German potato salad, which he enjoyed, but he said that his pork sandwich was very bland and could've used some type of aïoli or dipping sauce to bring out the flavors better $18. I had a split of Moet Chandon champagne $22. And my husband got a Stella beer x 2. $8 each. We also ordered two pizzas to take home for dinner that night. The Flammekueche $22 Alsatian style, diced prosciutto, caramelized red onions, fresh thyme, parsley & crème fraîche We also got the Dynamite $23 fresh basil, Italian fennel sausage, black forest ham, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese These pizzas were the exact opposite of each other, one light creamy and delicious. Both had a lovely thin crisp crust. The dynamite was full of meat with rich bursting flavors in your mouth. We chose this place because I wanted to go and have some Escargots À La Bourguignonne which are hard to find these days. As well as I was looking forward to their steamed clams. Since there will be a next time, I'll get them then. Another thing that looked intriguing to me was the egg salad sandwich that you can add some smoked salmon to. We saw dozens of salads being served, and they are huge portions and they have a very large variety of salads which was nice. So looking forward to the day when I can go back there and just eat a whole bowl of their salads. This place really reminds me of the type of restaurant that my family would go out to when we were kids and young adults. Not too fancy that we felt out of place but special enough to make it a memorable experience. We topped off our meal with the blackberry Cabernet sorbet. I want to tell you it was one of the best sorbets I've ever had and was full of flavors. The blackberry was perfectly mixed with the wine and it was a very smooth and creamy texture, even though it doesn't have any dairy in it. It was not overly sweet like a lot of Italian ices are and was the perfect cleanser for our palette after our lovely lunch $14. I had saved a little of my champagne to have with it and definitely elevated the whole experience. Total bill was $150 plus $30 for tip so $180 for a lovely leisurely lunch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon plus dinner at home with our pizzas.

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    Cafe Rustica - Kitchen

    Kitchen

    Cafe Rustica - Calamari

    Calamari

    Cafe Rustica - The Dynamite

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    The Dynamite

    La Bicyclette - Classic Pepperoni wood-fired pizza

    La Bicyclette

    4.1(2.7k reviews)
    11.6 mi
    $$$

    This was our favorite meal during our week in Carmel. We had an 11a lunch reservation. The oysters…read morewith mignonette and cucumber was simple yet super tasty. The gnocchi, as others have pointed out, was delicate and had a wonderful texture. My duck was out of this world. It had a Thai cream sauce with a medley of nicely cut julienne veg. Pizza was wonderful (perfect crust) and a tomato salad was very much enjoyed by our group. Service: quick and responsive to requests. This is Michelin-rated for good reason and should be on your program while visiting. On our next visit, we'll go for breakfast, which is only Friday-Sunday.

    Haiku: La Bicyclette…read more Cozy atmosphere Classic and fresh comfort meals Attentive service. --- Hands down, my favorite meal of my Monterey trip. I've come a couple of times, and I couldn't wait to bring my family to enjoy this popular family-run neighborhood establishment. They do simple, comforting dishes well. The star piece is their wood-fired oven baking delicious artisanal breads and pizzas. Some dish highlights: - Pains assortis: Assorted wood-fired bread with local butter. - Pan-seared fresh catch - Spaghetti con vongole. Clam pasta - Classic Pepperoni wood-fired pizza I love the vibes and the European bistro feel of petite wooden tables, hanging copper pots, and bicycle decor. This place is cozy and intimate. As popular as this place gets, I did feel cramped at my table. It was hard to get out of my seat without backing into the chairs behind me and shimmying past the tight neighboring tables to use the ladies' room. Service was attentive, friendly, and efficient. I highly recommend making reservations to avoid long wait times.

    Photos
    La Bicyclette - Cute seating, delicious pasta!

    Cute seating, delicious pasta!

    La Bicyclette - Oysters du Jour

    Oysters du Jour

    La Bicyclette - Celebratory Profiterole

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    Celebratory Profiterole

    Bistro Moulin - French Onion Soup

    Bistro Moulin

    4.4(1k reviews)
    13.3 mi
    $$$

    We came to Bistro Moulin with a group, which was perfect because we got to share and try several…read moredishes. I had the filet mignon special, and it was genuinely out of this world...perfectly cooked and served with asparagus, carrots, and silky puréed potatoes. We also shared the Sicilian eggplant pasta, which was absolutely delicious, along with the arugula salad and several desserts. Everything we tried was excellent. Incredible food, wonderful service, and such a warm, charming atmosphere. I already can't wait to come back to Monterey and eat here again!

    We were really looking forward to our meal, but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations. The…read moremussels had a strong, unpleasant odor that concerned us. I felt bad about sending them back and was apologetic when we brought it to the owner's attention. He was responsive, explained that it was the natural smell of the sea, and kindly showed us the invoice proving they were purchased that day. He also offered to check with the vendor. While we appreciated his efforts, the smell was off-putting enough that we decided to order something else. We tried the lamb lollipop special instead. For $42, the portion was quite small--just five thin, uneven pieces--and the lamb was overcooked and overly salty. When we gently mentioned this to our server, she responded with an eye roll, which was disappointing. We genuinely dislike leaving negative feedback, especially for small independent restaurants, but the overall experience left us quite disappointed. Hoping they can improve these items, as the restaurant has potential.

    Photos
    Bistro Moulin - Inside

    Inside

    Bistro Moulin - Seafood Risotto

    Seafood Risotto

    Bistro Moulin

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    L'Escargot

    L'Escargot

    4.4(297 reviews)
    11.7 mi
    $$$

    Elegant but cozy bistro off the main strip at Carmel…read more 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.

    This place is such a charming little gem in Carmel. The food is absolutely delicious! Their…read moreescargot 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.

    Photos
    L'Escargot
    L'Escargot - Vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate cake

    Vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate cake

    L'Escargot

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    Chez Noir - Mont Blanc - Coffee Semifreddo with chestnut and candied citrus

    Chez Noir

    4.4(189 reviews)
    11.7 mi
    $$$$

    We came to Chez Noir having heard from seemingly everyone that it was a must when visiting Carmel,…read moreand it 100% lived up to its reputation. The service, ambience, and especially the flavors were absolutely superb. There is an incredible level of thought and care behind every detail of the experience. Even something as simple as laying a beautifully folded blanket across a hard bench so guests could sit more comfortably spoke to the level of hospitality here--nothing felt overlooked. Every course was brilliant, delivering layers of flavor and nuance while still feeling beautifully balanced. There was a confidence and precision to the cooking that made each dish memorable, and the warmth of the service made an exceptional meal feel equally inviting. Chez Noir manages to be incredibly refined without losing its sense of intimacy and genuine hospitality. Thank you to the entire team for one of the most exceptional dining experiences we've had. Chez Noir absolutely deserves its reputation and will be a must-return whenever we're back in Carmel.

    My wife treated me to dinner for my birthday... I wanna keep this short so I'll use bullet points:…read more- I have had better food at restaurants that don't have a Michelin star - The drinks and the snacks were the best part of the meal, hands-down - If you sit inside the restaurant it's lively, warm, and pleasant, and the candlelight is very aesthetic! Yet, we were sat outside and so we had FOMO from the vibes and we feel like those seated outside are just left by the wayside... - also, not sure if it was just that night, but the chef was going around talking to guests inside the restaurant, and he didn't come outside to talk to us! - For $600 for two people, you need to rock our socks, and our socks are NOT rocked... - I've never been to a Michelin star restaurant where the servers didn't explain the wine menu - I've never been to a Michelin star restaurant where the servers didn't explain the FOOD menu!!!! - The staff do not have a passion for the food, they just drop off each course, say "enjoy," and then walk away - The add-ons were mediocre at best, I don't recommend spending the money on the cheese course specifically, that gets its own bullet point: - for $22 just go to Trader Joe's, get a full-size of each thing and still have $5 left over! We got like maybe 6 nuts, a spread of jam, a smidgen of honeycomb, bread that was more air than bread, and yeah you can see the picture and just see for yourself - The only time I felt whimsy was when I ate the ravioli because it tasted like blue box - I tried to keep it short whoops!

    Photos
    Chez Noir - Ambiance + view of the kitchen

    Ambiance + view of the kitchen

    Chez Noir - Delicata Squash Frito Misto

    Delicata Squash Frito Misto

    Chez Noir - Indoor

    See all

    Indoor

    ROUX - tapasmallplates - Updated September 2026

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