The story
Aubergine serves a Californian tasting menu at Monte Verde at 7th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, inside L'Auberge Carmel in Monterey. The restaurant holds two Michelin stars in the 2026 guide, and Forbes Travel Guide gave it a Five-Star rating the same year.
Justin Cogley has led the kitchen as Executive Chef-Director since he joined in January 2011. He came to Carmel from Chicago, where he spent four years at Charlie Trotter's, the last two as Chef de Cuisine. His cooking balances creativity with respect for the ingredients he buys, and he has described each plate as having a purpose.
The tasting menu changes daily. Recent sample courses included oyster with yuzu emulsion and cucumber gelée, uni with sweet soy and potato, and ribeye with kohlrabi and sunflower miso. The meal ends with desserts such as chocolate brownie with marshmallow fluff and cocoa nibs, or strawberry crémeux with pistachios and olive oil cake.
The dining room is intimate, with nine tables and a wine cellar built beneath the inn's courtyard. Guests can start with drinks and small bites in the courtyard or in the salon, where a fireplace and fresh flowers create a country-house feel. Wine pairings are offered alongside the menu, including a zero proof option for guests who skip alcohol.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
The inn’s rustic single door entrance gives way to a keyhole-like view of the lavish courtyard, where you can enjoy before-dinner drinks and small bites.Cocktails and small bites are also available in the salon, where the fireplace and fresh bouquets evoke a European country home.The extremely knowledgeable staff prides itself on service that is attentive but not intrusive. Expect to be tended to by several sommeliers and servers, each providing expert selection assistance and engaging lessons about the preparation and origin of each dish.The presentation is picturesque and breathtaking. Colors and textures are complemented by local plants, serving shells, wooden boards and rock imprint bowls, each of which are handmade and unique.While the eight-course tasting menu is standard, several days of each month are devoted to special offerings, which are listed in advance onAubergine’s website.
Excellent cooking
Location