The Cellar
Orange County's premiere fine dining experience
(714) 888-5943
305 N Harbor Blvd
(at Wilshire Avenue)
Fullerton,
CA
92832
33.87244
-117.924399
Reviews & Ratings for The Cellar
31 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 31 reviews
AMAZING FOOD & THE BEST SERVICE
by IlyaErenburg
July 05, 2009
I went to dinner with 5 of my friends on Thursday July 2nd for the first time ever and no joke I’m actually getting ready to go there tonight (reservations at 7:30 for 2). I'm honestly speechless! Like a tool we walked in with a t-shirt, jeans and flip-flops, some in shorts. Well we felt like morons when we looked around and everyone was dressed very nicely. I apologized for not dressing up like we should have and the beautiful hostess sat in a very private booth which was perfect for all 6 of us!
The wait staff is remarkable and the owner Ryan is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet! It was a real pleasure and even though we weren't dressed for the occasion he made all of us feel very welcome and happy that we were there...The Cellar was a full house that night!
For starters we ordered and shared a few appetizers. We had Escargots which was amazing (if you like that, if you’ve never had it, brighten your horizon and try it…you’ll love it), Bacon-wrapped scallops were hands down the best out of all the appetizers we ordered, tiger shrimps were sensational along with the Lobster Bisque and French Onion soups (yes we all got to try everything) and it was indescribable!
For our entrées we had a New York Steak (medium rare)…only at a great place can you order a steak medium rare and have it come out melting in your mouth! Tournedo "Lili" (filet of Beef topped with Artichoke), three people ordered that and let’s just say enough said, it’s a must have…period! Sugar-crusted Ahi was a lady’s choice and it was very good, but I’m a steak guy so…oh and by the way, the presentation on all the dishes was phenomenal! I see people complaining below that the food portions were too small, obviously those people have never been to a fine dining restaurant. If you want to stuff yourself like a pig with crappy food, go to Claim Jumper and have at it! There is a reason why they give you so much food lol…need I say more? The portions at The Cellar are perfect and the quality of the food is top notch!
As for the dessert…CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉS! That is all I gotta say! If you’re a dessert person like me, it is to die for!
In the end…the service, the food and the layout of the place is an experience for itself! If you’ve never been there, GO! If you have, you know what I’m talking about! Anyways, I’m late for my reservation writing this review haha…enjoy!
- Pros: Food, Service, Location!
- Cons: What cons?
Great wine and great food
by DavidLawrence99
February 18, 2009
Its quite a treat to literaly walk down into the cellar and you are always greeted as you come thru the door. Ask for the Grotto near the fireplace if you want a romantic private setting. There food is delicious and the deserts are wonderful. I would always recomend the lobster bisque soup as I have sampled resturants all across this country and only 3 forks in Austin Texas comes close, but doesnt beat them. Their wine list is top of the line and its great to have an old dusty bottle to the table to try.
- Pros: Service deserts, and wine list
- Cons: No windows as you are in a cellar
Stars Were Aligned
by MindScout
September 03, 2008
This was my first time at The Cellar and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise. I am accustomed to driving to Los Angeles or West LA for fine dining and was surprised to find such an establishment in Fullerton. I can only express utter joy of finding a gem like The Cellar in Orange County. The food and the service equaled that of other 5 Star establishments in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The food was better than Melisse and the JiRaffe as they are extremely overpriced. My family and I had a wonderful time. You must try the French Onion Soup for starters and souffle for desert. The food overall was superb as well as the service. I look forward to revisiting the restaurant.
Incredible
by lemongrl
August 11, 2008
I recently visited The Cellar restaurant for the first time. The first thing I noticed was the decor. AMAZING! It turns out the people who did Pirates of the Carribean at Disney Land also did The Cellar! The food was perfect. Very creative. The scallops are a must have. Thank you to the owner (Ryan I believe) for being so gracious. We didn't have a reservation and he was more than accomodating. I'll be back for sure!!
- Pros: Incredible atmosphere, lots to look at. Great food and great wine!
- Cons: It may be a little difficult to get down there if you are disabled.
This is what fine dining should be
by socaldiner
August 10, 2008
I've been coming to this restaurant for years now and it never disappoints. I was recently there again and they brought back table side service which I love. Maybe its because the first thing I learned to cook was banana flambe but I thought that table side service was a dyeing art and here the cellar is keeping it alive. They have a sommelier on staff which is a welcome help considering how large the wine list is. Most of the staff has been there for a decade or more so its always comforting seeing familiar faces who actually remember me and often times know what I'm going to want to order for food and wine before I know myself. I look forward to returning sooner rather than later
- Pros: Romantic, Wine list
- Cons: Sign is hard to see
Over priced, overrated.
by gapxguy
August 05, 2008
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday after reading the reviews. At first we couldn't find the place since it's underground. When we finally found the restaurant, it was in a small alley with steps leading to a small door. There was a fowl smell once we entered. Even with reservations, we had to wait 20 mins. The place was more like a cave in the middle of down town Fullerton than a "cellar" of romantic dining described. The food did not match it's price. You're better off going to Orange Hill restaurant for the price you're paying.
- Pros: Wine List
- Cons: Food, ambience, parking.
Simply, perfect.
by roary32
July 10, 2008
Food was amazing. Service was great. Incredible wine list. It was a perfect night out and I can't wait to go back.
- Pros: beautiful restaurant, very nice staff
Amazing. I'll be back again....and again...and again!!!!!
by diner531
July 10, 2008
I was shocked to read the review below. I was there that night and had an absolutely amazing time. The owner was very attentive to us. When having a tough time trying to figure out which wine would go best with our meals he was spot on when he recommended us an excellent bottle of wine. We took a little tour of the restaurant by ourselves. We walked through the grotto, a very private and intimate set of booths. Very romantic. You can even close curtains around your booth for an extra private evening! I've been to The Cellar numerous times and have always had my expectations blown out of the water. The owner is very polite and goes out of his way to make his guests happy. The hostess is so warm and wonderful, I often just sit at the bar and chat it up with her.
So in my opinion if you are looking for a nice night out with exquisite wine and amazing food, go to The Cellar.
- Pros: Beautiful restaurant, great portions, wonderful service
- Cons: No sure if I should bring my kids.
the cellar is where it belongs
by ketosz
July 05, 2008
My companion and I were seated in a very private, yet VERY noisy private booth (wedding reception upstairs, and very obnoxious, VERY loud group in the adjoining booth). The owner seated us and stated that he was available for anything that we might desire...yet he never returned to our table....odd to make that statement and then disappear for the next few hours. We ordered a few items from the menu and it was certainly good and bad. My lobster and arugula salad with vanilla vinaigrette was outstanding, yet tiny. My companion ordered the French onion soup and we both agreed that it rather poor and tasteless.For the main course, my companion ordered the salmon tournedo, and it was outstanding. I ordered the "prime" New York steak, in what sounded like a fabulous sauce. I doubt that it was a prime cut, and the sauce was sparse and forgettable. For a prime New York steak, go elsewhere. If this was prime beef, they ruined it in the preparation (broiled rather than grilled). Rather tough and lacking the taste and texture of true prime beef. The sauce was insignificent and very sparse (perhaps a teaspoon-ful thinly spread over the meat). The steak was served with about 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes piped into a tiny tower with an extremely shriveled sprig of rosemary stuck in the top of it. I wondered: why even bother?
We ordered a Grand Marnier souffle for desert and it was the best I have had.
the service was outstanding.The food, however, was certainly not. Good food (the salmon, salad), but definitely not worth the price. if I want a great steak and fabulous service, I will stick with Morton's. Pricing is similar and the food is far superior.
The Cellar is a nice romantic place for a good meal. it is far from exceptional, however. And at the prices that they charge, the quality falls far short
After 20 plus years locally and never dining at The Cellar, I will not return. A good meal, but very, very far from being worth the money, nor the reputation
- Pros: some menu items faboulous
- Cons: some menu items terrible, very noisy, owner's statement unfulfilled
Amazing Special Event: Fine Dining, Excellent Cigars, and Great Scotch on the balcony of the Villa Del Sol; Hosted by The Cellar Restaurant
by TheBear555
June 17, 2008
I would like to extend my compliments to the Owner, his staff, and the Executive Chief for creating such an amazing event. I really had a lot of fun, it has only been on rare occasions that I have treated myself to the enjoyment and thrill of fine dining. Which made this event a real special treat for me. I have always enjoyed sitting down to an excellent meal, smoking a good cigar, and sipping on a cocktail/good drink (with dinner or the cigar). To have the opportunity to combine all three of these; Fine Dining, Cigar smoking, and the added experience of Scotch tasting was really cool. The setting, the balcony of the Villa Del Sol, for this event was very relaxing and enjoyable. Plus the four course menu provided for the event was outstanding, I really enjoyed the aromas, visual presentation, and flavors that where created by the Executive Chief. My favorite course was the Third/main course which was a Mixed Grill of Lamb, Beef, and Veal (each one had their own special sauce) . As for the Scotch, prior to this event I had never really tried Scotch before and having a chance to try the four (12 yr, 15 yr, 18 yr, & Cask Strength) different types of Scotches was an exciting new experience. Also the Gentlemen at my table where all really cool and friendly which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you enjoy Fine Dining, Excellent Cigars, and Great Scotch I highly recommend you attend this event in the future. Personally: I am really looking forward to when they host the next "Scotch & Cigar Club" event.
- Pros: Ambience, Food, & Services
- Cons: None
