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Chez Noir
Mediterranean
The chefs live upstairs, which explains why this Craftsman-on-5th Avenue bistro feels less like a restaurant and more like a very good dinner party you somehow got invited to. The cooking leans Mediterranean with a California coast accent, prix fixe, and a Michelin star to its name. The canelés alone have sparked quiet obsession among regulars. A James Beard nominee, and the kind of place Carmel somehow earned.
Six honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- Michelin Guide 1 Star
- Esquire Sungold Tomato Martini · The Best Martinis in America
- James Beard Awards 2024 · Nominee · Best New Restaurant
- Esquire The Best New Restaurants in America
- Los Angeles Times The 101 Best Restaurants in California
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: California · Jonny Black
One number, weighted & current 92
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- Abalone Michelin Guide
- Skate Michelin Guide
- Canelés Michelin Guide
Nearby in the record closest first
- Stilwell Hotel Stay · 74
- Casanova Rustic French Eat · 69
- Stationæry California New American Eat · 69
- Cultura Oaxacan Eat · 69
- Akaoni Sushi Eat · 69
- Yafa Middle Eastern Eat · 74
- Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave Stay · 74
- La Bicyclette Mediterranean French Eat · 69
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