La Bicyclette Restaurant — Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

A Carmel Culinary Cyclone of Old-World Whimsy

If you've never pedaled your palate through La Bicyclette in Carmel, brace yourself, partner because this ride ain't casual. It's a Tour de Force, a two-wheeled trip through French countryside flavors, Belgian soul, and the kind of old-world charm that would make Julia Child weep into her crème brûlée.

My wife and I had secured a reservation a full week in advance, and thank the culinary gods we did, because getting in without one is like trying to ride a penny-farthing up a cobblestone hill after a bottle of Bordeaux. Parking? Let's just say for us it was a scenic two-block trek that mysteriously aligned with my wife's sudden and insatiable need to browse every boutique in Carmel, especially the Jane Austen at Home. Coincidence? She says yes.

We arrived early, hoping for mercy. And mercy we received. Though the place was buzzing like a Provençal market, they seated us instantly. There are two dining zones here--one styled like a bustling Parisian bistro, the other a cozy, storybook nook that whispers sweet nothings in a thick French accent. We were in the latter, which I now call the "temptation corridor," as it doubles as the main path from the kitchen. Every dish strutted past us like a supermodel on a catwalk of sizzling seduction. The plan was to play it cool. That plan dissolved faster than their butter.

To begin, we toasted to lunchtime love: red for me, white for her. The glasses shimmered with the La Bicyclette logo, classy and confident, just like the place. Then came the Pains du Jour, a rustic selection of wood-fired breads with enough soul to make a sourdough starter weep. Golden crusts. Smoky interiors. Butter so velvety I contemplated writing it a poem.

My wife opted for the Soupe du Jour, which on this blessed day was a velvety vegetable potage laced with spice, earth, and liquid gold. She took one sip, closed her eyes, and whispered, "Oh wow." I knew better than to interrupt her communion.

For the mains. I went for the Steak au Poivre, and let me tell you, it was no mere steak--it was a pas de deux of peppercorns and cognac, a grass-fed skirt steak pan-seared to the textbook definition of "just right." The pommes frites were crispy little ambassadors of joy, and the baby greens were dressed in a vinaigrette that knew restraint without lacking charm. My wife? She fell under the spell of the Gnocchis Parisiens. House-made spinach pillows of puffed delight, baked in a parmesan cream sauce so decadent it could probably negotiate world peace. Her verdict? "This is really good." Translation: five stars!

The vibe was copper pots dangled from racks like culinary chandeliers. Napkins were perfect. The chalkboard menu flirted with us from across the room. Service? Flawless. Our server was swift, warm, and possessed the uncanny ability to appear just as our wine reached the "last-sip sigh."

We didn't get dessert, but only because we're plotting our return like two carb-happy strategists preparing for another flavor conquest.

Final Thoughts: La Bicyclette isn't just a restaurant. It's a rustic, refined, and slightly rebellious love letter to the European countryside, penned in butter and inked in wine. Whether you're a casual cruiser or a high-speed gourmand, this place is worth every...

Wow, wow, wow!! Date in Carmel by the Sea with hubby was spectacular!

Part 1: the food @labicyclette_carmel by very talented chef Luna @obdiel_luna was beautifully presented, tasted delicious, and we were treated in the most sophisticated way 🎉 Thank you 🙏 Michelin guided restaurant @michelinguide deserving all the best for using fresh, organic, sustainable ingredients and employing modern techniques, offering Italian/French modern cuisine, with molecular touches! Bravo, chef 👏

⭐️ Bubbly - delicious sparkling wine “Brut Rose” by Caraccioli @caracciolicellars , Santa Lucia Highlands! Perfectly dry and refreshing. Paired well with local fresh oysters 🦪

⭐️ Bottle of wine - Ste. Chateau Michelle, Columbia Valley, 2019, Merlot @chateaustemichelle This wine is very user-friendly. Paired well with the rich cream and cheese sauces!

⭐️ Huîtres Tropicales- Tomales Bay miyagi 🦪 oysters with lemongrass ginger gelée, and roasted pineapple. EXCELLENT 👏

⭐️ GORGEOUS Caprese Salad! Notice the presentation! Farmers Market assorted heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh Italian Buffalo mozzarella, and balsamic golden “caviar” #molecularcuisine

⭐️ Parisian Gnocchi- housemade spinach ricotta gnocchi (without potato), baked in a Parmesan cream sauce. Served with multigrain rustic bread 🥖

⭐️ FAVORITE Poisson a la Parisienne- pan seared freshly catched Pacific Halibut with cauliflower velouté, summer squash, baby spinach, squash blossom, crispy lentils, salmon roe, and edible flowers 🌸

⭐️ Petits fours- Belgian chocolate truffles. Soft, creamy, buttery, delicate.

Our first time at this restaurant was 5 years ago with the babies. This place is getting better and better. And now we can become regular customers 🙌❤️💯

#michelinguide #michelinrestaurant #chefobdielluna #carmelbythesea #cheflife #local #organic #bubbly #winelover #pastrycheflife #buffalomozzarella #edibleflowers #capresesalad #heirloomtomatoes #parisiangnocchi #halibut #freshcatchoftheday #oysters #truffles #chocolatelover #fishlover #eathealthy #bestrestaurantintown #montereybay #visitcarmel #labicyclette #date #balsamiccaviar...

Dinner to Remember at La Bicyclette – Carmel’s Cozy Culinary Escape

Dining at La Bicyclette felt like stepping into a rustic European village tucked away in the heart of Carmel. Our group of six was seated comfortably in their charming, candlelit space, where the open kitchen and wood-fired oven added a warm, inviting buzz to the evening.

We shared a variety of dishes, starting with their Pain du Jour—freshly baked, wood-fired bread that disappeared quickly. The Escargot, a fragrant and garlicy delicacy, was deeply flavorful and perfectly matched with the bread. The Stone Fruit Salad was bright, seasonal, and beautifully composed.

For the table, we ordered two pizzas: the Champignone, loaded with mushrooms and deep, earthy notes; and the Margherita, classic and comforting with a crisp, bubbly crust and tangy sauce. The standout, though, was the Gnocchis Parisiens—delicate, almost cloud-like, and finished with a sauce we were tempted to lick off the plate.

Main dishes like the Poisson Syracruse wowed with both presentation and flavor—a true showpiece—while the Steak au Poivre delivered on richness, balance, and depth. Every bite was satisfying, and no plate went back with a scrap left.

And then came dessert: the Passionfruit Crème Brûlée was vibrant with a tropical twist; the Pot de Mousse au Chocolat, rich and shareable; and the Chocolate Nougatine Pie, a dessert lover’s dream. The Trio of Gelato and Sorbet offered the perfect finish, especially the intriguing fromage gelato, which was surprisingly addictive.

The service was polished but relaxed—knowledgeable staff who made excellent pairing suggestions and ensured we were well cared for throughout the evening.

La Bicyclette is more than just a meal—it’s an experience you want to return to, especially knowing the menu shifts with the seasons. We’re already planning our next visit to see what’s new on the board. A solid five stars from...