Cella continues to be awesome, as always. The folks who work there, the food, the atmosphere, everything is exceptional. Butterscotch pudding with pistachio crumble, oh my goodness!! Best date night place in Monterey by far. Best burger too for that matter.
Jayanti Addleman
Super delicious food, and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Tartare, French Fries, Beef Tartare
Andy Krygier
Just do it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gregory
The service is impeccable. Just the right amount of attention and a wonderful positive attitude. Some thing is different here. It's as if every smiling happy server, hostess, chef, bus boy and bartender has found their way to Cella. It's just a wonderful experience. It is rare that I leave a restaurant and feel appreciated.
Leo
The atmosphere was attractive. Obviously a lot of care was taken in the preparation of the food, and each dish was tasty and interesting. Had the quality of the service matched the quality of the food, the high prices might have been acceptable. Sadly, this was not the case; otherwise the experience could have been quite stellar. After a nice bottle of wine, two appetizers, and two entrees, we ordered desert. My wife ordered a digestif. I tasted it and decided I'd like one too. When I asked for the drink, I was told by the waitress that—sorry—I couldn't have a glass— the bottle was inaccessible, as it was stored underneath one of the benches occupied by other diners. I thought her lack of resourcefulness was remarkable, especially since the cost of our meal was already around $270. I told her I didn't understand: Could she not simply find a way to retrieve the bottle and pour the drink that I'd requested, especially after such a luxe meal? She said the bartender would never agree to do that! and offered another brand of digestif that I was uninterested in. Finally, she brought me back a small, partial glass of the digestif we had ordered “on the house” (I guess it was the last of an almost empty bottle that was reachable by her) This was disappointing— and unacceptable—especially at that price point. All of this was unfortunate because the meal itself was quite enjoyable and the space warm and attractive. It was to be a special evening at a place I'd wanted to dine in for some time. As it was, because of the service, the evening ended on a negative note.
Judy
A superb experience. The tomato soup is a magnet. From making the reservation to departing after an excellent espresso truly fine! Scallops and fries, delicate and cooked to perfection. Service was great, present when appropriate and attentive. Hostess went out of her way to offer something that I've never before experienced, wow! We were seated fairly close to to the bar which when the bartender was skillfully shaking the cocktails, the decibel level was a bit high. We'd return for sure. This restaurant has it down beautifully.
Ricker
We didn't know what to expect and we're happy to discover a new favorite. Our server Maddie, though new on the job was delightful. The beef cheeks, Diver Scallops and tartare were delicious as was the side of large white beans with olive tapenade. Kudos to the bartender for well made cocktails. Definitely going back.
lesli preuss
I wish we could them 50 stars!! This restaurant is top notch in every possible way and we cannot wait to return for another incredible dining experience. Their grilled octopus is one of the best you will ever have. The scallops were perfection. The salads fresh, delicious and refreshing while also being very flavorful. And the desserts!!! Make it to the desserts!! And in addition to all of this they have a multitude of gluten free options. Heaven. Thank you to the chef and staff for what you do!!
Dietary restrictions: Celiac and accommodated to perfection
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Tartare
lesli
Truly an exceptional dining experience! My only complaint is that we got too full and couldn't try the whole menu. The food is extraordinary - especially the scallops, steak tartare and octopus. The service goes above and beyond and the atmosphere is very homey. We can't wait to get back!!
Harry
One of the best meals we’ve ever had. We ordered the steak tartare as an appetizer, striped bass and scallops as our entrees, and olive oil cake for dessert. Everything was fresh, delicious, exquisitely made, and beautifully presented. You could also tell our server Alicia and the rest of the team enjoy what they do because they were all exceptional.
Consistently fantastic. Every dish is dialed in. Bar is creative and delivers drinks you will want to talk about
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gregory
First a warm greeting at the door. Then a wonderful server named page was the perfect addition to spectacular food. I don't know how there water system works. Usually they are producing cold clear water. If you have an in house sparkling and still water set up. Chill the carafe, a nice carafe. Serve only chilled water. Look at how Thomas Keller delivers his in house water. Cella needs cleaner better carafe's, and better water glasses. Clean simple lines. It's the only thing that I found needed a fix. Both in presentation and and quality. $300 dinners require quality presentation in all areas.
Nancy
We have eaten in your restaurant several times since you opened. We have family in Pacific Grove who we visit several times a year. They were very excited about Cella when it opened. We all were impressed with the food and the look of the restaurant. Service was friendly and competent. However, the last few times, it has taken so long to get a glass of wine, our salads, and our entrees that we are left wondering what's going on. The service is still good, when the server shows up. Last time my husband and I were here (May 2024), my husband needed salt for his dish, but the server was MIA for so long, my husband had to flag down the manager, who brought the salt in one minute. In addition to the wait last night, 3 out of 5 dishes were lukewarm. We had finished our salads and were waiting and waiting and we finally asked a bus person to take our empty plates away. Then we just sat there waiting, drinking the wine that was meant to go with our meals. When the entrees arrived, we had been there for at least an hour. The dishes tasted like they'd been waiting for sometime to be picked up. We've noticed this in the past but it wasn't quite as dramatic as last night. It was extremely disappointing for all of us. We never punish the server for these kinds of gaffs. We just won't be back.
Jordan
Incredible experience. Visited from out of town. Our server Kevin was great, helpful, and friendly. Drinks were amazing as well as all of the food. Would love a second visit but sadly will have to wait until a return trip.
KarrynL
We sat outside - please don't let this deter you when booking. It was lovely with enough heaters not to get cold and plenty of space between tables. Food - as always was fabulous.
Cella continues to be awesome, as always. The folks who work there, the food, the atmosphere, everything is exceptional. Butterscotch pudding with pistachio crumble, oh my goodness!! Best date night place in Monterey by far. Best burger too for that matter.
Super delicious food, and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Tartare, French Fries, Beef Tartare
Just do it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service is impeccable. Just the right amount of attention and a wonderful positive attitude. Some thing is different here. It's as if every smiling happy server, hostess, chef, bus boy and bartender has found their way to Cella. It's just a wonderful experience. It is rare that I leave a restaurant and feel appreciated.
The atmosphere was attractive. Obviously a lot of care was taken in the preparation of the food, and each dish was tasty and interesting. Had the quality of the service matched the quality of the food, the high prices might have been acceptable. Sadly, this was not the case; otherwise the experience could have been quite stellar. After a nice bottle of wine, two appetizers, and two entrees, we ordered desert. My wife ordered a digestif. I tasted it and decided I'd like one too. When I asked for the drink, I was told by the waitress that—sorry—I couldn't have a glass— the bottle was inaccessible, as it was stored underneath one of the benches occupied by other diners. I thought her lack of resourcefulness was remarkable, especially since the cost of our meal was already around $270. I told her I didn't understand: Could she not simply find a way to retrieve the bottle and pour the drink that I'd requested, especially after such a luxe meal? She said the bartender would never agree to do that! and offered another brand of digestif that I was uninterested in. Finally, she brought me back a small, partial glass of the digestif we had ordered “on the house” (I guess it was the last of an almost empty bottle that was reachable by her) This was disappointing— and unacceptable—especially at that price point. All of this was unfortunate because the meal itself was quite enjoyable and the space warm and attractive. It was to be a special evening at a place I'd wanted to dine in for some time. As it was, because of the service, the evening ended on a negative note.
A superb experience. The tomato soup is a magnet. From making the reservation to departing after an excellent espresso truly fine! Scallops and fries, delicate and cooked to perfection. Service was great, present when appropriate and attentive. Hostess went out of her way to offer something that I've never before experienced, wow! We were seated fairly close to to the bar which when the bartender was skillfully shaking the cocktails, the decibel level was a bit high. We'd return for sure. This restaurant has it down beautifully.
We didn't know what to expect and we're happy to discover a new favorite. Our server Maddie, though new on the job was delightful. The beef cheeks, Diver Scallops and tartare were delicious as was the side of large white beans with olive tapenade. Kudos to the bartender for well made cocktails. Definitely going back.
I wish we could them 50 stars!! This restaurant is top notch in every possible way and we cannot wait to return for another incredible dining experience. Their grilled octopus is one of the best you will ever have. The scallops were perfection. The salads fresh, delicious and refreshing while also being very flavorful. And the desserts!!! Make it to the desserts!! And in addition to all of this they have a multitude of gluten free options. Heaven. Thank you to the chef and staff for what you do!!
Dietary restrictions: Celiac and accommodated to perfection
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Tartare
Truly an exceptional dining experience! My only complaint is that we got too full and couldn't try the whole menu. The food is extraordinary - especially the scallops, steak tartare and octopus. The service goes above and beyond and the atmosphere is very homey. We can't wait to get back!!
One of the best meals we’ve ever had. We ordered the steak tartare as an appetizer, striped bass and scallops as our entrees, and olive oil cake for dessert. Everything was fresh, delicious, exquisitely made, and beautifully presented. You could also tell our server Alicia and the rest of the team enjoy what they do because they were all exceptional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Tartare, Olive Oil Cake, Beef Tartare
Restaurantji Recommends
Consistently fantastic. Every dish is dialed in. Bar is creative and delivers drinks you will want to talk about
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First a warm greeting at the door. Then a wonderful server named page was the perfect addition to spectacular food. I don't know how there water system works. Usually they are producing cold clear water. If you have an in house sparkling and still water set up. Chill the carafe, a nice carafe. Serve only chilled water. Look at how Thomas Keller delivers his in house water. Cella needs cleaner better carafe's, and better water glasses. Clean simple lines. It's the only thing that I found needed a fix. Both in presentation and and quality. $300 dinners require quality presentation in all areas.
We have eaten in your restaurant several times since you opened. We have family in Pacific Grove who we visit several times a year. They were very excited about Cella when it opened. We all were impressed with the food and the look of the restaurant. Service was friendly and competent. However, the last few times, it has taken so long to get a glass of wine, our salads, and our entrees that we are left wondering what's going on. The service is still good, when the server shows up. Last time my husband and I were here (May 2024), my husband needed salt for his dish, but the server was MIA for so long, my husband had to flag down the manager, who brought the salt in one minute. In addition to the wait last night, 3 out of 5 dishes were lukewarm. We had finished our salads and were waiting and waiting and we finally asked a bus person to take our empty plates away. Then we just sat there waiting, drinking the wine that was meant to go with our meals. When the entrees arrived, we had been there for at least an hour. The dishes tasted like they'd been waiting for sometime to be picked up. We've noticed this in the past but it wasn't quite as dramatic as last night. It was extremely disappointing for all of us. We never punish the server for these kinds of gaffs. We just won't be back.
Incredible experience. Visited from out of town. Our server Kevin was great, helpful, and friendly. Drinks were amazing as well as all of the food. Would love a second visit but sadly will have to wait until a return trip.
We sat outside - please don't let this deter you when booking. It was lovely with enough heaters not to get cold and plenty of space between tables. Food - as always was fabulous.
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