
Bistro Moulin
A charming French bistro near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, offering hearty traditional fare and a cozy, art-filled atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Bistro Moulin

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming French bistro near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, offering hearty traditional fare and a cozy, art-filled atmosphere.
Reserve Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for securing a table at this popular French bistro.
Don't Miss the Gnocchi
The handmade spinach gnocchi gratin is a signature dish, lauded for its exceptional taste and texture.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Phenomenal Gnocchi
Handmade Italian gnocchi in a creamy parmesan sauce, hailed as a must-try for its airy texture and rich flavor.

Exquisite Escargot
A standout appetizer, the escargot is a celebrated dish, often recommended by diners and featured in popular mentions.

Cozy European Ambiance
An intimate setting with European art, creating a cozy bistro atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for securing a table at this popular French bistro.
Don't Miss the Gnocchi
The handmade spinach gnocchi gratin is a signature dish, lauded for its exceptional taste and texture.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visiting during less busy periods can enhance the dining experience and offer a more intimate feel.
Explore the Wine List
The restaurant boasts a selection of fine wines, with staff offering good advice on pairings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for securing a table at this popular French bistro.
Don't Miss the Gnocchi
The handmade spinach gnocchi gratin is a signature dish, lauded for its exceptional taste and texture.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visiting during less busy periods can enhance the dining experience and offer a more intimate feel.
Explore the Wine List
The restaurant boasts a selection of fine wines, with staff offering good advice on pairings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bistro Moulin is celebrated for its phenomenal French cuisine, particularly its gnocchi and escargot. Diners rave about the authentic flavors, beautiful presentation, and cozy European ambiance. The service is consistently praised as amazing and attentive, with owners making guests feel like family. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a rare concern about hygiene was noted once.
"My girlfriend and I visited this place last week and I’m writing in from FL! Dining at this place was truly an experience. Not only was the entire staff extremely welcoming and knowledgeable of the menu, but the food was remarkable! Every ingredient seemed to be hand selected to craft the perfect symphony of flavors. The scallops appetizer was amazing - hands down the best either of us have ever had! I had the chefs special with grouper (catch of the day) and my girlfriend had the filet! 5 stars isn’t enough! We will be back!"
Gregory Raphael
"I read a lot of reviews, was a huge fan of the escargot!! & The gnocchi was phenomenal!!!!!!! Loved these dishes...
Highly recommend these appetizer.
Would not get the wild boar ragu again.
Service was amazing!!! Family owned and well taken care of.
Dessert special was mediocre had the ice cream puff balls and was not something I would get again."
Lou ggle
"An unassuming European bistro with beautifully-done dishes that will leave your senses delighted and your belly happy! Every dish that we had was delicious — escargot, FOS, lasagna (special,) gnocchi, profiteroles (special,) and Pistachio cake — and we couldn’t stop raving about the lovely, airy texture of the handmade Italian gnocchi and the deep richness of each of the dishes that we tried. A favorite now in the area, that every local should try! The owners, Frederico and Sabrina were such gracious and beautiful hosts, and they made us, and every guest in the restaurant, feel as if we were treasured family coming together for a meal. A must-eat-at establishment!"
Melanie Cooper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the handmade spinach gnocchi and the escargot. Other popular choices include duck confit and steak.
Yes, reservations are highly suggested to ensure you can get a table, especially during peak times.
The restaurant offers a cozy European bistro ambiance, with intimate seating and European art.
Yes, the restaurant is noted to offer vegetarian and vegan options on its menu.
Yes, there are a few parking spaces behind the restaurant and a city lot next door.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with entrees typically ranging from $30-$70.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 23 Best Restaurants In Monterey - Monterey
Cannery Row can be a mess of tourists, souvenir stalls, and subpar seafood spots, but Bistro Moulin is just one block away to rescue you. Go for a romantic dinner with someone you already like—that way you won't have to worry about breathing on them after you dive into their French onion soup topped with melty gruyère. You can’t go wrong with any entree, but the best one is the moules frites.
The Best Restaurants In Monterey's Old Town, California
Bistro, Restaurant, European, French, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, $$ Owner and chef Didier Dutertre’s Bistro Moulin serve authentic French and European meals. The rich aromas of coq au vin, moules and frites, confit de canard, and escargot fill the room every day. Guests will feel like they are in Paris as they sample the marvelous meals.
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The list In alphabetical order, the restaurants reviewed in 2007: ·17th Street Grill, Pacific Grove ·Ambrosia India Bistro, Monterey ·An Choi, Pacific Grove ·A Pizza Paradise, Marina ·Baan Thai, Seaside ·Bahama Billy”s, Carmel ·Bistro Moulin, Monterey ·Cabo Hermoso, Seaside ·Cantinetta Luca, Carmel ·Central Avenue Bakery, Pacific Grove ·The Cottage, Carmel ·Da Giovanni, Carmel ·Esteban, Monterey ·Grasing”s, Carmel ·Grove Bistro, Pacific Grove ·The Hog”s Breath, Carmel ·Hola!. , Carmel ·Jack London”s, Carmel ·Kinger”s Klubhouse, Carmel ·La Tortuga, Seaside ·Little Austin, Salinas ·Marlyn”s American Grill, Monterey ·Merlot Bistro, Carmel ·Nico, Carmel ·Old Fisherman”s Grotto, Monterey ·The Orient, Seaside ·Pacifica Cafe, Seaside ·The Persian Grill, Monterey ·P.F. Chang”s, Monterey ·Pink Tuna, Monterey ·Plaza Linda, Carmel Valley ·Robata, Carmel ·Santa Lucia Cafe, Monterey ·Sea Harvest, Moss Landing ·Tarpy”s Roadhouse, Monterey ·Trailside Cafe, Monterey ·TusCa, Monterey ·The Wild Plum, Monterey ·Willy”s Barbecue Smokehouse and All-American Grill, Cannery Row
Dining - Monterey
Bistro Moulin is a cozy European Bistro located one block above The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. Consistently voted among Monterey’s highest rated restaurants on Zagat and Trip Advisor, this little gem is run by French-born chef/owner Didier Dutertre who offers classic dishes such as Duck Confit, Moules Frites, Coq au Vin, Steak Bordelaise and of course his famous Spinach Gnocchi au Gratin – which is not to be missed. Reservations are highly suggested.
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Best for: Classic French cookingAddress: 867 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940Contact info: (831) 333-1200Cuisine: FrenchDon’t miss: Steamed mussels with fries Reserve a table here Menu. Bistro Moulin is one of the best restaurants in Monterey for classic French dishes, like steak bordelaise and coq au vin. The elegant interior is bright but cozy, making it perfect for a long French lunch, preferably accompanied by a glass or two of their fine wines.
The Best Restaurants In Monterey
Cannery Row can be a mess of tourists, souvenir stalls, and subpar seafood spots, but Bistro Moulin is just one block away to rescue you. Go for a romantic dinner with someone you already like—that way you won't have to worry about breathing on them after you dive into their French onion soup topped with melty gruyère. You can’t go wrong with any entree, like seared duck breast with caramelized peaches, but the best one is the moules frites.
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Restaurants are adapting with “pandemic pivots” to increase takeout and delivery business this winter and find other sources of revenue. Several restaurants have launched online ordering systems to make payment and pickup a breeze, whether you’re craving fluffy Parisian-style spinach gnocchi from Bistro Moulin, over-the-top nachos from Nacho Bizness or savory baingan bharta eggplant from Taste of India.
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If Italian isn’t your exact European flavor of choice, Bistro Moulin is also a great option for those looking for French-inspired food. In our opinion, we could live off the Gnocchi Aux Epinards, which is spinach gnocchi gratin and a parmesan cream sauce. Finish that off with an authentic crème brûlée, and we’re definitely more than satisfied.
22 Best Restaurants In Monterey, California You Will Love
This European restaurant in Monterey easily makes its way onto the list of best restaurants in Monterey. Bistro Moulin serves hearty French fare and wine in an intimate space surrounded by European art. You will find this little bistro just across from the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which is one of the best things to do in Monterey with kids!)
16 Best Restaurants in Monterey, CA 2024 Updated
For a California coast take on European cuisine, look no further than Bistro Moulin, a charming and intimate spot for upscale French fare. Signature dishes include head chef Didier Dutertre’s Parisian-style spinach gnocchi, along with classics like confit de canard and moules frîtes.
The Best French Restaurant in Carmel & Monterey
Bistro Moulin is a delightful surprise of French cuisine that is the hot new place to eat for locals in PG and Monterey. The Chef and owner, Didier Dutertre is an expert at presenting the most exhuisite and delicious of French home cooking with his...
10 Best Restaurants in Monterey
With Mediterranean influences, this European-style restaurant allows its French cuisine and extensive wine list to shine here. Moulin is the perfect date night, where you can enjoy hearty French classics in an intimate setting.
Food – Best of Monterey Bay® Visitors Guide 2023-2024 | Visitors
Long known for its fine French standards, Bistro Moulin is also deft with classic Italian and other European dishes. The wine list is as full of as many dynamic flavors as the sauces. A favorite spot for gourmands in the know.
Modern European Restaurants Guide in Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove
Unassuming local go-to for hearty French bistro fare & wine has an intimate space with European art. Bistro Moulin is a cozy European Bistro located on Cannery Row in Monterey.
Best Lunch in Monterey, CA (2025) — 15 Top Places!
867 Wave StMonterey, CA 93940(831) 331-1200 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Bistro Moulin showcases French bistro favorites a few blocks from the Steinbeck Plaza.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit