I have said it before - Southern California has no shortage of amazing restaurants. Many of these are well-known, get a lot of press, and are located in major metropolitan areas like LA or San Diego. But living outside the city myself, I know that there is some spectacular food to be had in far less flashy locales, many of which go under the radar for years. But one such place has broken the mold and is making a name for itself, with good reason. Bell’s is a small but noteworthy restaurant in Los Alamos, CA, that is putting this tiny town on the map.

Bell’s Restaurant is a French-style bistro housed in a former farm building in the small western town of Los Alamos.

This small, unpretentious family-run restaurant has earned a coveted MICHELIN star for its “phenomenal product, focused flavors and methods.” Since opening in 2018, Bell’s has also received accolades from Food & Wine (Best New Chef) and Esquire (Best New Restaurant), and has been featured in Eater LA, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel & Leisure.

Nearly everything from the kitchen is sourced locally and presented with elegant simplicity. Classic European-inspired bistro fare and an eclectic selection of award-winning wines are served up in a chic and relaxed ambiance.

Diners will always find a nice selection of starters, main dishes, and desserts. Depending on the season and the chef’s mood, the menu might include items like La Brujula Tinned Sardines with housemate saltines and BBQ hot sauce, Steak Frites with culotte and gourmet butter, or Moules Frites - mussels with garlic saffron broth.

One of Bell’s specialties is the rich, savory Santa Barbara uni crêpe cake - delicate crêpes layered with creme fraiche and caviar.

The menu here changes daily, depending heavily on availability of local ingredients as well as the chef’s whim. There is also a lovely little Kids menu that includes a CEO’s Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwich, Gabie Baby’s Grilled Cheese, and at least two different pasta options.

Dinner at Bell’s is by reservation only. Dinner guests enjoy a multi-course Prix Fixe menu that includes seasonal entrees like Lamb en Croûte, Day Boat Scallop Risotto, and Late Summer Bouillon.

Lunch reservations are available, with some tables being kept open for first-come, first-served. Lunch is also available for takeout and is offered at a discount off of normal dine-in service. The patio is open for both lunch and dinner, and the best part (in my opinion) is that the patio is dog-friendly!

Bell’s is open Thursday through Monday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Have you enjoyed a meal at this little restaurant in Los Alamos? We would love to hear your thoughts. You can find up-to-date menus and hours on the Bell’s website or stay up on news, specials, and other goodies by following Bell’s on Facebook. Want another reason to visit this darling town? How about an overnight stay at this one-of-a-kind historic hotel with amazing themed rooms?

Can’t get enough food inspo? Check out our collection of some of the best and most unique places to eat and drink in Southern California!