Bells
California-French
Bell's, Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA, USA
OUR SCORE
Accolades
- Michelin Guide California 2019: "The Plate" distinction
- Michelin Guide California 2021: One Michelin Star
- Wine Enthusiast’s America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2019
- Santa Barbara Independent's "Best Of" Award 2019: Best Restaurant in the Santa Ynez Valley
- Featured in California.com's list of "The 7 Best Santa Ynez Wineries and Restaurants to Experience"
Restaurant Summary
Bells in Santa Barbara stands out as a culinary sanctuary for discerning palates with a penchant for French-inspired cuisine that seamlessly integrates California's freshest and finest ingredients. This elegant eatery exudes sophistication, from the contemporary decor that whispers of chic Parisian bistro charm to the attentively laid tables that promise an intimate dining experience.
Upon entering Bells, guests are greeted with an ambiance that strikes a balance between upscale refinement and a welcoming, warm atmosphere. The restaurant proudly displays an open kitchen, offering a glimpse into the culinary artistry where precision and passion converge to create unforgettable dishes.
The menu at Bells is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a deep reverence for seasonal produce. It is a rotating testament to the creativity of the chefs, who take advantage of the bounty offered by Santa Barbara's local farms and coastal waters. The offerings celebrate the melding of rustic flavors with modern techniques, providing an inspired take on French cuisine through a Californian lens.
One highlight on the menu could be the Coquilles St. Jacques, presenting succulent scallops seared to perfection and served alongside a delicate arrangement of local vegetables, hinting at the ocean's freshness with every bite. Another standout dish is the Canard à l'Orange, where the duck is sourced from a nearby farm and prepared with an expertise that ensures crispy skin giving way to tender, flavorful meat, all balanced with the sweet and tangy notes of an expertly crafted orange reduction.
Vegetarians and vegans are not an afterthought at Bells, where a thoughtfully conceived Plat Végétal showcases the vibrancy of local gardens. This dish could include a medley of heirloom carrots, asparagus, and baby beets, each element charred or roasted to bring out its natural sugars, presented on a canvas of house-made herb-infused oil.
The dessert menu at Bells is a fitting finale to the culinary journey, featuring classics with a twist, like the Tarte Tatin, reimagined with seasonal stone fruits instead of the traditional apples, and served with a dollop of crème fraîche that has been lightly kissed with local honey.
Bells' wine list is as curated as its dishes, highlighting boutique vineyards from the Santa Barbara region and beyond, with sommeliers ready to pair each selection perfectly with the flavors of your meal.
Whether it's a special occasion or a desire for an exceptionally crafted dining experience, Bells in Santa Barbara triumphs as a destination that marries the art of French cooking with the casual elegance of the California coast.
9.7 / 10