This is some of the best food I have had in Rhode Island. They also have really good drinks. The service was excellent, especially the pacing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas Nelson
Best Brussels sprouts I've ever had
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
J Grant Armstrong
Delicious creative fare using all locally sourced ingredients, outstanding service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rosemary Stolzenberg
Beautiful delicious food and great staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danielle Bender
Outstanding. A friend from out of state asked me to recommend a farm to table restaurant and I realized there aren’t really any close where I live so I found this on a Google search and sent it her way. She reported back that it was delicious so I wanted to try it for myself. Staff was fantastic. I let the server pick my meal and it was outstanding. Dessert was phenomenal as well. Will definitely be going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frank DeCicco
Great breakfast and brunch spot. Food was excellent and our server was friendly and on point for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley Munguia
The atmosphere and drinks were excellent. I ordered chicken carbonara that tasted nothing like carbonara. The pasta dish was good but not what I expected….. I kinda wanted traditional carbonara. The reason for the low review is due to the fact that I was charged twice on the bill when it was supposed to be split.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Michelle F
Excellent food! Upon being seated, the seat I was given was ripped and in need of being replaced. With a skirt on, the ripped seat was scratchy on my legs. The food selection was very impressive. The chef was coming around greeting guests. The prices were high, but given the food quality, it was justified. I would visit again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Andrew Zullo
Had a great dinner to a celebrate someone’s birthday and someone else’s new job. The food was excellent and I can’t wait to come back. The Eastern Calamari was a highlight; the sauce it was served in had a umami-sweet flavor that was well-suited to the crispy calamari. For entrees, the chicken and waffle and the short rib were the stars. The chicken parmesan sandwich, spicy chicken and pork belly ramen, and Rhody fish and chips were all also very good. There was a ton of fish and chips coming out of the kitchen and headed toward other tables, so that seems to be a popular choice. For dessert, we tried the molten lava cake, farm cobbler, and gelato. There was variation in which dessert was the favorite, but everyone was impressed with the gelato. Even though gelato may not be most folks’ top choice for dessert when there are cakes and other options on the menu, it had a really unique (more solid) texture and the taste was really excellent. I highly recommend this spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laurie Zoglio
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.
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.
deborahmA2540QT
We have been going to Celestial Cafe for years and the food is the BEST. The quality and Taste you can't beat. there was one bad review, they must of been talking about a different restaurant, NOT this one!! As you read all the reviews,, they are all Excellent!! the waitstaff are so accommodating. Branden is the BEST, always there to satisfy!! He comes out to the tables and asks if we are satisfied. He is Amazing!! This is are go to Restaurant. I would give it 10 stars if we could!!
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!!
This is some of the best food I have had in Rhode Island. They also have really good drinks. The service was excellent, especially the pacing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Brussels sprouts I've ever had
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious creative fare using all locally sourced ingredients, outstanding service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful delicious food and great staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Outstanding. A friend from out of state asked me to recommend a farm to table restaurant and I realized there aren’t really any close where I live so I found this on a Google search and sent it her way. She reported back that it was delicious so I wanted to try it for myself. Staff was fantastic. I let the server pick my meal and it was outstanding. Dessert was phenomenal as well. Will definitely be going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great breakfast and brunch spot. Food was excellent and our server was friendly and on point for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The atmosphere and drinks were excellent. I ordered chicken carbonara that tasted nothing like carbonara. The pasta dish was good but not what I expected….. I kinda wanted traditional carbonara. The reason for the low review is due to the fact that I was charged twice on the bill when it was supposed to be split.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Excellent food! Upon being seated, the seat I was given was ripped and in need of being replaced. With a skirt on, the ripped seat was scratchy on my legs. The food selection was very impressive. The chef was coming around greeting guests. The prices were high, but given the food quality, it was justified. I would visit again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Had a great dinner to a celebrate someone’s birthday and someone else’s new job. The food was excellent and I can’t wait to come back. The Eastern Calamari was a highlight; the sauce it was served in had a umami-sweet flavor that was well-suited to the crispy calamari. For entrees, the chicken and waffle and the short rib were the stars. The chicken parmesan sandwich, spicy chicken and pork belly ramen, and Rhody fish and chips were all also very good. There was a ton of fish and chips coming out of the kitchen and headed toward other tables, so that seems to be a popular choice. For dessert, we tried the molten lava cake, farm cobbler, and gelato. There was variation in which dessert was the favorite, but everyone was impressed with the gelato. Even though gelato may not be most folks’ top choice for dessert when there are cakes and other options on the menu, it had a really unique (more solid) texture and the taste was really excellent. I highly recommend this spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for Mothers Day. Fixed menu which was a disappointment.
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
We have been going to Celestial Cafe for years and the food is the BEST. The quality and Taste you can't beat. there was one bad review, they must of been talking about a different restaurant, NOT this one!! As you read all the reviews,, they are all Excellent!! the waitstaff are so accommodating. Branden is the BEST, always there to satisfy!! He comes out to the tables and asks if we are satisfied. He is Amazing!! This is are go to Restaurant. I would give it 10 stars if we could!!
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!!
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