The Cellar Restaurant

We chose this place to celebrate my birthday and it turned out to be a wonderful decision. The staff was attentive and welcoming, giving us plenty of time to relax without any pressure while ordering. The atmosphere made the evening feel special and unhurried. The chateaubriand was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, and the sticky toffee pudding was the ideal way to end the meal. Everything came together for a memorable night, and I would happily return to enjoy it all again.

We went to The Cellar for a birthday celebration. We had the following: 1. Steak tartare: 3/5, very little flavor 2. Bone marrow topped with fig jam: 6/5 3. Free bread basket with 3 different rolls: 4/5, can ask for second bread basket for a $5 fee 4. Short rib ragu: 4.4/5, tasty, had a small amount of shredded short rib meat, $47 was pricy for what you get 5. Brussel sprouts: 2/5, a little bland and not as soft as I was expecting 6. Lobster bisque: 3.4/5, very flavorful but too salty 7. Burrata salad: 4/5, burrata to greens ratio was great Mocktails: 8. River of Dreams: 2.7/5, very sweet 9. Sweet Dreams: 5/5, nice tea flavor Dessert 10. Happy birthday dessert, Vanilla ice cream over chocolate crumble 11. Petite Vanilla Souffle with seasonal blueberry cream: 5/5 Service was great. Waitress was super friendly and attentive. Atmosphere is good for dates, dimly lit with and overhead light and a candle. I'd recommend looking at the website for the latest menu since there were some items on semi-recent review pictures that were no longer available.

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.

The Cellar Restaurant in Fullerton is an absolute gem! The food tastes amazing -- every dish is rich in flavor and beautifully presented. The atmosphere feels so special, with its vintage European-style decor that makes you feel like you've stepped into another era. Our server, Antonio, was wonderful! He genuinely cared about every guest in the restaurant, and I noticed him checking in on every table with such professionalism and kindness. The lady who brought out our food also left a lasting impression -- she had an angelic presence, and when she unveiled our main course by lifting the metal lid with a soft clang, it made the entire experience feel extra fancy and memorable. We had a truly wonderful night here and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend this place for anyone who appreciates great food, exceptional service, and a charming, romantic atmosphere.

Location is gorgeous service was great very attentive. The drinks were on point. Lobster bisque was very tasty. Steak was delicious . Also ordered the ravioli which i didn't care for but whatever. Very nice romantic ambiance

We came in for my birthday. Excellent service, didn't feel rushed to order. We were able to enjoy the evening and experience. Chateaubriand and sticky toffee pudding were amazing, would definitely get again.

The food was directly aligned with what you'd expect from a fine dining establishment. The service is what really sets this restaurant apart from other fine dining places though. We went here for my birthday in 07/19 as an unexpected change in our plans. The hostesses upfront worked hard to accommodate our unexpected arrival. Our server Paige was phenomenal and went above and beyond to ensure our time there was exceptional. I would highly recommend experiencing the deliciously prepared food here and the exceptional hospitality.

Service is great, atmosphere is great.. food is terrible. I swear the pesto fettuccine had the thickness of having been made hours before.. The brussel sprouts where extra salted. The server was amazing very sweet lady but the food, for amount and quality did not justify the price point.

We have dined at The Cellar several times, but for this visit we just felt like a drink at the bar and an appetizer or two. I recommend using OpenTable to make a reservation. Even with an early 5pm reservation for the bar, we got the last two seats. They have a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm seven days a week with some pretty good deals on a few food items and several drinks. We ordered two bowls of lobster bisque which is normally $20 each but it is only $12 during happy hour. It was good and on par with a lobster bisque at any nice restaurant. It had several clumps of lobster, wasn't overly salty, and the cognac wasn't overly strong so no issues there. For drinks, we went off the regular cocktail menu. I had the Scorpion which is served in a tiki style mug. For a drink with both rum and brandy, it was balanced very well as brandy has a way of overpowering everything. But not with this drink and I enjoyed it. She had the seasonal Crimson & Clover which was good also. We were still a little hungry so we ordered the crab cake. It's served on a bed of tartar sauce with some greens on top. It was good but not great and I wouldn't order it again for $25. Some of my pictures look very bright but the restaurant is actually lit on the dimmer side and has a nice cozy feel. Parking in downtown Fullerton is always a challenge. There are a dozen or so parking spots right behind the restaurant and we got lucky and got one of those. Service was good and we were thanked on the way out. The Cellar is definitely on the pricey side. We usually only come here when it's a special occasion or they have something on their seasonal menu like venison which is often hard to find. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Ive been to the Cellar a few times now. Whenever my family has a special occasion to celebrate, this is my first choice for a meal. The Cellar is without a doubt in my top 5 restaurants that I've eaten at, and it is a strong contender for my favorite. The atmosphere is amazing. The basement vibe with a very dark and candle-like ambiance is a great tone setter for the meal. The place feels very serious, in the best way. Everything about the setting feels carefully prepared, which helps suggest that the meal you are about to eat will also be very carefully made, with attention to the smallest details. The atmosphere is not where the excellence stops. I have tried a wide variety of dishes here and I have yet to be disappointed. I think the best way to go about a meal here is to split multiple entrees and appetizers and taste everything that sounds interesting. This was the first place I tried escargot and octopus and both times they were show-stealers (I've since had escargot at other places and can safely say that the Cellar was leagues better). I think my favorite item that I try to get in some capacity each time I come here is the duck. The duck has a somewhat salty taste with a bit of fat that is a very unique meat taste and better than other meats I've tried. I am also a big fan of the mac and cheese side and the short rib. Service here has always been great as well. If you have a special occasion coming up and are willing to try some of the items on the menu, I highly recommend you check out the Cellar!

Let me just say - the ambiance in this place reminds me of those old mob movies/Sopranos where you make deals, something like Carbone. We were there for my friends birthday, and were promptly seated, however the seating arrangement we were in was pretty isolated from the restaurant, which can be great for some - but felt a bit weird for us. Nonetheless our server, Gracie, was attentive throughout the entire night, and the food came out quickly and delicious. Everything on this menu is pretty hefty, and I had the Icelandic Cod. As a lover of Thai food, I wanted to see what their take on Tom Kha was, and it did not disappoint. The Duck Confit was also excellent, fall off the bone tender and the beans were a perfect compliment to such a fatty meat. The French onion soup was also nice and velvety. We also got a mushroom medley which was good (as good as mushroom medleys can get) and our drinks were pretty tasty as well. If you are seated with a big party (5 or more) gratuity is added, and if you get seated where we were, you'll have no cellphone connection, which will make you engage more...

The best fine dining experience I've ever had. My partner took me here to celebrate my birthday. Located in a basement, the restaurant was nicely decorated and felt like you're living a different era. I've never seen something like this before so it was truly a unique setting for a fancy yet cozy dinner. This spot is great for a special occasion or date night. Our server was awesome. Since it was our first time, she was always checking in on us and also provided awesome recommendations from cocktails, appetizers, and entrees. For cocktails, we ordered the London Fog, Pumpkin Old Fashioned, and Cellar Old Fashioned. I had the London Fog and it was one of my favorite cocktails I've had. Not what I was expecting in terms of flavor and was truly surprised! We also had a complimentary bread basket which we devoured, then had the bone marrow appetizer and French onion soup. The bone marrow came in a big portion and was full of flavor. I didn't eat much of the bread since it was too hard for my liking. The French onion soup was delicious! Great service since they split it for us into two bowls so we can enjoy our soup. The best French onion soup I've ever had. For our entree, we had chef's choice. From what I remember, it was a 20oz medium rare Boneless Ribeye with a blue cheese sauce and duchess potatoes. With the sauce, it reminded us of what a dry aged steak tasted like, which blew our minds. The potatoes were also delicious. And you can't forget the dessert... we ordered a petite chocolate soufflé with salted caramel anglaise. They recommend ordering as you get your entree as it takes time to prepare. No regrets here as this soufflé was so tasty. I love the warmth of the dessert, and it wasn't too sweet! Chocolate and salted caramel go well together. The crème brulee was amazing. So rich and creamy. Although we were full, we finished our dessert because of how delicious they were. If I could give 10 stars, I would! Will come back again soon.

Stopping in for a pizza at Fuoco... long wait, bars full, luckily there are plenty of places to wait in Downtown. Wandered down to the Cellar grabbed a spot across from the bar and to our surprise pumpkin old fashioned still on the menu, my wife loves these! Enjoyed the calm before the Christmas chaos in a spot that definitely feels like it is in a different city. Great vibe, great drinks!

You need to eat here! Amazing for date night. The French inspired menu is delectable. Servers are super knowledgeable and friendly! The bar makes great cocktails and they have a few nice 12-18 year single malt Scotches. Parking is OK. Get there early. You need a reservation, especially on the weekend. The interior was dote by the prop department at Dinsen and they did a killer job! I occasionally like to stop in and meet a friend at the bar afterwork and spend an hour catching up. This is a great place to do so. Not budget friendly. 100% worth it, but pricy.

Highlights: filet mignon, French onion soup, escargot Hidden in the basement of downtown Fullerton, this steakhouse exudes a classic, cozy charm that feels like stepping into a wine cellar. The dim lighting and intimate atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a special dinner. We started with the escargot and French onion soup, both of which were absolutely delightful and set the tone for the meal. However, the lobster bisque was overly salty and didn't quite hit the mark for us. For the main course, the filet mignon was cooked to a perfect medium as requested and melted in our mouths. Paired with the garlic mashed potatoes, it was an impeccable combination. The staff went above and beyond with their professionalism and friendliness, making the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this place for steak lovers looking for a classic dining experience!

we celebrated our anniversary at the Cellar on a Friday night, i was a huge fan of the ambiance and speakeasy vibe they had going on. it was honestly the perfect place for an intimate dinner and special occasion but although i made a reservation in advance, we still had to wait 10-15 min for a table to open up. it seemed they were pretty busy and the waiting area also was pretty cramped unfortunately but they allowed us to get a couple drinks while we waited. once we were seated, our waiter was excellent and gave pretty good recommendations. ordered: ~ drinks: London Fog- so good! unlike any drink ive had before and perfectly floral / Scorpion - would skip this one, nothing special / Currant Events - also unique but super strong ~ food: lobster bisque - delicious app! sad there wasnt a bigger size, so creamy and decadent / Short Rib - meat was tender and flavor was good but pretty salty for our taste / Filet Mignon - star of the night, cooked to perfection, tender and seasoned well, also really enjoyed the garlic potatoes under they also gave us a complimentary dessert of vanilla ice cream+raspberries, with a anniversary chocolate which was such a sweet gesture. dinner was pretty good but overall though, i probably would try another dinner spot to celebrate before returning here just because of the price and having to wait.

This place is unique and kind of hidden. It has a very unique ambiance by being underground and dimly lit. Parking is a bit of a struggle in downtown Fullerton so just account for that time. Noise level was a little higher than usual with one rowdy table next to us, but you can usually expect low noise levels. Service was great, she was very nice and helpful, but the entrees did take a bit longer than normal to come out. The food tasted delicious as always. They have my favourite steak tartare.

It's a great place. I went to dinner on my own and was treated extra special. The service was top-tier. Food was on another level. Truly a great dining experience

Very nice establishment, ambiance, and impeccable service. The drinks were very good, my Hubby had an Old Fashioned, Tiki Tuesdays special drink, & I had a glass of Cabernet. We went with friends and ordered the Fall salads, Cesar salad, salmon, pork chop & pork belly. For sides we ordered the Brussels sprouts & mushrooms. All very delicious! For desert we had the crème brûlée & sticky pudding, delicious. The lighting is extremely dim & made it hard to see or even read the menu. It was very cold in the restaurant. I don't know if it was because of the dust or being in a cellar like environment but my allergies acted up really bad. Overall it was a lovely place, quite pricey, but fitting for a special occasion.

A dimly lit fine dining restaurant located inside the Villa Del Sol. Signage makes it easy to find mounted in a few places on the outside of the building. Once inside you quickly see that The Cellar is an absolutely gorgeous restaurant. One fact our server let us know was that the interior was designed and built by the same craftsmen who created Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. I instantly knew why the restaurant had such a cozy and classical feeling to it after I heard this. There are beautiful touches throughout the restaurant from tiny indentations on a wall to show brickwork, a blue mood light peeking through the ceiling, little stained glass windows all around, and beautifully polished wood throughout, they go the extra length to make the mood just right. Secondly the service is top notch, our server was extremely friendly and enjoyed chatting with us on a few different topics, checked on us frequently, and I could tell that we were dealing with someone who took her work really seriously. The food itself is also excellent, we didn't have a single bad dish. We got the cheese board and charcuterie to start which were very savory and the meat was smoky which we liked, then we ordered the 10oz Cape Grimm Filet Mignon and Blue Salmon, my Filet Mignon was excellent and cooked perfectly to a medium, it was extremely easy to chew and came seasoned perfectly. The drinks were excellent as well, I got a Mai Tai which came in a tiki mug that I always appreciate, this mug was a barrel that said "The Cellar" on it complete with the bowler hat and a skull on the rocks, was a really cool touch. Finally we ordered the Creme Brulée which they lit for us at our table and that was a cool thing to watch. After our dinner they said we were welcome to explore the rest of the restaurant which we did, we got to see where Liz Taylor was proposed to and John Wayne's secret exit door he'd use to avoid photographers outside. Overall this spot has a ton of history, is absolutely beautiful inside, and the French Cuisine food we tried was all excellent. I'll definitely be coming back to experience it as often as I can.

we had dined here for a friend's birthday. to our disappointment, we were seated in the very far back, dark, quiet, corner of the restaurant. we had noted that we were celebrating a birthday, and my friend was wished a happy birthday, so the restaurant was aware. the ambiance of the restaurant was very nice; nice velvet red seats, warm lighting, and nice music; but we did not get any of that where we were seated. black brick walls to look at, barely any art hung up, and no music to carry the ambiance. other than that, the service was great. despite being seated far back, we didn't feel like they forgot about us. i forgot our waitress' name, but she made sure our water glass was never empty. she was patient and clear serving us, capturing our party of 5's many orders and answering any questions we had. i'm not a big cocktail person because they tend to be overly sweet. i ordered the bells be ringing and it was probably the best cocktail i've ever had. incredibly smoky with mezcal as the base. there was a red bell pepper garnish, which is a first for me; and it did its job. every sip i took i had a whiff of spicy/smokiness which complimented the drink incredibly well. food: - bone marrow: 3.5/5. they were large and plentiful, however the jam was overpowering, and the toasted bread crackers were way too hard. i could hear my friends chewing it from across the table. - octopus: 3.5/5. a bit on the saltier side, but incredibly tender. - escargot: 4/5. i was expecting to have a plate of snails with their shells on and having to pick out the snails to eat. i have never ordered escargot before, but this was really good. the snails were not chewy, and the sauce it came with was delicious. my bf was eating it straight from the spoon. - winter salad: 2/5. good, but not worth the price for the size. it came with like 2 pieces of proscuitto. - lobster bisque: 4.5/5. this was delicious. very little amount of lobster, but well done dish. - mushroom medley: 4.5/5 - short rib: 4/5. this was very tender. i just wish it had a bit more sauce to help carry the fingerling potatoes and broccolini, as those run on the dryer side. - large chocolate souffle: 2/5. really didn't care for this, but i think i've realized i'm not a big fan of souffles. this was like a cake in a mug for me. not moist, the condensed milk didn't do much for it either.

Everything is delicious. Love the speakeasy vibes but full restaurant at the same time. Very cool underground place. The service is always amazing, the drinks are delicious. The bar is first come first serve but restaurant I highly recommend making reservations especially on the weekend.

It's lowkey so hard to find this restaurant since it's downstairs and "speakeasy" style, but everything was so good! We came to celebrate a graduation and the service, presentation, ambiance, drinks, and food were all stellar. While pricey, it's definitely worth it for special occasions or date nights. Also, the interior is so cool! Great little spot in Downtown Fullerton.

The food and service were great. I loved the lobster mac and cheese. This was one of my first experiences with fine dining, and although I would still much rather eat a home-cooked meal or go to a mom-and-pop shop, the experience was neat. Apparently this is my boyfriend's favorite restaurant, so we came here for date night, and the waiter was knowledgeable and welcoming. It does give speakeasy vibes because the lighting is very dim, but it feels cozy and underground. The salad was pretty okay, and the steak was all right, as well as the bread. The dessert was extremely hot, but we could have done without it. The cocktail I ordered had too much alcohol in it, so we had to ask for it to be altered, which I despise doing. But I drink for flavor, not to get drunk. All in all, I don't know if I would return since I paid like $200 for the two of us. But, it was new and something to cross off my bucket list.

My wife and I had an excellent time dining here while celebrating our anniversary. I suggest coming early to find parking on the streets because DT Fullerton gets very busy during night time. The entrance is a bit hard to find, but you have to to inside the old-looking Villa del Sol building and look for a sign that says "The Cellar". There's a light staircase that leads you down into the restaurant. It's an exquisite entrance. The ambiance gives you vibes of the 1980s with classic music playing in the background while you're in a cave-like restaurant with low light. It's a great getaway from boisterous restaurants. We came early prior to our reservation to enjoy their happy hour (everyday 4pm-6pm), which is held only at the bar area. We ordered the Steak Sandwich ($17), Mac & Cheese w/ Lobster ($19 w/ lobster or $9 w/o), Gordon's Cup ($11), and Moscow Mule ($9). They really pride themselves on their drinks and I can tell why because the cocktails were tasty and had plenty of alcohol. The MM hit the spot because I could taste the strong flavor of the ginger beer. The steak sandwich was flavorful and had a good portion of steak, which was tender and juicy. The mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy with slight chunks of lobster meat. After Happy Hour, we moved to the main seating area where were were served warm bread and butter. Ordered the Ricotta Polpette ($18), Halibut ($58), Chef's Choice: Braised Pork Cheeks with chives mashed potatoes ($45). The Halibut and Braised Pork Cheeks were the star of the show because they were delicious. The Halibut was delicate and had a crispy sear while lying on a bed of grilled baby carrots and beet carpaccio. The pork cheeks were tender and flavorful with a slight char to add texture. The chives mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. The Ricotta Polpette was okay and reminded me of a Gnudi in marinara sauce. To cap the night, we ordered a petite vanilla souffle with root beer anglaise sauce. The soufle was delicate, flavorful, and had a slight sweet custard. The root beer anglaise had a hint of root beer flavor and was mostly creamy sweet. They also offered a complimentary creme brulee since we were celebrating our anniversary, which was nice.

We came here as a date night and ordered several cocktails, lobster bisque and the New York steak. The first cocktail I had was not to my liking and the server was able to switch it out with no problem. After our cocktails, we ordered a bottle of wine which was excellent. The lobster bisque was extremely salty to my liking but the steak was cooked to our liking. Overall, the meal was decent but I would likely not return unless there was a special occasion.

Wow! I cannot have enough of this place. Such a special restaurant with amazing staff and service. Highly recommend beginning your night with their Caesar salad. First time trying their Chef's Special which Sadie our server explained so gracefully with detail. The special only lasts for max 2 days so it's worth a try if you want an extra unique dining experience at The Cellar. Their soufflé have a variety of options for the sauce which was VERY nice. For the Fall/Winter season an apple crisp sauce is available for the soufflé which can be ordered in either vanilla or chocolate cake. Amazing atmosphere and feel while dining at this restaurant.

Happy hour review: I wouldn't come here for anything other than happy hour and really only came here for the novelty this first time. It's got a really interesting vibe that's supposed to be "haunted" I guess. It's a bit spooky and dim that's down in the basement. Parking was quite annoying, service was slow, and food/drinks were mid. Mac n Cheese: Get A decent and creamy mac n cheese. It's nothing too special but it does the job for happy hour. Lobster bisque: Skip It missed the mark by being so incredibly salty... Otherwise who knows, maybe it could have been great. River of Dreams: Skip A imbalanced drink with too much sour and sweetness that reminded you of candy. Gordon's Cup: Get A very enjoyable spirit forward and balanced drink with hints of that woody spicy pepper. Souffle: Get This actually does take 30 minutes to come out but it was worth it. So fluffy and airy... especially with the salted caramel drizzled everywhere. Get the small portion because I can't imagine trying to finish anything larger lol Service: Terribly slow... we waited excruciatingly long from beginning to finish to put any order in or to get the check. Food: 6/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 4/10 Value: 4/10

I heard so many good things about this place, especially that they are known for their delicious cocktails. I was unsure about which drink to try my server Megan recommended "In Bloom" and omg this drink was absolutely amazing. I loved it so much I got a second drink. We were a party of 4 and celebrating my friends anniversary. Things I tried... Bone marrow: It was probably the best thing we ordered besides my cocktail. It was super flavorful and came with mini crostinis which were super crispy. Crab-cakes: It was my first time trying crab cakes and I will probably never try it again. In my opinion it was super fishy and it didn't have a pleasant taste. No one in my party liked it. Lobster bisque: It was super creamy and very delicious. I would definitely order this again. (My picture shows a small cup because I split a soup with my friend) Filet mignon: This was what I was mostly looking forward for, but to my surprise it was a bit disappointing. The filet was really over seasoned and was too salty to enjoy. (I didn't want to complain so I didn't let the server know). Vanilla Soufflé: Soufflé was good. It was nice and warm and not too sweet. Perfect to enjoy. Our server Megan was amazing, and very patient with my party. She was also very knowledgeable about the menu.

Such a cool hidden-but-very-well-known spot in downtown fullerton!! The restaurant is quite literally in a cellar - the drinks are very strong and they have a good selection of beers. Had such a great time! We didnt have a reservationand walked in on a monday after work with no wait. There is a bit if a stuffy smell but it really adds to the vibes HA Will definitely be bringing visiting travelers here to give them the authentic downtown Fullerton experience!

I always enjoy the Cellar. The restaurant has old school charm with modern touches. The cocktails are amazing and the service is impeccable. They do not miss a beat here. The food is always delicious--the chateaubriand steak is my favorite. They carve it table-side. Such a nice touch. We got the escargot and crab cake as well. Both were excellent. There's a parking garage outside and street parking if you can find it. Definitely great for a special occasion, make sure you get the soufflé for dessert!

Had a pleasant experience here overall. We were appreciative of the attentiveness, friendliness, and knowledge of the staff. We started off with the lobster bisque and beef tartar, which were both very tasty! Unfortunately, the only downside was the filet, which was overly salted and almost inedible. Will have to try this out again!

This has been on my bucket list for a while and it did not disappoint. Food: delicious. We got the 20 oz for 2 for $134 and it was big portions and very filling. Steak was more rare than I would've liked but no complaints. Service: highly attentive and informative. Our server was Jocelyn and she took great care of us. Ambiance: I loved the quiet and secluded atmosphere. A true gem in downtown Fullerton!

Always try the Chef's special! Best service and wait staff. I the ambiance and speakeasy vibe. The staff is always smiling and welcoming. My husband and I always enjoy our food & drinks.

Food: 5* Ambience: 5* Service: 5* Pro-tip: Arrive early as there very limited seats which fill up fast. Located underground, it was very dark to get to. Some friends and I went to enjoy Happy Hour. The happy hour menu is VERY limited. For food, you have the lobster bisque, steak sandwich, and lobster Mac and cheese. The lobster bisque (5*) delicious! Creamy, well seasoned, and tasty. The steak sandwich (5*) was also delicious. Juicy, huge, and tasty. The steak has mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and spinach which were great. My husband and I shared the sandwich, but our friend ate it herself. But she got the veggies on the side and we enjoyed those as well. The lobster Mac and cheese (5*) was cheesy, tasty, and well seasoned. Ask for Jason as your server. He was the right mix of attentive, friendly, and helpful. We would return.

世界上的每一種生活方式，只要是自己喜歡的就是美的，只要是適合自己的就是幸運的，人生雲淡風輕，內心安然無恙，就是一種幸福～ 除夕夜，選擇帶孩子們到離家不遠的Fullerton , 跟大家不一樣，沒有吃中餐，吃古典的法餐，幾十年的老店，在地下室一樓，很多吃貨應該都知道這一家， 我來過3，4 次，食物每次都是一樣的好水準，我覺得他家的湯最好喝， 不管是龍蝦湯還是牛尾湯， 兩個都90 分以上， 牛排， 也煎的很嫩， 不過這次稍微生了一些， 也還可以接受， 女兒的鴨肉, 挑嘴的她仍有微言， 女兒男友則點了鹿肉， 我試了一口， 沒啥不一樣， 好像更有嚼勁，最後我點了個 souffle,甜點又大， 又不會過甜， 烤的恰恰好， 好好吃歐， 這家店從1970 年開到現在， 比我還老，五十多年了， 仍生意興隆， 食物不花俏，一直維持著一樣的好味道， 難得的好餐廳， 最後甲辰年，祝福大家心想事成， 龍福齊天， 一整年都欣欣向龍， 生意興龍， 新年快樂呀！

I've been here a couple times and it's typically been a good experience, but this last time I came was awful. For starters I wanted some fun cocktails so I could make this fun review. And our server Heather H. was rude when it came to answering my questions just trying to find the cocktails with the fun cups. The bone marrow was good. I was very disappointed with the French onion soup. It was so salty And truly had hardly any onions in it literally was only able to take a couple bites of it. It was that salty. I ordered the filet mignon and you're supposed to get vegetables with it. I got four little pieces of zucchini. But all the other yelp reviews got green beans or carrots. They actually got vegetables. I got four small pieces of zucchini. And because our server was rude, I decided not to address this. This was supposed to be a fun dinner and I literally couldn't wait to get out completely disappointed will not be going back. But the ambience of this restaurant is super cool. It's underground. It's got great decorations, but don't waste your time eating there maybe sitting at the bar enjoying your cocktails would be a better experience.

Phenomenal restaurant for a special occasion. Their cocktails are handcrafted, seasonal and on the strongside. For the first round we opted for their Mai tai made with aged rum. It's $45 but pretty amazing! The lobster bisque is truly the best soup I've ever had. For the main entree the wife and I shared their Chateaubrand (20 oz. Filet Mignon, cut and served table side) and it was also the best filet I've ever had. We finished off our meal with an old fashioned and a large vanilla soufflés with grand marnier. Our soufflé was slightly over cooked however I won't hold it against them as I've had it before here and it was perfect (accidents happen). Last but not least our server Jocelyn provided excellent service and we appreciated her attentiveness and suggestions. If you have a special day coming up or just a fan of the finer things in life, I highly suggest visiting the cellar!

Exceptional right from the start! The place is romantic but hip and the same time. It has a dark vampire lair feel! Super sexy and great for a quiet dinner. The bar is a vibe! But the best part was the service. We were seated in the main room and our server was "LOREN". He was so attentive but not overbearing. Was around just on time whenever we need a refill on our cocktails. Great attitude and very knowledgeable on the history of the restaurant and menu recommendations! We will certainly be going back! We ordered the 18oz NY steak. Delicious! And also ordered the Nordic blue salmon. Both were great! Definitely recommend the espresso martini and of course a dirty martini

Wonderful service and food! The restaurant is very cool and cozy. It's perfect for date night, dinner with friends and family, wine tasting.

Dining at The Cellar in Fullerton is more than just a meal--it's an experience from the moment you arrive. Walking down the stairs and opening what I can only describe as a Harry Potter-style door sets the tone for a magical evening. Once inside, you're transported into an intimate wine cellar underground, where the ambiance is nothing short of enchanting. The food here is just as impressive as the setting. My go-to dish is definitely the Steak for Two--perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. It's ideal for sharing, though you might not want to once you take that first bite. For dessert, the Chocolate Soufflé with Vanilla Sauce is a must-try. It's rich, decadent, and the perfect way to end your meal. And then there's the Navy Frog cocktail, which is not only delicious but also a lot of fun. It's served in a ceramic skull mug with a bowler hat, which you can purchase for an additional cost--making it a memorable keepsake from a truly unique dining experience. If you're looking for a special place that offers more than just great food, The Cellar is where you need to be. The combination of atmosphere, service, and incredible dishes makes this one of my favorite spots in Fullerton.

Nice and cozy underground restaurant. It's very romantic and warm. Came for a special occasion to celebrate my birthday and the menu was already pre-made in honor of Valentine's Day. My date and I chose the 6oz Filet Mignon for the main course. The meat was tender and delicious! Starters were asparagus, salad, and a potato soup which I forgot to take a picture. All of it very delicious! The service is very attentive and informative. The food came out in a timely manner and we truly enjoyed our food and the ambiance. The pene pasta with the scallops could be more flavorful as it was a little dry for our liking. Nonetheless it was good. Reservations need to be made and I recommend you make one for a special occasion. Happy eating!

Atmosphere Food Cocktails Service All around an amazing experience. The cocktails were next level. We have never had such delicious, well crafted and thoughtful drinks. The food was absolutely perfect. I got the French Onion soup, split the Chateaubriand for 2 with my husband, and enjoyed bites of the chocolate soufflé and crème brûlée for dessert.

Went to The Cellar last night for an early Valentine's date to beat the crowds. I'd been to The Cellar before, but only for drinks and small bites. It was the place that introduced me to the vieux carre. Generally speaking, it's always been a great place to grab a drink. You walk down a small flight of stairs to arrive at this dimly lit and quaint space. We were running pretty late but the hostess, Maddie, was kind and accomodating (I called to let them know we'd be late, of course). We were sat with only a drink menu to start. Our waitress, Heather, was friendly and never imposing. Things definitely move at a slower pace, very fitting for a Parisien inspired spot. After we ordered drinks, we were provided with the dinner menus and Heather provided us with some recommendations and the day's special. We stuck with a slew of the house specialties - the bone marrow with a fig jam (two large halves of bone marrow), the lobster bisque, and the chateuabriand for two with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. We got a basket of bread rolls to start. They were fresh and yummy. Then the bone marrow came out, which was good - I would've liked a little more salt but I also wouldn't ask for salt and pepper at a place like this. After that, we were served our lobster bisque, which was portioned between two small bowls and poured tableside over a few chunks of lobster. The flavors were good here but the soup wasn't hot. We were there to enjoy our date so we were very easy going about it. The lady next to us also got the bisque and told them it was cold and they very kindly replaced it with a warmer bowl. The standout, though, is most definitely the chateaubriand. This was what made the meal worth it. The filet was cooked a bit more than the medium rare we asked for but it was still juicy and packed with flavor. Someone comes and carves the 20oz center cut filet for you tableside. It's served with delicious charred onion, broccolini, and carrots. The mashed potatoes were creamy and rich, It was a 5/5 plate that I would highly recommend. My leftovers tasted just as good today, too. We topped off the night with a chocolate souffle with a grand marnier anglaise (+$2) and two cups of coffee. Honestly, I wasn't impressed at all with the souffle and wouldn't get it again but after the main course, I really didn't care. I would definitely come back and try some of the other appetizers and plates and maybe the sticky toffee pudding or creme brulee for dessert next time!

This is a fine dining restaurant that is located underground in a "cellar". The vibe is old time/traditional steak house, dimly lit with antique features and decor. The food was amazing with a very traditional take on all the dishes we ordered. My favorites were the steak tartare and the short rib, which was cooked so tender. The sides that came with it were also delicious. The potatoes were like a chunky version of mashed potatoes. Overall, the food was amazing but I will say the service wasn't 100% for a $600+ meal. Which is why one star is off. I had made a reservation for 5:30 PM for four for myself and my parents for my dad's birthday. My parents arrived at 5:20 and we were told that they could not be seated because me and my fiancé had not arrived yet (even though the entire place was empty) and my parents had to stand or sit on a fireplace edge. My mom went to try to sit in a chair off to the side, but was told she could not sit there and could stand or sit on the fireplace edge. I feel like it's odd to not see people when it's the time for the reservation and it's only a reservation for four when your entire restaurant is empty .... It also took an incredibly long time to get our steak tartare appetizer because it was actually given to the table next to us by mistake. This place was good, but I felt they have antiquated practices with seating and they could've been more welcoming when my party first arrived.

Better than I thought. Hard to find entrance and parking. A bit cramped inside for people that like a bit more space.

Impeccable service! Service from our waitress was exceptional. The entire experience is terrific!

We came here twice, and the experience were fantastic. Highly recommend to reserve a table, especially during weekend because this place is very popular. Street parking is available. The restaurant is located underground with stone wall decorations. It reminds me of a restaurant in France. Servers were very friendly. We ordered the Classic chateaubriand, which is good enough for 2 people to share. Steak was tender with great seasoning, but not overpowering. We also tried the creme brûlée and chocolate soufflé with salted caramel sauce. I love the chocolate soufflé, chocolate flavor is very rich. Creme brûlée is very smooth!

I went to the Cellar last winter for my partner's birthday. What a beautiful spot. You head downstairs into a true cellar and are transported to Madonna Inn meets steakhouse meets, well, a cellar. We enjoyed two drinks from their holiday menu: a cranberry spritz of some sort and a spin on a tiki drink in a cute Cellar mug. Both were great! The food, however, left something to desire. We began with a Brussel sprout appetizer. They were mushy and not too good. To eat, we both got filet mignon, medium, but found them to be a bit rare for our taste once we got to the center. With the price range, I don't see myself returning for a full meal but this is definitely a cool spot to stop in for a drink just to experience it all! I also read online recently that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor got engaged here ... no idea if that's true, but definitely adds to the lore for me. ;)

This place has the best cocktails. I love coming to try their seasonal drinks. Their soufflé is incredible.

I came here with a bunch of friends for a fun celebration. One of my friends had made a reservation and we got a nice table in the middle of the restaurant. It's very dark down there and it feels just like you're sitting in an old wine cellar, as per the name of the restaurant. Service here was superb and we had no issues, our waitress was very informative and helpful to my friends that had diet restrictions or food allergies. For my entree I ordered the dry aged duck breast and my boyfriend ordered the chef special which was venison. My duck breast was delicious and cooked perfectly. My boyfriends venison was presented beautifully and was melt in your mouth delicious. We also had to get dessert, which we opted for the chocolate souffle, you do have to order it ahead of time as it takes some time to make. Our dinner was amazing and we all had a wonderful time.

Amazing EVERYTHING! I've been here 6 times in two months and haven't been disappointed (yet) Lili is a great server and takes care of you!

Wonderful service, cocktails and food every time!! Unique atmosphere. Rotating cocktail and food menu for each season, so there is always a reason to return!

We hit The Cellar last night. We forget that downtown Fullerton is so convenient from our house. Cocktails were fun. The clear one is a clarified Painkiller...and I have a soft spot for clarified milk drinks. If you drink 2 of these, you will be in trouble as it packs quite the punch. Steak Tartare - egg yolk shifted and hit the crostini while in transit. It was a sufficient steak tartare. What made the experience stupendous was when paired with this Bordeaux, it left a foie gras finish on my palate that made me giddy with joy. The rest of dinner was fine. The Caesar salad while unevenly dressed (some parts heavily dressed and some not dressed at all), had pops of sweet summer corn and an anchovy-heavy dressing. The lobster bisque had perfectly cooked lobster and was poured tableside, but was pretty salty. The filet we got was also a little too salty for us, but when shoved inside their hot bread service, was okay. The vanilla soufflé we had with seasonal pomegranate crème anglaise was very successful. Just the right balance of pomegranate to make the vanilla soufflé sing a little. This place was built by the same group of folks who built the Pirates ride at Disneyland and it's pretty evident...just without the water smell. It was a world tucked away and hidden behind a lit, but unassuming descending staircase. It's pretty old school as their celebrity clientele were the likes of John Wayne and Liz Taylor. Service was great, but I wonder how we managed to get a taster of the wine before it was brought to the table and the bottle opened in front of us. We'd come back for drinks, appetizers and dessert. It's a different kind of vibe and we liked it.

The food is bad, I couldn't eat my steak as it was FULL of tendon, wasted $45 on a chef's special. I regret not sending it back to the kitchen after first bite. I threw it all away as it is obviously cheap meat. How disappointing. And I don't write bad reviews, so that tells you how important it is for me to tell the kitchen their epic failure. SMH

Looking for the perfect date night ??? Anniversary or steak lover night. The cellar is it. The 24oz steak we received was cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes were perfectly seasoned and veggies. Drinks were incredible! The smoked whiskey my husband had was crucial to the steak combination. The steak tar tar was perfect! John Wayne use to have dinner in the booth inside the grotto where we had dinner. The original menu and decor still are keeping the history and magic of this restaurant! 5 stars and service was phenomenal.

A little hard to find. But well worth it!!! Ambiance cool food fantastic server amazing. Bartenders cool Beef tartare ok nothing special Lobster bisque on point fantastic Bone marrow excellent Crab cake. Not so good Chateaubriane excellent Duck. The best EVER. The rice That came with it truly AMAZING to me rice is dull. This rice is awesome I want bowls n bowls n bowls of it. Who knew rice could be fantastic!! This should be your go to joint for special ocasions I came for Fathers Day. I highly highly recommended. Give 'em a shot. You will love your food and time there. I have to go back n try more stuff. This place gets my 10star Real Deal restaurant better than Michelin standards