Down a heavily carpeted staircase in the back of the historic Via del Sol building in downtown Fullerton is one of Orange County’s most precious secrets. The Cellar is a fine-dining establishment with a 50-year tradition of spectacular French food in a unique environment.
The interior of this Southern California landmark is designed by the same creative minds responsible for the interior of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Designed to look like an old wine cellar, when you enter this subterranean space you are transported to old-world Europe.
If you are expecting typical French cuisine portions at the Cellar, think again. This is not the type of restaurant that will serve you sample-sized servings and send you home hungry. The menu is chock full of amazing selections but the one must-try item is unquestionably the restaurant’s signature soup, the lobster bisque.
The elk steak, admittedly the reason we tried this spot, was a delectable joy to eat. With the flavor of lamb and the tenderness of the most well-prepared filet, this dish was mouth-wateringly good. It’s accompaniment of brown butter sauce and purple sweet potato gnocchi are pure heaven to taste.
Deserts follow suit with offerings like chocolate and vanilla soufflés and a delicate lavender and orange crème brulee.
Nothing is rushed at the Cellar. Dinner here is a European-style affair with courses spaced out to ensure guests have time to savor their food and enjoy each other’s company during the meal. The food, ambience and bar have all won various awards throughout the years and the restaurant has the honor of receiving the Four Diamond Award from AAA every year since 1990.
The Cellar
305 N Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
714.525.5682
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