Cena – Italian
Bathed in the soft glow of amber lighting, Cena offers an intimate escape where the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired herbs and simmering sauces sets the stage for a soulful Italian feast. Velvety ribbons of house-made pasta and crisp, artisanal breads anchor a dining experience that honors tradition, inviting guests to linger over vibrant flavors and fine wine in a space that feels like a warm, rustic embrace.
601, Greenwood Avenue, NY 11218 +1-929-337-6666 https://cenabrooklyn.comRating: 4.2/5 (405 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, raw-food, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Cena
Dairy-Free at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Ceviche, Steak Fajitas and Shrimp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 7 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Ceviche, Steak Fajitas and Shrimp. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 13 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Ceviche, Burrito Mojado and Flor de Calabaza. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Esquites and Carnitas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chorizo and Carnitas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Flor de Calabaza, Steak Fajitas and Chorizo. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Carnitas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Cena
Cena in Brooklyn has 1 vegan-tagged dish on its current menu, including Guacamole. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Cena
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Burrito Mojado | 175.6 g | 78.7 g |
| Enmoladas | 52.6 g | 55.3 g |
| Chorizo | 4.9 g | 38.3 g |
| Burrito Regular | 44.5 g | 27.7 g |
| Esquites | 25.9 g | 26.7 g |
| Nachos | 76.6 g | 20.4 g |
| Carnitas | 0 g | 18.9 g |
| Soyrizo | 2.1 g | 15 g |
| Chile Relleno | 22 g | 12 g |
| Guacamole | 37.7 g | 11.2 g |
| Quesadilla | 24 g | 10.3 g |
| Tinga de Pollo | 12.8 g | 7.7 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners have mixed but passionate feelings about Cena Brooklyn, with many celebrating it as a warm, inviting neighborhood gem perfect for brunch or dinner. Guests frequently praise specific dishes like the fresh, sizzling fajitas and flavorful entrees, while the Paloma cocktail stands out as a drink recommendation. While some reviewers highlight friendly and accommodating staff—especially with children—others note that service can be slow and inattentive even during quiet times. The atmosphere is described as cozy with welcomed background music, though some find the tables a bit tight and the p
Menu
Entradas
Appetizers and starters
- Guacamole - $13.95: Served w/ pomegranate on top. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Soy Free
- Tequeños - $12.95: White cheese wrapped in a thin breaded dough, served w/aioli jalapeño and chipotle mayo. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Esquites - $12.99: Mexican street corn salad, mayo, fresh cheese and cayenne pepper. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Queso Fundido - $16: Melted mozzarella & Monterey cheese w/vegetables mixed on top, served w/corn tortillas (add protein).
- Shrimp Ceviche - $17: Refreshing and zesty marinated in lime & lemon, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and cucumber. Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Raw-Food, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free
- Black Aguachile - $17: Sushi grade tuna, cucumber, red onions and squid ink jalapeño marinade. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Jalapeño de Queso Dip - $15: Yogurt, kale, jalapenos and onions monterrey chasse. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Pimenton de Queso Dip - $15: Cheddar cheese, pimento and red onion. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
De la Casa Cena
House specialties and main courses
- Nachos - $14.95 Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Quesadilla - $16.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Burrito Regular - $12.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Burrito Mojado - $15.95 Dietary tags: Halal, High-Fiber, Volumetrics
- Chile Relleno - $17.95
- Enchiladas - $26.95
- Enmoladas - $26.95 Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Chicken Fajitas - $26.95
- Shrimp Fajitas - $26.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Steak Fajitas - $26.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Tacos
Individual tacos served on corn tortillas
- Tinga de Pollo - $5.75: Chicken breast w/ an special tomato sauce, topped onion & cilantro. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC
- Chorizo - $5.75: Grilled spice pork, topped onion & cilantro. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free
- Carnitas - $5.75: Slow roasted pulled pork shoulder, topped onion & cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Carne Asada - $6.75: Marinated w/ soy sauce, pepper cream, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro. topped onion & cilantro.
- Pescado - $6.75: Beer battered cod fish, cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, mango & cilantro. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Shrimp - $6.75: Chiles sauce and cured cabbage, topped cilantro. Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Soyrizo - $6.75: Grilled Soy chorizo "sausage", topped onion & cilantro. (Vegan) Dietary tags: South-Beach, High-Fiber, Slow-Carb
- Flor de Calabaza - $6.75: Squash blossoms with cheese & sour cream, topped cilantro. (Vegetarian) Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Frequently Asked Questions about Cena
- Where is this restaurant located?
- Cena is located in Brooklyn, as indicated by the review summary and the restaurant's website address.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Reviewers describe Cena as a warm neighborhood gem with friendly, accommodating staff that is specifically noted for being good with children.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the warm atmosphere, fresh sizzling fajitas, flavorful entrees, Paloma cocktails, and the friendly staff who are accommodating with children.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- Cena offers an extensive selection featuring 33 dietary options and diverse dishes including carnitas, shrimp, fajitas, enchiladas, and house-made pasta.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided information for Cena does not include specific hours of operation for this Italian restaurant.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Black Aguachile, Jalapeño de Queso Dip, and Pimenton de Queso Dip accommodate multiple diets including keto, low-carb, and gluten-free.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Cena is a casual neighborhood gem with moderate pricing, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere suitable for families, brunch, and dinner.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners report mixed but passionate feelings with a 4.2/5 rating, praising the warm atmosphere and fajitas despite occasional slow service.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Cena supports keto, gluten-free, paleo, and vegetarian diets with dishes like Black Aguachile, Jalapeño de Queso Dip, Carnitas, and Chile Relleno.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Cena maintains an overall average rating of 4.2/5, reflecting mixed but passionate feedback from diners regarding their food and service.
- Is Cena dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Cena has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Ceviche, Steak Fajitas and Shrimp.
- What can I eat at Cena on a dairy-free diet?
- Shrimp Ceviche, Steak Fajitas and Shrimp carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Cena have vegan options?
- Yes. 1 dish is tagged vegan on the current menu, including Guacamole.
- Is Cena gluten-free?
- 7 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Cena?
- Burrito Mojado, at roughly 78.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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