While I can't speak to the restaurant normal operations I can speak to their event hosting. We held a farewell brunch the morning after our wedding at this restaurant and it was fabulous! The staff were easy to work with in setting up the event and more than accommodating with the several dietary restrictions that we brought up given the size of the party that would be stopping by (roughly 80 or so). They had a wide variety of pastries, meats, and other desserts that's were all absolutely spectacular. And bother internal and external of the venue are absolutely beautiful. We had a nice sunny morning so most of our party were sitting outside in the wonderful patio space and everyone was raving about how good the food was. read more

Cella Restaurant and Bar is a beautiful space in the heart of Monterey, with a warm interior and a lovely back patio with heat lamps. Our server was very nice and attentive, but there was some unevenness in the courses due to a disconnect between what he described and what the kitchen actually delivered. For example, I mentioned that my partner has an aversion to cilantro, and in one course the kitchen actually replaced it entirely with chives, which was amazing. However, when our server came by, he mentioned they had put the cilantro on the side. In another dish, a full cilantro stalk came right on top of the plate. Not a huge deal since we could just pick it off, but it was a sign of inconsistency in service. We also ordered the cod dish, and when we mentioned we were avoiding undercooked proteins, our server said he would make sure it was cooked through, which confused me a bit since I believe cod is always fully cooked through. On to the food itself, we started with the plum lacquered duck kefta, which came out on two cinnamon sticks used as the skewers. These were absolutely fantastic, with the yogurt sauce acting as the perfect foil for the expertly seasoned duck and the cinnamon stick adding a subtle spice. The Moss Landing black cod was likewise delicious, with the cod cooked to a buttery and flaky texture, and it was paired with a sumptuous vanilla bean butter sauce over a bed of pepper and green bean panzanella that was out of this world. My only complaint was that for the steep price, the portion was quite small. The curried lamb shoulder was exceptional as well. It arrived with a striking presentation, encased in a three-quarter dome puff pastry shell filled with shredded lamb shoulder meat. It came with a side of some kind of fruit compote or chutney, though we were not given a detailed description of most dishes. This portion felt appropriate for the price and was the favorite of the night. We mentioned we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and while we were not expecting anything over the top, we were a bit disappointed when we saw them bring out a dessert with a candle for what I assume was a birthday celebration at another table. For a restaurant of this caliber and at this price point, I have always experienced at least some sort of gesture, even if just a small card or message at the table. Overall, we had a pleasant evening, but it is not somewhere we would return to based on the uneven service and the mismatch between price and portions. read more

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So bummed to change my review of Cella. Visited recently for a birthday dinner celebration and noticed the menu changes after being accustom to the menu. The presentation of the bread and oysters was great. The grilled artichoke was fine but not worth the price, I prefer the Hillstone version better. The service was taking really long so we were giving some dishes compliments of the kitchen, which was really nice. The honey carrots were pretty good but not something I would order again. The fruit salad was beautiful and refreshing but felt more like a dessert. The striploin was also tasty, but the butter beans were so odd! The crispy eggplant and the beans were fine, but the eggplant got soggy in all the sauce and ended up being the most disappointing dish of the night. Overall I'll probably return at some point but I miss the old menu! I walked away feeling like these dishes missed the mark. read more

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So we have eaten at Cella many times and we love the restaurant. This time we can with another couple that have never been. They were skeptical of some of the items we ordered for the table. They ended up loving everything! For us it was the best meal we have eaten at Cella! The restaurant is handsome, the staff is super friendly and professional. The menu is excellent with nice variety and complexity. The restaurant was the fullest I had ever seen it and it made the experience even better. Julio and the rest of the staff did a great job attending us. The ambiance is pretty cool considering it is an old adobe with a mod-century flair to it. We will be talking about this meal and experience for a long time. read more

We sat outside in the back, which is a lovely dining area with plenty of room between tables. We had our infant+stroller with us and didn't feel like we were bothering other patrons. The food and wine were both delicious. My husband's beef cheek was tender, the scallop dish had a wonderful sauce, and the steak tartare was a perfect appetizer. Overall, we really enjoyed dining here. read more

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First visit since new chef started. Cal, the previous chef, did a very nice job taking Cella to a new level. Menu was lovely, service excellent, good value for $. Lilly the GM (promoted from within) is very good and is always reading the room-- Josh, best bar mixologist anywhere. So Cal left as he is known to do...the new guy ( sorry can't remember his name) was last at Noir in Carmel. So maybe I'm jaded because I never liked all the fussiness and inconsistencies at Noir...the now new Cella is just ok. I'd say prices are way up for a similar looking menu but under closer view it's really not -- most everything is $65+and you can spend more. Example, I had duck confit-$50+old menu it was $35- yes it wasn't an entre but it was the same size as what is on new menu. The hamburger is now Gone. The fist dishes are oddly presented with the "sides"-- didn't seem to fit. I could go on. This could all be growing pains. It was fairly busy the night we went so not sure what's up. I hope they get it right. Ben is a good owner and astute. If something needs fixing he will get to it. Right now I think it needs some time. I'll go back. read more

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Went to Cella on a Wednesday night, made a reservation just in case, but it was decently empty. Everything about this dinner was so pleasant- from the service, the meal, to the ambience and the best dessert I've had in a very long time. We went for our anniversary and wrote that on our resy reservation but didn't bring it up once in person, literally every server and hostess immediately wished us a happy anniversary and they even gave us complementary pate de choux to start, which was super super nice! We ordered the Crudo and the octopus for appetizers, which were both super light bursting with flavour. We got the lamb chop because lamb is our favourite protein, and though it was pricey I would say for the portion , super well cooked and the potatoes were divine. finally, the absolute star was the vanilla crème brûlée. What made it so unique was that it was topped with a warm chocolate mousse which I've never seen before, and the fresh vanilla bean in there absolutely changed the game. I was literally scraping the bottom of the bowl which was mildly embarrassing hahahaha but would do it again. Wha a great gem in Monterey. I love it here and I love their bakery too- Will absolutely come back. read more

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You do, admittedly, have to get over a bit of sticker shock (yes, $46 for risotto is a thing). But once you clear that mental hurdle, you're free to fully appreciate the quiet genius that is Cella. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit -- rustic, warm, and moody in the best way. It feels like a moonlit European hideaway you somehow wandered into with kids in tow. And speaking of kids, the staff deserves serious credit for being gracious, accommodating, and impressively tolerant of our 4- and 6-year-olds, who can occasionally strike fear into the hearts of fine-dining establishments. Our waitress was an absolute sweetheart and made us feel genuinely at home. Now let's talk food -- because wow. Ridiculously good. Michelin-star-level good. The kind of good that makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud made entirely of butter, salt, and joy. We started with the bread, which arrived beautifully baked and paired with homemade butter and salt that immediately set the tone. My wife and I intended to split the burrata salad... until our little culinary thieves discovered the burrata and beets. At that point, it became every diner for themselves. The kids' pasta deserves its own paragraph. It was shockingly excellent -- better than pasta we've had at plenty of adult-focused spots. Honestly, I'd take this over anything at Felix in Venice without hesitation. My wife ordered the risotto -- yes, the $46 one -- and every single bite justified the price. Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. I went with the beef cheek at the suggestion of our waitress, and whoa, Nelly. Fork-tender to the point where a knife felt optional, served with horseradish, pomme purée gratin, broccolini, and perfectly roasted carrots. It transformed me from a normal diner into a near-feral, plate-lifting, considering-licking-it-clean creature. The busser laughed and said she wouldn't judge. I appreciated that. Dessert sealed the deal. We had every intention of getting ice cream later, but once the crème brûlée arrived -- fruity, rich, and glorious -- all bets were off. Gloves came off. Spoons flew. Every last morsel was claimed. And a special shoutout is required for the Shirley Temples, which deserve their own Michelin-adjacent recognition. These weren't kid drinks -- they were full productions, served with massive, crystal-clear jumbo ice cubes that instantly stopped our kids mid-sentence. The awe was real. They were convinced the ice had been harvested moments earlier by Kristoff himself and shipped directly from Arendelle. I didn't correct them. When a restaurant makes kids feel that seen and delivers this level of fine dining, that's rare air. Yes, it's expensive. And yes, it's worth every single cent. We would go back every time we're in Monterey without hesitation. Cella isn't just dinner -- it's an experience. And a damn good one. read more

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The sever did not tell us the meals were going to be the size of a penny. They should have mentioned dishes were going to be extremely small but they did not. We paid 126$ for two "small plates" and for one order of measly oysters. Totally unsatisfied with the service being up front on what they are actually serving. The attached photo shows what they charged 38$ for without tac or tip. The size of that shrimp is the size of half of my pinky. A total compete joke, please go somewhere else. read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

So I started off with a sparkling local wine. We did not have reservations, so we sat down at the communal table near the bar. Every single person that helped us was treating us like they were the owners of the restaurant. Accommodating, helpful, and pleasant. We were not rested at all so we were having our drinks and they were kind enough to bring over a manual. We looked it over and then I pulled out my phone and I gave them a list of my particular dietary restrictions and the waitress said no problem. We'll be able to accommodate you and they did. I've got to say, though the french fries that they came out with were absolutely fantastic. There was a version here of garlic fries, thin cut, crispy, tender not overdone, absolutely delicious. They came along with the steak that they prepared just for me. It was not on the menu, but they took the steak that they were making that day grilled it up for me and put a special sauce again delicious what a wonderful treat. It reminded me of the steak and Pom Frits at the restaurant in Napa the Bouchon Bistro, but I enjoyed the food here more. I asked my wife what she thought about it. The food the drinks. The Services, she said oh great we had a wonderful time. We were treated like VIPs. read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - Good local sparkling Chardonnay delicious. - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

We went back the night after we ate here the first time because we were drinking at a place down the street and thought... why are we drinking sub par drinks when we can just go back to see Lyndsey at Cella and have the best drinks ever. We came here while on vacation in Monterey for my birthday. Frankly it's pricey, but we had 2 apps and one entree and still left with several leftovers so it was very much worth the price. The incredible pork chop was Flintstone sized but cooked perfectly. The asparagus had several different things going on and they all got along splendidly. Salad=complex, excellent, and the service was over the top as well. As for the aforementioned bar, if you ever want to feel like Willy Wonka and shout out "The snozzberries taste like SNOZZBERRIES!" This is the bar for you. To paraphrase WW "they are the music makers... the dreamers of dreams." read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - No wonder there's a Chartreuse shortage! - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

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I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while. Testing restaurants with custom menu due to medical diet restrictions: (before being seated, I asked the host if this restaurant could accommodate me. She said I'd have to ask the server. The ambiance is great and my server was nice and asked the kitchen if they could custom some menu items. They said yes. I ordered their burrata garden salad without burrata and oil and extra greens to compensate for taking away the most expensive item. 1st try, served me the dish with the burrata. 2nd try, served me about a cup of greens (without smashing it down) with vinegar. Barely a side salad size. 3rd try, they gave me the same small amount with oil. Not the size I expect from a $24 salad. However, the flavor and texture was excellent. And dish is pretty The garlic herb fries were perfectly crunchy. However, I could barely taste the garlic and herbs. Disappointed. Maybe the chef/cooks were having a bad day? read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - Burrata garden salad - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

For the week of Thanksgiving, my sister and I decided to drive down to Monterey for a short getaway. Decided to try this place now after reading some reviews about the octopus appetizer that is yummy. Ordered grilled spanish octopus, japanese hamachi crudo, alaskan hailbut, and pasta tagliatelle It was a very busy night but food was still delicious. The grilled octopus was not chewy and it didn't feel like I was actually eating octopus (because normally octopus is cooked in a way that makes it chewy). The hamachi crudo was fresh and yummy (slight bitterness from the cucumber or maybe the lemon zest perhaps? But still good overall). Anyways everything ordered was good, and the portions were perfect for two people to share who don't have big appetites. read more

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Where do I even start! First, let me just say this meal was not only the culinary highlight of my Monterey trip but also ranks up there with one of the best meals ive ever had (which includes some Michelin-rated NY restaurants). The vibe inside is very welcoming and warm and the wait staff are all fantastic and friendly. Started off with one of their signature cocktails (Break on Through) which is a gin based cocktail. I honestly didnt know what to expect when I ordered it, so it was quite amusing to see when it arrived at the table overflowing in foam. Dont be fooled by its playful blue Gatorade vibes...it packs a punch! Next up was the Grilled Spanish Octopus appetizer. Wow...just wow! I dont think ive ever had such tender octopus in my life! They apparently braise it in white wine for three hours and sous vide it. The romesco sauce which accompanies the dish is to die for and really brings the whole dish together nicely. To maximize the experience of the Wild Striped Seabass, I asked the waiter for a white wine recommendation, and he duly delivered! The wine paired perfectly and delivered a welcome crisp and perfectly acidic balance to the dish. The Seabass itself was perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth. The textural contrast of the cauliflower and turnips to the delicate nature of the fish was also well conceived and executed. Finally, the dessert...the Crème brûlée. By this point I was rather full, however, I couldn't pass up at least trying a few bites of one of their magnificent sweet treats. There was a rewarding crack as you broke through the top into the decadent mousse and vanilla cream center. Also loved the temperature contrast within the dessert as well. Thank you Cella for such an amazing culinary experience tonight! I wish you were much closer so I could be a regular, however, Im sure I will be back again. read more

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A true honor and privilege to get to eat here. This isnt just food. It's an artform. And let me say it BY FAR surpasses every single Michelin star restaurant I have dined in. This is what food is supposed to taste like. This is my second time dining at cella. Me and my partner come once a year for our anniversary. The first time I thought maybe I was blinded by my hunger. That I may have had rose tinted glasses on as first times dining places can often do that. As we return for a second time. Cella has proven itself to be some of the best food my mouth has had the pleasure of eating. What to order. Order every single cocktail they have to offer. The duck is a non negotiable for a starter and if you're a tapenade fan get the beans. For entrees. The chicken. Although it's hard to go wrong with any of the entrees. But THE CHICKEN. I don't know how they do it but it's ruined almost every other chicken dish for me. Unfortunately any duck is also ruined for me because of how good theirs is. We had the scallops too. I'm not one for fish but i devoured these. The ambience is beautiful and the service couldn't be better. Thanks cella. We truly appreciate you guys. Also I'm looking at other reviews and I'm utterly disappointed by the lack of duck dishes reviews. GUYS. Get the duck. Just do it. I beg of you. read more

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Several of us came here for a late dinner. While it was definitely pricey, I do take into consideration that this is a highly touristy area. The service was outstanding, from the moment we arrived to the time we left. I also loved that she suggested items without being overly pushy. We shared an excellent salad, and then proceeded to or entrees. My scallops were perfectly executed. The chestnut puree was different, but worked well with the bits of slightly bitter greens dotted on the plate. My dining companions had the sea bass and pork chop respectively. Their comments were very positive as well. If you're looking for a cute spot with great food and excellent service, Cella will not disappoint. read more

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3.5/5 This was a decent restaurant for a New American date night spot, but nothing to rave about. I really liked the restaurant itself. It's relatively small, cozy and intimate, and has a big heated patio that I would've loved to sit at in better weather. The service was standard and the food came out within good time (not too slow but not too fast), but I felt like the staff came by excessively to fill our waters even though we had a bottle on the table. I ordered the Barbados Handshake and my boyfriend ordered an Old Fashioned. My cocktail was a good option for something fruity and tart, but my boyfriend's Old Fashioned tasted really syrupy. For our meal, I ordered the striped bass, my boyfriend ordered the beef cheek and we shared the side of bread. The white sourdough bread was rustic and hearty, and we liked it a lot. However, we did not like the multigrain bread--it was a little too earthy for both of us. If we had known the plate was a combo, we would've asked for just a plate of the plain sourdough. The sea bass was cooked well and I enjoyed the crispy skin on top, but I thought the risotto and sauce was generic and not super interesting. The beef cheek was delicious! It was tender, meaty and rich, and made the dinner worthwhile. We also liked the chocolate hazelnut mousse. It was a good size to share, and the crumble / nuts added a nice texture to the mousse. I will say I was a little disappointed by the appetizer selection. I was looking forward to something like grilled octopus, quail or kale salad but none of those were on the menu recently. We love getting appetizers normally but the beet salad, asparagus soup, etc. just didn't attract us when we visited. read more

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Excellent service, ambiance and food! From the moment we walked in it felt like comin' Home! Acme Sourdough, Spade&Plow squash carpaccio, and the Squab entrée were all spectacular! The Hot chocolate pudding was beyond! We'll be back! read more

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Great service. Excellent food. Cute ambiance. But something is just bothering me a little bit, and it's the price point. This place appears to stay busy with the high-end crowd, so I guess they can charge whatever they want -- it's $30 apps, $60 mains, $20 for any glass of wine, and that's before tax or tip. Still, people keep coming in, so more power to them. But this one got me: it's $13 here for *bread*. And bear in mind, this place is only open from 5:30p-9p, so this is the unsold bakery bread from the morning we're talking about. And that's $13? Again, I guess they can charge whatever they want, and the clientele seemed like mostly the cashmere-sweater crowd, so maybe it's no bother to them. But something about this just rubbed me the wrong way -- even though everything was technically very strong. read more

We loved our date night here because of all the attention to detail - flavors, lovely front of house staff and fun presentation. Dessert in a vintage tea cup? Yes, please! Even the wine was notable. What a delightful experience! read more

Delicious and creative!!! It's SO amazing, refreshing, & inspiring to know everything the kitchen used is local & organic. Each ingredient is farm & ocean to table, handled with so much care, intention, & precision. If you seeking to get a taste of the beautiful Monterey Bay, this must be the place!!! Don't miss out on this EPIC team! read more

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Service was fantastic. Each dish was absolutely amazing & interesting flavor profiles. We had a memorable dinner. Can't wait to go back.

Yummy steak tartare and excellent service at the bar. Nice room and lovely outdoors. Large portions of nice looking pork chop (will order next time!) read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - Steak Tartare - balsamic fwd and fresh tangy seasoning. Nice quality steak chopped by hand in small pieces - great execution overall. - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

Oh my! Cella restaurant never disappoints. This was my 4th visit here but the 1st time for my 2 "foodie" friends. We went here on Good Friday and it was! We started with two wonderful appetizers; an Asparagus Veloute with asparagus tips and topped with fennel and a "decorative"creme fraiche type of topping, along with an amazing Duck Leg confit, which just fell off the bone delish meat served with green lentils along with slightly raw egg. WOW! Then for our entrees we ordered the Braised Beef Cheeks, Rack of lamb and the Quail. Every one of these dishes were over the top amazing,,,full of fresh and delicious flavors that amazed. And, just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite,,,our fantastic waiter, KEVIN, tempted us with these over the top desserts. We ordered and shared the Panna Cotta, which was so light and refreshing and original, and followed with an unforgettable Creme Brûlée that puts any previous Creme Brûlée to shame. And the service by our fantastic waiter, Kevin, along with all of the staff ... (shout out to Miguel our cute and enthusiastic server)) and the wonderful historic setting made this a meal we won't soon forget. read more

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Service was nice, watch out for the outdoor heaters when the turn on, they dropped ash all over my wife and table. Nice European country feel. Sea bass and brûlée was delicious, the steak was decent. read more

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Food: 5 Decor: 4 Service: 4 Came here for dinner after making a reservation a week earlier. Swank Farm corn soup, 28 Maine lobster, peas, chipotle creme fraiche, alta bakery grilled sourdough 5/5. Great. Fresh seasonal corn really came through, and it was really well balanced with the lobster and sourdough. Warm bing cherries, 29 Brown butter, foie blonde, shiso, 9-grain bread 4/5. Good. Interesting and creative presentation of foie with cherries, and overall worked really well especially with the shiso, which was unexpected. Grilled spanish octopus, 32 3/5. OK. Octopus was cooked fine, but the dish fell a bit flat taste-wise. Maine diver scallops, 61 White corn, morel, peas, vanilla oil, shaved black truffle 5/5. Great. Everything complemented well, and the protein was cooked perfectly. Pork chop, 57 Bacon, butter beans, beet, swiss chart, brussel sprout, pea shoots 4/5. Good. Very well cooked pork chop, but thought the scallops were much better. Generally not the biggest fan of pork chop though. Service was great. Will definitely return and try more dishes next time I'm in town. read more

Cella was so good, it really deserves 6 stars. Went with two childhood friends on a girls trip and shared several dishes. We were so blown away that we cancelled our reservation elsewhere for the next night and returned to Cella. Highlights included the beet salad, pork chop, rigatoni, scallops, the pavlova was to die for and the persimmon cake amazing. Our server Kevin was the cherry on the cake, along with the entire staff who were so welcoming and friendly. A special experience and can't wait to return! read more

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Service - chefs kiss.. greeted at the door, servers (all of them) very attentive. Want to give a shout out to Alicia who took care of us all evening! Outstanding. Greet with Champagne. Ambiance very festive (it is New Year's Eve). Off to bring in 2026... what a great meal to end 2025. read more

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A wonderful dining experience. I would like to give them 5 stars but three things happened that were unfortunate. 1. The server didn't ask for a temperature on my steak. 2. She took my cocktail when I wasn't done finished. For $18 I would like to be asked if it should be taken away. I still had at least two sips left. 3. When there was a line for the single bathroom inside our server suggested I use the restroom in the courtyard. Unfortunately it was quite messy, cold, and I needed a code to get in. It took me a bit to go back inside and find someone to get me the code. I wish I would have waited indoors. Maybe our server was new. I was not impressed. The food and cocktails were wonderful. We didn't get a standard appetizer, instead we ordered the warm white beans with herbs that is listed as a side on the menu. They were creamy, herby, and wonderfully savory. I had the steak for my entree and my husband had the striped sea base. Both were outstanding and cooked perfectly. It is not a cheap place for dinner - for food this great you should expect to pay more. We were told the menu changes seasonally. Make sure you get reservations. It fills up fast. read more

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As a returning customer to Cella, this visit had the atmosphere and service I have come to expect from the establishment. However, the food tonight unfortunately left something to be desired. It is unclear if the economy has hit the restaurant, but the portions left something to be desired and for the first time ever - I left the restaurant unsatiated! For these prices I would expect more than a child's portion of steak and a cold salad of beans. Flavor wise there was also something left to be desired. The black cod was not impressive, feeling like something that could be cooked at home. There was also no starch pairing, which made the plate feel empty and probably contributed to my unfilled stomach. For these prices I would expect more from the sides, because tell me why the steak came with maybe 10 pieces of vegetables and 3 blackberries? How is this a meal worth $65+? I will say the drinks were delicious, we had both a mocktail and a cocktail. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive. Regardless, I would not recommend based off the current menu (June 2026). read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - June 2026 menu - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

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Good service here, the food is pretty good. Service is good. The ambiance is very chill and relaxing. There is great venue space outside they use for weddings and events and overall the place is clean, the food is fresh. Definitely be back. read more

We live 2 + hours away. Amazing experience the second we arrived. Everyone I mean every single person is so kind and welcoming. The food is 10/10 highly recommend. Thank you Cella restaurant. We we'll see you again !! read more

Cella Restaurant & Bar - Scallops were definitely my favorite. We also tried each appetizer. Loved the asparagus and carrots the most! - New American Near Me - Monterey, California

Let me tell you--this meal *ruined* all other meals for me. I'm officially obsessed, and I have no regrets that we chose this spot for our anniversary dinner. It's as if the culinary gods themselves orchestrated this feast, and I'm still recovering emotionally. We were seated outside, beneath heaters that wrapped us in a warm embrace. The ambiance was perfection: the ground had that perfect sandy-firm balance--enough texture for a little flair, but not enough to make me regret wearing open-toed sandals. We brought our own wine, which they treated with the utmost reverence, pouring it into the proper glasses as if it were the nectar of the gods. The meal kicked off with tuna crudo and bread that were so good, I nearly wept. Then, the main event: I ordered the hanger steak, and I swear to you, it was an out-of-body experience. The potato purée? A masterpiece in its own right. My partner ordered the red wine braised beef cheek, and let me just say--beef cheek is not something I ever envisioned myself eating. But after one bite? I practically *levitated.* Like, I left my mortal coil and briefly touched the heavens. Dessert was also exceptional ! I can't remember what we had (I think the chocolate mousse), but remember it was well worth not skipping 100% recommend. Can't wait to be back read more

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There are so many upscale, fancy establishments in Monterey that it's hard to pick one to try, let alone be worth it for the price tag. Cella is no exception, as I had one of the best meals there during my stay. I made a reservation for 6PM, and we were promptly seated inside the repurposed adobe house, which made for a lovely dining experience. We started with parmesan fries and a tomato-nectarine burrata salad: the former was so crispy, as I think it was double fried and beautifully salted. The salad was also a hit, with incredibly sweet tomatoes and nectarines-- not a hint of sourness at all! I opted for the beef cheek, which came with creamy polenta and roasted carrots and broccolini. Nothing imperfect about this plate: the beef cheek was thick, tender, and fatty-- absolutely melted in my mouth. The roasted vegetables were well-seasoned and brightened the palate of an otherwise-rich dish. Only little gripe is that the broccolini could be cooked just a bit longer, but I'm being picky. My partner and her mom got the corn bisque and scallop dishes, respectively, both of which I had a nibble and both of which were solid. We were way too full for dessert afterwards, but overall, it was a delicious experience. Definitely doesn't come cheap, but for a splurge, I would come back to Cella for another memorable meal! read more

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Cozy yet elevated spot for a nice date night with great food. We started off with two cocktails, the easy peasy and day-glo. The easy peasy was described as being citrusy but it tasted like a salad (LOL). Neither of us loved our drinks but they were decent. We also got the Alta bread which was very good - the bread was very hearty but probably would skip next time. The real stars of the meal were our mains. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the vegetables it came with complimented it well. The beef cheek was something we will think about for a while - tender, flavorful, and paired beautifully with the vegetables and polenta. The service was also great - the waiter was super nice and helpful. Though slightly on the higher price point, the food is worth it! read more

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Reservation for 8:30 and it took 2 hours for our entree's to arrive. (They were late to seat us) They charge so much for the tiniest appetizers already running you out more than $100 for baby food. The $90 sirloin steak is just a regular steak nothing special or fancy about it. If you're looking to get scammed out of hundreds of dollars for an empty stomach, this place is awful. I can't believe we waited this long for this bullshit. read more

Cella (pronounced Ch-ella) is a fantastic restaurant in old town Monterey in the Cooper Molera Adobe. Their sister eatery, Alta Bakery, sits in the same compound and serves up delicious eats. We've eaten here many times, but this time we're here for brunch and it did not disappoint. The octopus - a regular favorite of ours - was delicious as expected. The spring salad, croque madame, and fresh fruit parfait all hit the spot. This restaurant has highly attentive service and is situated in a beautiful indoor / outdoor layout. They are dog friendly with outdoor seating options available. You'll probably need a reservation, they're usually available a day or two ahead of time unless you're after an absolutely prime time reservation for a large group. read more

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We celebrated my partners birthday here and it was the highlight of the trip. The host staff was incredibly accommodating when we asked to change our reservation to indoors, which we were incredibly grateful for. Each dish was so creative and delicious that every bite tempted us to try a new dish. Our server was Maddie and she was incredibly thoughtful and welcoming in her service. She gave great recommendations which were much appreciated as we kept order more dishes! We ended up trying the salmon crudo, beef tartare, pork chop, bread, and duck. Everything was fantastic in its own right but the stars of the show were the salmon and the pork chop. The entire staff was incredibly attentive and everyone truly left us with the feeling that our experience was their priority. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful, the cutlery and dishware were absolutely adorable. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and food, the passion behind their work shown through in every step of service. They even brought out a card signed by the staff to wish my partner a happy birthday. Thank you Cella team and especially Maddie for making our dinner a unforgettable night, we will be sure to be back. read more

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Cella had been a favorite until last night! The greeter was lovely as was the server. The food terrible. The salad was tasty but small and the steak which I ordered medium rare was almost impossible to cut. Paying to have my Club soda refilled $6.50 was ridiculous. A very disappointing and overly priced evening. I hope that they realize what a difference 2025 was versus 2026! read more

Everything was delicious down to the astra bread and creamy, almost cheese like butter. read more

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