We had a reservation for Bells for lunch and we are so incredibly glad we stopped by! We opted to sit outside so it was relatively quiet and the weather was really nice as well so it worked out although I can imagine it can get pretty hot here. We ordered the panna cotta, California corona beans, egg salad sandwich, and the buckwheat crepe. The panna cotta was so good! I loved every bite of it and the olive oil in here was absolutely delicious. The California corona beans were really good too paired with the shrimp and the broth. We were pretty full by the time we got to the egg salad sandwich and the buckwheat crepe so we had to take some to go but they were also done very well. Bells is a solid place to go to for lunch. I just wish it was a bit closer to me so I can come more often! read more

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I came for my birthday after discovering how close it was to Solvang. First let me tell you the staff was amazing the space was amazing. Sadly, the food itself was good but not wow amazing. It was all made very well but when I go to Michelin's I want to experience that WOW factor which makes me tell people to go asap. The one item that I really did come for was the famous uni caviar crepe, this definitely did WOW me. I wish it was larger portioned. I would try to go back next time for their more casual lunch. What I loved about Bell's too is it is a dog-friendly Michelin spot. A rare find! read more

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Bell's completely lived up to the Michelin hype. We did the $125 prix fixe dinner, paired it with the recommended white wine, and honestly... I still think about this meal all the time. What we loved: * Santa Barbara sea urchin canapé - My first time trying sea urchin and what a place to start. It literally melted in my mouth and the caviar took it to another level. * Sourdough bread & salad - The bread was warm with the perfect crust, and the salad was so fresh, crisp, and perfectly dressed. Simple but unforgettable. * Bay scallop crudo - Light, bright, citrusy, and incredibly fresh. One of my favorite dishes of the night. * Chickpea panisse - Crispy on the outside, soft inside, almost like elevated chickpea fritters. Good, but not the standout. * Spring champignon pasta - Earthy, rich, and unlike any pasta I've had before. A really unique dish. * Steak au Poivre - Hands down the best dish of the night. Cooked perfectly medium with the most incredible creamy peppercorn sauce. Every bite was packed with flavor and it's honestly one of the best steaks I've ever had. * Pavlova & Brillat-Savarin - The pavlova was light and refreshing with strawberries, while the Brillat-Savarin was rich, creamy, and served with caramel and a buttery cookie. Both were excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is cozy, candlelit, and intimate without feeling pretentious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was warm, attentive, and made the entire experience feel special. Just a heads-up: a 20% service charge is automatically added to the bill. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had in California. We left already talking about when we'd come back. An easy 5 stars. read more

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Came here for an anniversary lunch with my partner and left on cloud nine. Bell's is a Michelin‑starred French bistro operating at the top of its game. I love that it delivers a high‑quality fine‑dining experience while still feeling casual, inviting, and warm -- the perfect balance. They're also kid‑ and dog‑friendly, which I have to highlight. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's so refreshing to see a highly regarded restaurant in a quaint, charming town like Los Alamos.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You wouldn't expect it, which makes it even more special. They offer an à la carte lunch and a prix‑fixe dinner. Bell's is run by husband‑and‑wife duo Daisy and Greg Ryan, and their menu changes daily with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They include a 20% service charge to support equitable wages and their staff -- and you can genuinely feel how much they care about their team, their farmers, and their artisan partners. The love for their craft shows in everything. Our experience: We were seated quickly and welcomed with a glass of champagne in honor of our anniversary -- such a thoughtful touch. They brought our pup Enzo a water bowl right away. Our server walked us through the menu, answered all our questions, and checked in about dietary restrictions. We ordered the steak frites and the salad with chicken added. For drinks, we had a chilled red, an iced tea, and a vermouth‑based cocktail. The salad was incredible -- perfectly bitter greens balanced with citrus and just the right amount of dressing. The steak was tender and juicy, and the fries were thin, crispy, and addictive. This was an excellent experience from start to finish. We'd love to come back to try their ever‑changing menu and the prix‑fixe dinner. A must‑visit in Los Alamos -- truly unforgettable. read more

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Ate there last night and was not impressed. My wife had the steak which was tough and way to much pepper. I had the risotto which was ok. Didn't care for the half of dozen cherry tomatoes that were placed on top. I had the blue fin tuna appetizer which lacked flavor. The salad was tasty, good flavored dressing. For desert my wife had the nut tart with cheese which was very good. I had the angel food cake with plums , just OK. The food came out timely. Service was good . Although I got tired of hearing "cheers" after the fifth time. We dined on the patio which was nice. For a restaurant with a Michelin star I was expecting more. read more

We started strong with the panna cotta appetizer, which was easily the highlight of the meal and had us excited for what was to come. Unfortunately, the rest of the dishes did not live up to the expectations we had for a Michelin-starred restaurant. The steak frites was cooked perfectly, but the quality of the steak itself was disappointing. It was dry, overly chewy, and lacked the tenderness and quality we expected for the price. The mussels were nothing memorable, and while the snails were decent, they didn't stand out. The steak tartare was fine, but honestly tasted like any other tartare you could find elsewhere. The egg sandwich was okay, but the execution could have been improved. The pickles were cut extremely thick, making them awkward to eat in the sandwich. They would have been much better sliced thinly or chopped and incorporated into the egg salad itself. One of the biggest disappointments was the amount of fries. Nearly every entrée came with fries, and by the end of the meal, we had fries four different times. For a restaurant at this level, we expected more variety and creativity in the sides, like mashed potatoes, a baked potato, seasonal vegetables, or another thoughtful accompaniment would have made the meal feel more elevated. We did appreciate that the staff was accommodating and allowed us to swap out one serving of fries for a baguette at no additional charge. The service itself was friendly and welcoming, which helped make the experience more enjoyable. The team was attentive and accommodating, and we appreciated the hospitality. Ultimately, while everything was technically cooked correctly, the ingredient quality and overall execution did not match the Michelin-star expectations or the price point. For us, the panna cotta was the standout dish.. so much so that we would have rather ordered that appetizer multiple times than the rest of the meal. This was based on our lunch experience but we do not think we will be back to try their dinner items. read more

I came here for my birthday in spring and literally cannot wait to have dinner here again. Cute ambience, great food and reasonable price. Our server was really nice and sweet. Every dish had a perfect balance of acidity, saltiness and sweetness but maybe my steak was a little overly salted. I had a bottle of white wine from South Africa or somewhere which paired well even with beef. They have pretty good selection of non-Californinan wines along with locals. read more

Came here with my boyfriend for a Valentine's lunch and were seated right away! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I noticed right away the dress is pretty casual even though their website recommends smart casual.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] To start, we ordered the Pâté Grand-mère. We quickly noticed how good the quality of sourdough is. We were happy to find out it's from bread bike in San Luis Obispo! I ordered the steak frites and he ordered the beef cheek sandwich. They were both great. I was surprised by the ratio of fries to steak (my steak looks pretty small in the photo). You can't go wrong with a main dish. Next time we want to come for dinner! Note: Make a reservation at least two weeks in advance (maybe a month if it's a holiday). read more

Bell's - Steak frites - French Near Me - Los Alamos, California

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Service: was phenomenal from beginning to end. When we walked in the staff had a warm greeting, our server Sarah was amazing!!! Came here to celebrate my anniversary and to check it out since it's been on my list of places to try. Food: the shrimp croquettes 5/5 the homemade sauce that it came with the 5/5. The snails was delicious as well as the flavor on them! Steak frites 5/5, steak was cooked the way I wanted the butter on top of it was prefect!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance: homely and cute[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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We stopped by Bells for lunch and had a fantastic experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor was warm and inviting, with a modern design balanced by subtle antique touches that gave the space a lot of character.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We chose to sit on the patio, which was perfect for the beautiful weather--shaded, spacious, and very comfortable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For lunch, we ordered a salad with added steak, escargot (which was a must since it was on the menu), fries, and mussels. Everything was fresh, well-executed, and full of flavor. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and exactly what we were hoping for. The service was equally impressive. We didn't catch our server's name, but he was tall and stocky and did an excellent job walking us through the menu and answering our questions. He was attentive without being overbearing, and several other team members stopped by throughout the meal to check on us as well, which made us feel genuinely welcomed. Overall, it was a great lunch experience, and we'll definitely be back to try dinner and their prix fixe menu. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

Bell's - Escargot - French Near Me - Los Alamos, California

This is an event destination. A chef inspired home grown family run restaurant.[[HIGHLIGHT]]What a pleasant evening we had. We sat on the heated patio, the inside is French bistro style.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were welcomed by the chef and staff. We were a party of four and received menus wishing my friend a happy 65th Birthday. Everything that hit the table was out of this world. The best bite of the night is the uni caviar Bellini that everyone gets as aa intro. It is truly orgasmic. Next came fresh seeded bread and a field green salad. We tried all of the starters between us and two of the entrees. The Steak Au Poivre is legendary for a reason and has quite a little zip to it. The desserts were off the chart. Insane. Each plate was a well thought out work of art. Synchronized service. As we left, we were thanked for dining there and invited back; this always guarantees that I will return. Chef's Kiss, as they say. read more

Bell's - Best bite - French Near Me - Los Alamos, California

Had an amazing dinner at Bell's for my fiancée's birthday. Every dish was excellent -- the anchovies, sardines, escargot, and steak frites were all standout. You can really tell how much care goes into the food here. Big shoutout to our server Moses as well -- he was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience feel special from start to finish. Easily one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. Definitely worth the trip to Los Alamos. read more

Bell's - Sardines and salad - French Near Me - Los Alamos, California

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Stopped by Los Alamos because we needed to charge the car. I'm glad to have stumbled here! We came pretty late for lunch and most of the other places around town were closed. The staff is plentiful and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior space is well designed and includes an outdoor patio as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's WiFi, bathrooms, and parking next to the building.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is a manageable size without decision fatigue. Everything was delicious and will be the reason we intentionally stop by Los Alamos again. read more

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Dinner at Bells was the kind of meal that makes you briefly consider quitting your job, moving to Los Alamos, and dedicating your life to chasing that perfect bite. From the moment we sat down, the vibe was "tiny Parisian bistro teleported into wine country," and I was totally into it. Service was warm, charming, and just cheeky enough to keep things fun. Every dish came out looking like it had a publicist. The whole experience was relaxed but special--kind of like going to a dinner party thrown by someone who actually knows how to cook. If you're in Los Alamos and you don't eat at Bells, that's a personal choice... but not one I'd recommend. read more

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An epic dining experience in the most unsuspecting place. We sat at the chefs counter and were welcome with open arms. The hospitality, wine selections, and food were all top tier. Easy to see why they are highly rated. read more

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Bell's has amazing food, and the staff are so friendly and conversational. We've been back a few times, and whether you sit at the bar, inside, or outside, it's always a great time. Moses gave us some great recommendations! Daisy and her team have made Bell's a really special place. read more

Five stars isn't enough. I almost did the prefix dinner but then decided to try lunch so I could pick and choose what I wanted. Every dish was absolutely incredible. The sea urchin Panna cotta was extremely unique and ridiculously buttery and balanced. The buckwheat crêpe was again so so unusual but absolutely perfect. The gazpacho was fresh and delightful and exactly how summer tomatoes should taste. Everything was gorgeous from the bathroom, to the back patio, to the towels hanging on the wall, to the ice bucket for chilling wine. The service was excellent and attentive but not overwhelming. The wines are ere fantastic. The prices were extremely reasonable... then again I am coming from Los Angeles but I would pay double considering the quality and excellence of every single dish & the experience. I will absolutely be going back as soon as possible (Also, can I say I love that the head chef is a woman...) read more

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Took my girlfriend for our first year celebration. Every details were thought through. First 2 courses were served and we chose a steak and a fish entree. They both came undercooked. Service was there, mains weren't. It might be just luck, I am not sure.. read more

Bell's at Los Alamos -- A Michelin-starred French-inspired bistro with a case of salt assault. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Charming, rustic setting, farmhouse vibe throughout -- great that they have outdoor dining that is pet-friendly, as we were traveling with our beloved Mojo.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our lunch selections from the well-curated menu: Chicken Liver Mousse with strawberry jam, cornichons & crostini; Moules Frites, Beef Cheeks sandwich, and Chicken Paillard. Surprise -- the Chicken liver could easily star as one of the entrees! It showcases the perfect balance of the savory richness of the chicken liver mousse, the sweetness of the jam, and the cornichons cutting through the fat -- piled high on a crostini as the canvas. The chicken paillard was next -- pan-seared quickly, trapping all that juiciness, and splashed with a bright lemon-herb sauce. Our experience went downhill from there -- salt assault on the Beef Cheeks sandwich, but the Moules were the worst. I was looking forward to sopping up its rich saffron sauce with bread but was gobsmacked at the amount of salt that was added to it! Did the sous chef forget to ask the line if salt was already added? A fixable flaw, yes -- but a flaw that's fatal for a Michelin-starred restaurant. Regrettably, my culturally imbued civility restrained me from flagging the over-salted Moules and asking it to be returned -- I was still shell-shocked at how a Michelin-starred restaurant can get this dish all wrong. I will. Next time. Whatever the dish. Not in a while though. A one star in the Michelin Guide, means "worth a stop". Bell's is not. Two stars. Meh. read more

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didn't expect to find a 1 michelin star nestled in a tiny old west town. bell's serves locally sourced french fare. a la carte for lunch and $125 prix fixe for dinner. we opted for lunch on the drive home from santa barbara and were blessed to see exactly 3 spots open on the counter (should def get a res if there are more of you). to start, peach grapefruit was good though the small grapefruit bites were still overwhelmingly bitter. peach could be slightly riper, country ham offered a brief respite but overall wouldn't say the flavors are ideal. maybe if they added some cheese too. enjoyed the pistachio and puffed rice in the lunch salad. egg salad sandwich is fun with the tomato jam and massive pickle slices. steak is very well-cooked -- medium rare throughout, and frites are fresh. overall not bad glad i tried it but personally wouldn't classify this as a 1 star. maybe dinner is better though. [[HIGHLIGHT]]service is nice, decor and setting are also nice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Stopped here for lunch on our way to Paso Robles. What a great spot! We split the sardines, egg salad sandwich and steak frites. All were delicious! The service was very attentive and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely come back on my way to Paso again! read more

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Absolutely delightful! From impeccable service to delicious fresh and tasty food. Had lunch on back patio. Reservations recommended but not always necessary. Can't wait to return read more

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I'm a big fan after one dinner here. The price is more than fair at $110 for a prix fixe Michelin star meal. In fact it felt like we were cheating. We reserved counter seating to see the chefs in action, and I'm glad we did. I love seeing the art in motion, and there is more opportunity for interaction with the staff, all of whom were great. This place is really as much of a teamwork vibe as I've seen in any restaurant. The food was great too. Santa Barbara sea urchin with caviar: An extraordinary bite. The uni was very mild compared to others I've had. I guess this is a Santa Barbara thing... The pairing with the caviar on the crepe was about as nice of a surprise as I could have hoped for. Took me back to the oysters and pearls at French Laundry. Bell's seeded sourdough: Can I buy this bread? I can't recall ever having a more tasty sourdough. It was great even without that wonderful butter. Chavez Farms Lettuces: super fresh with a date and shallot vinaigrette. Super simple and very satisfying. So much flavor for a pile of lettuce. Yellow Peaches: With Cantabrian anchovies (these were great!) This was my wife's favorite dish. She made me make for her the following week. We didn't have the Cantabrian fishies, but it was still pretty good. Santa Rita Hills rabbit: This was a curious dish, topped with fig and surrounded by beans. The rabbit was a bit lost, and I found it underwhelming. My least favorite of the night, and something I woiuldn't order next time. Steak au Poivre: I've had so many poor versions of this, but apparently theirs helped put them on the map. It did not disappoint. It was a five ounce coulotte with peppercorn sauce, a perfect medium rare, and just wonderful. Strawberry Glace'e with chocolate ganache: My wife chose this, and she was in heaven. I had a couple of bites, and found it to be too good to stop at one. Ragged Point: Sweet onion tartlette with hazelnut praline and honey. Right up my alley. My taste buds were pretty exhausted by this point, but I managed to eat all of it. This was a great dining experience. I spoke with a few of the staff members about this or that, and they were all enthusiastic and patient with my questions. They add a service charge of about 20% to all checks, shared amongst all staff members, so no need to tip, but it was all so good I tipped anyway. We are looking forward to going back soon. Notes: This is a casual place. No need for a suit and tie. I saw shorts and T-shirts, and the staff were in jeans. No hard alcohol, but a nice wine list. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays read more

Everything was fantastic! The food was phenomenal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat at the counter so it was fun (for us) to watch them make the delicious magic happen.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was excellent. I can see why this has a Michelin star and I hope to return one day! read more

Let me start off by saying if you have Michelin Star, I'm going to hold you to different standard, than other restaurants. While we had some good dishes here, there were also a couple of misses that surprised me. Santa Barbara Sea Urchin - Nice flavor, but with caviar, uni, and mille crepe, it's all kind of one texture. 4 stars Bell's Seeded Sourdough - I love how high end restaurants are getting obsessed with baking, as they should be, but it's still not uncommon to see that important aspect outsourced. Not here, they are baking in house with love. 5 stars Finley Farms Lettuces - Shallot & medjool vinaigrette. Nice pairing to allow you to enjoy the fresh lettuce. 5 stars Wild Gulf Shrimp, tangerines, sake beurre blanc, sorrel - problem - the shrimp weren't cleaned and were very gritty, which is unpleasant especially when eating large shrimp. Also wasn't a fan of the tangerine flavor here. 2 stars Kabocha Squash, anchovies, cripsy garlic, pumpkin seeds, golden raisins, brown butter - I'm always a fan of this sweet Japanese squash. The anchovies didn't overpower. 5 stars Gnocchi a la Parisienne, chanterelles, leeks, sauce supreme - somehow the gnocchi soaked up the sauce here and thus had a ruined texture. They were just mush, kind of a shocking mistake in a Michelin star restaurant. Not sure if it was sitting waiting to be taken out. Perhaps the sauce should be poured table side. It also was perhaps broken which allowed the gnocchi to soak up the more oily base of the sauce. 2 stars Baja Striped Bass, fingerling potatoes, eggplant, saffron aioli - Nice crispy skin on the fish, although somewhat lacked that "smokiness" that often is the result. Not a fan of the saffron aioli which was quite powerful, but the rest of the dish was good. 4 stars Passion Fruit Glacee, meringue, chocolate sable - Passion fruit and chocolate worked nicely together like how in Europe they like to pair orange and chocolate together. 4 stars French Almond Cake Hachiya persimmon, creme chantilly - what's not to like here. Sweet persimmon, rich almond flavor, sweet cream with a hint of vanilla. Winner. 5 stars Even though there were a couple of dishes that I really didn't care for, I would come back and give Bell's another chance because at least at their price point, it isn't break the bank (In the Michelin world). Even if they are located in an old bank. Loved the location. read more

Bell's - French Near Me - Los Alamos, California

I absolutely love Bell's with all my heart. I can't think of a better place to celebrate any, if not all, occasions. Obviously try their pre-fix dinner if you can. I highly recommend adding on any sort of caviar supplement if it's offered. But Bell's lunch menu is what I think about often. Take for instance the egg salad sandwich ($17). It's a simple egg salad sandwich with maybe a harissa (?) spread to bind everything together. The eggs are unapologetically chopped into chunky pieces. They're jammy, a little yolky, and just perfect in sandwich form. Bell's takes an impossibly simple ingredient to create a mindblowingly delicious creation. And I can never not order the La Brújula tinned sardines ($23). The saltines are house-made which make for sturdy vessels with each bite. Nothing tastes better than a Bell's saltine - buttered - topped with sardines with a dollop of Priedite hot sauce. Each bite tastes like the first bite and I can't think of a better way to describe how it tastes every time I eat this. It's hard to gush about Bell's without mentioning the staff. Whether you're dinnering or lunching, the whole waitstaff is attentive and they make eating at Bell's an incredible experience. Plan a trip to the Central Coast and include Bell's on your itinerary. Or better yet, plan a trip around a visit to Bell's. read more

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Truly not impressive. I've been to quite a few Michelin star restaurants... sure presentation was pretty, the ambience beautiful, but the service. Ugh. The service. When we asked for recommendations on a dish, the waitress encouraged the chicken pithivier so strongly we ended up ordering a few. Why? It tasted like dry canned chicken on crackers. Why would she recommend it? The ratatouille was bland and the steak was too salty. The group favs: razor clams, peppers and the fig leaf short bread. But what really made me write this review: the wine sommelier. He was rude. He was uninformative. He barely gave us the time of day. He listed out 5 wines quickly. He happened to be standing an inch away from my friend, behind her mind you, and when she adjusted her hair he gave her the nastiest look. Like he was going to vomit. Ummm, maybe don't stand so close to people? When a dish was brought out incorrectly, the waiter quickly said he would change it. Then our waitress came and just gave us this blank look. "You ordered that." Point blank. No expression. Almost lobotomized? So my friend was stuck eating the peppers, which was good. But still. A little customer service? So yes, the food may be delicious for your palate, but the service is sub par sadly. read more

Bell's - French Near Me - Los Alamos, California

I came here over the weekend with my boyfriend to celebrate my birthday for lunch. First of all our waitress was so nice and bubbly and was super familiar with the area. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience was super cool with the open kitchen as we dined indoors.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Now, the food. We had the bells salad with chicken, which was incredible in every way possible the flavors just worked perfectly together. We had the steak frites which were perfect and then we had the mussels and frites which, what could be better dipping those fries in the extra broth... EPIC, I can't wait to come back. read more

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The food was definitely Michelin star! Our server, Mia, treated us like we were family though it was our first time. The ambiance is perfectly quaint and countryside. read more

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Dinner at Bell's last time was absolutely memorable. Our reservation was at 8 PM, but when we got there around 7:55, the table wasn't ready. The manager was kindly enough to offer us some free bubbles while we were waiting at their patio. I dined here before a few times for lunch so this time I was excited to try their prix fixe dinner menu. 1. It started off with the Santa Barbara Urchin and caviar on top of this little round thing that tasted like a bread. Honestly, this was my least favorite course for the night since I'm not really a fan of sea urchin in general. 2. Sourdough bread and Farms lettuces salad. I thought the bread was just okay too (I prefer more like a warm and a bit toasty bread), but the salad was so good. It's so light and refreshing with some lovely dressing. 3. Santa Rita Rabbit en croute and Bay Scallop Tartare. Glad we chose these two options. The scallop dish was also light and refreshing then followed with the warm and crispy pastry shell filled with tasty rabbit meat filling. 4. For the main course we opted for the steak frites and their fish dish, however, they were so kind to give us an extra dish which was the fromage tortellini. I tried their steak frites before which always tastes so amazing, but the fish was phenomenal! The tortellini was tasty as well and it's a great choice for a non meat eater. The main course itself was definitely the highlight of our meal. 5. We ended the meal with some delicious desserts (carrot cake and banana foster ice cream) Overall, we really enjoyed our dining experience at Bell's. Service was so amazing and we gave extra tip beyond the 20% automatically added. As their menu changes periodically, can't wait to return when I'm back in the area! read more

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Delicious food, great customer service, very affordable for a 1 Michelin Star restaurant! The hubby kinda surprised me with a reservation here for my late birthday dinner. Upon arrival, we didn't expect to see such a small the restaurant on the inside, with maybe 2 big tables that can fit 4 people, plus another 5-6 small tables that can fit 2, and the bar area with 4 chairs. They also have outdoor seatings (with heated lamps) which we didn't check out, but I'm glad the hubby made the reservation for indoor since it was freezing that night. For a 1 Michelin Star restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised at how casual and not pretentious at all this place is. The menu was already set on the table even before we sat down. We went on a Thursday which they offered both full course menu and express option (without the caviar/uni and the 1st 3 picks). We opted for the full course since it was our first time here. The food came out promptly. Everything was nicely presented (with the exception of the complimentary birthday treat) and delicious! However, the desserts were my least favorite. Out of the 3 desserts we got, my most favorite was the complimentary one which was not on the menu. I still don't know if it was ice cream or yogurt lol. Overall, Bell's is an excellent option for a nice dinner out or special occasion. They do require reservations so make sure to book it on their website. Also, if you use inKind to pay for the meal, you'll get $50 off $150 for 1st time use (good until end of February) as well as 20% cash back. It's a great deal! read more

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Food: The courses are well balanced and curated. Our party liked all the food. The only thing my mom mentioned was the veal carpaccio was a little "stringy" to cut into bite size pieces and cream sauce on skate wing fish dish was a bit heavy. Sea urchin was a great starter and salad/bread was on point. I didn't taste everyone's dish but everyone enjoyed their dishes overall. Kids' Steak was a bit salty... The rest of the food was great. Service: Service was outstanding! Staff remembered our selections for our large party and made recommendation on substitute for someone who is sensitive to dairy. Water cups were always filled. Empty of plates were taken away swiftly. Attentive and super friendly staff! Ambiance: [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the intimate cozy vibe, feel like you went to a friend's house for fine dining.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] An overall 8/10. It's not my favorite. I came here for my brothers birthday. I kind of expected more from a Michelin restaurant. read more

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We went back to Bell's to celebrate our (belated) 5 year anniversary. We had a puppy outside on the patio which they were very sweet about. Their late summer offerings were pretty different from what we'd gotten last year in late winter, and it was enjoyable to eat all of their fresh produce like tomatoes, plumcots, and peaches in their dishes. Service was a standout this visit. Bell's never disappoints! read more

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Bell's is an absolute MUST! Make a reservation as soon as you know you plan on being in Los Alamos or Santa Ynez. It's truly a remarkable experience, there hasn't been a time that we've gone up there and haven't booked dinner. The staff is incredible kind, for birthdays they do a special menu with the birthday person's name! The inside is charming, but I personally love the outside space. The uni + caviar bite is literally a dream bite, I'm always wanting more!!! read more

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At a recent weekend getaway, we indulged in a French-inspired brunch at this bistro here in Los Alamos, and we glad we made reservation to enjoy this popular bistro! We ordered an appetizer to go with our beef tartare and our steak frites. The dishes were neatly prepared, and you can see how they prep everything in the open kitchen. The tartare was a good blend, and you can see the ingredients all well blended. The steak was delicious cooked to medium rare. Service was excellent and very attentive as expected for a one Michelin star restaurant. The unpretentious dishes in brunch really make this a casual experience in a more refined atmosphere. I now understand why folks at wineries are telling us about this place! read more

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We planned an impromptu 2 day trip to Los Alamos which we planned around a visit to Bell's. I was impressed by this charming little town, and our dinner at Bell's was the absolute highlight. The restaurant itself was cozy with an industrial vibe that was casual but upscale. The meal was a 5 course tasting menu. Our service, led by Dante, was impeccable while also being friendly and approachable. Dante explained everything thoroughly to help us decide what to order. It started with a caviar canapé, salad and bread & butter, and everyone gets the same. We chose the Anchovy Panisse & Lamb Roulade for our first courses, steak frites & risotto for our mains and walnut glacée and Brillat-Savarin for dessert. It's hard to choose a standout because everything was fabulous. I was hesitant to order the risotto because it seems nutritionally void, and I usually like a protein with my main course, but I went out in a limb, and it was so delicious! The compte cream with melted leeks was sooooooo good!l i preferred the glacee over the brillat-savarin because it was like a tiny walnut ice cream sundae and I could eat one every day. They do not have a wine pairing, but, on Mondays, bottles of wine are half price, and they let you order half glasses of wine, so we ordered several half glasses and created our own pairing. This truly was a treat from start to finish, and it's really not exorbitantly expensive, especially considering that they have a Michelin star. We'll definitely go back on our next road trip. read more

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We spent the day in Solvang and headed to Bell's for dinner. I loved how cozy and intimate the dining experience is (and the food is amazing.) favorites include the steak au poivre, perfect black pepper sauce, and the cantaloupe dessert. I'll be back next time I'm in the area. read more

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Bell's was a truly unique and memorable dinner. We went there for my partner's birthday. They made it extra special for us with a Happy Birthday message printed on the menu. The staff was very sweet and polite and made us feel super welcome. Coming to the food, we started with the Santa Barbara Sea Urchin with Regis Ova caviar, mille crêpe. This was an explosion of flavors. I was skeptical that it might taste too fishy, but the whole dish did not. Next, we had the Bell's Seeded Sourdough with Stepladder Creamery cultured butter and Finley Farms Lettuces with shallot & medjool date vinaigrette. These were very nice and refreshing. Next, we had Razor Clams with Fioretto cauliflower, confit potato, vermouth blanc bouillon. It was part clam chowder and part crudo. Absolutely loved how fresh and light this dish was. We also had the Jimenez Farms Chicken Pithivier Golden Nugget tangerines, pickled mushrooms, melted leeks. It was perfectly executed. For the entrées, we had "Ratatouille" gnocchi Parisienne, Fiscalini cheddar, arugula pistou and Steak au Poivre 5 oz coulotte, Steve's peppercorn sauce & frites. These were sublime. For dessert, we had Ragged Point Ryan Farms walnut tart, rosemary and Île Flottante Santa Maria strawberries, Makrut lime. They were so so good! The final cherry on top was that they surprised us with a birthday cake. It was so nice! Absolutely loved the experience. The ambiance was super nice and quiet. read more

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Bell's: Where Alignment Tastes Like Home I went to Bell's on my birthday--because some moments call for something more than a meal. They call for something that means something. And Bell's, nestled in the wine-soaked countryside of Los Alamos, isn't just a restaurant. It's an alignment. Not the kind of alignment that shouts with fireworks and fanfare, but the kind that hums softly beneath your skin and reminds you that life, at its core, is about how things fit together. People hear "Michelin" and they imagine tuxedos, hushed voices, plates that look too pretty to eat. But Bell's isn't that. Bell's reminds you that Michelin doesn't mean pomp--it means precision. It means intent. It means that every ingredient, every note on the plate, every hand that touches it, is in harmony with everything else. The moment you walk through the doors, you feel it. The glow of soft amber lighting. The farmhouse warmth of concrete floors and white brick walls. And what could have been cold--those raw, masculine concrete floors--is softened, effortlessly, by sprawling decorative rugs, rich with color and pattern. The kind of rugs you'd find in a well-loved living room, the kind a mother might place beneath the dining table not for show, but to warm the feet, to bring life and softness into a space. The two--rug and concrete--dance with one another in quiet agreement: rough and smooth, hard and soft, balanced without either one overreaching. You feel like you've stepped not into a restaurant, but into a home with history, texture, and soul. Copper pans hang above, not as decoration for show, but as quiet symbols of real kitchens, real hands, real homes. The chairs aren't thrones--they're invitations. And the staff? They aren't performing. They're welcoming you in. That's the magic Bell's captures: the feeling that you're not in a restaurant--you're in someone's home. The servers move with a grace that isn't forced. They wear aprons--not stiff, ironed uniforms--but soft, stylish aprons that feel like something your mother might tie on before cooking your favorite meal. The kind of apron that says, "I'm here to care for this. And for you." They speak to you like an old friend might. No pretension. No scripted monologues about soil and sun exposure. Just: Here's what we love about this dish. Try it. See how you feel. There's a quiet confidence in that. A generosity. The way someone who loves to cook would serve you at their own table: wanting you to taste, to smile, to feel good. And the food--oh, the food--sings with that same ethos. It's not just a plate of risotto; it's a conversation between cream and grain, pepper and oil, softness and bite. It's the kind of dish where the olive oil doesn't just sit--it swirls, gleams, creates a perfect circle of golden punctuation. The anchovies are topped intentionally, their saltiness designed to contrast whatever tender brightness is placed above or beneath them--maybe citrus, maybe a fresh herb--so that each bite holds a tension between softness and sharpness, richness and lift. Nothing is accidental. Every element is arranged with the quiet care of a hand that knows exactly where each note belongs. And the spinach atop the puff--this is no ordinary garnish. The crunch of the golden pastry gives way to the silk of the vibrant greens, but without the bitter edge spinach often carries. Here, it's subdued, tender, almost chewy in the most delicate way. It tastes like something only a chef with compassionate precision--paired with the right growing methods--could bring to life. The cream beneath doesn't drown it; it elevates it. The pastry doesn't overpower it; it frames it. It's where the symphony meets the cream, the puffiness, the crunch, the silk--all of it organized into one edible piece of music. There's no rushing here. No artificial grandeur. Even the simplest things--like a single scoop of ice cream with a birthday candle--taste better. Not because they're dressed up in gold leaf, but because they're real. Because the cream comes from happy cows, the hands that churn it are steady, and the intent behind it is pure. That's what Michelin actually honors: not extravagance, but excellence. Excellence rooted in humility. Bell's is where the countryside's rhythm meets the conductor's hand. Where every element--the food, the space, the people--move together like a quiet symphony. You don't leave stuffed. You leave filled. Filled with the taste of simplicity done flawlessly. Filled with the warmth of being treated not as a customer, but as a guest. As family. And that's what alignment really is. That's what Bell's is. read more

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Life changing to say the very least. The food: Perfection The service: Unmatched [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes: Immaculate[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My husband and I made a reservation here to celebrate our 10th anniversary and the team here made it so special with menus that had our names on it for the occasion. Chris was absolutely phenomenal with his friendly and warm personality and made our experience that much more personalized. He gave us a tour of the full menu, gave impeccable wine pairings for the courses selected, and even topped it off with a lovely dessert wine that I wish I had asked the name of (he described at as apricot and sunshine which it absolutely was). The entire team was so attentive and it was honestly a joy watching them do their work while enjoying our meal. The menu had so much thought behind it and the care in the selection of fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients added an additional layer to flavor profiles on top of the exceptional seasoning. The first bite of sea urchin and caviar was so rich (truly a perfect bite), the salad while simple was so flavorful, and the bread that is baked in house was so soft and paired beautifully with the cultured butter topped with flaky sea salt. We chose the Âmevive Lamb Roulade and Ridgeback Prawns for our appetizer, the Cobia Rôti and Steak au Poivre for our entrees, and the Tarte au Citron and Chocolate Mousse for dessert. While I do love seafood, I typically don't pick those options when dining out but the sea urchin, the prawns, and Cobia fish were my absolute favorite bites from our dinner options. I cannot say enough good things about this lovely place with a staff that is just as lovely. As someone who works in retail with a brand that focuses on 5 star customer experience, I appreciated receiving service that was more than good enough to leave the house for and that was worth every single dollar spent. I can only close this review by saying that we look forward to returning again before our next anniversary and a huge thank you to the entire team at Bell's for such a special meal to celebrate this milestone in our lives. read more

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