Cetrella

Los Altos, United States

3.7

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 650-948-0400
Website:
www.cetrella.com
Address:
400 Main St, Los Altos, CA, 94022
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
2 miVTA
2.1 miSan Antonio
2.5 miDowntown Mountain View
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Brunch
Parking
Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Classy
Noise Level
Average
Music
Live
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
Yes
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes

Today

Today 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Los Altos) 03:51 Friday, 27 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Description

Specialties

Mediterranean-​Rim and California Coastal Cuisine

Accessible Fine Dining

International Wine List | Full Bar with Specialty and Classic Cocktails and Draught Beers

Sustainably raised and sourced premium ingredients

Menu items include vegan, vegetarian and gluten-​free options, and may be adapted for allergy and dietary sensitivities.

Private Parties | Corporate Dining | Wedding Receptions

Live Jazz Friday and Saturday Nights

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20 reviews of Cetrella

No registration required
Place rating: 2
Mountain View, CA
I was excited to try Cetrella when they first opened few months ago. I felt disappointed and based on other reviews here, so were many others, so it looks like they didn’t improve. Mainly, this is due to their inflated prices, which are not warranted for the quality and amount of food you get. I think most neighbors and retailers were excited that a fine dining was coming to downtown Los Altos, but our expectations weren’t met with this opening. I wonder if rent here is so high they pass it on to patrons charging ridiculous prices for subpar food. One can find better and for half the price nearby for sure. Cetrella doesn’t deliver accordingly for being high end restaurant, unfortunately. Food was very underwhelming and service was just plain awkward.
Place rating: 3
Los Altos, CA
Love the food prices are a little high. Surprisingly they are serving brunch on Sat — incredibly the place like 10% full and the food– we are talking salad here is taking forever. Like ridiculously long like came for lunch maybe switch to a dinner order. Three chef lots of servers no food coming out??? So frustrating hostess at front man great girl was odd awkward made me feel like «why are you here» so thats my two cents.
Place rating: 2
Palo Alto, CA
I’ve lived in Los Altos my whole life and was very excited when we finally got our first «fine dining» restaurant. Unfortunately, it disappoints in a lot of areas.
(1) Service: The service was professional, but poor. As an example, our waiter asked if we’d like still or sparkling water. We asked for sparkling and then it took 40 minutes (no joke) for them to bring it out. The reasoning, our waiter said they didn’t have any cold bottles. I understand that stuff happens, but at a high end restaurant, this shouldn’t.
(2) Food: We were very disappointed with our food. The mussels appetizer was bland and the pizza appetizer was not flavorful. My main dish was OK (3 scallops for $ 36) but my father-in-law’s «cheese» pasta was terrible. He actually said it tasted rancid and told the waiter that as well (no offer for new dish). For the salmon, they put the seasoning on the skin side of the fish which left the salmon unflavorful.
(3) Price for value: I’m more than happy to buy $ 35-​$ 40 entrees at a restaurants when the food and service are great (and frequently do). Unfortunately, Cetrella just doesn’t warrant this. For ½ the price you can go to Los Altos Grill around the corner which has better food and equal service.
Final thought, I didn’t leave the restaurant upset or angry… but I did leave feeling disappointed in our meal and experience. With all the new restaurants opening up in Los Altos (Turn, etc) we won’t be going back to Cetrella.
Place rating: 4
Los Altos, CA
So just the two of us out for a light but hopefully special dinner on Sunday evening. Could not have been more pleased. Started off with oysters snd a nice glass of New Zealand Sauvignon and a French Bordeaux. Next, a tasty gazpacho soup. Finished sharing a organic pea ravioli dish. Service was excellent. Will be back.
Place rating: 3
Palo Alto, CA
First time at this location. Unfortunately, though the pasta with the truffle polenta filling was tasty, it was undercooked, not al dente, but gummy. :(I mentioned to waiter, but no apparent action by management or kitchen to rectify in any way. Dining partner liked his swordfish. His coffee, however, was just bad, despite it being a «fresh pot», according to server. It was a slight miss, you may have to twist my arm to return, though a nice space, especially for Los Altos.
Place rating: 5
Half Moon Bay, CA
The new Los Altos location is fabulous! I’m a little sad now because Mhamed, my restaurant boyfriend, is rarely at our local (HMB) one so I don’t get to see him as often anymore! ;D
The food continues to be excellent. Brunch is the best here! Make a reservation so you’re sure to get a table, as its popular. Everything is repaired so fresh and tasty, and with impeccable service every time. The décor is rustic yet classy, spacious and airy, but also a bit on the romantical side. Cocktails and wine list will give you a lot to choose from, but be sure to ask for a recommendation of you’re not sure.
Place rating: 3
Palo Alto, CA
Came for an event and the venue was very new, with high ceilings and lots of open space. The service was attentive, but the food was just OK.
— Mushroom flatbread: my favorite, though inconsistent on the cheese. Enjoyed how the mushrooms were marinated
— Kale salad: decent, but tasted came in shredded form, which I didn’t like very much since it took forever to eat. Otherwise, dressed pretty well and came with asian pears.
— Swordfish: was a little dry, and had too much lemon zest for me
— Chocolate dessert: a bit too sweet for me and too rich
Overall, seems like a pretty nice/​fancy place for an event — but I would probably go with other items for the food.
Place rating: 4
Winchester, CA
Thank god we had a reservation. I’m not kidding, if you’re trying to dine here on a Friday or Saturday night, MAKE A RESERVATION.
We arrived a smidge early and I saw 2 couples turned away, after they decided the bar wasn’t the dining experience they were looking for. BUT, in Cetrella’s defense, they did have seating there available.
The menu here had something for everyone in my party, which I’d like to add, was my birthday party… so laa deee daa.
The group I was dining with managed to sample nearly every appetizer they had, okay maybe not, but close. I had the mixed greens, Dad had the Foie Gras, my Godfather had the Spring Island Mussels, and his wife thoroughly enjoyed the Kobe Beef Carpaccio.
For dinner we all tried something different, with the exception of my Mom and Godfather who both ordered the Duck. Mom said it came out a tad rare for her taste, but my Godfather said another minute on the cook top would have ruined it… so there you go.
For dinner, my wife had the mushroom risotto, and had enough left over to enjoy it for a small snack the next day. My Dad opted to order the Braised Short Rib, and I had the Grilled Filet Mignon served over the horseradish creamed leeks. My filet was cooked to absolute perfection, and I really enjoyed the leeks, not being a leek fan.
I think that everyone in the group was happy with the overall experience, and would probably go back to sample other menu items.
Place rating: 4
San Jose, CA
Excellent food! Great service! I recommend this place to all food lovers! Nice classy restaurant in Los altos. Ample parking available. I will definitely visit again! Cocktails are amazing !
Place rating: 3
Mountain View, CA
I recently visited Cetrella a couple weeks ago and there were definitely some high and low notes of the meal.
First off, we ordered a cheese plate, however the only reason I knew there was a cheese plate option was because of the online menu, otherwise the server did not have any information. The server did grab another waitress to provide us with some information about the cheeses we could taste, and they were definitely delicious, I definitely appreciated her recommendations.
The drinks were also pretty tasty, 4 of us in our party had some drinks, a gimlet which was done well, lemon drops that were good and an old fashioned. My boyfriend did note that the old fashioned was definitely small, a little to small for the price.
The meal took quite some time to come, and it was okay since we got another appetizer, however if we had not we definitely would have been starving!
When the main entrees came out the men in our party who got the lamb were a bit saddened by how small, yet again, the portions were, they were done rather quickly. I on the other hand loved my scallops with wagyu and the filets came out great.
Lastly, I think the waiters and staff are just new, so they kind of hover a bit waiting for you to finish, eager to take your plate away.
All in all t was a good meal, I may visit again but possibly at another time. I’d recommend getting an appetizer or salad to pair with your meal because of small portions. If you are looking for a bigger meal, head over to Los Altos grill.
Place rating: 2
Los Altos Hills, CA
Have now been here three times since it opened, and perhaps my expectations were too high, but I feel like they should be doing better.
When you walk into the dining room, you start with the perception of a very oddly configured room. It helped me to understand why it is that way when I was told that the owners’ other restaurant has a killer view, because this one is set up as if everyone would want to enjoy the view. Unfortunately, the «view» is of a divey pizza place and a parking lot — one of the least compelling views in what is actually a fairly cute little town. Otherwise, the interior feels cavernous and unfinished — undecorated. Very odd, and not a warm space in which to spend time.
Not quite sure what’s going on with the staff, but the only feeling I get from my servers is that they’re either nervous or scared. An odd thing to say, but there it is. I get the feeling that Cetrella is not a fun place to work. The end result is very funny service in some cases. For example, when last I was there, my wife and I decided we needed to drink water strategically, because after literally every sip, there was a guy at our table to top it up.
Food is the reason this is two stars and not one. The first visit, the food was all off. New kitchen, new opening — I get it — takes a little while to get things together. Second and third visits the food was better, but they’re still not getting temperatures and timing right.
I was really excited about this opening — would be great to have a good higher end restaurant in Los Altos. Hope they can get better.
Place rating: 4
San Jose, CA
We ran across this beautifully lit place as we were strolling through Los Altos downtown looking for ice cream. As promised, we made it out to get a drink and dinner yesterday.
The Kale salad was exquisitely done. The Tajarin which we ordered next was terribly disappointing, it was soft and mushy. Much as I hate to do this, I had to send it back. To our pleasant surprise, the manager came by, explained that’s the way Piedmontise make it and it was an in-​between dish. He followed it up by sending a beautiful complimentary watermelon salad. Even the chef talked to us about it after the meal. We really appreciated the service. The Ricotta Gnudi which followed was a thing of beauty, just perfectly executed.
Was happy to see a full restaurant at dinner yesterday, hopefully a sign of turnaround to restaurants in Los Altos.
Place rating: 4
Palo Alto, CA
We ate here last night.
Kobe Beef Carpaccio /​Grilled Octopus /​Glass of Veuve.
Ingredients are first class. Not portion sizes to get stuffed on. Took our time, talked, enjoyed.
Pumpkin Pasta (stuffed) /​Duck Breast /​two wines by the glass.
Again not huge portions. Nothing is over-​seasoned letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
Peanut Butter-​Chocolate Mousse /​10 and 20 year Tawny Port
Very nice presentation, super rich quality.
Overall: Owner answered the phone when we called at 3pm for a reservation. Took my number. Called me back with a 2-​top at 6:30pm. Sat by the window. Very nice table. Great service. $ 200 for the 2 of us but we had 6 glasses of alcohol between us (champagne, wine, port) so that added up. I didn’t get the owner’s name but he was very funny. Even when we complained the dessert was talking a little bit too long he was funny. Place was full most all the time we were there. Bar was packed with diners and drinkers — tv for sports that was not visible from the dining room. Love the layout. Parking at Safeway.
Place rating: 4
Sunnyvale, CA
We had Greek pizza and octopus for appetizers, salmon and lamb chops for entrée and chocolate trio for dessert.
Greek pizza was average, Octopus was good. I loved the lamb chops, I tasted my husband’s salmon it was good. Chocolate trio is again average nothing special.
Overall a good place, nice ambience and excellent service. I would go back to it.
Place rating: 4
Los Altos, CA
Good Potential. Some things they should adjust and learn from Los Altos Grill
Likes:
— good menu selections. Something for everyone. Nice salads at lunch
— nice locations and décor.
— On OpenTable
— Open later and at lunch which is hard to find in Los altos
Area for Improvement
— Same prices as Los Altos Grill, but much smaller portions
— Staff and owner are over attentive. Comes across as amateurish
— Most preparations were good, but a couple were poorly executed. They should compare their grilled artichoke to that at Los Altos Grill for example. I could make this same statement about several menu items. LAG sets the bar in Los Altos and is richly rewarded for it. Cetrella team needs to go study that winning formula and adjust some things
Place rating: 5
Los Altos, CA
This is a great new restaurant in Los Altos. The tomato and watermelon salad was fantastic. Chris, our waiter, recommended the pork chop and it was also a great call. The wine list is good. It’s expensive. The service was top notch. This may be the best food in Los Altos.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
I went to Cetrella for brunch on a Saturday morning around 11:30 am. The food was good, the service was satisfactory, and the ambiance elegant — but there was no «wow factor.»
I enjoyed my summer vegetable omelette and coffee — it was good, but not amazing.
The place was big and largely empty, which made us feel like we had picked the «wrong» spot for brunch.
I appreciated the fact that Cetrella took reservations on Open Table.
Overall — no complaints, but I wasn’t blown away either!
Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA
This is the kind of place Los Altos could really use, and it shows… They’ve barely been open a week and it’s packed even though the place is huge — a bit Cheesecake Factory-​ey IMO but it’s not a big deal. And good food, though I do wish the portions were more generous for the price (but price isn’t going to hurt them much with the rich old white folks crowd). I’d rate 3.5… rounding up because service is good.
I tried the old fashioned, which was in a martini glass, more like a Manhattan. But it tasted good, and I guess that’s what counts. The carpaccio was tasty (the fried capers a nice touch) but they sneakily put all of the arugula in the center of the plate to hide the fact there wasn’t any carpaccio there! The amount you actually end up with is VERY small. The salmon pizza was also good but could’ve used more salmon. It was on pizza bread not flat bread though, so it was more filling than the salmon pizza I like at Carpaccio in Menlo Park.
So far I’ve tried two pastas there. The cappelletti with truffle polenta and meatballs was very rich as expected, and very good. The texture of the polenta filling was a bit weird at first, being all mushy, but it tasted great. I also hesitantly tried the gluten free linguini with uni and clams… I would have preferred regular linguini but they assured me the gluten free didn’t taste too weird. It was still a bit strange — the texture and taste just weren’t right; how could they be? — but the spiciness of the sauce covered somewhat. Still, I wish they’d offer regular pasta.
Place rating: 5
Los Altos, CA
Cetrella has raised the fine dining bar in Los Altos and I hope it encourages the other restaurants in town to up their game. Love that they are open 7 days a week for lunch AND dinner (with a full bar).
Is Centrella the best restaurant you’ve ever been to? Probably not. But it IS the best restaurant in Los Altos, and it has brought a level of class and sophistication (without being snobby) that our town has sorely needed.
The interior is beautifully done, the menu offers SO MANY options, the food arrives promptly and is presented elegantly, but most importantly, everything tastes delicious. Our party had the risotto (yum!), the agnolotti, the brined chicken, and the special fish, a whole roasted snapper. Even if you think you don’t like kale salad, try the kale salad. We all loved our food.
Our server was a bit overattentive, but I would much prefer that over being invisible. She seemed genuinely interested in making sure we were having the best possible experience, and she made some excellent suggestions regarding the menu. I will happily overlook the fact that she recommended the «Hair-​loom» tomato salad.
Place rating: 4
South Bay, CA
The HMB mainstay has opened a branch in the new Main Street construction in downtown Los Altos. It’s a large building and takes up most of the block. I overheard it can seat 240 people with a large PDR area downstairs plus an upstairs. We sat in the main dining room and had a late meal. I dont think many people know it’s open yet so it was pretty empty. Got the NY Steak, Carpaccio, Fingerling Potatoes and Semifreddo for the meal. All the dishes were well executed but I think the steak was a bit on the expensive side, even for American Wagyu, However I’d rather pay more for quality than less for something mediocre or bad. There are a number of pastas on the menu that Id like to try next time. Service is very sharp but then we had like 10 servers to 6 diners so it’s to be determined when they seat a full house. Definitely worth coming back though as Los Altos hasnt had a higher end place since Ambience down the way. 4.25 stars