First time at Bell's for our anniversary. Flawless service. Exceptional food. You can tell why it's Michelin-starred and it's completely earned. We'll be back.
Steven
One of our favorite stops in one country. The food is incredible and the setting is very unique.
Mick
our most recent trip to Bell's was very disappointing! we arrived 20 minutes late for our lunch reservation due to construction delays on the 101 Hwy. we were unable to call and let them know we were delayed because they don't have a phone number. however, due to being late they sat us at the worst table they have near the cash register and walkway from the kitchen under a large plant even though there were plenty of better seats available inside and outside on their back patio. My wife's chicken piccata was awful (dry and cover with cooked radicchio which is bitter and soaked everything on the plate in a red liquid). my steak was edible and prepared well but the quality of meat was poor (tough and gristles). it makes us sad to post such a poor experience because we've come to enjoy Bell's over the past several years. we hope this was an exception.
Greg
Super disappointed with our first Michelin 1 star restaurant. We've been watching the netflix shows about become a michelin restaurant and was highly underwhelmed. On the show the owners seeming care about the entire experience, not just the food. The decor, the plates, etc. We came all the way from Palm Springs for this birthday treat. What a disappointment. First off we were stuck in the back under a far too brightly lit plastic tent (perhaps the least sexy place I've ever been), with cheap white lights like a bad wedding tent. A simple dimmer would work wonders. And a huge, loud, heater blowing heat at us from only 4-5 feet away. It was appalling for any restaurant but for a Michelin restaurant?! Also I was dying to have a martini when I arrived but only beer and wine were available, and the beer only in cans. I was expecting great service especially as the 20% is automatic but when I ordered my beer they just dropped the can off and I had to keep refilling the small glass. Again, sort of OK at a Denny's but a Michelin star restaurant?! The food was cool and OK but certainly not 'out of this world'. I think if we'd sat in the amazing old original building, had great service (or server was nice and all but it just didn't seem well choreographed like shown on the TV show) we would have much a happier. The Santa Ynez Valley is insanely beautiful and the small towns are just so Perfect California. We were so hoping to be blown away by Bell's but sadly weren't.
Shane
We had a lovely experience. Food was exceptional, best French Onion soup we've ever tasted. Service was excellent. Ambience was lovely.
Claudine
Loved the whole experience! Staff was fantastic, atmosphere was great and the food and wine were excellent!
Jason
The main restaurant is quaint and inviting. The counter, where we sat, was the perfect view for the kitchen and seeing the work of the chef and her crew. Fantastic food and awesome service throughout the meal...loved the restaurant.
Marvin Smith
Perfect
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gina
Delicious and great quality meal. Service is always impeccable and makes the experience special. Adding details like a happy birthday note to the menu go above and beyond.
Marcia
Always a treat. They are a phenomenal restaurant from chef, service, and the most incredible food. If you're lucky enough to be near - GO!!!!!!
Impeccable food, service, vibe. Can't wait to return. Thank you Bell's for a wonderful experience!
Jeff
Better than ever! Every course in the special menu was fresh, fragrant and delicious. Service was attentive and skilled. Highly recommended as always for superb and memorable dining.
Liz
Every aspect of our experience at Bell's was lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the counter and observing the kitchen work their magic. The food was inventive, beautiful, and wonderfully satisfying to share - especially at the holiday. Thanks for the magic!
Gregory
Always a delightful experience, killer wine list, fantastic culinary offerings, and exemplary service staff. A true gem of a restaurant!
Seth
Do not come here expecting anything less than excellence. Low key but classy. Modern with an excellently curated wine list and a menu to leave you intrigued and savoring every bite all while refraining from pretention. Cannot recommend this place enough. It was an excellent experience and incredibly inviting from the time we walked in to the moment we left. This place is exactly what the Central Coast needed. We sung the praises of the carpaccio all the way home. Thank you to the team at Bell's for a memorable night.
First time at Bell's for our anniversary. Flawless service. Exceptional food. You can tell why it's Michelin-starred and it's completely earned. We'll be back.
One of our favorite stops in one country. The food is incredible and the setting is very unique.
our most recent trip to Bell's was very disappointing! we arrived 20 minutes late for our lunch reservation due to construction delays on the 101 Hwy. we were unable to call and let them know we were delayed because they don't have a phone number. however, due to being late they sat us at the worst table they have near the cash register and walkway from the kitchen under a large plant even though there were plenty of better seats available inside and outside on their back patio. My wife's chicken piccata was awful (dry and cover with cooked radicchio which is bitter and soaked everything on the plate in a red liquid). my steak was edible and prepared well but the quality of meat was poor (tough and gristles). it makes us sad to post such a poor experience because we've come to enjoy Bell's over the past several years. we hope this was an exception.
Super disappointed with our first Michelin 1 star restaurant. We've been watching the netflix shows about become a michelin restaurant and was highly underwhelmed. On the show the owners seeming care about the entire experience, not just the food. The decor, the plates, etc. We came all the way from Palm Springs for this birthday treat. What a disappointment. First off we were stuck in the back under a far too brightly lit plastic tent (perhaps the least sexy place I've ever been), with cheap white lights like a bad wedding tent. A simple dimmer would work wonders. And a huge, loud, heater blowing heat at us from only 4-5 feet away. It was appalling for any restaurant but for a Michelin restaurant?! Also I was dying to have a martini when I arrived but only beer and wine were available, and the beer only in cans. I was expecting great service especially as the 20% is automatic but when I ordered my beer they just dropped the can off and I had to keep refilling the small glass. Again, sort of OK at a Denny's but a Michelin star restaurant?! The food was cool and OK but certainly not 'out of this world'. I think if we'd sat in the amazing old original building, had great service (or server was nice and all but it just didn't seem well choreographed like shown on the TV show) we would have much a happier. The Santa Ynez Valley is insanely beautiful and the small towns are just so Perfect California. We were so hoping to be blown away by Bell's but sadly weren't.
We had a lovely experience. Food was exceptional, best French Onion soup we've ever tasted. Service was excellent. Ambience was lovely.
Loved the whole experience! Staff was fantastic, atmosphere was great and the food and wine were excellent!
The main restaurant is quaint and inviting. The counter, where we sat, was the perfect view for the kitchen and seeing the work of the chef and her crew. Fantastic food and awesome service throughout the meal...loved the restaurant.
Perfect
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious and great quality meal. Service is always impeccable and makes the experience special. Adding details like a happy birthday note to the menu go above and beyond.
Always a treat. They are a phenomenal restaurant from chef, service, and the most incredible food. If you're lucky enough to be near - GO!!!!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Impeccable food, service, vibe. Can't wait to return. Thank you Bell's for a wonderful experience!
Better than ever! Every course in the special menu was fresh, fragrant and delicious. Service was attentive and skilled. Highly recommended as always for superb and memorable dining.
Every aspect of our experience at Bell's was lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the counter and observing the kitchen work their magic. The food was inventive, beautiful, and wonderfully satisfying to share - especially at the holiday. Thanks for the magic!
Always a delightful experience, killer wine list, fantastic culinary offerings, and exemplary service staff. A true gem of a restaurant!
Do not come here expecting anything less than excellence. Low key but classy. Modern with an excellently curated wine list and a menu to leave you intrigued and savoring every bite all while refraining from pretention. Cannot recommend this place enough. It was an excellent experience and incredibly inviting from the time we walked in to the moment we left. This place is exactly what the Central Coast needed. We sung the praises of the carpaccio all the way home. Thank you to the team at Bell's for a memorable night.
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