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: high-protein, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian, vegan, mediterranean, whole30, pescatarian, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, low-fat, sugar-free, plant-based, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, raw-food, zone, volumetrics, tlc, detox, mayo-clinic, candida, slow-carb
Currently open
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
- Guacamole - $13.95: Served w/ pomegranate on top.
- Tequeños - $12.95: White cheese wrapped in a thin breaded dough, served w/aioli jalapeño and chipotle mayo. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Esquites - $12.99: Mexican street corn salad, mayo, fresh cheese and cayenne pepper. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Queso Fundido - $16: Melted mozzarella & Monterey cheese w/vegetables mixed on top, served w/corn tortillas (add protein). Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Shrimp Ceviche - $17: Refreshing and zesty marinated in lime & lemon, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and cucumber. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Black Aguachile - $17: Sushi grade tuna, cucumber, red onions and squid ink jalapeño marinade. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Jalapeño de Queso Dip - $15: Yogurt, kale, jalapenos and onions monterrey chasse. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Atkins
- Pimenton de Queso Dip - $15: Cheddar cheese, pimento and red onion. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Atkins
- Nachos - $14.95 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
- Quesadilla - $16.95 Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Burrito Regular - $12.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Burrito Mojado - $15.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chile Relleno - $17.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Enchiladas - $26.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Enmoladas - $26.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Chicken Fajitas - $26.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Shrimp Fajitas - $26.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory
- Steak Fajitas - $26.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Tinga de Pollo - $5.75: Chicken breast w/ an special tomato sauce, topped onion & cilantro. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chorizo - $5.75: Grilled spice pork, topped onion & cilantro. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Carnitas - $5.75: Slow roasted pulled pork shoulder, topped onion & cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida
- Carne Asada - $6.75: Marinated w/ soy sauce, pepper cream, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro. topped onion & cilantro. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins
- Pescado - $6.75: Beer battered cod fish, cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, mango & cilantro. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Shrimp - $6.75: Chiles sauce and cured cabbage, topped cilantro. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, TLC, Candida
- Soyrizo - $6.75: Grilled Soy chorizo "sausage", topped onion & cilantro. (Vegan) Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Slow-Carb
- Flor de Calabaza - $6.75: Squash blossoms with cheese & sour cream, topped cilantro. (Vegetarian) Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
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.