La Bicyclette Restaurant

La Bicyclette, a European bistro serving hand-crafted cuisine in Carmel-by-the-Sea

La Bicyclette Restaurant is a small family-run bistro with limited seating located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Its offering is defined as European country cuisine, hand-crafted using local ingredients and old world artistry. The menu is updated weekly to make use of seasonal local produce.

A tiny kitchen with a wood-fired oven

The establishment works in a tiny kitchen, where all food is prepared on a six burner stove and in a wood-fired oven. That oven, added after the space was expanded, is presented as the cornerstone of its cuisine. The business describes its style as simple and spontaneous, blending flavors and cooking techniques rooted in tradition yet with room for creativity.

From La Boheme to La Bicyclette: the story of the Georis family

The business's journey began in 1974, when the Georis family opened their first restaurant, La Boheme, in the same location where La Bicyclette stands today. In those days they served only one prix fixe dish per night and posted a calendar of their monthly menu in the window. The reception was such that a line formed at the door every night. In 1978 they sold La Boheme to one of their top waiters and opened Casanova Restaurant. Thirty-seven years later they returned to the original location, remodeled it and opened it as La Bicyclette. When the corner store next door became available, they expanded the space and added the wood-fired oven.

The return to their first restaurant is also presented as a return to their roots and childhood: the décor and food evoke bicycle rides through the countryside and the family meals of their native Belgium.

Meals and reservations

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made up to 90 days ahead. The business states that it holds 40% of the restaurant for daily walk in guests, and that the host staff manages the same availability shown in the reservation system. It also offers gift cards.

Location and contact

DOLORES & 7th, Carmel, CA · Phone: 831-622-9899