Roberts Stanley I absolutely love escargot—when its 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 LEscargot in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Since it was my birthday and I had the privilege of choosing the restaurant, LEscargot 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One final note: if youre looking for mint jelly, be aware that in France its use is considered outdated, so its unlikely to be offered.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.
