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Best French Restaurants in Carmel

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of PortaBella Restaurant restaurant
1. PortaBella Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1676)
Price: Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 47 times today
PortaBella Restaurant in Carmel offers an exquisite dive into authentic French cuisine, setting itself apart with dishes that are as visually appealing as they are palatable. Esteemed for its "beautiful specialties from France," the restaurant ensures each meal is a feast for the senses. Guests have lavished praise on its offerings, noting that the food is "excellent" and consistently "very good." The ambiance of PortaBella, styled with romantic and historic touches, complements its culinary delights, making every dining experience memorable. Reviewers are particularly enamored, with one recommending, "Try their corn and crab bisque soup; you will always come back for it!" This glowing feedback underscores PortaBella's commitment to excellence in French dining.
A photo of Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant restaurant
2. Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(428)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 2 times today
Nestled in the charming city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant epitomizes the essence of Farm-to-table cuisine with its dedication to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and meticulous attention to culinary detail. Celebrated for its “cozy French ambiance” and scrumptious offerings, this gem has delighted diners for over five decades with dishes like the “superb French onion soup” and perfectly crafted “Beef Bourguignon.” Guests rave about the “excellent food and atmosphere,” highlighting the restaurant's ability to maintain a “warm, welcoming atmosphere” that complements its delectable menu. Whether it's the freshly baked pastries or the “marvelous Beef Tartare appetizer,” Patisserie Boissiere promises an authentic dining experience that honors the spirit of Farm-to-table dining in every bite.
A photo of L'Escargot - Carmel restaurant
3. L'Escargot - Carmel
4.8
Exceptional(1251)
Price: Moderate
• French • Carmel
Booked 6 times today
L'Escargot in Carmel is a gem of Mediterranean cuisine, offering diners an authentic taste of France right in the heart of the city. Nestled in a charming neighborhood, this restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to classic French dishes, with a contemporary twist. Patrons rave about the "excellent French cuisine," particularly highlighting the escargot and Beef Wellington as must-try dishes. The ambiance is described as "lovely and inviting," perfect for both romantic evenings and special occasions. With glowing reviews like "the best restaurant in Carmel" and accolades for both food and service, L'Escargot stands out as a top destination for anyone seeking a true Mediterranean dining experience.
A photo of Le Soufflé restaurant
4. Le Soufflé
5.0
Exceptional(451)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
**LUNCH ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY STARTING AT 11:30AM- CLOSED SAT/SUN- (CLOSED 12/23-12/27)**We are located in CARMEL, CALIFORNIA, USA. Reservations are only available through OpenTable up to 3 weeks in advance. Intimate indoor dining room can accommodate parties up to 4 guests- Menu changes seasonally- see website for current menu.Le Soufflé is a fine dining restaurant serving a traditional French soufflé lunch menu. Everything is exclusively prepared by our Executive Chef/Co-Owner creating a very unique and finely crafted dining experience. The wine list offers a selection of wines from exquisite boutique producers in France and are all available by the glass or bottle. Our guests can look forward to an elegant escape when they step into our intimate and luxurious dining room. We are located on Dolores Street, just two blocks off Ocean Avenue in the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A photo of Casanova Restaurant Carmel restaurant
5. Casanova Restaurant Carmel
4.6
Exceptional(2366)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel
Booked 15 times today
Casanova Restaurant in Carmel is a gem in the heart of a city known for its exceptional dining. Celebrated for its authentic Californian cuisine, Casanova offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the best of local flavors and ingredients. Diners consistently praise the restaurant for its "absolute perfection" in culinary creations, like the tender duck leg confit and delightfully light gnocchi Casanova. The atmosphere is described as "charming" and "sophisticated," perfect for special occasions or a romantic night out. With accolades like "best meal in Carmel" and a reputation for attentive service, it's clear why Casanova remains a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. This standout Californian eatery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Carmel.
A photo of Fandango restaurant
6. Fandango
4.7
Exceptional(3852)
Price: Expensive
• French • Pacific Grove
Booked 23 times today
Fandango in Pacific Grove is a culinary gem that consistently delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience. Guests rave about the authenticity and exquisite taste of dishes such as the chicken piccata and veal piccata, which are celebrated for their "always delicious" flavors. The ambiance, described as “charming” and “European,” enhances the authentic Italian dining experience, making every visit memorable. One visitor celebrated their anniversary with a "delicious" meal, emphasizing the restaurant's suitability for special occasions. Another highlighted the "excellent food," "lovely French atmosphere," and "charming setting," which together create a perfect backdrop for enjoying top-notch Italian cuisine. Fandango is undoubtedly a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of Italy in Pacific Grove.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicole
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our dinner was very nice and the service was great. It’s a quaint little spot with a nice outdoor patio. We started with the cheese plate - which was lovely and a mushroom soup. Our main dishes were the sanddabs, seafood pasta, salmon and the bolognese pasta. Everything was delicious except for the kids pizza my nephew ordered. It wasn’t good and the waiter noticed my nephew didn’t eat any of it so he took it off of our bill (we didn’t ask). Overall nice meal and great service.
    More info
    PortaBella RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    4.5
  • sueVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always amazing 👏 oldest restaurant in Carmel. Beef Wellington was one of the Chef specials tonight
    More info
    L'Escargot - CarmelPrice: Moderate• French• Carmel
    •
    4.8
  • EdieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •183 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great, creative menu. Our food was great and the wine menu was incredibly extensive with something for everyone to love (especially this wine lover). Knowledgable and friendly staff made the evening even more enjoyable,
    More info
    Casanova Restaurant CarmelPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • JoeVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    Our favorite regular restaurant in Carmel. Wonderful French food, lovely ambience and warm, welcoming staff.
    More info
    Patisserie Boissiere RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French• Carmel
    •
    4.6
  • Jan
    San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 12, 2024
    What a find. It was a wonderful pretty little place for lunch. The Food was absolutely delicious. My husband had the garlic soufflé and I had the mushroom soufflé. The soup, salad and dessert soufflés were also delicious! The best food both of us have eaten! The lovely woman who waited on us and the chef are partners and do everything. There are four tables. It is a very unique experience. We will definitely go back when we’re in Carmel again.
    More info
    Le SouffléPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel
    •
    5

Discover best French restaurants in Carmel

Discover the charm of French cuisine on California's Central Coast in the quaint towns of Carmel and Monterey. This region boasts an array of French restaurants that cater to every palate, offering everything from quintessential French dishes to innovative culinary creations. Each establishment reflects a deep appreciation for French gastronomy, often highlighted by their use of fresh, local ingredients and their commitment to authentic French cooking techniques. The dining scene here is vibrant and diverse, characterized by a blend of casual bistros and fine dining experiences, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific coastline. Patrons can expect top-notch service, enchanting atmospheres, and menus that change seasonally to reflect the best of what the local market has to offer. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner spot or a cozy place for a family meal, these French restaurants in Carmel and Monterey promise a delightful dining experience that resonates with sophistication and charm. Engage in a culinary journey that not only satisfies the palate but also captures the essence of France right here on the Central Coast.

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