Cello Wine & Cocktail Bistro

Located in New York, New York

Address: 226 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, United States

Phone: +1 929-637-2532

Rating: 4.5

Services

Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great wine list
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Happy-hour drinks
Spirits
Wine
Seating
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-05-31 - Rating: 5)
Small, intimate wine bar with plenty of options. The flatbreads and spinach & artichoke dip were SO GOOD! It’s a smaller space so I’d recommend a booking just to be safe. I also liked the music that was playing while I was there :)

Review 2 (2024-10-11 - Rating: 5)
My team and I for work put together a nice Networking Reception and had the pleasure of hosting it out at Cello Wine Bar last week. Cello and its staff were beyond helpful and coordinated in the organizing, facilitation, and execution of the event. The food options (We ordered 5 platters) were all delicious and the open bar for a 2 hour event was very fairly priced. The event ran very smoothly thanks to the staff, and the team and I were VERY pleased with the event. The success of our event wouldnt have been possible without the team at Cello!

Review 3 (2022-05-01 - Rating: 5)
This bar has such a sexy vibe. From the lighting, the decor, the size....Id say this is a great place for a date night or even a small get together with friends. Great wine selection and the cocktails are really tasty. But I really need to talk about the food. The food is sooooo good and the chef makes it right in front instead of being in a kitchen somewhere in the back. I highly recommend the stuffed meatballs or any of their signature pizzas. You can taste home in the dishes. I met one of the owners too and he was the bartender for the evening as well. Great guy with a talent to know delicious flavor combinations. I cant wait to go back again!

Review 4 (2024-10-12 - Rating: 5)
Carlos and Steven are the absolute best!!! We visited from Boston and the second we walked in we were welcomed with warm friendliness. Steven takes his time and puts love into his food. He takes his craft serious. Carlos makes an amazing drink and has a great personality. I will be back!! Truly enjoyed my time with these guys 💕

Review 5 (2022-04-01 - Rating: 5)
I like the vibes and setting. It’s the after work scene where people just come and hang out after work. At 6.30pm the place already packed. A little small as you might not have much room between the next table but once you get into conversation with your companion, It shouldn’t be a problem.I got the pizza which is pretty good. Happy hour finish by 7pm. :)

Review 6 (2024-09-29 - Rating: 5)
Amazing food, wine, and cocktails. Staff is very friendly and has great etiquette. The space is small and intimate, without seeming pretentious.Highly reccomend for a night when you just want to eat, drink, and talk for a few hours

Review 7 (2022-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Absolute delight. What a wonderful find. Gorgeous cocktails and amazing food. The Gigi cocktail was amazing and the Angie pizza and stuffed meatballs a dream. So glad we found this spot. Will be making it a definite visit on all future trips!

Review 8 (2024-09-19 - Rating: 5)
Great ambiance and service, decent happy hour wine options with some really good food options too (charcuterie, flatbread & stuffed meatballs). Highly recommend!

Review 9 (2023-01-20 - Rating: 5)
Cello is amazing. Perfectly cozy (literally every seat is cozy), well laid out, amazing service, and the happy hour is a steal ($8 for select glasses, goes until 7pm). Our waiter was perfectly attentive and friendly. The food is also amazing, we had the burrata and the mushroom ravioli. Both were perfectly portioned and balanced dishes.

Review 10 (2022-09-10 - Rating: 5)
The food and drinks at Cello are fabulous. We sat at the bar and enjoyed a few glasses of wine and some cocktails as well - Raffy and Will are the warmest hosts!I had the ancient grain bowl and my husband ordered the aunt Angie pizza - freshest and most delicious food prepared by Tony! This spot is a hidden gem in midtown east. Will be back for sure!

Review 11 (2024-12-30 - Rating: 5)
Great happy hour, highly recommend!

Review 12 (2024-11-01 - Rating: 5)
Arrived on the early side 5:00ish. Service was excellent. Food delicious. Just such a cool vibe.

Review 13 (2024-12-14 - Rating: 5)
Delicious cocktails and superb customer service.

Review 14 (2023-12-03 - Rating: 5)
We have been twice and have loved everything we have tried. Its becoming a regular stop for our trips to NYC. The cook Steve prepares everything to perfection and the drinks are excellent. A must try!

Review 15 (2022-08-30 - Rating: 5)
Great cozy neighborhood wine bar, good for a date or catch up with friends. Not good for groups (small tables). They have a room in the back that I guess they rent out for private parties? A bunch of 20somethings in pink cowboy hats started showing up around 9pm, but they stayed in the back and weren’t disruptive.We ordered the happy hour rose (better than you’d think), pita and hummus (fine), smoked Mac and cheese (YUM) and mushroom ravioli (DOUBLE YUM!)If you’re in the neighborhood it’s a great choice - nicer than it looks from the outside IMHO.

Review 16 (2023-06-09 - Rating: 4)
Tiny local spot perfect for small to midsize group for drinks or gathering. Tony is the owner and his team is amazing!. The mixologist is a master mixer. Gigi is the most attentive . Great comfortable spot easy walk from Lexington Ave.

Review 17 (2023-10-07 - Rating: 5)
I was looking for a wine bar and stopped here on a whim. It’s a cozy space with excellent wine and light bites. The service was standout! I would definitely go back.

Review 18 (2022-04-07 - Rating: 5)
Really friendly people, great selection of wines, cocktails and great nibbles to accompany. Very reasonably priced, especially for manhattan. 5 stars no question.

Review 19 (2015-04-23 - Rating: 4)
Went here for a drink with a couple friends on Friday night. Easy to get in. Small wine list. On the dark side, good music but a little loud to have a good conversation. Very convenient spot.

Review 20 (2022-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Went here for a post-work drink with colleagues. The vibe is warm and welcoming. They have seating up front by the bar and cozy space in the back as well. Non-pretentious, knowledgeable and friendly staff, great variety of dining options compared to other wine bars in the area, and reasonable prices. We accidentally stayed a bit past closing time but they were very kind about it. Their charcuterie board (sourced from Murrays, one of my favorites) was so good that I didnt get a picture of it. The white beans were great. Table next to us had the mac & cheese and it smelled so good I almost ordered it myself but was too full. Will definitely be back.

Review 21 (2012-10-19 - Rating: 4)
Much of New York is over the top, in your face and ostentatious. Not that all of those things are a bad thing but every once in while you need something a little quieter and intimate... Cello is your place.They serve just enough hot and cold snacks to suppress an appetite and they offer enough of a selection of wines from different regions of the world to satisfy even the hoity toitiest of wine snobs. Do not expect high end wines. They offer mid range wines that are approachable without maxing out the credit card.

Review 22 (2019-06-30 - Rating: 5)
Fun, quirky bar! Great atmosphere. The lovely bartender gave us several really great wine suggestions.

Review 23 (2022-07-24 - Rating: 5)
One of the best places to enjoy a cocktail, wine, or light bite in NYC. Lucky for me, I live in the neighborhood, and I get to go frequently! The vibe is fantastic. Exposed brick, cozy, live music some nights, friendly service…an all around wonderful and special spot. Highly recommend!

Review 24 (2016-10-20 - Rating: 4)
Good place but very tiny, can get very crowded in after-work hours.... the live music is just OK, nothing spectacular... great malbec wine :)

Review 25 (2019-06-02 - Rating: 5)
Pleasantly surprised. Little place. Great atmosphere, and good happy hour. Great place for a catch-up with a friend.

Review 26 (2024-10-12 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful

Review 27 (2023-08-05 - Rating: 4)
Cozy little wine bar in Midtown East. This is a great spot for a chill date. Probably not good for larger groups. There were very few cocktails on the menu, in light of the bar’s name, but you can of course request any classic cocktail. Lots of wine and food options too. The bar is nicely divided up into a front and back room. The back room is a bit more chill and quiet, so you can easily find the right vibe for the evening. The surrounding area can get a bit rowdy in the evening, but inside you’ll feel cozy.

Review 28 (2018-04-29 - Rating: 5)
Great place! Awesome gluten free pizza and soul deep Malbec♥️♥️♥️

Review 29 (2024-05-23 - Rating: 5)
Just a super relaxed place .

Review 30 (2023-09-29 - Rating: 5)
Great place, nice music.Like it a lot

Review 31 (2018-09-18 - Rating: 5)
Great happy hour

Review 32 (2023-07-17 - Rating: 5)
Great service and gnocchi. Romantic low key spot or quick lunch by yourself works here.

Review 33 (2023-07-23 - Rating: 4)
Great little spot for a wonderful happy hour and good nosh. Try to sit at the bar.

Review 34 (2024-03-14 - Rating: 5)
Great fig martini

Review 35 (2022-06-28 - Rating: 5)
Cello is a great spot to stop in for a nice glass of wine and a delicious bite to eat. Will is a super friendly bartender who makes sure to take care of you. He is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. I will definitely be back.

Review 36 (2019-06-10 - Rating: 5)
Best scallops and hummus was very tasty as well.

Review 37 (2022-11-14 - Rating: 5)
Amazing experience!! The chef and the staff were so welcoming, food was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Highly, highly recommend!

Review 38 (2023-03-25 - Rating: 5)
The best Goldrush in town !!!!Owners are beyond lovely.This is our fav spot in Midtown for sure.

Review 39 (2022-08-11 - Rating: 5)
The owner was there ready to greet me by name. Great drinks and good happy hour. Fun spot!

Review 40 (2022-09-18 - Rating: 5)
My wife and I were walking down E53rd street and noticed this wine/cocktail bar wed never been to. Very happy that we stopped in. From the very nice wine selection, to interesting cocktails, to the awesome couple running the place, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.I had a nice California pinot noir and my wife started with a refreshing Aperol spritz. We ordered a couple of spreads, white bean and also the eggplant capponata. Very tasty and hit the spot. We also had the ancient grain bowl which was also delicious (and healthy!).I followed with another pinot and my wife took a recommendation for a paloma cocktail and loved it.Overall A+ experience in this cozy bistro with a great vibe. Well be back! Thanks!

Review 41 (2017-03-16 - Rating: 5)
This review is long overdue! I was in NY last week for business/pleasure and stumbled upon this little, adorable and cozy place, which happened to be a couple of blocks from the hotel we were staying in. The whole experience was great! We had not one, but two people, taking care of us and making sure everything was 100% fantastic, Great food, great ambiance and great staff. If youre ever here ask for Heather or Emily, they were beyond amazing, Thank you girls for making our time there so special!

Review 42 (2022-07-06 - Rating: 5)
Great happy hour . Wonderful bar bites . Fabulous fabulous. Will be back . Thanks for the smiles .

Review 43 (2019-03-27 - Rating: 5)
Come for the happy hour. Staff was friendly. Very cozy. Couldnt ask for a better way to end a Tuesday night with a couple of good old friends I havent seen in a long while.

Review 44 (2017-03-16 - Rating: 5)
A definite go-to Happy Hour place of mine. Between the comfortable ambience, great service, and music I never hesitate to send my own clientele over to cello. Keep up the good work!

Review 45 (2023-03-29 - Rating: 5)
I like rye place and the flat breads

Review 46 (2019-01-30 - Rating: 5)
For the 2nd year we celebrated our department holiday party. They have a cozy back room that is perfect for a group of 15. Food, drinks and service was awesome!!! Bummer I didnt take any pictures.

Review 47 (2012-12-02 - Rating: 4)
Great service. Great music to set the atmosphere.

Review 48 (2018-03-21 - Rating: 5)
Good service and perfect amount of intimacy. Wine list could use a little work but the food was definitely better than expectations.

Review 49 (2022-10-25 - Rating: 4)
Great atmosphere and selection of wines.

Review 50 (2018-10-18 - Rating: 5)
Great food great wine and an awesome happy hour. Cant recommend enough

Review 51 (2023-05-09 - Rating: 5)
I love it.

Review 52 (2022-12-22 - Rating: 5)
Great drinks and cozy atmosphere

Review 53 (2019-03-05 - Rating: 4)
Great happy hour, pleasant staff and a good vibe. Will be back.

Review 54 (2022-06-20 - Rating: 5)
If I ever decided to open a place.... itd be like this. Literally... like....this.

Review 55 (2017-03-07 - Rating: 5)
One of my very favorite places in the city. Nice wines, great smal plates, pleasant staff and they have happy hour!

Review 56 (2022-09-30 - Rating: 5)
Hello Cello cocktail was great!

Review 57 (2017-02-10 - Rating: 5)
Intimate setting and great wine selection.

Review 58 (2017-03-13 - Rating: 5)
A great spot to go to for intimate dates!

Review 59 (2014-08-08 - Rating: 4)
Cool but Quant wine bar

Review 60 (2019-11-23 - Rating: 5)
Cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff.

Review 61 (2017-02-08 - Rating: 5)
Great wine!!! Great music!!!

Review 62 (2018-02-17 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful selection

Review 63 (2017-12-25 - Rating: 4)
Nice and cosy

Review 64 (2025-01-05 - Rating: 5)
Perfect little wine bar. Super charming and cozy, decent happy hour, great cheese board, friendly staff. Very comfortable spot for a date or to meet an friend.

Review 65 (2024-11-02 - Rating: 5)
I was looking for a place for a special celebration, being Friday night I thought it would be more difficult for me to find a place in the area without having reserved. Here they had free space and the atmosphere was pleasant, the musical selection was excellent and also the cocktails were very original, I recommend the mango one with a spicy touch.

Review 66 (2024-03-24 - Rating: 5)
Really good food! Congratulations to the chef. And Carloss attention 10 out of 10

Review 67 (2023-04-22 - Rating: 5)
Very good attention

Review 68 (2025-01-06 - Rating: 5)
Really great atmosphere and really nice bartenders. The flatbreads are also really recommended. The Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread is our favorite.