Where should I start this review? There is so much to say,so I will start with its location. Tucked ever so discreetly in an upscale neighborhood is a bread and breakfast of an old farm mansion with converted carriage house converted into the B&B's cottage apartments. But back to the main house, there are steps and a wheel chair access to the restaurant. This could have been a root cellar, or once the original kitchen to the house turned restaurant. Hence, the name, The Cellar.
We were running a little late, so unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to check out this place, where the bar area, lounging area or anything was. We were immediately seated to our tables. If your looking for the next trendy hot spot to see or be seen, this place isn't for you. This place is about the food, and the food alone. Yes it is pleasingly aesthetic to the eye but it mostly about the food. The restaurant had a good age mixture, starting in their 20's on up to their 60's, and this place isn't kid friendly, so I didn't see kids in there.
We started our meal by sharing a tuna tartare, very nice. They served it with what I assumed was lightly fried wanton wraps. And a creamy type of sauce. Not being a fan of tuna, I really did enjoy this very much. I'm the type of person who will try most anything once, but if I don't care for it, I won't eat it again. My husband ordered the Ahi Tuna and asked the chef to threaten it with heat, they nailed it! Usually restaurants over cook it for his taste, he never says anything but once we leave, he says that he will not be ordering that there again. This time he stated they did it well. I ordered the sea scallops with pork belly. Bacon and sea scallops, yum! They knocked to out of the park. This is a great place, one that my husband and I will be back to.
This is an absolutely amazing, unique, first class, but warm and friendly restaurant! The ambiance is cozy, warm and inviting and immediately reminded me of an intimate European restaurant. If you are looking for a place to have a large family get-together/dinner, or an ultra-romantic night out with your love, look no further, you've found that place!
OK, on to the food. One word - incredible! Â We were a large party of six which grew to eight before we were finished. Fortunately everyone in our party enjoyed sharing and tasting, so we were able to sample some of the very best dishes, and appetizers I've ever eaten. For starters we had the ban ban shrimp, the fondue which was made with stout beer, the clams, leeks, and wine. All of the above were delicious, and I could have made an extremely enjoyable meal out of any of these appetizers. The shrimp were plump and sweet, perfectly seasoned, very lightly breaded and perfectly cooked. The fondue was delicious creamy and had that distinct stout flavor that I love. The bread it was served with was fresh and crusty, and while this dish needs no improvement, perhaps an alternative bread option could be fresh warm soft baked pretzel chunks. The clams were sweet and juicy and perfectly cooked, but what made this dish special was the broth. Buttery, winey, leaky, clamy goodness! They could have set a loaf of crusty bread in front of me and I would have soaked up every drop of this broth!
The main courses I was able to sample were the filet, the salmon, the scallops. I've never eaten a better filet, better salmon or better scallops at any restaurant. The cut of filet was perfect. Thick, and juicy and so very tender and delicious. We are from Texas, and we thought we knew what a good steak was, but this filet puts every other steak I've bought to shame. The filet was served with a delicious pasta with cheese, and asparagus cooked to that perfect slight crunch. The salmon, WOW!  I'm using the word PERFECT a lot in this review, but I can't think of another word that applies. This salmon was incredible (I've used that word a lot too). It literally melts in your mouth! The seasoning and cooking method allows the natural salmon taste to remain the star of this dish, and the lentils and especially the incredibly unique and delicious celery root puree were perfect companions. The scallops were huge, and were seasoned and seared perfectly. They were so very sweet and plump and flavorful served with delicious mushrooms and creamed leeks.  One of the many things that stood out about these main dishes was that as much care, and thought and effort is put in to every delicious side dish  as is put into the main courses. Â
For dessert I only sampled, no devoured, the warm chocolate cake served with a chocolate mousse and cream. Warm satisfying chocolately goodness and the perfect (there's that word again!) Â end to a perfect meal! Â
I must mention the staff at the Cellars were all first-class, well-trained, knowledgeable in food and drink. What you expect at a fine restaurant. But what sets them apart is that they are all warm, and friendly, outgoing and personable and all add to a superior dining experience. Since we were a larger party, the general manager, Harry jumped in and helped with our table. He was top notch, without a hint of snootiness, funny and engaging without being intrusive into our night out. It's easy to figure out why his wait staff is so good and well-trained.
Ok yes, Â that was much more than one word, but everything about The Cellars is exceptional, and I cannot recommend this place enough!
Tucked away in the cellar of a bed and breakfast which is itself nestled within a residential neighborhood, The Cellars is stellar. The chef and management are new this year. We had not been before, and as I started to write this review, I saw a Yelp listing for The Cellars Resturant (sic), but all the reviews were from before January 2013, so I decided to start a new listing, correcting the spelling. We started our dinner with a Caesar salad with white anchovies and a cheddar and bacon fondue, accompanied by Evasham Wood chardonnay from a good list. The Caesar was perfect. The fondue could have used a bit more zip. Main courses: house-cut tenderloin, served rare as requested, with Humboldt mac and cheese and soft shell crabs over basil risotto with golden beets and balsamic pearls. Â We were delighted at the quality of the tenderloin. The crabs were slightly over-browned, but underneath the batter were two succulent big, jimmies, perfectly soft. Â
Strawberry rhubarb tart for dessert provided a sassy-sweet finish. Service was attentive and friendly.
Who would have thought you would find a gem like this place right in the middle of a upper class suburban paradise? Â I thought my GPS was lying to me when it told me my destination was "100 meters on the right". Â The GPS was right, though, and I'm glad I didn't turn around before I got there. When you walk in to this place--which is literally in the cellar of this really big bed and breakfast--you immediately recognize that this place is super classy (wear your church/Olive Garden clothes, people).
I bought a $25 gift certificate for this place on one of those discount restaurant coupon websites over a year ago. Â I've decided to go through the certificates I bought and use them before the places go out of business--and this one was first on the list. Â I didn't make reservations before I went, which apparently is a thing here, but they were very accommodating and didn't make me feel like a low life. Â We were at at able within 5 minutes. Â
The first thing that comes out to you is this amazing truffle butter. Â Bring some kind of hidden container with you, because you'll want to take as much of this butter home as possible. Â I could have left without actually eating anything but this butter and would be have still given it a great review. Â I was also impressed by the food. Â My girlfriend ordered some kind of salmon dish, which was pretty good. Â The salmon has a mustard flavor, which she despises, and she still at the whole thing--so that's got to be saying something. Â I had a steak, which was very good, though not quite Ruth's Chris level.
Overall, I really liked this place. Â I'll go back again if I'm in the area and have no other gift certificates left.
WOW! Â What a hidden treasure. Â I never knew The Cellar's was there...but I'm glad I found it.
Small, different and charming...in the basement of the old Church Point Manor, this restaurant serves up a memorable and delectable experience. Â The wine list is fair...the menu is limited (as is the seating)...but the food is prepared and presented wonderfully. Â Only 12 tables are available but they are nicely spaced for intimate dinner conversation. Â Our waiter had worked there for years and was "just right" combining attention and privacy. Â We were impressed with the food overall...especially the beautiful presentation.
This was a unique dining experience and one we shall enjoy again.
This second time in this restaurant we had our Anniversary dinner. It was good but not great experience this time. The ambiance was very romantic but except of us and other elderly couple there was nobody there.
We liked the food (except of dessert),The wine list was reasonably priced and quite good, the service was good and professional. But the hostess could be more inviting and could use some more consideration when offering the table with the view of the back door when the whole place was empty. It took our reminder of our Anniversary and only after second try (the first was offering the table right next to the same door) she let us sit where we wanted. Kind of spoiled the mood a bit.
Otherwise it was a nice dinner considering it was a Tuesday night.
I took my wife here for our anniversary last week. Really great food. Not a large menu, but the dishes they served were excellent. This was my first trip here. For an intimate dining experience with fabulous food check this place out. It could have been easy to go overboard on price, but for us the two entrees were the perfect amount of food.
I really want to check out the bar area. I think it would be perfect for a small client event or even seminar as well. I never realized this was all tucked away in the Church Point neighborhood.
I have enjoyed this place many times since the very first night it opened a few years back. Â I recall the first time thinking if they can do well on a soft opening they may be worth trying again. Â Well, it was so darn impressive that I could not believe it. Â The lamb was to die for. Â The wine selection is strong. Â The atmosphere in the basement of this B&B is one of the most unique you will find anywhere in Hampton Roads. Â The service has always been dead on with good coverage without smothering you until your annoyed. Â The coupon deal for $25 is a good deal and still available. Â I have recommended The Cellars to many, many friends and they have not been disappointed. Â Please DO NOT take small children to this beautiful romantic place. Â They have no high chairs, nor a kids menu. Â But what they do have is an extremely strong smaller menu that is sure to please even the pickiest foodies. Â Great first date, special occasion place. Â Do make reservations on weekends, weekdays they are usually not that crowded.
Review Source:Came here with my three kids based on a few reviews on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a>. The fact that they didn't have a highchair should  have tipped me off that it wasn't family friendly but since we had driven 25 miles from our hotel on the Boardwalk to get here, we decided to give it a try. First, the $8 Caesar salad came. It was three pieces from a romaine heart, not cut up and with a little bit of dressing on it. Dull, at best. Â
No kids menu but the snooty waitress suggested the $8 mac n cheese cous cous which the kids didn't like. The $30 steak was good but really salty and my husband's $28 crab cakes were good. The $6 side of potatoes were good.
Definitely not worth the $125 it would have been if we didn't have our $25 coupon from <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a>. We definitely won't be back and would say that if you're in an adults-only party and want to over pay for your dinner on their limited menu, go for it.
On a nice note, the  rooms were cozy and warm with couches  and a fireplace. And the kids enjoyed the pool table.
Best food I have ever had. Â Read reviews on this place before I went and didn't think I was going to get full. Â Well, I was wrong. Â I ate my face off with the Pork Shank and couscous. Â Honestly the best meal I have had. Â My fiance had the steak and it was the best steak I have had. Â Overall, Im a poor navy man, but God knows that I will go back and I will thoroughly recommend it to all my friends. Â I would give it another star if I could.
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