Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel: A Michelin-Starred New American Culinary Experience

Incredible dishes and overall likely the best fine dining experience I have ever had. My wife and I went for the standard wine pairing and were still blown away by the sommeliers picks. The staff were friendly, professional and attended to our every need. The overall pacing of the meal was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Truly wonderful experience! We cannot express enough, how incredible the service, presentation and delicious our dining experience was. If you are fortunate enough to be able to dine here, make it a point to do so. The professionalism, and intimate setting is divine.

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.

Dinning at Aubergine during my stay at L’Auberge was incredible! I was fortunate enough to be the only guests dining in the beautifully dimly lit room, which made the evening feel even more intimate and special. The service was insightful and flawlessly executed. Chef Justin Cogley’s concept truly stood out. Each course was thoughtfully presented, with local and seasonal ingredients. The sommelier’s pairings complemented every dish. I highly recommend for anyone seeking to indulge in a Californian Coastal Michelin-star dining experience

We came here in the first month after it was awarded its second Michelin star in August 2024. We loved all the seafood dishes- they had super refreshing tastes with unique presentation. However, the meat courses, specifically the duck and steak, were not the best- both the texture and the flavor of the sauces could be improved (especially after dining at San Ho Wan the day before I came here, the comparison was stark). It was a memorable experience overall. We definitely enjoyed the 7 course dinner (but we still thought that Commis in Oakland was the best Michelin 2 star restaurant).

Celebrated my birthday this past weekend at the prestigious Aubergine in Carmel by the Sea. Vivid and creative presentation with French and Japanese-influenced seafood tasting menu reminiscent of Singlethread in Healdsburg. For instance, the waiter lifted a lid to preview a seared scallop inside a donabe pot then plated the quartered scallop with a sauce poured over it. There were also duck and ribeye steak dishes. Oddly enough, one of my favorite courses was the fresh rustic bread with a unique clarified tallow and mushroom gelee on butter. Tons of flavor and delicious on the bread. The first cocktail I ordered was called the Bloody Good which incorporates tomato, vodka, shiro dashi, campari, ancho. I was a bit wary of getting something that tasted like the Bloody Mary I had in the morning, but the flavor was really nicely balanced and smooth. The bartender also made two tasty mocktails for my non-drinking partner. Was a very memorable experience, a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable weekend. It would have been nice if Chef Cogley had stopped by to greet us but he only seemed to selectively visit two tables that ordered the pricy wine pairing. We have been invited into the kitchen at French Laundry, Manresa, Singlethread and Addison. So it was somewhat of a surprise not to even get a brief visit from the chef to ask how our meal went. And there was no host to bid us farewell when we left, which was also a Michelin first for me.

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.

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!