Cetrella

4.9

867 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

160 State St, Los Altos, CA 94022

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 27, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

Good for groups
Neighbourhood gem
Good for business meals

Named for Capri, a culinary crossroads for Mediterranean-Rim cuisine, Cetrella's 23-year fine dining appears in Gourmet Magazine, MODERN LUXURY Silicon Valley Magazine, among others. The dining room's atmospheric Venetian plaster colors evoke sea and sky, sand and cliffs, foliage and forestry, opening to a Spanish-tiled Paseo, teaching kitchen and underground speakeasy.

M'hamed Bahet | Managing Partner

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Californian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(650) 948-0400
Website
http://cetrella.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
Enquiries for on-site or off-site catering are welcome. Staff will respond to learn your planning and event needs, to determine room, food and beverage minimum, menu selections and service format. Please use the web form on Private Dining page of Cetrella's website: https://www.cetrella.com/cetrella-los-altos/private-dining/request-information/
Private party facilities
Full-service business and personal private dining from intimate to buyout. Rooms include private Speakeasy; buyout main dining room and Paseo; privately spaced seating in area of main dining room; teaching kitchen experiences. Enquire via web form on Cetrella's website: https://www.cetrella.com/cetrella-los-altos/private-dining/request-information/

Location
160 State St, Los Altos, CA 94022
Neighbourhood
Los Altos
Cross Street
Third Street or Fourth Street
Parking details
Parking behind restaurant and downstairs garage with accessible elevator and ramps in building.
Public transit
VTA Bus 40 at S San Antonio Road at Edith Avenue is three blocks from Cetrella.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Bread Service with Butter and HoneyUS$5.00
Beech Brown Mushroom BisqueUS$15.00
potato · porcini powder · basil oil · tomato oil · parmesan crisps
Fennel and Radicchio SaladUS$18.00
broccolini · radish · citrus vinaigrette · dill
Tuscan Kale SaladUS$19.00
apple · pomegranate · sunflower seed · pecorino gran cru · roasted shallot-sherry vinaigrette
Roast Beet SaladUS$19.00
shaved carrot · arugula · stracciatella · sherry vinaigrette · candied pistachio
Fava Bean Hummus with PitaUS$16.00
asparagus · fava bean · pea · dill · mint · extra virgin olive oil · lemon zest
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab CakesUS$22.00
red pepper coulis · lemon mayonnaise
Garlic PrawnsUS$23.00
herbes de provence · extra virgin olive oil · lemon · aleppo pepper flake
Roasted Spanish OctopusUS$25.00
chickpea purée · olive
New Zealand Atkins Ranch Lamb MeatballsUS$21.00
tomato · yoghurt · herbs

Risotto & Pastas

Forest Mushroom RisottoUS$29.00
crimini · maitake · beech brown · balsamic reduction · grana padano · chive
LumacheUS$29.00
sausage · tomato · spinach · burrata
Mezze RigatoniUS$29.00
beef and pork ragù · parmigiano

Entrées

BranzinoUS$45.00
whole fish · spinach · almond romesco sauce · herbal oil · grilled lemon
New Zealand Ōra King Salmon Tuscan Kale SaladUS$35.00
apple · pomegranate · sunflower seed · pecorino gran cru · roasted shallot-sherry vinaigrette
Braised New Zealand Atkins Ranch Lamb ShankUS$39.00
celery root · sautéed cannellini bean · lemon tzatziki
Glazed Short RibUS$41.00
mash potato · spinach · pearl onion · carrot · mushroom

Sides

Brussels SproutUS$15.00
roast garlic · lemon · parmesan
Green BeansUS$13.00
sautéed with garlic
Patatas BravasUS$16.00
jamón · aïoli · chive
French FriesUS$10.00
Truffle FriesUS$12.00

What 867 people are saying

Cetrella reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Good for groups
San Francisco Bay Area
Mediterranean
Peninsula
Best Overall
Peninsula
Best Value
Peninsula
Good for groups
Peninsula
Neighbourhood gem
Peninsula
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cetrella offers "exceptionally good" food in a welcoming and friendly setting. Diners rave about the "impeccable service" and "fantastic menu changes." The ambiance is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Don't miss their "best Branzino" and unique dishes like the asparagus soup with a pomegranate glaze.

867 Reviews

M
Mike
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was outstanding. The waiter, the bartender, the cooks, the owner.
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie VIP
San Francisco20 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
5 stars all around. For some reason Cetrella doesn't bump up in our list of places to go for dinner and it is a bad call on our part. The food was excellent, the staff were busy yet attentive and friendly and the drink were on par with our favorite boozy bars. The noise level was just right - there was a buzz but we could also hear each other speak. You may think this is basic Italian but they add a special touch. The asparagus soup had roasted onions and a pomegranate glaze that made it amazing. I had the beef short ribs and it was melt in your mouth yummy. My daughter ordered pesto with lamb tagliatelle (I think that was the pasta) and she loved it. Husband had steak and was very pleased. We also ordered an Italian chocolate cake - it was dry to us but I think that is the style of cake to be honest. The blood orange sorbet that was served with it was again AMAZING. Go people, go.
Is this helpful?
J
Jon VIP
San Francisco116 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was exceptionally good. We were a party of four. Each of us had a different dish and each of us thought their dish warranted an enthusiastic rave.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
San Francisco1 review
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice restaurant, food was great, food service (timeliness) was good, but not the best table-side (waiter service). I could best describe it as uninterested and distracted. Maybe an off night, not sure. The owner (as maitre d for the night), however, was very friendly and helpful.
1 person found this helpful
CM
CherylM VIP
San Francisco10 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Newly opened for lunch. Wonderful to have this lovely, friendly, yummy dining option available.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael VIP
San Francisco15 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cetrella never fails to impress me, with lovely meal choices, impeccable service and a casual ambiance!
Is this helpful?
N
Nelson VIP
San Francisco103 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best Branzino in a long time!!! Highly recommend this restaurant Superb service and excellent food, tasty, amazing presentation and delicious
Is this helpful?
J
Jon VIP
San Francisco116 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The white lasagna and Italian Flan were outstanding. All was good.
Is this helpful?
R
Richard VIP
Phoenix122 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another lovely evening at Cetrella. Great food carefully prepared and presented. Delicious kale salad to start and the chicken and vegetable lasagna for entrees. Excellent service and a perfect ambiance to boot.
Is this helpful?
K
Kimberly VIP
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love this restaurant each and every time! Fabulous food, attentive service, and fantastic menu changes! Great for satisfying meals and wonderful for special occasions..
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cetrella offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 948-0400.

Cetrella is rated 4.9 stars by 867 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 27, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 3 times today

160 State St, Los Altos, CA 94022

Additional information

Cross Street
Third Street or Fourth Street
Neighbourhood
Los Altos
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Californian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Parking behind restaurant and downstairs garage with accessible elevator and ramps in building.
Public transit
VTA Bus 40 at S San Antonio Road at Edith Avenue is three blocks from Cetrella.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://cetrella.com/
Phone number
(650) 948-0400
Catering
Enquiries for on-site or off-site catering are welcome. Staff will respond to learn your planning and event needs, to determine room, food and beverage minimum, menu selections and service format. Please use the web form on Private Dining page of Cetrella's website: https://www.cetrella.com/cetrella-los-altos/private-dining/request-information/
Private party facilities
Full-service business and personal private dining from intimate to buyout. Rooms include private Speakeasy; buyout main dining room and Paseo; privately spaced seating in area of main dining room; teaching kitchen experiences. Enquire via web form on Cetrella's website: https://www.cetrella.com/cetrella-los-altos/private-dining/request-information/

Cetrella

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Starters

Bread Service with Butter and HoneyUS$5.00

Beech Brown Mushroom BisqueUS$15.00

Fennel and Radicchio SaladUS$18.00

Tuscan Kale SaladUS$19.00

Roast Beet SaladUS$19.00

Fava Bean Hummus with PitaUS$16.00

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab CakesUS$22.00

Garlic PrawnsUS$23.00

Roasted Spanish OctopusUS$25.00

New Zealand Atkins Ranch Lamb MeatballsUS$21.00

Risotto & Pastas

Forest Mushroom RisottoUS$29.00

LumacheUS$29.00

Mezze RigatoniUS$29.00

Entrées

BranzinoUS$45.00

New Zealand Ōra King Salmon Tuscan Kale SaladUS$35.00

Braised New Zealand Atkins Ranch Lamb ShankUS$39.00

Glazed Short RibUS$41.00

Sides

Brussels SproutUS$15.00

Green BeansUS$13.00

Patatas BravasUS$16.00

French FriesUS$10.00

Truffle FriesUS$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Cetrella offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cetrella restaurant rated?

Is Cetrella currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information