Bell’s

Bell’s is a family-run bistro in Santa Barbara wine country. Owners Daisy and Greg Ryan, alumni of Thomas Keller’s Per Se, serve new takes on French classics and offer an award-winning wine list highlighting both local producers and storied European vineyards.

We worked closely with Daisy and Greg to design the visual identity for the restaurant. Our work started with the creation of a unique illustration style and the development of a custom type family. This system was then applied across signage, menus, print collateral, apparel, and web and social media content. Our work for Bell’s is minimalist and elegant, distinctly French and Californian, and driven by custom typography.

The project included the design of flexible menus that can easily accommodate the addition of new items and limited-edition wines. We also create artwork and merchandise for special event dinners, which sell out quickly. The apparel we created for staff proved a hit with patrons as well, so we started a small retail shop, which we continually stock with new designs. Bell’s shirts and sweatshirts have become a mark of diners in the know, those who have made the pilgrimage to this special restaurant in Los Alamos, California.

Bell’s has received many accolades such as Food & Wine Best New Chef and Esquire’s Best New Restaurants. It has been featured in such publications as Eater LA, Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure. The restaurant received a Michelin star in 2021.

Sign Painting: Aaron Cribbs and Remy Chwae