Nestled in Carmel, this cozy European bistro serves up delightful French-Italian dishes in a charming, bike-themed setting with a standout pizza selection.
"A longtime favorite, this cozy European-style bistro where copper pots and pans dangle from the ceiling is in the same spot where its family owners opened their first restaurant in 1974. My poisson Saint Tropez, a vertical stack of pan-seared petrale sole, leeks, spinach, and fingerling potatoes in beurre blanc, topped with salmon roe, was a standout. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted at La Bicyclette in April." - Sharon McDonnell
"Bring a date you want to impress—without looking like you're trying too hard—to this casually chic French-Italian bistro. Scribbled-on chalkboards and hanging copper pots give the place a rustic countryside feel, but the delicate plating and attentive service make it clear you’re in Carmel. Start with a couple of hors d’oeuvres, like the spinach gnocchi and the Provençal mushrooms with Pernod and hazelnut-garlic butter, and then split one of their fantastic wood-fired pizzas. La Bicyclette is where you want to be for a romantic yet unpretentious lunch before heading to the beach or strolling through town." - allison green, clara hogan
"Bring a date you want to impress—without looking like you're trying too hard—to this casually chic French-Italian bistro. Scribbled-on chalkboards and hanging copper pots give the place a rustic countryside feel, but the delicate plating and attentive service make it clear you’re in Carmel. Start with a couple of hors d’oeuvres, like the spinach gnocchi and the Provençal mushrooms with Pernod and hazelnut-garlic butter, and then split one of their fantastic wood-fired pizzas. La Bicyclette is where you want to be for a romantic yet unpretentious lunch before heading to the beach or strolling through town." - Allison Green
"Already, there’s plenty of speculation about where the couples went during Hadid’s pre-birthday weekend (she turned 29 on April 23), and sleuths are pointing to Carmel’s La Bicyclette as the scene of at least one of the foursome’s dinners. The Michelin Guide-recognized bistro opened in 2015, serving French and Italian dishes, alongside wood-fired pizzas. As of now, there’s no confirmation as to whether the rumors are true, at least via the restaurant’s social media." - Dianne de Guzman
"This is a quintessential bistro and relaxed neighborhood spot in the heart of charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. The quirky corner space offers petite but comfortable wooden chairs and tables, set beneath hanging copper pots and, of course, a bicycle or two.First and foremost, the kitchen focuses on comforting seasonal cuisine with a California-Mediterranean slant, plus a handful of pizzas and fantastic breads fired in their wood-burning oven. At the same time, they are dedicated to beloved French classics: picture fork-tender duck confit, set on a bed of earthy Puy lentils with halved Brussels sprouts. At the end, a golden, flaky and buttery-sweet tarte Tatin filled with caramelized apples and finished with a tuft of whipped cream is absolutely delicious." - Michelin Inspector
