FAQS

Do you have a phone number?

As a small restaurant, providing our full attention to our guests is our top priority. For this reason, we do not provide a phone number, but invite you to email us at info@bellsrestaurant.com if you have any questions or are running late for your reservation.

Do you save space for walk-in dining?

Our lunch service is primarily walk-in with first-come, first-served seating for both our patio and dining room. We do offer limited advanced reservations for lunch as well.

Dinner service is reservation only.

Why do you only offer prepaid, prix fixe dinner reservations?

Our reservations (via Tock) require a non-refundable deposit of $25 per guest. By helping us to avoid “no show” parties, we not only maximize the opportunity for other guests to enjoy a dinner at Bell’s, but we are able to more effectively budget for both the high-quality ingredients we take pride in serving and the ability to pay a fair wage (with benefits) to our team. This prepaid deposit will be deducted from your final bill at the end of your meal.

Is it possible to refund my reservation if I cancel in advance or switch to another night?

No. Just as with attending a sporting event, a concert or the theater, all sales are final. If you cannot come, we recommend that you transfer your reservation to someone else. However, if we are notified in advance that you can no longer attend (and are, thus, able to provide your table to another party), your deposit will be donated in its entirety to a local charity. Examples of past charity partners include the Natural Action Wine Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization advancing the education, exposure, and career paths for BIPOC students in the wine industry, and Feed The Valley, a non-profit initiative to end food insecurity and stabilize the employment of independent restaurant workers throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. Thank you for your support.

Why is a service charge added to my bill?

As with the prepaid deposit on all reservations at Bell’s, the inclusion of a 20% service charge helps us pay a living wage, with benefits, to our entire team. This also enables us to equalize salaries between our front-of-house and kitchen staff, creating a more fair, collaborative atmosphere for our team. The 20% service charge will apply to all food and beverage consumed onsite, including any a la carte add-ons to your prix fixe meal.

Is it possible to dine with children at Bell’s?

We welcome children of all ages at Bell’s. In terms of the size of your party, we ask you to think of it as booking actual seats. If your child is old enough to sit in a chair, then please book accordingly. For children who require a highchair or will be in a stroller, please add these details in the booking notes for your reservation.

As for our prix-fixe menu, we are happy to serve anyone old enough to enjoy it. However, we do offer a kid’s menu of simple pastas, grilled cheese, sliced chicken breast or steak and salad.

Do you have patio seating?

Yes. Our covered, heated patio is available at both lunch and dinner service. When making a dinner reservation via Tock, the choice of indoor or outdoor dining will be provided as available.

Do you have a waitlist?

For lunch service, we set aside many of our tables as first come, first served and we will create a waitlist, as necessary, in-person. We do now offer limited advanced reservations for lunch.

For dinner service, we manage a waitlist via Tock. An email notification will be sent to you if a table becomes available for your indicated party size and date of preference.

Are you vegan and vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, with advance notice. Please add any allergies or dietary restrictions in the notes section when booking your reservation on Tock. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us at info@bellsrestaurant.com.

What is your corkage fee?

$30 per standard 750ml bottle with a maximum of three bottles per table. There is no corkage fee if you purchase a bottle from our wine list during your meal, on a 1:1 ratio.