A warm, patient, genuinely attentive experience. I'm honestly surprised to see someone describe the curly blond‑haired waiter as pretentious, because our group had the exact opposite experience. If anything, I was the "high‑maintenance" customer that day -- the one asking extra questions, making modifications, ordering for friends ("you want this, right?"), coming in nearly closing , the whole thing lol! And he handled every bit of it with patience and kindness. Attentive service -- He offered thoughtful recommendations, never rushed us, and made sure everyone in our group felt taken care of. Friendly hospitality -- He took family photos for us, checked in at the right moments, and kept the vibe warm and easy.Great menu guidance -- His suggestions were spot‑on. The pour‑over coffee was excellent, the lamb dish was delicious the dukkah meal was one of the favorites in our group. We didn't listen to him on the tartine dish. And we ordered the truffle honestly the tartine would of been a better match for us than the truffle because of the bread. This is not a traditional pancake breakfast you can make at home so the combined self knowledge of your of your food mood plus guidance from him is a perk-- don't bring little kiddos for this is for sophisticated taste-- a teen foodie think mom & daughter or father son foodie who love blends of spices. This little shop may be small, but it packs a gourmet punch with service that feels personal and sincere. Great memory for our family traveling through. Thanks for making our day! read more

Went on a friend's recommendation, definitely not disappointed. If you want huge portions, bacon & eggs, Biscuits & Gravy, this is Not for you, if you want a flavor explosion that fill your brain, heart, and tastebuds with awe wonder, plus the feeling that you're relaxing in a quaint Parisian coffee shop this is the place to go. I had the shirred dukkah eggs, my wife had the portabella strata, both were absolutely amazing. read more

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Tiny cafe near Palladium. Small menu with global - Middle Eastern flavor profiles. The cafe felt very European. Good place if you want something different, and are not in a hurry. The service was pretty laid back which made it a great place to sit back and catch up. The Shirred Duccah Eggs paired nicely with the Portabella Strata. The mushrooms in the strata were plenty and earthy. The fruit that came with it had pomegranate included which was a nice touch. The Ciabatta with the Shirred Duccah eggs was nicely toasted with a good chewy texture. It was great to complement the yolky egg. The lamb sausage did not taste very gamey and the spices with the pop of sweetness with the raisins made it and interesting, complex flavor profile. The N'Orleans iced coffee was not really chicory, and seemed like just a basic iced coffee. I'd try a different, stronger coffee next time. read more

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Cute little brunch place. Very nonstandard dishes, though, so don't come expecting pancakes and bacon. Staff were friendly. Unfortunately the espresso machine was down when we visited, so we didn't get to try the coffee. read more

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Let's start with the positives. The décor is unique, clean, and full of character. The space has a charming European feel, and the food presentation is very pretty each dish looks thoughtfully plated. Service was a bit slower than I'm used to, so this is definitely not your typical quick breakfast stop. Also, don't come expecting the usual breakfast staples like toast, pancakes, or a side of bacon. The menu leans more toward a curated dining experience rather than a traditional breakfast. Portion sizes were on the smaller side, but again, the presentation was beautiful. I ordered a regular coffee. It was strong somewhere between decent and average. Not the best, but not the worst either. I asked for a refill, and when we received the bill there was an additional $6.82 charge. I was later told that regular coffee does not come with refills. If I had known that beforehand, I probably would not have ordered another cup, or I might have tried one of their specialty coffees instead. Overall, it's a cute spot with European-inspired décor and a unique concept. It's the kind of place you should probably try at least once for the experience. read more

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Honestly this place is just a vibe. The pour over coffee was incredible and the shakshuka was amazing. The whole atmosphere feels like European cafe. Highly recommend. read more

Eggshell Bistro - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

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The coffee is fine, unfortunately the one waiter with the curly hair and glasses is a pretentious try-hard who inserts himself into guests' conversations too much and for far too long. read more

Interesting menu items and a welcomed change in typical breakfast menus in the area. I tried two of the dishes and both tasted good. My challenges are the slow service, dirty interior and cost. I've visited twice now and both times the same server did the same thing. He acted like there was no need to be timely in taking my order, checking on me or brining me the bill. Wrong- people are busy and don't want to sit for 1.5 hours eating breakfast especially by themselves. Next, the interior. Very cozy and vibrant BUT it is dirty. I sat by the window and I could not believe how filthy the floors, window frames, AC vent, etc actually were. The dark colored motif makes it harder to notice but if you look you will see the place looks like hasn't been cleaned in months. Yuk. Lastly, price. While I understand the location and menu factors, the reality is I ordered one dish and one latte and my bill was $40+. That is ridiculous for breakfast. Unfortunately won't be one of my regulars or a place I recommend. So many cleaner, faster and less costly options around for breakfast I will have to move on. read more

Great food and great service. Feels like you are in a Euro cafe. The artichoke tart and shirred dukkah eggs were an excellent assortment of flavors read more

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Excellent, fresh, expertly crafted dishes. Any time i can go to Eggshell is an event

2nd time in the past three years. Had the same server my first visit and I have to say, the service is very good! Breakfast choices are so different from the norm and bursting with flavor! Truly a favorite place when visiting Carmel. read more

I had high expectations coming in but left a little disappointed. The inside had that European bistro feel but the food was mid at best and the service was very very slow. I would have understood if they were busy but such was not the case. I ordered the truffled egg brioche: truffled egg tartine, sous-vide poached hen's egg, roasted asparagus, truffle oil, preserved lemon, watercress, bottarga, fontina. It took almost 45 minutes after placing the order and it was without much flavor. I asked for ground pepper and our server brought out a very small amount in a dish. I'l plan to return and check out some of their offerings. read more

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You know when you go back after a year and order Labneh Tartine again without knowing that was the same dish you ordered a year ago, it confirms the dish was THAT good! The flavors between tangy, sweet and sour were yet again epic! Pretty regular customer flow for a weekday it was delicious espresso and a lovely dish! The ciabatta added a nice crunch and texture! The fusion flavors were so evident. Okay must try! read more

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This a lovely hidden gem located within walking distance of Hotel Carmichael and the Carmel Farmers' Market (which is where we came from)! Aesthetically, it's really charming with an eclectic mix of vintage decor and plants, mix-and-matched tables and chairs, with dim lighting. We were greeted promptly by a friendly employee. They were very helpful with our questions about the menu, as well. We ended up ordering the red rooibos cappuccino and a vanilla latte, both with oat milk. If you like your drinks sweet, I would definitely recommend asking for additional sweetener because they were on the bitter side but still delicious. As for meals, we both ordered the shakshuka with two eggs, and extra bread for dipping. It was phenomenal! The flavor was incredible. The tomato sauce was vibrant and full-bodied, but the addition of an herbaceous accompaniment really helped to brighten it. The eggs were runny and the yolk added a creamy element, too. We were both left feeling very content with our impromptu brunch and are glad we gave it a try! We'll definitely be back. There are several vegetarian options and the shakshuka can be made vegan. Their menu also states that they decline alterations to the entree items just fyi! read more

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Not a fan of Eggshell Bistro! It took a while for our food to arrive, they appeared to have one server and maybe two cooks. I ordered the mango tart and was very disappointed. Some may consider the resturant to have old world charm, it appeared to be in need a complete make-over and the restrooms were in need of cleaning. read more

The moment you walk into this place, you know you're in store for something special. It has a shabby sheik feel with a relaxing European ambiance. Don't be in a rush when you come in cause it's not exactly speedy service. That's ok though especially when you know the food will be exceptional once it's placed in front of you. It's refreshing to see that the food here is prepared with love. The chef cares and it shows. The dishes here are on the smaller side than what you're used to. Instead of quantity, they focus on quality. A well prepared savory dish. It was Delicious. If you happen to be in the area and want to try something different, look no further. This is it. Enjoy! read more

Eggshell Bistro - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

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We were staying at the nearby Hotel Carmichael so we decided to pop in for a late breakfast. I have to eat gluten-free and only did a quick glance at the menu before stopping in because breakfast is usually pretty easy for me to eat. I had one option on the short menu. My friend and I ordered different items-she had a quiche and I had dukka eggs. Both were very tasty. For me, normally, I would have likely opted for a different dish but I was pleased! She was happy with her breakfast and tea that was served in a lovely Staub teapot. Our service was quick and friendly. Coffee art was beautiful. When you walk in it feels like you've stepped right into a lovely Parisian bistro. read more

Eggshell Bistro - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

There's no other restaurant like this in Carmel. This is the place that you visit for a breakfast or brunch or lunch that isn't like anything else in the area. Which means: I did not visit Eggshell with my children, because they don't have a kids menu or fries or sippy cups of milk. No, this is a restaurant I saved for a lunch date. I had been wanting to try shakshuka -- eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, served with toasted bread -- so when I saw it on the menu, that's exactly what I got. The shakshuka was slightly spicy, warm and garlicky, and was the perfect thing to eat as a light lunch on a below-freezing day. The dish comes with two big sliced of bread, but three would have made everything perfect because there's a lot of shakshuka to sop up. We also got the shirred dukkah egg, which was amazing, as well. Neither of us knew what a shirred dukkah egg was before ordering, but you're in good hands here: the food is great, and they know what they're doing, so just take a chance and order something you've never eaten before. You'll be in for a treat. The menu is small and carefully curated -- just one side of a printed page. I love that. We both got pour-over black coffee, which was rich and tasty but not bitter. The complimentary water was served in an Italian aperitif bottle, and the glasses were shot-glass sized. Very charming and European. The restaurant decor itself is like dining in an antique store: lots of old metal signs, gold-framed black-and-white photos, patinated chairs and tables, and weathered knickknacks and doo-dads. If someone took a wide-angle photo of the dining room, they could use it in one of those Look and Find children's books, because there are so many things to look at and find. The service was great and attentive, but not overly so. We visited shortly after they opened on a weekday. This is a place I could see myself being totally comfortable dining alone, enjoying a leisurely meal by myself, so I will definitely be back to try more of the items on the menu. read more

Don't miss out on this place! I'm just blown away by the attention to detail on the dishes made, and the way it's served. Loved it loved it loved it! Great service by our excellent server this morning and exquisite perfect combination of flavors. Well done! read more

Loved this spot will definitely be back. Service was amazing, the waitress was very sweet and gave me perfect recommendations. The inside is nice with a little eclectic vibe. Shakshuka: 5/5 the sauce had perfect amount of spice. the bread they paired with had the perfect crunch while being soft inside. Polar opposite: 5/5 loved the drink, as you sip it changes from full espresso to a yummy latte ending. read more

Eggshell Bistro - inside of bistro - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

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I've walked past Eggshell Bistro many times over the years and was finally able to stop in this weekend. This spot is as eclectic as it gets and is self-described as "globally inspired brunching." The menu is an array of European and Middle Eastern dishes using unique spices and ingredients, which make dining here a creative experience. You can tell that care has gone into each menu item. I love trying new dishes and expanding my palate, so I'd recommend coming here with someone who likes to do the same (my husband opted for just a side of toast - LOL). I ordered: + Turmeric latte: steamed oat milk, pepper, ginger, honey, nutmeg, spices + Shakshuka: Moroccan-spiced tomato base, habanera, onion, garlic, kale, chèvre, zhoug, baked hen's egg, grilled baguette The latte was fantastic and looked stunning. The shakshuka was also super delicious, hearty, and warm... also quite spicy. The side of brioche bread was great and the server said she'd recommend the shakshuka the most, as it's their signature dish. There are about ten or so small tables inside and a few outside as well. We had a big stroller with us, and it was hard to get out of the restaurant when there were other people there. We had to get three different parties to move their chairs, so not the most stoller-friendly. Our server was incredible and friendly though, and made us feel welcome by waving at our baby and interacting. Prices are on the higher end, but again, there is clearly care going into the ingredients, menu, and cooking. read more

We had a fantastic experience at Eggshell. A lazy Sunday drive in Carmel led us to dine in at Eggshell. Having sampled their food years ago, we finally got a chance to stop in. The atmosphere is like a Parisian Cafe. Eclectic, unique, and cozy! While we had a waitress, the owner Larry, stopped by to explain the dishes. Everything is made in house. In the summer he tries to grow everything he can for the dishes. I had the labneh toast and my husband had the shirred dukkah eggs. It was fantastic! Ask for extra toast! Larry continued to talk to us and told us of his travels and how he experiments with his dishes. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Fantastic! First time here. Super cute decor, very European. Service was great, very friendly. I had the polar opposite to drink- a milk and espresso hot/cold layered drink-it was delicious! Very unique menu, so if you're looking for an average breakfast with bacon and eggs, this ain't it. This truffle egg on brioche blew my mind! I will definitely be back for the shashuka, which was highly recommended. Great little place! read more

Eggshell Bistro - Truffled Egg Brioche - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

This is a new favorite brunch spot. The menu is unique, the coffee is wonderful and my server, Isabella was exceptional. I had the rosemary ham tart which was a fantastic globally inspired take on a traditional American style breakfast. read more

The service took my rating from a 4 to a 3. It took 10 minutes to get water. After we ordered, it took us about 50-60 minutes to get our food. People who sat down after us and ordered after us (ordered the same thing as us) were able to eat and pay their bill before we even got our food. I got the Shakshuka. It had good flavor but was a very small portion, especially after waiting nearly an hour. The dish is decently spicy but the bread helped offset the spice. The bread was light with the perfect amount of crisp. The basic coffee is 6 dollars per cup; it is smooth with a good flavor. I think giving something to people as they wait would have decreased my unmet expectations. Maybe a small olive plate, bread/rolls with butter, unlimited drip coffee, or rearrange the menu to have an appetizer section that is highly suggested and easily grabbed and served if the hot food food is commonly the bottleneck... read more

Sooo good! I wish it was a more convenient location. I would get turmeric lattes daily!

It was not as big as I was expecting the place to be. It is quaint and clean, a little cluttered though. The servers were very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. It does take a while to get your food, so do not be in a hurry. The food is great, though eclectic. The food is made from scratch and you can tell. They put a lot of care and love into their food. It may not be for everyone, but if you are into being a little adventurous then you will want to come and check it out. read more

We were there at peak brunch hour time and although we got a seat pretty quickly the tables were very tiny, I understand the ambiance is supposed to resemble a French restaurant but for the amount of people the place felt a little overwhelming. Service was good but the food took a while to come and when it came I would say it was flavorful but for the price not worth it. Too overpriced in my opinion. I would go for the experience and new flavors every once in a while but that's it! read more

Eggshell Bistro - Labneh & Za'atar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

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Unique savory breakfasts with fine espresso coffees in a small relaxed atmosphere with great service read more

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One of my absolute favorite brunch spots in Indy! Everything about this place is French inspired, from the decor to the dishes. I ordered an Americano with an almond chocolate biscotti to start, then the shirred dukkah eggs. The amount of food was perfect and it came out fresh and hot. Plus, their pour over coffee is Four Barrel which is top tier. Pro tip: If you're going on a weekend, be prepared to wait. The place is small and there is usually only one person cooking and one person serving. Don't show up hungry and impatient; take your time and enjoy your time here! read more

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AWESOME place for Mediterranean Breakfast!! Healthy and DELICIOUS!! Tiny place but never waited.... read more

Eggshell Bistro - Mushroom DELICIOUSNESS!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Our new favorite breakfast place! Incredible food and incredible customer service. We will definitely return.

Eggshell is a delicious brunch spot. Clearly the N'Orleans iced coffee with organic almond milk was my favorite drink usually I'm not a coffee person.. but that's all they have to drink at eggshell! (And tea) But there's no alcoholic drinks so if you're looking for a mimosa at brunch enjoy the food & coffee at eggshell then stop next door for a beer or visit cake bake for some fun drinks!! I've been to Paris and this shop represents Paris on the inside. It's a tight fit inside and the decorations are so cute. I do think they can get a little more creative with some of their menu items. For example: they didn't have any nut milks only regular milk. Some people don't drink reg milk so that could be tough. Also the throwing on a few funky "French" items would be an experience. People go out to enjoy themselves and the experience. I think eggshell could give guests more of a "French" experience and update their menu with what's trending. (A variety of coffees, lattes, espressos, etc) Overall, great experience and every bite was bursting with flavor!! Yummmy!! read more

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Eggshell was recommended by a local friend as her favorite breakfast location. It is located in the City Center complex next to my hotel-so it was absolutely on my list. It's tucked away on one of the walkways facing away from the shopping complex and onto the main road. It's also tiny, so it might be easy to miss - but you don't want to miss this place. It's EVERYTHING a world café should be. Their hours have changed a bit due to the recent COVID challenges, and I arrived just before opening. I was greeted by Margot, who told me to come in anyway and that she'd need a minute as she was still setting up. Regardless of the fact, she still took a minute to bring me a menu and a carafe of water. To say that the place is eclectic might be an understatement. It's unique, fun, and quirky. The music is a mix of European café meets classical, and the artwork follows suit. None of the china matches, nor do the seats, a cello hung near my table next to café style artwork and indoor plants. A two-second conversation with the owner, Sir Lawrence, and immediately see where it all comes from. The menu follows the same pattern. Freshly squeezed juice (singular), expertly made coffee drinks, and a limited, expertly crafted menu. Don't look for multiple varieties of toast, granola, or "just strawberries" - the man seated at the next table asked all of those before his butt hit the seat. But, Margot calmly guided him through the menu. I started with Cappuccino ($5.00) and a Biscotti ($3.00), and they were both as impressive as expected. The Cappuccino was piping hot, with a crema design in the foam. The Biscotti was slightly sweet, dipped in Chocolate with a touch of softness rather than the harder super dry kind. I also ordered the Portobella Strata ($15.00) with a side of fruit. The bread and egg dish was filled with Caramelized Onions, Roasted Peppers, Smoked Gouda, plenty of fresh Mushrooms, and some nice-sized pieces of White Wine Rabbit Sausage. The touch of crisp Hazelnut topping and edible flowers just added to the fantastic dish. The fruit cup had a few Cherries, Grapes, Berries, and Orange segments. The service was attentive and friendly. The food is cooked to order and takes a minute, but it SO worth it. This is a place you do not want to miss when visiting Carmel! read more

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Always enjoy taking friends, family and clients to eggshell. Unique food combinations and the coffee is smooth. It's on the high end for breakfast flavor and price. I normally get the shashuka (sp) and it's amazing. Tried something new today and it didn't disappoint, but will go back to the shashuka next time. G read more

Eggshell Bistro - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

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Yummy European-inspired dishes are served in a charming little setting. Friendly service and tasty dishes. read more

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This place makes you feel like you're over in some cute European cafe. It is so eclectic and authentic! The chef truly puts so much effort into each dish and it is obvious. They're not only beautiful but are some of the best flavors I've ever had. The shakshuka is my favorite. Comes out so hot and flavorful! Everything on the menu is exotic, not a place you're gonna have a pancakes and sausage breakfast. If you're an adventurous eater and not picky, MUST GO!! read more

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Finally got to check this place out. I tried going here early Dec on a Saturday and they were randomly closed. Parking is limited in the front of the storefront, but there is a lot in front of the hotel right beside. Inside feels cozy, a lot of eclectic but fitting pieces to the restaurant's vibe. Since I came during the pandemic, I didn't get to see each corner of the place and would have felt rude browsing around, but I definitely enjoyed the space around me. There aren't many tables, so it could be hit or miss if you have to wait or not. There was just one server and one cook, so they were a bit overwhelmed when we arrived. I saw from other reviews that the food takes time because of the quality, so we weren't bothered waiting a bit - but our server did give is a biscotti for our wait. They were out of the New Orleans iced coffee, but she happily made me a iced latte. The espresso in both lattes had a great deep flavor- was impressed. I also wanted to mention they have paper, not plastic straws here, which is good to see! You can tell from the website and their Instagram page that a lot of attention goes into ingredients - like a salsify root they discovered in the 80s making it into one of their dishes today. The attention to detail makes you excited to eat! As far as the entrees, I was a bit disappointed with the truffle brioche dish. The flavors were decent, but the brioche was very thick and I felt like I needed some more moisture. This may be due to my egg being a little over done. I wish I got something else like the shakshuka. The mushroom strata was full of flavor! They have a rotating menu, so even the one on their website may not be the one you get at the restaurant. Definitely will keep following for what comes up next. If you want something different than a regular ol' brunch with eggs benedict, I'd check this place out. read more

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Love it... this has the unmistakable old world feel to it. Quite quaint and eclectic. And so is the menu. Forget eggs and pancakes with a side of bacon. Embrace Shakshukas, Tartines and various egg-bakes. In other words, keep an open mind and explore international breakfasts from within the Hoosier state. And always inquire about the daily specials. I can't remember the name of my dish, something resembling Caprese. I was not disappointed, as this was a baked dish with tons of tiny tomatoes, cheese and pesto. I think a slice of some nice crusty bread would go good with this. Anyway, it came with a side of fruit and I was happy to see, that it had blueberries, Kiwi & fresh mandarin slices as opposed to the usual melon and grape stuff you generally get when you have a side of fruit. Very nicely done. Excellent flavor on everything. And don't forget to order a fancy coffee or tea... maybe even an affogatto, because even breakfast deserved dessert. read more

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Such delicious food and amazing people! My fav dish is the shakshuka and now the turmeric latte. You can tell they take pride and their time with flavors. My husband says coffee is pretty good too. I love the small cafe in Europe feel of the place. I'll have to try their pastry one of these days. I think this is Carmel's best kept secret. read more