One of the best, truly amazing service by our server - and I rarely am impressed by a service. She was so attentive, friendly and had great recs. We were celebrating a birthday and she made sure we were taken care of, from the timing of the course to making a memorable celebration. We requested lobster bisque to be less salty and it came out to perfect saltiness but very creamy. Filet mignon was perfectly medium rare. I'd come back for this filet mignon. Cocktail the cuff for the day (07/23) was lovely brandy with peaches and some other fruit and orange peel. It was very refreshing and delicious. I'd come back for this too. Perfect place for an occasion. Looking forward to coming back with my family! read more

I havent been here in 20 years so when we went for a congratulatory dinner i was excited. Lisa (?) was SO nice and took excellent care of us, esp since we were a bit party. Its an intimate, romantic place with low lighting and old fashioned decor. I got the pom lemonade - it was tart and refreshing - but my friend let me try her School's Out mocktail and it was INCREDIBLE! I got the lobster bisque - the tableside presentation was an elegant touch and it was creamy and rich - and the flank steak for dinner. One of the top 2 steaks ive ever had. Cooked to perfection. Bread was also tasty! Got the petite choco souffle with the grand marnier anglais. Also perfectly fluffy but my friend got it with the choco sauce and i have to say that one was better. I couldve eaten a bowl of both sauces on their own though. It seemed lively at the bar esp for a thursday, so i know this place is a populat hangout. Definitely go for a special occasion, you wont regret it! I hope to go again soon! read more

See all

This place is an absolute gem! The moment you walk into The Cellar, you are blown away by how gorgeous the space is--the ambience is intimate, beautifully designed, and perfect for a special night out. The service was top-notch from start to finish. Every staff member we encountered was incredibly warm and welcoming. To top off an already amazing evening, our wonderful waitress brought out complimentary macarons to help us celebrate a birthday, which was such a thoughtful and classy touch. As for the menu, both the food and the drinks were absolutely delicious. The pork loin dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented. We had an incredible experience and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Loved this restaurant! It was really cute and does really resemble pirates of the Caribbean, the food was really good, I orders Ceaser salad with salmon and my bf got the salmon entree, we also got the chocolate souffle, and we are definitely coming back! read more

See all

We went here for Valentine's Day! We were seated in a booth. I love the booths. The booths were across this beautiful wall of wine. I love the red and black decor here. He had the steak and I had fish. Both were great! Our appetizer was the bone marrow with jam! Super good! We had the chocolate soufflé for dessert! Of course that was delicious! The drinks were great too. This is a late post so I forgot what the drinks were called. Service was excellent! We love this restaurant. Came back a second time in April. We will be back many more times! read more

See all

This place is a amazing restaurant I came into celebrate my wife's birthday and she love the food the ambiance and service. Recommend even if it's just for the drinks. read more

The Cellar Restaurant - Caesar salad and the beef tartare - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

First, it took us forever to find. It's in the backend of a plaza, same one as Somi Somi. You'll hopefully see signs pointing towards a set of dark stairs that take you down to THE CELLAR. You pull the giant door and enter a vibe. It's definitely ready for Halloween, a bit dim, old fashioned, lives up to the centuries old feel. We split some soups. Both the lobster bisque and French onion soups were solid. Lobster bisque was super creamy, delicious. French onion was surprisingly mild, not heavy on the salt, very nice. I got the tenderloin, which was fine. But the winner was the salmon, very well-cooked with a super crisp skin. Service was attentive. They accept reservations, but do have a cancellation policy with associated fee for last minute cancellations. Gratuity included for groups of 6+ read more

The Cellar Restaurant - Tenderloin - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

Heather did an outstanding job in taking care of us and making an average Friday night feel special! A lovely ambiance and deliciously executed filet mignon plate . We ordered their most famous dish that serves two and everything from the mashed potatoes,carrots and green beans were seasoned to perfection,let's not talk about the filet mignon! Bursting with flavor and didn't need any of the sauces that were brought to our table.Props to the chefs! Amazing and most delicious dinner we've had in a while! We will keep on coming back and asking to be sat in heathers section . read more

The Cellar Restaurant - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

Super cute location--it looks like a literal cellar or cave. The food and service were all excellent. The drinks were strong and delicious. read more

See all

Lovely place for a romantic dinner! My husband and I celebrated our dual birthday and it was our first time at The Cellar. The place is very different, underground vibe but a romantic setting. The service is outstanding, food and drinks are delicious! We even received complimentary macrons to celebrate our birthdays! Loved our experience and I think you would too! Book a reservation to get seated right away, but there is a very nice bar with great vibes that you can have a drink while you wait. read more

See all

Definitely worth checking out! Came here to celebrate a milestone birthday and the ambiance makes for a special occasion kinda place. Service was great for our large party and the staff added some flair to the presentation. The entrees were solid but I wouldn't say they were out of this world delicious. Cocktails were great and I was delighted that this place had soufflés on the menu - be sure to order in advance! read more

We went for the Christmas Eve dinner. It was three courses and dessert. The presentation pay price included tax and tip. If you order drinks you had a drink tab.. We got there a bit earlier than our scheduled time, but we're seated right away. This place is cool. You enter by going down a flight of stairs. Its like you're really in a wine cellar. Our server took our drink order, since we knew what we wanted to eat, we ordered food too. From each course we ordered something different so we could try different things. Course one Mary had the French onion Tartlet. I had lobster croquet. Course two Mary had squash soup, I had the salad. Course three Mary had Filet Mignon. I went with the pan seared halibut. For dessert Mary ordered apple tart, I had chocolate mousse We shared everything except the tart because I don't like apple. The food was amazing and the service too. Mary always says how good the lobster bisque is but today it was on the menu. We will have to come back. We loved all the food. Our non alcoholic drinks were also tasty. My favorite was the lobster and halibut. I will definitely return, and look forward to other special menus. The Cellar is the perfect place to bring a date. read more

See all

My friends and I chose to do New Year's Eve Eve dinner here and it was a blast. We made reservations and upon arriving, it was crowded as most of the seating towards the bar area and to the right of the restaurant were all taken. It wasn't until we were finishing up that we noticed that almost every table was filled. The host, to the servers and helpers were really friendly and made our experience a great one. Our server also gave us good recommendations as we ordered the bone marrow and chateaubriand as she stated and enjoyed it. The chateaubriand was cooked to our liking. The filet was juicy and flavorful along with the red wine demi-glace & béarnaise sauce really kicked the flavors up a notch. The mashed potatoes were so thick and creamy and the most perfectly seasoned carrots I've ever eaten at a restaurant. Another highlighting dish was the lobster bisque. Hands down, the best lobster bisque any of us girls have ever tried. It was creamy, rich, flavorful, lobstery without tasting like the ocean if that makes sense. We also tried the French onion soup, Caesar salad, beet salad, mushroom ravioli, Mac and cheese, and Brussel sprouts. The French onion soup was one of the better ones I've tried, but I think it's also because there was filet mignon in it. The Caesar salad was interesting as it was served with corn. Honestly I wasn't a fan of the paired flavors of the sweet and tangy Caesar. The beef salad was a better salad option. The mushroom ravioli had an amazing flavor and consistency in the filling but fell short as it was paired with an acidic tomato sauce. I would have loved it in a white sauce and maybe a little bit of truffle. Unfortunately, the Mac and cheese as well as Brussel sprouts were nothing special. We finished off the night with a salted caramel soufflé, creme brûlée and sticky toffee pudding. I was quite full and only tried the creme brûlée and it was a good way to end the night. The ambiance was cozy and romantic. It's dark chic while others might describe it as a little goth. The staff is friendly and attentive while the chef in the back knows exactly how to cook your stake perfectly! They had good drinks as well as a few non alcoholic beverages that were just as yummy. If you get a chance to check out this place, I highly recommend the lobster bisque and the chateaubriand. read more

See all

Second visit, and The Cellar continues to deliver a consistently excellent experience. We had a 6:00pm reservation but arrived right at 5:00pm when they opened. Instead of waiting, we decided to start at the bar and learned they offer happy hour daily and yes, even on weekends! The bar itself is intimate and fills up fast, so we snagged one of the nearby cocktail tables instead. Lilly was our server during HH and she was wonderful. I ordered the Night Train- a spirit-forward cocktail that was bold, sophisticated, and perfectly on brand for this elegant, speakeasy-like space. The chocolate garnish on top was a nice touch. I also enjoyed a glass of Cab from the HH menu. My boyfriend went with a classic Manhattan, which felt like the perfect fit for the moody, old-world vibe of the bar. We hadn't eaten all day, which led to some questionable (but delicious) decisions. Watching what the couple next to us ordered off the HH menu didn't help either. We ordered the bread and the HH mac and let me tell you what a big mistake that was! This is how you ruin your appetite, people!!! Once we moved into the dining room, Caden took over as our server. He was friendly, fast, and efficient. We ordered everything at once, and he expertly coursed it out for us. What we ordered: Grilled Spanish Octopus Skewers - Delicious overall, though the octopus was just a tad dry. Still enjoyable and not a deal breaker. Nordic Blue Salmon - My boyfriend told me to order something else since I eat salmon all the time... I ignored him! Zero regrets!! The salmon was perfectly cooked (medium, just how I like it), and the roasted squash and oyster mushrooms complemented the dish beautifully. Unfortunately, I only managed two bites before surrendering. Happily boxed it up though and it held up incredibly well the next day. 10oz Cape Grimm Filet Mignon - My boyfriend's order and a recommendation from Caden. He usually doesn't gravitate toward filet mignon, but he absolutely loved it. For dessert, we ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding, and it was heaven in every bite. The Cellar has been part of downtown Fullerton since its grand opening in 1970, originally built into the underground space of a historic brick building. With its stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and European wine-cellar ambiance, it's easy to see why it has endured for over five decades.There's a reason this restaurant has stood the test of time and remains a staple of Orange County fine dining 55 years later. read more

See all

I've been wanting to try this place for a couples years but haven't had the chance or occasion to come. We're celebrating Valentine's Day late and our Anniversary. I was able to get a reservation for today. The winter drinks were good. Wifey got the snow blind I believe and I got the night something? Both were good! I don't drink as much as I used too so I felt a decent buzz on an empty stomach. Food was delicious! Ambiance was nice and intimate. Nice hidden restaurant. read more

The Cellar Restaurant - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

This place was great! It was almost like a speakeasy with the entrance so hidden. We ordered the escargot, lobster bisque and French onion soup. They were able to split the soups for us and it was perfectly portioned. I ordered the filet mignon to split with my partner and they were also able to split that for us too. The service was great! We also got the strip steak which was also amazing. Would definitely come back. read more

See all

What a fun experience in the area! We came to this spot for an anniversary dinner and were pleasantly surprised. There's a good amount of parking in the designated lot. When walking into the restaurant you need to descend a flight of stairs so be wary of that. The restaurant is dark and moody but feels romantic and intimate. We made reservations and got seated quickly. All of the staff members were very attentive and quick to help us out. My favorite thing of the night was the French onion soup. It was so good. Other than the soup we got the lobster bisque, beef tartare, rigatoni, and a crème brûlée. The crème brûlée was pretty disappointing - not very creamy or soft. Overall I was surprised by the food here and really enjoyed myself! read more

See all

This was hands the most fun, intimate, coolest vibe of a restaurant in downtown Fullerton I have ever experienced. EVERYTHING and EVERYONE was so AMAZING and personable. DEFINITELY coming back to try the rest of the menu. There was nothing that we ate that wasn't *chefs kiss*. Such a GREAT amazing and fun experience. The staff were so kind, friendly and personable. The food was timed perfectly between appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Whether you're visting California or a local this is a must try place, you will not regret it!! read more

See all

So cozy, so magical, so delicious. We were there on a Friday night. Had the steak sandwich and fries. For drinks we had the lychee spritzer, papaya peach drink, and dead man's party. We will be back, it's like eating at Disneyland without the big lines. There's nostalgic music playing just outside the cellar. read more

See all

It's a cute little place with underground dining, and just a tad bit dark in the inside. Our server was nice and attentive. The food was also delicious. I think at one point I couldn't tell it was a mushroom on my plate because it was just dark inside. I finally found my pork skewer! For dessert, I think the vanilla panna cotta was delicious overall. The waffle was a little bit sweet. read more

See all

Came here for dinner on a weekday and under reservations, we were immediately seated. The hostess also called us to make sure we were still on the way as we were running late due to parking (there's parking at the bank) Location was a bit hard to find but it is through the garden plaza by somi somi and then down the stairs. It gave cellar and speakeasy vibes - which played into their name and I very much enjoy themed restaurants. Service was great overall, however the only thing that bothered me was that we were not given dinner menus with the initial drink menus. When I asked the waiter, they said the menus will come out after placing our drink orders. I'm not sure the reasoning for this method but it only seems to prolong the amount of time we wait for our food. Drinks: we ordered 2 mocktails, river of dreams and another seasonal drink that had apple lemon and ginger in it. I preferred the seasonal drink as it wasn't as sweet as the river one but the ginger can be a bit overwhelming (3/5) Appetizer - Bone Marrow (2/5) This was a seasonal twist that flavored it with jam making the dish much sweeter like a dessert. I prefer my bone marrow to be more savory and because of this, I was not fond of it. Soup - French Onion (5/5) I loved this! The fact that we only ordered 1 to split, the waiter had it pre served into 2 bowls and it was the perfect amount for each person. The soup was also prepared with chucks of filet mignon that combined so well with the cheese and onions. It was the perfect soup during a fall night. Entree - Classic Chateaubriand for Two (5/5) The 20oz filet mignon is intended for 2 people to share but honestly, this could have fed 3 or 4 people with how big it was. It came rolling out in a cart and then cut and plated at side table. We asked for medium rare and it was cooked to perfection. I had no issues cutting through it and every bite just melted in my mouth. Eating meats that are this delectable, are reasons why I can never give up meat. Side - Mac & Cheese (3/5) This was good, but not great. Nothing really stood out from any other mac&cheese. I would probably skip this next time as everything else will begin to fill you up. Overall it was a great experience! The atmosphere, the service, the dishes, and presentation really brought everything together. The bill will definitely add up very fast but if you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or willing to splurge a bit, definitely give this place a try! read more

See all

The Cellar has turned into one of my favorite date night restaurants in the area. Firstly, I love the decor of this restaurant. It reminds me of a speakeasy where you have to go down the stairs to end the restaurant. Once there, it has a dark and mysterious vibe. We had reservations for 5 pm and were promptly sat. Our server was an absolutely gem and she kindly took the time to explain the drink and the food menu. It was a hard choice since everything sounded so delicious but I ended up ordering the lamb chops. My lamb chops entree was hands down the best lam chops I ever had in my life. The flavor of the food was simply amazing and the portion size was huge. The cellar gives you two racks of lamb which was enough for me and I was so happy I had left overs to take home. For the side, we ordered the Mac and cheese which was delicious as well. I can't wait to come back and try additional items! Highly recommend! read more

The Cellar Restaurant - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

If you don't have a reservation, who cares, go here for a drink at the bar and order their lobster bisque, trust. The ambiance is fun because the whole area is haunted. If you don't like looking at who you're with, come here, it's really dark. read more

This was such a unique experience. I had never tried anything like it before, and it definitely exceeded expectations. The atmosphere was great, and the Fullerton area adds to the overall vibe. Highly recommend for a fun and memorable dinner date. read more

See all

Exceptional service! The service was the absolute best you could ask for. Seriously, I don't think I have had better service anywhere else. When my glass became half empty, the waiter was right there to refill it. The way that they serve the appetizers, entrees and desserts was truly unique. The servers bring the entrees to your table, covered, and lift the cover for you. It's a fun way to present the food! The appetizers and desserts are done in similar fashion. I ordered the lobster bisque, and they brought a bowl with just the lobster and garnish inside. Then the waiter poured the soup in the bowl, right in front of me. How great is that??? I've never been served soup that way lol I also love that they had plenty of staff. Very well staffed and it didn't seem like the servers were stressed out or overworked. Sometimes seeing servers stressed out, stresses me out lol The service was 10/10 The ambiance was amazing! It's got a dark, gothic, feel that takes you back in time. It's a very cozy restaurant. Dark and cold inside, it was perfect! My husband really liked the candlelit tables. Nice, romantic touch! Some people were dressed up really nice (fancy dresses and dress pants), while others were just casual (shorts and t-shirt). I would say business casual is a safe bet. Love the atmosphere! 10/10 The food was really good. The Cellar serves some great French style fare! The lobster bisque was my favorite! I would order that again. It was one of the best lobster bisques I have ever had. My husband had the French onion soup. He liked it. It did have meat in it. He was surprised by that. Just a note for any vegetarians. There isn't much on the menu that is vegetarian friendly. I think there's one pasta that is vegetarian friendly. And maybe the bread LOL The lobster bisque did stand out in the crowd. 10/10 The macaroni and cheese was fantastic! It had the best rue. It was cheesy and savory. The sauce was just so good!! I just wish you got a bigger portion. My husband and I were fighting over it hahaha It's so good! The macaroni and cheese came in a tiny tin. It's basically 5 bites of pasta lol One of the best macaroni and cheese dishes I have ever had! 10/10 The Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon was alright. Nothing spectacular here. The salmon was cooked, slightly too pink for me. I would have liked it cooked a bit more. I didn't care for the fennel or apples on top. The sauce needed more flavor. The dish was very bland altogether. Underwhelming dish overall. 7/10 My husband got the Tenderloin. He enjoyed it and said it was prepared well. Portion size was smaller. The mashed potatoes with it were a nice compliment. He would order this again. 9/10 We had the chocolate souffle with salted caramel drizzle. Loved the presentation with the waiter dripping the caramel sauce on top, right in front of us. So cool! I learned that I am not a fan of souffles lol Chocolate souffle 7/10 Overall, such a fun experience. Loved the vibe and aesthetic of this restaurant. We loved some items like the lobster bisque, macaroni and cheese and the French onion soup. The service was extraordinary. read more

See all

Five stars for food, service and ambience! This hidden gem offers a warm and upscale experience whether you're experiencing the bar or dining rooms. Tonight, my husband and I decided to visit for Happy Hour. Eric and Paola were fantastic. Eric's recommendation of the menu was perfect and Paola's mixology story was impressive. We will definitely be back! read more

The Cellar Restaurant - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

I just hope since I went there 2 years after Ernest Z..sold and retired. I was really anxious to try under the new ownership and management. What a huge disappointment. The place had no host to greet anyone. The bar booth had roaches running along the walls behind us. When going to the ladies room, the toilet seat cover holder was falling off the wall, the wallpaper was peeling off the walls, it was dirty and floors had not been cleaned. I was totally disgusted.... I decided I would NEVER go back. They had only "off shelf" liquor. I would not give it over a 2 Star. I was also not impressed with the food. OK, I have been to France several times. Abd I would not expect it to be up the French. But the food was ok..but nothing stand out. Perhaps the new owner wrnt through a pretty bad ( lengthy beginning) but I see nor had heard anything that has changed my mind to ever want to come back. Haute cuisine is very passe now. But if one wants that experience..at least make it a good one. read more

Great food, great servers, and greaf atmospher. Pricey but definitely worth it. Secluded place that brings a feeling as if you are in a shire from the hobbits. Thjs place has a history that started in 1969. read more

Parking was easy for 5:30pm reservation luckily. They have their own parking lot for customers of the building. Walking down to the cellar was a cute magical experience. Ambiance inside was dark, gothic just how I would have imagined. Service was great! Mocktail was not. Sweetest syrupy mocktail with orange blossom I ever had. Watering it down did not help. French onion soup was not great as it had meat in it throwing off the flavor. The few pieces of filet mingon to hack up the price of the soup def ruined it for me. I have never had a French onion soup I didn't not like until this place. Now on to the main courses. New York steak was cooked perfectly with garlic butter. The pistachio crusted trout tasted like a chicken tender as it was prob cooked in olive oil. Thankful for the anniversary surprise creme brûlée dessert. I would def go back but I would try other items if not just get the steak I know I like. read more

See all

By recommendation, my husband and I finally tried The Cellar for happy hour and it did not disappoint! We both tired the streak sandwich and had a couple of cocktails. The steak sandwich was AMAZING and we will be going back just for that. The dinner menu is also very tasty with great quality items. Good spot to go to celebrate a special occasion. read more

This was my Birthday dinner with my daughter and 2 of my good friends! This place is hard to find as it doesn't face a street, but it's worth the adventure of locating it. Parking is located in a garage, an adjacent lot, and on evenings in the bank lot. We sat at the bar as our table was being prepared. It's cozy down here... so be prepared if you are claustrophobic. Cocktails were fabulous! My Lobster Bisque was on the salty side, and it had less than a 1/3 of an ounce of actual Lobster in the center of the bowl before they poured the bisque in. The Charcuterie board was dazzling - the meats, cheeses, and crackers were delicious and beautifully presented. I didn't care for the Burrata as much... I've had better-tasting Burrata before. We all ordered the Chateaubriand, it was heavy (as to be expected), but the meat was melt-in-your-mouth divine. The vegetables were seasoned well, and the creamy mashed potatoes brought the whole entrée home! I wasn't impressed with the Sticky Toffee Pudding, but I have to say that isn't their fault; it's just that I have had some unbelievably good Sticky Toffee Puddings. Service was impeccable. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

See all

My family & I dined here last week for my mom & sister's birthday. This is my 2nd time here & nothing has changed from the last time I was here pre-covid times & now. Everything from food, drinks, & service was outstanding so I rate this place a 4.5 stars. No wonder why this place still stands til this day since 1969! Ambiance had a classic intimate feel. Since we made reservations, we got seated right away. Our server was polite & provided efficient service. The food items we started off with were the bone marrow & steak tartare to share. Both dishes were rich & flavorful. My BIL had the lobster bisque. I tasted a couple of spoonfuls & it is by far one of the best I've had. For our main entrees, my parents shared the Classic chateaubriand which consisted of 20oz filet mignon & veggies, Hubby & sister also had the filet mignon, BIL had the rack of lamb which was their special dish of the night, & I had the salmon. Filet mignon was cooked to perfection (medium rare), juicy, & very tender. The Demi glaze didn't over power the meat but was a nice added touch on top of the meat Rack of lamb was seasoned well & not gamey or tough. Salmon was flakey, not dry, & simply delicious. Veggies on the side weren't overcooked & accompanied the dishes well. Cocktails were 5/5 & the bottle of Bordeaux wine paired well with our meal. If you're looking for quality meat, good cocktails & wine, affordable pricing, this is the place to try out if you haven't! read more

The Cellar Restaurant - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

While The Cellar has been around since 1969, we're only experiencing this now. What an absolutely perfect destination for a celebration dinner: old-school elegance and charm; sophisticated, dimly lit, underground atmosphere; professional, comfortably attentive, and unrushed service; and delectable dishes. Ahh, service like the old days (not like some places these days, rushing to get you in-&-out). The entire team of staff we encountered (from the host desk to our wonderful server, Lily, to all the support staff -- including Patrick, who seated us and decanted our wine. $40 corkage fee) exuded a polished professionalism from start to finish. Their nicely chilled, spirit-forward martinis ($18) were a lovely way to kick off our celebration dinner. Rather than something off the appetizer menu, we started with their Sauteed Mushroom Medley ($15). Then, (a 1st for us) Classic Chateaubriand for Two ($141), beautifully prepared and presented, sliced into 4 slices in front of us by Vanessa, and attractively positioned on our individual plates, along with garlic mashed potatoes and colorful vegetables. Their tasty complimentary rolls were served warm with soft, whipped butter. To end our meal, we selected their Petite Classic (Chocolate) Souffle (with Salted Caramel sauce), ($12); in addition, we were presented with a light-&-refreshing complimentary Champagne Float. Lovely dining experience made for a memorable evening. Looking forward to returning not only another meal but to check out their happy hour (offered 7 days a week, 4 - 6 PM). read more

See all

The cellar has amazing food & drinks. I love trying the chef's special. Their menu changes seasonally. The staff and people who work there are friendly and kind. read more

See all

Our waitress Lilly was soooo knowledgeable on all the dishes, drinks, everything. Quite impressive, very old school. The mood inside really proves a disneyland designer made it. The food is delicious, try the brussle sprouts as an appetizer, the chicken and reduced port sauce was on point, the beet salad was "chefs kiss", lobster bisque is yummmmm, and the sticky toffee and ice cream is definitly a must try and big enough to share. They offer vegan choices, and they have an elevator for those who need one. These are good points to note. Very romantic, great date place, we love it! read more

The Cellar Restaurant - French Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

I am not a big meat eater so generally find steakhouses boring and uninspired. But I dined at The Cellar for the first time this week and loved both my meal and the entire experience. Service was fantastic, fine dining without being stuffy or pretentious. And the tenderloin was cooked perfectly, with a mushroom cream sauce that I would drink from a bowl. Cocktails run a bit fruity, which I don't love, but I had an excellent one that was citrusy and spicy. I don't live local to Fullerton but The Cellar is well worth the occasional long drive. read more

The Cellar isn't somewhere you casually pop into it's a place you choose when you want the night to slow down. Walking downstairs off the alley already sets the tone, and once you're inside, it feels like you've stepped into a different era. Low ceilings, stone walls, candlelight, and that unmistakable old-world wine cellar smell. I usually come here when I want a longer dinner, the kind where you order a bottle and don't rush. The wine list is deep and well curated, and the servers actually know how to guide you without upselling. The bread service alone tells you this place hasn't changed for trends it's warm, crusty, and meant to be eaten slowly with butter and wine. Food-wise, it's classic and comforting. The escargot is always a must, and their entrées are rich in that traditional French way not trying to be modern, just done right. This is not small plates or quick bites; this is sit-back-in-your-chair food. What I appreciate most is that no one rushes you out. The service is attentive but quiet, and the room has this unspoken agreement that phones stay down and conversations stay long. The Cellar feels like a secret you earn after living in Fullerton long enough. It's romantic, a little heavy, and completely unapologetic about what it is. If someone tells you they go here regularly, you know they're not chasing the scene they already know where to sit. read more

I had a birthday celebration with my family yesterday. Cellar used to be our go to place for birthdays and special occasions. On average we dine here 5-6 times per year. What a disappointing experience! Extremely slow service.. waited for 30 min to even get drinks and menu to order. Total dinner.. 3 hours! Salty lobster bisque soup, dry and bland duck breast. Highlight was soufflé, but didn't make up for main dishes, slow service and overall experience. Server apologized by stating food took longer because of another large party they had to accommodate. It's simply not what one should expect from fine dining restaurant of this caliber.. disappointed and will not be returning! Server knew we were all disappointed but didn't offer any accommodations. read more

This was my first time having dinner at The Cellar, and it lived up to its reputation for intimate, elevated dining. I've visited before for drinks and their steak tartare, but sitting down for a full meal really showcased what this place is all about. I started with the lobster bisque, which was rich, velvety, and indulgent, with a generous amount of crème fraîche that gave it incredible depth and smoothness. It might have been on the saltier side, but I did not mind. For my entrée, I had the chef's special duck confit chicken thighs with truffle oil, served over mashed potatoes and chives. The chicken was unbelievably tender, falling apart at the touch, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the truffle and creamy potatoes. Dessert was the sticky toffee pudding, and it was the perfect finish. The contrast was spot on: warm, soft pudding paired with cold ice cream, balanced by sweet, sticky sauce and salty, crispy toffee. Rich without being overwhelming, and incredibly satisfying. Between the cozy ambiance, thoughtful plating, and well-executed flavors, this is a place I'd happily return to for a special occasion or an intimate night out. read more

See all

Hidden gem--literally hidden downstairs! I was able to snag a reservation on a Sunday at 5:00 p.m., and it was well worth it. The space has great theming and a cozy, intentional vibe that immediately sets the tone. Service was attentive without being overbearing, which made the experience even better. The food was delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked (surprisingly both our favorite item), and the bone marrow absolutely melted in your mouth. For the quality of the food and overall experience, the prices felt very reasonable. Parking wasn't an issue when I went, but I could see it being more challenging on a busy Friday or Saturday night. Overall, a fantastic spot that feels like a true find. I'll definitely be back. read more

See all