Went for Mothers Day. Fixed menu which was a disappointment.
Chad Gerrish
I’ve visited Celestial Cafe in Exeter, RI, multiple times, and while the food keeps me coming back, the service consistently disappoints. The dishes are a highlight—high-quality ingredients shine through, and the calamari is fantastic. Unfortunately, the service overshadows the positives. I’ve had the same server each visit, and the lack of attention to detail is frustrating. Our food was practically tossed onto the table before the server rushed off to chat with another group, ignoring my empty glass despite the drink menu being open. I couldn’t even get the words out to ask for anything else. No check-ins during the meal, no offers for refills or additional needs—just a quick return once we were done. It’s a shame because the food deserves better. I hope Celestial Cafe can address these service issues to match the quality of their kitchen.
Jay
Fantastic atmosphere, very contemporary and fashionable! Lovely cocktails and plenty of options for food and drink!
Jon Shell
The fact that the Celestial Cafe folks are still going strong after the many challenges of the last few years is testament to their enduring commitment to producing quality food using locally-sourced ingredients.
One evening a year or two before Covid, about halfway through a five-hour road trip, we stopped in for an early dinner. Things were quiet and we had a chance to chat with Chef Branden Read's mom, who shared the story of how he ended up opening the establishment. To get the whole story, you'll have to stop by at a quiet time and hopefully catch him to hear it first hand, but you should be ready for disappointment, for there aren't that many quiet times these days.
Having been eating here since 2010, I can speak with the perspective of long experience when I say that the food has been consistently excellent -- creative, frequently updated and well-executed. The Baby Back Ribs (a menu staple, thank goodness) are simply superb, just falling off the bone. The cabbages in the slaw and the cucumbers served on top are home pickled, light on the vinegar and delicately sweet. The bread pudding dessert is phenomenal, but with generous portions, perhaps get a helping to go? It's still fantastic the next day, as are the left-over ribs you'll surely be taking home with you.
A hallmark of a good place is staff longevity. Several of the servers have been there at least as long as I've been visiting,
With the fairly recent addition of event space next door and an outstanding bar area, this is one place I wish we could visit more often. Bravo Chef, keep up the good work.
Courtney Hern
Outstanding! A different dish or dishes is ordered each visit. The plan is to work through the entire menu because each option sounds and has been absolutely delicious! The farm fresh ingredients make it all the more appealing . It has a comfortable atmosphere, and the staff are always very friendly and helpful. I leave there excited for the next visit!!
4171 Surfcasting
I really wanted to love this place as it has been on our list to try since opening, but I have to be honest by saying the food and service did not lead up to the hype. There was a long hair in my pasta, the red sauce tasted like ketchup, dishes and glasses were noticeably dirty. Food was expensive for the amount and quality you received. I understand the vibe that they are going for, and do not mind spending the money but it just wasn’t worth it. Server was none existent on a not very busy evening and basic requests went completely unfulfilled. 3 of the 4 of us really did not enjoy our meals and we are not picky by any means. I honestly feel bad leaving this review, but collectively our group wished we had dined elsewhere.
Michele Drury
Only one waitress on for lunch today, but everything was wonderful.
Tia F
The food was ok. Menu had too many things that certain people may not find appealing. Also, the chefs, especially the ones with facial hair do not use a hair net . Very gross
Meredith Ashworth
Could have gotten friendlier service at a donut shop. Waitress didn't care if we enjoyed our meal or not; never asked, never checked, never listened when we did make a request. Way overpriced and much under served. Won't be going back. Left dissatisfied and hungry after paying a hefty bill.
Lynne Porter
Food is so delicious. You can tell the chef puts his heart and soul into his dishesl. One of my favorites
This little hidden gem has the most amazing food featuring locally sourced ingredients. Which is the highlight of each and every dish they serve. From the amazing staff to the incredible bar tender Doug, to the owner who always makes sure you’re satisfied with every dish that that comes out. I don’t think there are enough stars to truly represent this amazing restaurant. This is a place you don’t want to miss out on!
Chris Zyrlis
I visited on a mid-November, quiet Friday afternoon and heard great things about this place and looked forward to lunch. For a $20 burger I was expecting something to be borderline perfect. You're charging downtown Mystic, CT prices at a relatively quiet location. The burger (Ranch Bacon Burger) by itself was okay, but the bun was hard and the top burnt. If you've ever had burnt toast you know your taste buds can only concentrate on that and nothing more. Beyond burnt it was just hard to swallow, like Captain Crunch cereal cut the roof of your mouth hard. The burger itself was pretty greasy, so coupled with the ranch sauce I had a pretty messy experience. The other person in my party enjoyed their dish, and the signature cocktail was good (something akin to a Fig Mule...forgot the name), but beyond that my experience just didn't live up to the hype.
Jacquelyn Mello
I’ve never written a review on here- that’s how much I love this restaurant. The food is amazing every time I go there, also it’s the only place where I’ll move out of my comfort zone and try new things because he’s that good. I love the family oriented staff, their hospitality and authentic genuine personalities. I eat healthy and gluten free food and they go above and beyond to offer beautiful options. I just wanted to leave this review to show my appreciation for them. Thank you for taking care of my family and infusing your food/art with so much love 🙏❤️
Michelle Morisi
Mouth-wateringly good.
Dorene Godfrey
Every dinner we have had there has been wonderful!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jambalaya, Spring Greens Salad, Fish and Chips, Eggplant Tower, Brussels Sprouts, Lava Cake
Went for Mothers Day. Fixed menu which was a disappointment.
I’ve visited Celestial Cafe in Exeter, RI, multiple times, and while the food keeps me coming back, the service consistently disappoints. The dishes are a highlight—high-quality ingredients shine through, and the calamari is fantastic. Unfortunately, the service overshadows the positives. I’ve had the same server each visit, and the lack of attention to detail is frustrating. Our food was practically tossed onto the table before the server rushed off to chat with another group, ignoring my empty glass despite the drink menu being open. I couldn’t even get the words out to ask for anything else. No check-ins during the meal, no offers for refills or additional needs—just a quick return once we were done. It’s a shame because the food deserves better. I hope Celestial Cafe can address these service issues to match the quality of their kitchen.
Fantastic atmosphere, very contemporary and fashionable! Lovely cocktails and plenty of options for food and drink!
The fact that the Celestial Cafe folks are still going strong after the many challenges of the last few years is testament to their enduring commitment to producing quality food using locally-sourced ingredients.
One evening a year or two before Covid, about halfway through a five-hour road trip, we stopped in for an early dinner. Things were quiet and we had a chance to chat with Chef Branden Read's mom, who shared the story of how he ended up opening the establishment. To get the whole story, you'll have to stop by at a quiet time and hopefully catch him to hear it first hand, but you should be ready for disappointment, for there aren't that many quiet times these days.
Having been eating here since 2010, I can speak with the perspective of long experience when I say that the food has been consistently excellent -- creative, frequently updated and well-executed. The Baby Back Ribs (a menu staple, thank goodness) are simply superb, just falling off the bone. The cabbages in the slaw and the cucumbers served on top are home pickled, light on the vinegar and delicately sweet. The bread pudding dessert is phenomenal, but with generous portions, perhaps get a helping to go? It's still fantastic the next day, as are the left-over ribs you'll surely be taking home with you.
A hallmark of a good place is staff longevity. Several of the servers have been there at least as long as I've been visiting,
With the fairly recent addition of event space next door and an outstanding bar area, this is one place I wish we could visit more often. Bravo Chef, keep up the good work.
Outstanding! A different dish or dishes is ordered each visit. The plan is to work through the entire menu because each option sounds and has been absolutely delicious! The farm fresh ingredients make it all the more appealing . It has a comfortable atmosphere, and the staff are always very friendly and helpful. I leave there excited for the next visit!!
I really wanted to love this place as it has been on our list to try since opening, but I have to be honest by saying the food and service did not lead up to the hype. There was a long hair in my pasta, the red sauce tasted like ketchup, dishes and glasses were noticeably dirty. Food was expensive for the amount and quality you received. I understand the vibe that they are going for, and do not mind spending the money but it just wasn’t worth it. Server was none existent on a not very busy evening and basic requests went completely unfulfilled. 3 of the 4 of us really did not enjoy our meals and we are not picky by any means. I honestly feel bad leaving this review, but collectively our group wished we had dined elsewhere.
Only one waitress on for lunch today, but everything was wonderful.
The food was ok. Menu had too many things that certain people may not find appealing.
Also, the chefs, especially the ones with facial hair do not use a hair net .
Very gross
Could have gotten friendlier service at a donut shop. Waitress didn't care if we enjoyed our meal or not; never asked, never checked, never listened when we did make a request. Way overpriced and much under served. Won't be going back. Left dissatisfied and hungry after paying a hefty bill.
Food is so delicious. You can tell the chef puts his heart and soul into his dishesl. One of my favorites
Restaurantji Recommends
This little hidden gem has the most amazing food featuring locally sourced ingredients. Which is the highlight of each and every dish they serve. From the amazing staff to the incredible bar tender Doug, to the owner who always makes sure you’re satisfied with every dish that that comes out. I don’t think there are enough stars to truly represent this amazing restaurant. This is a place you don’t want to miss out on!
I visited on a mid-November, quiet Friday afternoon and heard great things about this place and looked forward to lunch. For a $20 burger I was expecting something to be borderline perfect. You're charging downtown Mystic, CT prices at a relatively quiet location. The burger (Ranch Bacon Burger) by itself was okay, but the bun was hard and the top burnt. If you've ever had burnt toast you know your taste buds can only concentrate on that and nothing more. Beyond burnt it was just hard to swallow, like Captain Crunch cereal cut the roof of your mouth hard. The burger itself was pretty greasy, so coupled with the ranch sauce I had a pretty messy experience. The other person in my party enjoyed their dish, and the signature cocktail was good (something akin to a Fig Mule...forgot the name), but beyond that my experience just didn't live up to the hype.
I’ve never written a review on here- that’s how much I love this restaurant.
The food is amazing every time I go there, also it’s the only place where I’ll move out of my comfort zone and try new things because he’s that good.
I love the family oriented staff, their hospitality and authentic genuine personalities.
I eat healthy and gluten free food and they go above and beyond to offer beautiful options.
I just wanted to leave this review to show my appreciation for them. Thank you for taking care of my family and infusing your food/art with so much love 🙏❤️
Mouth-wateringly good.
Every dinner we have had there has been wonderful!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jambalaya, Spring Greens Salad, Fish and Chips, Eggplant Tower, Brussels Sprouts, Lava Cake
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