A very pleasant surprise find after a tulip picking outing in Exeter. The food was nuanced and flavourful. We had the shaved veg salad and pork nachos for appetizers. Tasty dressings and great variety of textures and flavors. The Thai style fried rice was beautifully seasoned. You knew from the mound of perfectly crispy fried basil on top that the chef cared about serving delicious food that hits all the right notes. The texture of the beef rib was soft and juicy. The black bean burger was good and the fish and chips were huge and well cooked. The key lime pie and lava cake were not overly sweet and flavorful. Prices were a bit higher than I expected for being outside a city but you could easily pay the same prices for mediocre or worse food in Boston or Providence. Additionally, we loved all the Jamaican music. Great random find!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda C.
I used to like this place. Until the St. Patrick's Day Farm Dinner -- part of my main meal was the hard, white stump of cabbage, instead of their advertised "crispy cabbage", which was served properly to my husband sitting right next to me. We had also just raved about the sweet potato dish. But upon serving our meal course, instead of the advertised carrots, we received another potato, and then I had the stump on my plate. Can't imagine someone in the kitchen sitting there thinking that was okay to serve, unless this person purposely put it there. This same person also plated a nice piece of corned beef on my husband's plate, while I had a small, fatty piece. Will NEVER go there again. Also should mention, I put a post on FB about the stump, and now Celestial has blocked me!! Guess they can't take criticism.
P H.
all home made food, friendly efficient service. modern and nice furnishings- a really nice surprise (doesn't look like much from the outside) +kids menu
Kristine Mangan Olf
Excellent. Had wontons for the appetizer which were so different and yummy. Had chicken piccata and the eclipse for dinner and closed with the chocolate lava cake. Everything was excellent. Definitely going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sherry Cote
The food is creative, and definitely delicious.. no doubt.However.. I've decided to not patronize them any longer.Their ladies restroom is as gross as a porta potty at a ferry Pier, and it's only gotten worse over the last couple of years.You shouldn't like everything about a restaurant.. but are afraid that you might need to use the restroom... truth. ?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
JENNIFER HENDRICKSON
It was my second visit to Celestial Cafe, and my only regret is that I have not returned sooner. To celebrate the return of my nephew from deployment, we had a party of 12 guests. The server was pleasant, attentive, and we never felt rushed even though we may have overstayed our welcome since everyone was so eager to catch up with one another, especially my nephew. We went for brunch, and the food was excellent. Unfortunately, I only recall a few of the dishes I photographed and their brunch menu is not available online. I enjoyed a delicious waffle with berries and strawberries on top along with a scrambled egg. You should pass on this if you are not a fan of overly sweet foods. Despite being amazing, it was very rich. A classic eggs Benedict was ordered by my husband, while my nephew ordered an omelet that referenced "an Italian food". The name of the omelet was unusual and I wish I could recall it. Nevertheless, he declared it to be delicious. My niece enjoyed the tree hugger's omelet. We all had a wonderful experience. It is important to note that if you are making reservations for a large party, they are only open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Additionally, there are only long tables available, so it is unlikely that you will be able to have a conversation with everyone in your party. If anyone is concerned about accessibility, we had a friend attend who just had foot surgery and was very comfortable using a knee scooter. There is a focus on serving brunch and lunch at a price point of contemporary casual dining. I would like to return in the evening to try some of their mouth-watering dinner dishes. To conclude, I would recommend that you visit this charming establishment that has a romantic bistro feel and serves flavorful and unique dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
chas x
A not so hidden gem, since it's always busy. What a wonderful restaurant in southern RI, out in the middle of nowhere. The best locally sourced cuisine. Hot chips are amazing and addictive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reiko Wimbush
On Valentine's Day dinner, we went to Celestial Cafe. Wow, what a meal! We both agreed it was the best meal we have had for a long time: The duck appetizer was perfectly cooked and presented artistically, the main dish, Seafood and fillet mignon were heavenly and dessert Creme Brulee superb, we left the restaurant feeling sublime!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason B.
Well the food was good. The staff was friendly, and the vibe was pretty good. Now for the con: $107 later, and my wife and I both got violently ill from the food.
Andrew Ashkar
I really liked the food, service and atmosphere. I was happy to see locally sourced foods. The servers were super kind and the chef came to check in. They're vibe really matched the atmosphere: intimate and warm. Definitely will be
I can't believe I only gave this absolute gem of a place a 3-star review when I first reviewed it over 17 years ago. My husband and I have since been back many, many times--we even elected to have our wedding dinner there in 2013. The menu is always interesting and stands by its locally-sourced credentials, the food is always divine and unlike anything I could make at home, the service is always superb, and the atmosphere is casual yet refined. I plan to continue eating here for years to come.
Michelle Z
Celestial Cafe was host to a family celebration of 50 guests! Their event coordinator was fantastic and flexible- she offered us many options that suited a 100% GF menu! Cocktails from the bar were on point. Staff was unobtrusive yet always at-the-ready! The food was exceptional as ALWAYS! Thank you Celestial Team for a memorable and classy event!Vegetarian options: There’s always great veg options available!Dietary restrictions: Our event was a 100% GF - even dessert!Kid-friendliness: The staff cheerfully surprised the kids with Shirley Temples!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Tower, Lava Cake
Elise L
Not a single crumb was left behind. Chicken & Bacon Blue sourdough flatbread and the Shrimp & Scallop Risotto were incredible!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olivia Bertino
Came here with my husband and everything was amazing! Our server Paige was very attentive, friendly and helpful with deciding on our meals. My husband got the ribs which were delicious and I got the garlic smoked pork noodles and it was out of this world! We ended the night with the key lime pie and Irish coffees and we can’t wait to go back for more!
Chase Landon
3 strikes you’re out.Had eaten here twice before. I spaced out my visits because I always found the food a little lackluster. But the owner was so nice and presentation of food was unique enough to keep me trying. So I did. Until my last recent visit. The “hostess” had a puss on her face from the second our party entered. We even tried to joke with her to lighten the mood. No such luck. This is a miserable person and an unfortunate choice to greet customers. We had a reservation and the restaurant was very far from busy. Yet she kept us waiting in the doorway for over 20 minutes for no apparent reason. When we were finally seated we passed through a sea of dirty tables and found our table to have dirty glasses. Which the same sour person took 20 more minutes to fill with water. Which she also poured messily missing glasses and onto the table. Nonetheless we tried to make pleasantries with her as we really wanted to enjoy our evening. She then abandoned us for almost another 30 minutes. Never introduced herself. Nothing. We asked someone if they could kindly send her over. This clearly upset her and she actually accused us of being aggressive- because we asked for drinks. Amazing. She was so absolutely absurd that we decided to just leave. She told us she couldn’t care less if we left. We went down the street to Back 40 and had an amazing experience with amazing staff. We laughed all night and happily spent lots of our hard earned cash. And, as usual tipped quite generously. We also made sure to tell everyone about our experience. On a last note, Miss congeniality also made a point of telling us when we asked to speak to the owner that she didn’t care because she was related to her. I wonder how happy that owner, who we remember fondly, is that this relative is literally taking money out of her pocket. This is a small town. Word travels fast. Be careful Celestial. Too much good competition to treat your customers like this. Shame.
A very pleasant surprise find after a tulip picking outing in Exeter. The food was nuanced and flavourful. We had the shaved veg salad and pork nachos for appetizers. Tasty dressings and great variety of textures and flavors. The Thai style fried rice was beautifully seasoned. You knew from the mound of perfectly crispy fried basil on top that the chef cared about serving delicious food that hits all the right notes. The texture of the beef rib was soft and juicy. The black bean burger was good and the fish and chips were huge and well cooked. The key lime pie and lava cake were not overly sweet and flavorful. Prices were a bit higher than I expected for being outside a city but you could easily pay the same prices for mediocre or worse food in Boston or Providence. Additionally, we loved all the Jamaican music. Great random find!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I used to like this place. Until the St. Patrick's Day Farm Dinner -- part of my main meal was the hard, white stump of cabbage, instead of their advertised "crispy cabbage", which was served properly to my husband sitting right next to me. We had also just raved about the sweet potato dish. But upon serving our meal course, instead of the advertised carrots, we received another potato, and then I had the stump on my plate. Can't imagine someone in the kitchen sitting there thinking that was okay to serve, unless this person purposely put it there. This same person also plated a nice piece of corned beef on my husband's plate, while I had a small, fatty piece. Will NEVER go there again. Also should mention, I put a post on FB about the stump, and now Celestial has blocked me!! Guess they can't take criticism.
all home made food, friendly efficient service. modern and nice furnishings- a really nice surprise (doesn't look like much from the outside) +kids menu
Excellent. Had wontons for the appetizer which were so different and yummy. Had chicken piccata and the eclipse for dinner and closed with the chocolate lava cake. Everything was excellent. Definitely going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is creative, and definitely delicious.. no doubt.However.. I've decided to not patronize them any longer.Their ladies restroom is as gross as a porta potty at a ferry Pier, and it's only gotten worse over the last couple of years.You shouldn't like everything about a restaurant.. but are afraid that you might need to use the restroom... truth. ?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
It was my second visit to Celestial Cafe, and my only regret is that I have not returned sooner. To celebrate the return of my nephew from deployment, we had a party of 12 guests. The server was pleasant, attentive, and we never felt rushed even though we may have overstayed our welcome since everyone was so eager to catch up with one another, especially my nephew. We went for brunch, and the food was excellent. Unfortunately, I only recall a few of the dishes I photographed and their brunch menu is not available online. I enjoyed a delicious waffle with berries and strawberries on top along with a scrambled egg. You should pass on this if you are not a fan of overly sweet foods. Despite being amazing, it was very rich. A classic eggs Benedict was ordered by my husband, while my nephew ordered an omelet that referenced "an Italian food". The name of the omelet was unusual and I wish I could recall it. Nevertheless, he declared it to be delicious. My niece enjoyed the tree hugger's omelet. We all had a wonderful experience. It is important to note that if you are making reservations for a large party, they are only open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Additionally, there are only long tables available, so it is unlikely that you will be able to have a conversation with everyone in your party. If anyone is concerned about accessibility, we had a friend attend who just had foot surgery and was very comfortable using a knee scooter. There is a focus on serving brunch and lunch at a price point of contemporary casual dining. I would like to return in the evening to try some of their mouth-watering dinner dishes. To conclude, I would recommend that you visit this charming establishment that has a romantic bistro feel and serves flavorful and unique dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A not so hidden gem, since it's always busy. What a wonderful restaurant in southern RI, out in the middle of nowhere. The best locally sourced cuisine. Hot chips are amazing and addictive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
On Valentine's Day dinner, we went to Celestial Cafe. Wow, what a meal! We both agreed it was the best meal we have had for a long time: The duck appetizer was perfectly cooked and presented artistically, the main dish, Seafood and fillet mignon were heavenly and dessert Creme Brulee superb, we left the restaurant feeling sublime!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well the food was good. The staff was friendly, and the vibe was pretty good. Now for the con: $107 later, and my wife and I both got violently ill from the food.
I really liked the food, service and atmosphere. I was happy to see locally sourced foods. The servers were super kind and the chef came to check in. They're vibe really matched the atmosphere: intimate and warm. Definitely will be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I can't believe I only gave this absolute gem of a place a 3-star review when I first reviewed it over 17 years ago. My husband and I have since been back many, many times--we even elected to have our wedding dinner there in 2013. The menu is always interesting and stands by its locally-sourced credentials, the food is always divine and unlike anything I could make at home, the service is always superb, and the atmosphere is casual yet refined. I plan to continue eating here for years to come.
Celestial Cafe was host to a family celebration of 50 guests! Their event coordinator was fantastic and flexible- she offered us many options that suited a 100% GF menu! Cocktails from the bar were on point. Staff was unobtrusive yet always at-the-ready! The food was exceptional as ALWAYS! Thank you Celestial Team for a memorable and classy event!Vegetarian options: There’s always great veg options available!Dietary restrictions: Our event was a 100% GF - even dessert!Kid-friendliness: The staff cheerfully surprised the kids with Shirley Temples!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Tower, Lava Cake
Not a single crumb was left behind. Chicken & Bacon Blue sourdough flatbread and the Shrimp & Scallop Risotto were incredible!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here with my husband and everything was amazing! Our server Paige was very attentive, friendly and helpful with deciding on our meals. My husband got the ribs which were delicious and I got the garlic smoked pork noodles and it was out of this world! We ended the night with the key lime pie and Irish coffees and we can’t wait to go back for more!
3 strikes you’re out.Had eaten here twice before. I spaced out my visits because I always found the food a little lackluster. But the owner was so nice and presentation of food was unique enough to keep me trying. So I did. Until my last recent visit. The “hostess” had a puss on her face from the second our party entered. We even tried to joke with her to lighten the mood. No such luck. This is a miserable person and an unfortunate choice to greet customers. We had a reservation and the restaurant was very far from busy. Yet she kept us waiting in the doorway for over 20 minutes for no apparent reason. When we were finally seated we passed through a sea of dirty tables and found our table to have dirty glasses. Which the same sour person took 20 more minutes to fill with water. Which she also poured messily missing glasses and onto the table. Nonetheless we tried to make pleasantries with her as we really wanted to enjoy our evening. She then abandoned us for almost another 30 minutes. Never introduced herself. Nothing. We asked someone if they could kindly send her over. This clearly upset her and she actually accused us of being aggressive- because we asked for drinks. Amazing. She was so absolutely absurd that we decided to just leave. She told us she couldn’t care less if we left. We went down the street to Back 40 and had an amazing experience with amazing staff. We laughed all night and happily spent lots of our hard earned cash. And, as usual tipped quite generously. We also made sure to tell everyone about our experience. On a last note, Miss congeniality also made a point of telling us when we asked to speak to the owner that she didn’t care because she was related to her. I wonder how happy that owner, who we remember fondly, is that this relative is literally taking money out of her pocket. This is a small town. Word travels fast. Be careful Celestial. Too much good competition to treat your customers like this. Shame.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1