Bell’s: A Michelin Star Dining Experience

Patio area of Bell's.

Bell's restaurant in located in Los Alamos, California, and proudly holds the title of a one Michelin-starred establishment. I would say this restaurant's success is even more unique, considering how small of a town Los Alamos is. It isn't the type of town you're "just passing through". Opened in 2018, Bell's has quickly garnered attention for its exceptional dining experience, and the Michelin star is a nod to the restaurant's commitment to delivering outstanding cuisine and service, despite its humble location.

Menu and table setting.

To begin with, I would not say there was much to their interior upon entry. I have only been to one other Michelin star restaurant prior to this, but the interior here was not nearly as elegant as I had expected. The patio area where we were seated was much nicer, although I would say our table was not in the best location.

Putting all this aside, the food was phenomenal. As expected from a Michelin-rated restaurant, every plate served was beautiful and stood alone. The sea urchin was incredibly fresh, and I still have dreams about the chamomile panna cotta. Here are some of the dishes we were served:

Santa Barbara Sea Urchin.

This urchin was served on a mille crepe cake. Clean, delicate, and FRESH.

Bell's Sourdough and Cultured Butter.

Salade of Finley Farms Lettuce.

Topped with shallot and Medjool date vinaigrette.

Heirloom Melon.

paired with Stepladder Creamery chevre, bottarga, shallot, tomato consomme.

Cured Boston Mackerel.

English cucumber, beets, horseradish, sauce a l'ail blanc. Muah! I think about this dish all the time.

Channel Islands Halibut.

Topped with serrano ham, marcona almond, and sauce romesco.

Steak au Poivre.

5 oz coulette, topped with Steve's peppercorn sauce and fries.

Galette des Rois.

With hazelnut, dark chocolate, and glacee.

Chamomile Panna Cotta.

The star of the entire evening. Poached apricot, honey almond syrup, to die for.

Bell's did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this location to someone who is looking to try a Michelin dining experience without being too overwhelmed, or breaking the bank. Los Alamos is close enough to Santa Barbara, so you could even end the evening with wine tasting if you were in the mood for it.