The Cellar Restaurant

About the Business

Specialties

The Cellar's specialty is creating a one of a kind dining experience. Please note the following if this is your first time dining at The Cellar: + The Cellar is located in the basement of the Villa del Sol. Our stairs are in the Northwest corner of the building. There’s a reason why we’re called ‘OC’s Best Hidden Secret’ + We were designed by the same craftsman from the Pirates of the Caribbean, so if we look familiar, that’s why! + Your dinner will be served at a relaxing pace. A two hour dinner is not uncommon for a party of two. + We use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and every plate is made to order. Our price reflects our quality. + The Spirit Room offers award winning bartenders and cocktails. The cocktail menu is updated each season and features an ‘Off the Cuff’ where the Bartender creates a different drink nightly. + If a member of our staff can improve your dining experience at any time, please feel free to ask.

History

Established in 1969.

Since 1969, The Cellar has maintained an unparalleled tradition of gracious European cuisine and service. This romantic and elegant rendezvous was conceived, designed, and built by artistic craftsmen from Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean. Since then it has been the crown-jewel of OC, being the most truly unique award winning restaurant around. Reminiscent of Old Europe, The Cellar Restaurant, located in the basement of Fullerton's historic Villa del Sol, is accessed via a flight of dimly lit stairs. This world-class restaurant retains all of its architectural and ascetic beauty from its early conception and building. Soft lighting, chandeliers, structured arches, cave-like walls and two cozy fireplaces evoke the feeling that you are in a private house of royalty. The Cellar's elegant surroundings inspire nostalgia of Old Europe and it's culinary excellence abounds with only the finest and freshest foods prepared in a lighter version of classical French cuisine.

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Ryan D.

Business Owner

Proprietor Ryan Dudley studied Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, and is now The Cellar's third owner. Since his take over in 2004, at the age of 27, he has been awarded Restaurant of the Year from the Orange County Concierge Association, and Alumni of the Year from Cal Poly Pomona. He started his professional career managing different properties of Lawry's and was one of the youngest Wine Managers of The Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. He balances bringing a fresh approach to fine dining while maintaining a European aura of elegance. He is a fixture at The Cellar and never passes up a good bottle of wine and stimulating conversation with his customers. He is truly the captain behind the ship and the driving force behind the success of The Cellar. He has a "hands on" approach to his ownership of The Cellar and his enthusiasm is contagious and inspires others to uncover their untapped potential.