Chez Noir

Let's start with the warm welcome from Monique and the excellent service from Emily, it already tells you that you're in for a treat. We knew about the skills of Chef Jonny for having tasted many of his dishes at various events. But having them all on the menu (and more) and being able to enjoy them at his table is a real blast! Everything is perfectly selected and prepared, the portions are just the right size to fully appreciate the dishes. The wine list is long enough and full of little delicious gems, and pre or post-dinner drinks are amazing with here as well a great selection of spirits by Ashley. An amazing experience, worth trying again and again as they tend to regularly update the menu!

Aces all around! Ambiance (superb music selection), friendly service without the uppity attitude we've come to assume of some places, excellent wine choices and of course the food! We came for a special treat to celebrate our birthdays and left feeling so happy to have chosen Chez Noir! We brought our four legged baby with us and they were beyond accommodating; the food from beginning to end was exceptional!

I was with family and was looking for a place to eat. We walked in without reservation, and despite being an upscale Michelin star restaurant, the staff were very welcoming and accommodated us right away. We sat at the bar, and the bartenders were also very amicable as well. They also explained all of the dishes and their nuances in great detail. All of the dishes were of high quality, but I did prefer some dishes over others. Nevertheless, I was very satisfied with the experience, and I loved their roasted quail. The cherry on top is that the staff handed us some VERY delicious cookies on the way out. I highly recommend Chez Noir if you are in the area.

One of my top 3 restaurants of all time hands down. Not only did this have one of the most unique dishes I've had, it also had one of the best, and, was consistently high quality and tasty the entire time. Not a single dish didn't hit. The service is absolutely top notch. They are extremely attentive and the perfect level of friendly while giving you space. I could not recommend this place higher. I am so glad it's in an area like Carmel because it really makes the day. Im excited to come back! I highly recommend the trout and the tuna.

Chez Noir in Carmel delivers an experience that feels both elevated and deeply comforting - a rare feat that speaks to the restaurant’s clear vision and confident execution. The meal was full of standout moments, but the corn pasta was unforgettable. Sweet, buttery, and impossibly light, it captured the essence of summer in each bite. Equally memorable was the bread service - so good it could warrant its own course. Warm, crusty, and served with a rich, cultured butter, it set the tone for a meal rooted in thoughtful, tactile pleasures. Cocktails here are not an afterthought, they’re a true part of the culinary narrative. Each drink was well-balanced, creative, and complementary to the food. They had range, nuance, and a clear sense of fun without ever being gimmicky. Service was polished and warm, and the room has a relaxed elegance that fits perfectly with Carmel’s quiet charm. Chez Noir hits that sweet spot of being both a destination and a local’s favorite—refined without pretension, indulgent without excess. A must-visit on the Central Coast.

This experience moved me in ways I can not express. The food made me feel like I was reading a whimsical, romantic comedy but through my taste buds. Chef Black is an absolute artist. His wife Monique is a warm and inviting woman. You can see their passion in both the front of the house and the back of the house. I will never in my life forget this experience. It was extremely impactful. Chef made his way around to talk to us after our meal, and that really put the icing on the cake. It was so much more personal. If you are seeing any "bad reviews" from Google nominated "local guides," ignore them. This place should be 5 stars period. I recommend this beautiful Chez Nior to anyone who is looking for an experience and a story through food. Everything is locally sourced, which touched my soul. This husband and wife dup are doing amazing things! Thank you!!

My husband and I were coming to Carmel for work close to our anniversary, so I wanted to surprise him with our first Michelin star restaurant experience. Monique was amazing and squeezed us in for a reservation the night before & we are so grateful! Everything was delicious from the surprise snacks to the main dishes. The quail was incredible, our desserts & drinks were fantastic, and the service was beyond. Thank you for making our special occasion even more special!

My meal was so good that I didn't want it to end. I've been to over 40 Michelin star restaurants and this was among the best. The abalone, grilled, and cold oysters, other appetizers, gnocchi, the brioche, tuna tartar, and desserts were all amazing. Johnny the head chef worked as a head chef at the 3 Michelin star quince and worked at Thomas Kellers Par Se. Given the head chef's background and the amazing food. I believe this restaurant is a great value and may earn more stars in the future. The service was also amazing and the people that work there are very nice.