Cafe Beautiful

We went here for my 50^th birthday. It was simply spectacular!
Seriously! I have eaten all over the world, and Chef Mel is one of the finest, most creative chefs I have ever encountered. She mixes flavors in a way that make their combined result better than you could ever imagine!
We were blown away by each of the 7 courses we ate. The meal gave my wife and I an opportunity to treat our two children to an experience that will set the standard for them as they complete college and grow up. I bet they will have a hard time beating this meal!
My favorite meal until I ate at Café Beautiful was in the Auberge-​Du-​Soleil in Napa in California. Not anymore! Speaking of wine, we paired some nice wines from home with her selections, since she does not serve alcohol, but allows you to bring your own without charging a corkage fee.
Can’t wait for another special occasion to come up! Gotta make plans way in advance though, since Chef Mel is in high demand!

Chef Mel at Café Beautiful prepared THE best meal I have ever eaten. All courses were perfectly delicious. I cannot thank Chef Mel enough for the experience. Sometimes you find a place and they have that one really good type of item like tri-​tip or pasta. Café Beautiful transcends all food types.
I do need to note that when you get to the «foyer» area you may feel like you are in the wrong place … You are not.

As those of you following along at home might be aware, After 15 years in the area, I’m in the process of moving out of KC. Also I’m recovering from major surgery. Life is stressful. What did I need? A completely relaxing, luxe experience for the husband and I to just decompress, share some quality time and instead of freaking out about the 1000 different little details of our experience, instead celebrate our success. Café Beautiful was a perfect choice.
Walk up the stairs off of Massachusetts Street and into a converted apartment, and suddenly you’re in a tranquil private dining oasis. There are two tables to accommodate different sized parties, but you’ll never have to share the room. Candlelit and decorated with an Asian influence, the space is undoubtedly zen. Chef Mel poured us some honey pomegranate fruit tea. The stress was leaving my body at a rapid clip.
There is no menu. For some I’m sure this could be a reason to pause, but knowing you are in expert hands and about to embark on an epicurean adventure, it made me relieved that I didn’t have to make any decisions or choices. Tonight, we were eating what Mel wanted to serve. Because she had already asked if we had any food allergies or dietary restrictions, everything went smooth as silk.
I took thorough notes about the meal, but in writing this review, I’m scrapping them. Each of the seven courses were delightful and I don’t want to be responsible for ruining the surprise. Everything was plated beautifully, and Mel was on hand to answer questions about the dish, the restaurant in general, or herself. Because she’s tending only to you, the pace is slow and relaxed, and you get to really bond with the person who is lovingly crafting your meal. That’s an experience you can’t get at the finest of fine dining restaurants, as the chef has many other tables to please.
It’s BYOB, and we opened up a decent bottle of wine, and Mel made sure our glasses stayed full. Service is top notch, which it has to be to match the food. As the meal wound down, Mel insisted we could stay and relax for as long as we needed. It was a tempting offer, as we knew that once we walked out the door it was back to the reality of uprooting our lives and tying up loose ends.
The reviews don’t lie, people. Café Beautiful is a simply phenomenal dining experience, and one I recommend you consider for the special moments in your life. Unless you’re a baller, then just come here whenever you like!

The food is wonderful and it’s a beautiful presentation. My reason for a lower rating is that it’s simply not enough food. We are not «large» Americans, try 160, 130, and 140, and we are not marathon runners either. However, at the end of our meal, I felt disappointed because my appetite simply was not satiated. I have eaten in small high end establishments in LA, San Fran, Chicago and Paris, and while the price/​quality is better at Café Beautiful, at least I was full at the other restaurants. It is hard to be completely happy with a $ 70 meal (which is comparatively expensive given the relative cost of living and cost of operating a business in Lawrence, compared to, say, LA) when you feel the need to toss down a sandwich once you get home.
If Mel could add another small course or make the appetizers larger, then I would have been completely happy.

My husband and I ate here this summer to celebrate our anniversary.
I have very little to say other than it was one– if not the best dining experiences we’ve ever had with one another. Food, service, atmosphere. Everything. I’m actually hesitant to tell others because I don’t want to have a hard time getting in if I want to go!
I love that it is quiet and romantic. You feel as though she is only concerned with you.
NO MENU – which I love. Surprise me with your best creation. She creates food like an artist. YUM!

Unlike a previous reviewer you cannot go into this place to tell the chef what you want to eat. There are places like that you can go. Burger King for instance says you can have it your way. This is her special restaurant where she prepares food for you that she has purchased fresh. Each time you go I’ve been told it’s a little different. If you do not like sushi, asian food or food with some heat to it just don’t go. I would never say to a steak house that I choose to go to — I’m so upset because I’m allergic to steak and that’s all you have! smh?
Ok wait I lied. One thing you can have your way is your own bottles of wine. BYOB. No corking fee. There ya go!
Wonderful experience. Great food!
Very thankful for Café Beautiful!
I hope she continues here in Lawrence for a long time!
Ignore the 1 star out there. She got it all wrong!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Café Beautiful. It is not a meal – it is a complete and overwhelmingly satisfying dinner experience. Chef Mel was the greatest, sweetest, and most humble chef I have ever encountered. After seeing the dollar signs next to its name on here, I was very worried about pricing – but for a 7 course meal prepared and served by the chef herself, 75 $ per person seemed beyond reasonable.
The entire restaurant only seats 10, so even if it’s a «packed house,» it is still a very personal and intimate experience.
I can’t wait to go back!

Café Beautiful is amazing, bring your closest friends here for an unforgettable dining experience. Remember to bring your best bottle of wine that you have been saving for a special occasion, Café Beautiful does not charge a corkage fee.
Asian/​French fusion cuisine served Omakase style by an outstanding chef in an intimate environment. Café Beautiful only has a handful of tables so be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
The dining room seems to be the living room of an old 2^nd floor downtown apartment. A large picture window offers a view of Mass St from your table.
The night that I dined here with my wife and another couple, we leisurely dined on 9 courses over 2 hours. The courses ranged from curry coconut soup to tuna tartare to a sweet/​sour duck breast. Everything was beautiful and fantastic!
Plan a dinner here soon, you won’t regret it!