How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Key Takeaways

Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2025.
Aubergine holds two Michelin stars and offers a daily-changing eight-course tasting menu.
Chez Noir has one Michelin star specializing in California coastal seafood with locally sourced ingredients.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is establishing itself as a notable culinary destination, highlighted by its Michelin-recognized dining establishments.

These restaurants offer diverse, high-quality experiences reflecting the region's rich ingredients and innovative cuisine.

1. Overview of Michelin Star Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, has gained significant attention in the culinary world with the achievement of two prestigious Michelin stars spread across two acclaimed restaurants.

This recognition places the town among notable food destinations, attracting gourmands interested in exceptional dining experiences.

For those looking to understand Michelin star restaurant statistics, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a unique case study of culinary excellence.

2. Aubergine: A Two Michelin Star Experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Aubergine, located within the luxury L'Auberge Carmel hotel, is the centerpiece of Carmel's fine dining scene.

Helmed by Executive Chef Justin Cogley, the restaurant earned two Michelin stars, reflecting its excellence and consistency.

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Known for contemporary cuisine, Aubergine offers an eight-course tasting menu that evolves daily to showcase seasonal and local ingredients.

Chef Cogley's approach integrates bold flavors with artful presentation, creating an intimate and elegant dining experience.

Notable Recognition and Dining Ambiance

The two-star rating is a testament to its rigorous standards and innovation in the kitchen.

The restaurant’s setting within L'Auberge Carmel complements the experience with sophisticated ambiance and attentive service.

Those wanting to learn how to become an Executive Chef might find Aubergine’s kitchen a perfect source of inspiration.

3. Chez Noir: A One Michelin Star Seafood Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Chez Noir is a relatively new establishment, having opened in October 2022, and quickly rose to Michelin star status.

It specializes in California coastal cuisine, focusing on seafood sourced locally from the Monterey Peninsula.

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Founded by Chef Jonny Black and Monique Black, Chez Noir offers a refined prix fixe menu.

The dishes spotlight ingredients such as skate and abalone, paired with notable desserts like vanilla-scented canelés enhancing the coastal culinary theme.

Impact on Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Culinary Landscape

With its one Michelin star, Chez Noir contributes to the diversity of Carmel’s fine dining options and invites guests to explore creative seafood preparations.

It symbolizes the area’s commitment to sustainable and locally driven gastronomy.

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4. Significance of Michelin Stars in Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Michelin stars awarded to Aubergine and Chez Noir elevate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s reputation as a food destination.

This recognition helps attract visitors beyond the typical tourist demographic, those who prioritize exceptional culinary experiences.

The accolades also encourage local culinary innovation and set new standards for excellence.

5. Planning a Visit to Michelin Star Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Given their Michelin status, reservations at Aubergine and Chez Noir are highly recommended well in advance.

Visitors should expect prix fixe menus with multi-course offerings that reflect ingredient seasonality and chef creativity.

Dining at these restaurants offers an opportunity to savor some of the finest culinary craftsmanship in California.

For hospitality professionals aspiring to grow in service roles, reviewing a Server career overview or Waitress career guide can help understand the service expectations in such high-end environments.

6. Additional Resources for Learning More About Carmel-by-the-Sea Dining

For those interested in exploring dining options and official guidelines for restaurants, here are some trusted resources:

How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Conclusion

As of 2025, Carmel-by-the-Sea proudly hosts two Michelin-starred restaurants: Aubergine with two stars and Chez Noir with one star.

These establishments exemplify the town's growing culinary prestige, showcasing innovative, seasonal, and locally inspired menus.

Food enthusiasts planning to visit will find exceptional dining experiences that embody the rich flavors and elegant hospitality of this charming California town.

Employers seeking to improve hiring and retention should explore advice on restaurant staff hiring techniques and strategies to reduce employee turnover for valuable insights.

01. How many Michelin-starred restaurants are there in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

As of 2025, Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants: Aubergine with two stars and Chez Noir with one.

02. What type of cuisine does Aubergine offer?

Aubergine offers a daily-changing eight-course tasting menu featuring contemporary cuisine that highlights seasonal and local ingredients.

03. When did Chez Noir open and what is its focus?

Chez Noir opened in October 2022 and focuses on California coastal seafood, sourcing ingredients locally from the Monterey Peninsula.

04. Why are Michelin stars significant for Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The Michelin stars elevate Carmel-by-the-Sea’s reputation as a food destination, encourage culinary innovation, and attract visitors who seek exceptional dining experiences.

05. What should visitors know when planning a visit to these Michelin-starred restaurants?

Reservations are highly recommended well in advance due to the restaurants’ popularity, and visitors can expect prix fixe menus showcasing seasonal and creative culinary craftsmanship.