L'Escargot

I absolutely love escargot—when it's prepared correctly. We used to frequent The Whaling Station in Monterey, California, until they unfortunately mishandled my escargot order. That prompted me to search for a new spot, and I discovered L'Escargot in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Since it was my birthday and I had the privilege of choosing the restaurant, L'Escargot was my top pick. A quick heads-up: Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular tourist destination, and parking can be challenging. If your reservation is at 6:00 PM, I recommend arriving by 5:30 PM to allow time to find legal parking. Avoid blocking driveways and be sure to read parking signs carefully. Now, on to the food: I give it 10 stars—yes, I know Google only allows five, but I’m doubling it. Our server, Freddy, was incredibly attentive, the rack of lamb was perfectly cooked, and the escargot was absolutely sublime. You can order the escargot classic in the shell or stuffed in mushroom caps. As a traditionalist, I chose the classic version. We also sampled the lobster risotto, which featured shaved lobster tail, tender asparagus, and delicate slivers of Parmesan cheese—rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. To complement the meal, I enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, which perfectly enhanced the flavor of the lamb chops. One final note: if you're looking for mint jelly, be aware that in France its use is considered outdated, so it's unlikely to be offered. While I do enjoy mint jelly with lamb chops, the rack of lamb with garlic, rosemary, and a Cabernet reduction was a complete game changer—absolutely phenomenal.

Excellent food! The best I had in Carmel. The beef Wellington was a treat and the wines by the glass were so well selected. I will absolutely be returning. And the service was the perfect level of attentiveness - absolutely amazing.

The duck and cheesecake were great. Atmosphere is nice and has a genuine French bistro touch. Our waiter was fantastic. However - my experience in France is that each portion is brought out more leisurely and the menu is more typically broken into smaller courses. Though there were clearly many very happy regulars , I found the experience of the evening feeling a bit rushed. You will enjoy the food and service and have a nice evening - but you might not feel like you are reliving your last trip to the French countryside.

I found the dining experience rather underwhelming considering its price point. With a bill of nearly $320 for two people, my expectations were higher in terms of quality. Nevertheless, I must commend the staff for their excellent service. They even went above and beyond by moving the heater for us, and attended to us thoughtfully. However, it was a bit disappointing that they didn't offer any water for our dog. I understand that their main focus is serving us, not our pet, but it would have been a thoughtful gesture, especially considering how dog-friendly Carmel is. Speaking of the price, I anticipated more flavorful dishes. The escargot was enjoyable, and the foie gras was a delicious novelty for me. However, the beef wellington fell short in terms of taste. It lacked the desired flavor, and I found myself wishing for more sauce to enhance its overall appeal. Unfortunately, my husband's portion was too raw to eat, and we ended up giving those parts to our dog. His steak was significantly undercooked, resembling a blue state, while mine was at least medium rare. Although he didn't voice any complaints due to social anxiety, I insisted he should have done so but he didn't. Regrettably, the creme brulee "islands" were tasty but left me with the impression that I was paying the same price for a significantly smaller portion. It left me with a sense of being taken advantage of. Furthermore, the brownie served was simply a basic chocolate brownie, lacking any unique qualities. All things considered, I cannot help but feel that the restaurant failed to meet the expectations set by its price. I genuinely regret dining here, especially when I've had the pleasure of visiting restaurants like Cafe Sparrow in Aptos, which provide impeccable quality and taste at a fraction of the cost.

Wonderful experience. Service was prompt and efficient but not overbearing. Wine menu is extensive. The food taste and presentation was excellent. The starter was escargot , tender and tasty, next was a blue cheese stuffed fig wrapped in prosciutto. The main as perfectly cooked beef Wellington and a equally delicious scalloped on a bed of risotto. Desert a cheese cake with a lemon zest topping. Not overly sweet or tart and a wonderful accompaniment to the wine. A must try when in Carmel or Monterey.

A lovely, quiet, upscale French restaurant located in Carmel. The ambience was warm and pleasant. I've never had such a private and intimate restaurant experience like I've had here. The servers were accommodating and very knowledgeable in their recommendations. The appetizers were an amazing start to an impeccable meal. My partner had the French onion gratinee. He enjoyed the slight sweetness of the broth. As well as the nice thick cheese (perfect cheese pull) and the bread at the bottom. He enjoyed it so much that he used the extra bread that was served to scoop and soak up every last bit of the soup. I had the lobster tail and asparagus risotto, which is by far the best risotto I've ever had and the stand-out dish of the meal. They offer the risotto as a main dish but served with scallops in lieu of the lobster as an off-the-menu special. I would personally recommend that as a main meal selection (as the risotto is that delicious). We were definitely anticipating the main entrees after an amazing start with the appetizers. The pastry on the beef wellington was flaky perfection (the whale design was so cute!). The filet mignon was cooked at medium rare, but if you let it sit a little then it would cook into medium. The gravy/reduction complimented the dish and the greens served on the side were a lovely addition. If you can justify the $75 price tag, then you can't go wrong. The rabbit pasta was creamy and the rabbit was very tender. For dessert, we shared an apple tart which was delicious and spiced perfectly topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. A lovely finale to a lovely dinner. Limited seating. Reservation is strongly recommended. Overall rating 4.5/5 Sa7tein!

Reminds me of my country like no other French restaurant I’ve tried in the area so far! Amazing food and service.

We have really loved L’Escargot in the past. The food wasn’t as good. I had ordered my beef Wellington medium rare and the waiter told me to cut into it right away so it doesn’t keep cooking and I did, but it was well done which is pretty much ruined. I didn’t send it back and neither did my mom when there were several chips in the ramican that her (mediocre) French onion soup was served in. It didn’t even occur to me to leave a bad review until we got the bill and there was an extra charge for using a credit card and an automatic 20% tip for our “large” (5 person) party. Very presumptuous. We always tip at least 20% and still would have e in with the mediocre food because the service was good. Usually when the tip is added it’s 15% and we ad d some extra, but that and the extra credit card charge left a bad taste in our mouths. Do better, L’Escargot!

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.

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!

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!

Food was quite good as was the service. The owner clearly does want locals as evidenced by him raising his corkage fee from a high $40 to an outrageous $75.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

The best restraint for dinner in Carmel! I loved it! We sadly had to sit outside as we didn't have reservations so plan ahead. But the French onion soup and the escargot were outstanding! This was my first time trying escargot so I am happy I choose this place!

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.

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

I dine at L'Escargot every year when I am in Carmel. It has never disappointed me. From the hospitality of Freddie to the scrumptious meals of the chef, it is five stars. This evening I had scallops with a risotto that if customs allowed I would've licked the dish. There were six in our reservation, and everyone raved about their dinners.

extremely expensive. appetizer $33.00. fish dinner $110.00. Days net for two over $300.00.

Honestly not very impressed. Other than a greens salad that was very small, I ordered the local Petral sole which was cooked pane, with a small side of regular veggies and potatoes. I think I expected something fancier but the fish was indeed fresh. For dessert we had lemon tart, very good and chocolate cake, just ok, It wasn't moist and tasted normal. Ambience is nice, all tables are outside and they have heated lamps.

4.5 STARS COVID-19 OUTDOOR DINING The Scene: Romantic garden patio with lush greenery, blossoming flowers, and crisp, white linen clothed tables on a quiet, secluded street. The cute senior couple at the next table blowing kisses to each other from across the table. The other cute senior couple in back of us holding hands while feeding each other pommes frites. (Meanwhile: Millennials would be on their phones TikToking or texting each from other across the table...guilty!) FELLAS, if you want to get a little somethin' somethin', L'Escargot seems to be THE place to bring your lady or man! *CUE IN MARVIN GAYE'S LET'S GET IT OOOOON* We overheard couples say they've been coming to L'Escargot for decades. Maybe that's HOW they keep the "fire" lit! After being closed for months during SIP, L'Escargot recently reopened for lunch & dinner patio dining (dog-friendly). Reservations highly recommended via phone. No takeout or delivery available. C O V I D - 19 S A F E T Y P R E C A U T I O N S * All staff wore masks properly. * 10 socially distant tables, even with the chairs pulled out. Umbrellas for shade and heat lamps available. * Located in a very quiet residential street so there was zero foot traffic which made me feel safe. * Single-use menus. * Fully wrapped utensils. * Hand sanitizer available at the entrance. F O O D (I originally bookmarked L'Escargot for their Beef Wellington but due to current beef prices, it's not available.) * Classic Escargot w/ parsley garlic butter ($18.95): https://bit.ly/2DRsTMN Served bubbling hot, the tender escargots were drenched in garlicky and herbaceous butter (needed a touch of salt). The best part was sopping up all that rich buttery deliciousness in the cavities of the plate with the warm, crusty baguette. Oh and the accompanying butter with the bread?! Heavenly....it was so rich, creamy, and perfectly spreadable. * Rack of Lamb w/ herb panko crust, requested medium rare ($42.95): https://bit.ly/2FcnK2M I enjoyed the crispy and soft texture contrasts of the panko crust and tender lamb. I'm not into salty foods but I found the lamb chops to be underseasoned. I thought it was just me but I overheard the table next to us ask for salt and pepper so they seem to go very light on the seasoning here. * Steak Frites: Ribeye w/ wine merchant sauce, fries, requested rare ($42.95) Unfortunately, this arrived nearly well-done so it was sent back. The re-fire was a rare plus, much better. And, I appreciated that the chef served it with freshly cooked frites instead of just giving us the frites from the first fire. The frites were addictive - hot, crispy, and salty. * Granny Smith Tart w/ vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce ($8.95): https://bit.ly/33mJhh0 Perfect sweet ending to our meal. I love the temperature contrasts of the warm, delicately flaky phyllo dough and creamy vanilla ice cream blanketed with the caramel sauce. The apples' tartness cut through the sweetness so it was a well-balanced dessert. Oh and they have a full bar! I had a Hendricks' Tonic and Vesper ($14 each) and they were stiff just the way I like it. S E R V I C E As the only non-Carmel locals there, we were treated with the same professionalism, courtesy, and attentiveness as all the Carmel locals who knew the staff by name. Food service was prompt especially the steak that was refired. Overall, I highly recommend L'Escargot if you're looking for a romantic, charming, and quaint atmosphere for dinner that's COVID safe. Being closed for months, it seems the BOH is still trying to find their groove again though but I'm confident they'll get there soon.

I grew up spending my summers in France and I could say this place was legit. Started with escargot, moved to frog legs, duck was the main course, and finished with creme Brule and apple tart for desert. Nothing dissapointed in flavor. The sauces were flavorful. Meats were so tender, melt in your mouth. I do wish the wine menu was bigger though and had more by the glass French options. The service was amazing. The waiter couldn't be more accommodating or nicer. It was top tier. I will give a warning, it's very very pricey and small portions. So don't be upset about paying a high price for a little bit of food. Yes it is overpriced and the portions aren't large. I really do wish we got more frog legs. I mean it's Carmel and the place is nice so I get it. But the food is absolutely worth it, it was all so good

It's a cozy little spot with a comfortable feel and nice lighting. Freddy was our server and was excellent. His recommendations were spot on. I never order scallops, mostly because I'm from Maine, and no one seems to know how to cook them. This chef does! I got four large perfectly browned scallops, each one delicious. My wife had Duck and it was delicious also. Martini's were made as requested. The whole experience was delightful. We will return if only for those scallops. Oh, and the cheesecake was the creamiest I've had since New York.

Amazing little French bistro in Carmel by the Sea. Awesome ambiance and cozy seating. Freddy was our host/waiter and and he did an awesome job. We had the lobster risotto which was a special and it was amazing with just a nice hint of lemon. Of course I had to have their signature dish L'Escargot which was every bit as good as the dish I had in burgundy. For dinner we had the coq au vin special and the duck two way which was phenomenal. For desert the Apple tart was sublime. Really love this place also fantastic wine menu with a nice selection of French wines.

Excellent food, service and ambiance. We ordered escargot, onion soup, beef Wellington, chicken, pork medallions, and duck. Beef Wellington was superb, as was the pork. The duck and chicken dish were tasty, but came in second to the beef and pork. We had a plethora of desserts as well. We took our servers advice and ordered cheesecake, which was pretty good. I wish they had a chocolate molten lava cake as opposed to the warm brownie. The crème brûlée was a bit underwhelming (three lil scoops of crème on a plate); was expecting a bowl of goodness. Overall, desserts were good and we polished them all off. Would definitely come back when we're in the mood for a "fancy" French dinner.

Best escargot and wellington. Sole, frog leg, and onion soup are all very tasty. It's a great place for dating or family gathering. Must try if you're into French food.

A true gem. Food service and ambience were all on point. We had the escargot, frog legs, lamb and scallops. Delicious!

Came here early on a sunday night. My girlfriend and i were the first ones to be seated that night but the host/waiter was incredible, didnt rush us at all and let us enjoy slowly. The appetizers were our favorite part of the meal, enjoying the escargot with mushroom caps and the french onion soup, both incredibly tasty. Mains were beef wellington and lobster risotto. Both cooked well but didnt compare to the appetizers. Such a cute vibe and wonderful service.

Our dinner at L'Escargot was definitely the highlight of our recent stay in Carmel. We have been coming to Carmel for so many years but for some reason never dined here before. The entire dining experience was exquisite. Service was superb, outdoor dining area was very pleasing and the food was truly incomparable. Sonnets should be written about the food. No joke! We started our journey with Escargots and Home Made Duck and Pork Pate. Both were wonderful. For the main course I had Lamb chops & my husband ordered Beef Wellington. The Lamb was literally melting in my mouth. I have never had lamb that was this delicate. Pure magic. My husband's beef was so good that I think I saw his eyes tearing up. :) A bottle of red kicked everything up a notch. To be honest, I don't even remember if we had dessert. I don't see any photos of it, so either we didn't have it or we were in a trance & I didn't take a picture. Amazing...Can't wait to go back.

https://youtu.be/PvLM6K5HZYA I came very late for my reservation. Their seating stops around 7pm. But, they were able to make an exception for me. I ordered the following... Escargot stuffed in mushroom, Escargot in the shell, mussels, scallops, and rack of lamb. For dessert I had a cheesecake and crème brulee. The ambience was very romantic, and that goes as well for the city of Carmel. The servers were great. They were very attentive and helpful. The food was delicious. My favorites were the Escargot stuffed in mushroom and the Rack of Lamb. The scallops were pretty good as well, but just a little salty for my taste buds. The desserts were also amazing. Oh, and there side of bread and butter was worth the carb intake, yum! I would definitely go back for their food, ambience, and service. Watch the Carmel sunset and watch me eat on my YouTube at the link above.

Food was great, service fabulous. My husband has always wanted to try beef Wellington and he loved it

I had been wanting to dine at L'Escargot for years. And since my wife and I were celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary last Saturday, L'Escargot seemed like the perfect place. L'Escargot is a tiny place tucked away in a residential neighborhood away from the main drag9Ocean Ave.) of Carmel-by-the Sea. I think that is always why it intrigued me. Like all restaurants, they have moved their operation outdoors due to COVID. We had a 7:30 reservation, but arrived a bit early after a stroll though town. We couldn't be seated right away because the 7 p.m. people needed to be seated which was fine with us. We were eventually seated by Sean who was also our server. He went over the menu with us and let us know about the various additions to the menu that evening. One of which was diver scallops served with a lemon risotto. Sean took our drink order while we contemplated what we were going to have for dinner. The Mrs. and I decided to start things off by sharing Escargot. After all, you can't dine at L'Escargot without having Escargot, bon? I suggest having them the traditional way in the shell served with parsley garlic butter. We also shared the French Onion Gratinee(soup). I've had a lot of French Onion soup in my time and L'Escargot's was THE BEST. For our main dish, the Mrs. and I both ordered the diver scallops with lemon risotto. To me, scallops and risotto go together like peas and carrots. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the risotto was creamy and lemony, but the lemon wasn't over powering. Since L'Escargot is in a residential neighborhood, parking can be an issue. We were fortunate to find a spot literally right in front of the restaurant. Also, as with most of the sidewalks in Carmel-by-the-Sea, they are uneven. So ladies, gentlemen, and seniors, be careful when you are walking. L'Escargot is dog friendly. Several of man's best friends were dining with their owners. I'm all for dog friendly spaces, but the patio are at L'Escargot is so small the dogs are almost a hazard. Making a reservation was pretty easy. I booked over a month in advance because I knew a table at L'Escargot would be at a premium. You can only book a reservation over the phone. If you do decide to book a reservation and dine at L'Escargot, all I ask is please, show up for your reservation. If you can't make it, let the restaurant know ahead of time. Under the current circumstances we are in with COVID, every penny counts and if you blow off your reservation, not only is it tacky, but the restaurant and staff are losing money on a table that YOU booked.

We went to L'Escargot for a date night dinner on a Friday. L'Escargot has a super cute patio with heaters for outdoor seating, and the overall ambience and service was incredible and great for a romantic date night! Most the dishes we got were really amazing! Would really recommend goat cheese tart, onion soup, scallops & risotto, and apple tart for dessert. Appetizer: goat cheese tart & escargots & onion soup -cheese tart (5/5) Incredibly crusty tart was baked to perfection, and the goat cheese was incredibly melty. The caramelized onion was also delicious with a hint of sweetness that hits the spot. -escargots (3.5/5) Escargots are a bit bland in my opinion and it's probably one of the few dishes that wasn't so impressive. Good to try it if you haven't tried it before but not the best I've had. -onion soup (5/5) Incredible onion soup with gooey and caramelized cheese on top. Seasoning in the onion soup wasn't super strong so the cheese really complements the flavor well. Entree: duckling two way & scallops and risotto -scallops and risotto (5/5) Flavors are off the roof!! The scallops are super tender and seared to absolute perfection, with the balsamic vinegar as a nice flavor addition. Risotto was creamy and really complements well with the slight crunch on the outside of the scallops. Absolutely amazing & must have!!!! -ducking two way (4/5) Overall is okay - confit duck leg tastes better than the roasted duck breast. Duck breast is a bit dry but the sauce helps, but the duck leg is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and tastes amazing Dessert: apple tart with caramel sauce and ice cream Absolutely 5/5! L'Escargot really knows how to make tarts. Again crusty on the outside, and caramel sauce + Granny Smith apple has a hint of sourness but the sweetness is surprising not overly strong. Ice cream again pairs well with the tart. Definitely must get!

It's a block from where I live and my neighbors have always raved about it. Went last for the first time after being invited to enjoy an NYE dinner with them. If I could give a 10 Star rating, I would. This small neighborhood French restaurant is over the top good. I WILL be back. And soon!

Service was exceptional! We went on a busy Saturday night. We made reservations on the same day (unsuccessful at a few other places first). Nice area for outdoor seating. We ordered a couple dishes we don't normally have such as frog legs and l'escargot. Food was good. My favorite was their French onion soup. They neither had the beef wellington nor the crab cakes that night. And we didn't get to check out the interior of the restaurant. Overall, worth going at least once especially for a special occasion.

L'Escargot was the highlight of our Carmel weekend! It was our first fine dining experience during Covid and everything was perfect. We had a reservation for 7pm but were starving by 5pm and the restaurant accommodated us at 5:15pm. For Covid, there is only outdoor dining available. They have heat lamps and tables set up outside in front of the restaurant. There is plenty of room and the area fits about 8 tables. The ambiance is nice as the sun sets and heat lamps are very thoughtful as it gets a little chilly in the evening in Carmel. We ordered escargot and frog legs for appetizers. Both were very good and we even contemplated ordering a second platter of escargot. I personally liked the escargot better but my boyfriend loved both dishes. I ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and it was a very generous pour. Even the bread that this restaurant serves is amazing. It's served straight out of the oven and is both soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. For mains we ordered the diver scallops with asparagus risotto and the duckling. Both were amazing. The duck had a bit of crisp to the outside and was very flavorful. The duck breast could have been a little more tender, but that is my only complaint from the whole meal. The scallops were cooked perfectly and were very large. I'm not usually a fan of risotto but it was surprisingly good. Light flavor and complemented the scallops well. For dessert we ordered the brownie with vanilla ice cream- you can't go wrong with that. The brownie was a lava brownie which made it even better. Literally my mouth is watering while writing this review thinking back on the food! We will be back next time we are in Carmel, and perhaps every time we are in Carmel.

An intimate dining experience with very knowledgeable wait staff and great food! I very much felt like we were dining amongst locals as the 3 tables near us had been patrons of L'Escargot since the 70s/80s. This was where my grandparents ate on their honeymoon, and getting to eat here with them 60+ years later was such a special experience.

To start off this review, I'd point out how wonderful their service is. Victor was absolutely delightful, and was very attentive and full of fun facts about the history of the restaurant. The staff was all friendly, so I would guess that they are likely treated well here. We tried the escargot, (naturally a must here), and the king scallop special. The escargot was absolutely delicious; classically prepared and beautifully presented. The king scallops were well balanced between the perfectly cooked risotto, asparagus, and herbs. The pepitas were a surprise, but a very welcome addition to the dish. Of course, the scallions themselves were immaculately seared. Their patio space is gorgeous, so I would recommend dining outside, (there are heaters available) though their indoor space is well decorated and cozy, if you prefer to dine inside. Kudos to whoever chooses and maintains the many different plants! Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience, and will be making a return visit.

Really good food, really good service. The only downside is it was hard to find street parking. It was a holiday weekend though so parking may not always be tough. We had a great time.

First I would like to say I made reservations online and accidentally marked down the wrong date . So when we arrived, we didn't have reservations, and were a week early. I had explained we were from San Diego and asked if it was still possible for us to dine there tonight. The staff was amazing and extremely accommodating. They said of course! And made our experience so special. It was truly one of the best meals we've ever had! Worth every penny and we were even more grateful how well everyone treated us. We cannot wait to come back .

Another great meal at L'Escargot even through intermittant power outages! My wife and I shared a very pleasant anniversary dinner a few days ago and everything we ordered was first rate. I would particularly like to highlight the bouillabaisse. In most restaurants you get a scoop or two out of a big pot which generally means some of the more delicate fish is over done but Chef Kerry makes each serving individually which means he can prepare each ingredient at their individual optimal cooking times: the swordfish, ling cod, seabass, prawns, mussels and clams are all perfectly cooked in the luscious tomato garlic saffron broth. Exquisite! Robert Mountain Carmel California

First rate traditional French cuisine in a nice setting. Excellent service. We'll be back!