When it comes to dining out, it’s always important to find out where the locals go to find a hidden gem. One of the hottest restaurants that made its debut when CityPlace opened back in 1999 has still been going strong ever since.
Now in its 24th year, City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill remains a staple (and locals’ favorite) in the downtown West Palm Beach restaurant scene for its craft cocktails, impressive wine list, and freshly made pastas and hearth baked pizzas.
Located on the second floor of the shopping, dining and entertainment center “The Square” (formerly known as Rosemary Square and CityPlace), the restaurant boasts an enormous front dining room, open kitchen and bustling bar.
Grab a seat at the always-popular bar every day from 4 to 7 p.m. for Daily Happy Hour that features half-off select food and $2 off drinks. There is also a spacious area outside to dine alfresco overlooking The Square.
In addition to their popular Italian fare, the scratch kitchen, under the direction of executive chef Farrin Kolpan, churns out a nice selection of chops and seafood.
Their specialty cocktail list features everything from a fruity Raspberry Negroni to a hip Just Peachy, or you can opt for your favorite vino from one of 600 bottles of wine on display in the glass-enclosed cellar located behind the bar.
Friendly servers greet guests with baskets of warm, freshly baked focaccia bread. Our knowledgeable server walked us through the menu offering suggestions on popular dishes.
The Veal Meatballs were a standout served in a tangy marinara sauce accompanied by a dollop of whipped ricotta and a grilled baguette.
The Crispy Fried Calamari was one of the best samplings we have had here – lightly fried and served with a side of roasted garlic lemon aioli and San Marzano tomato sauce.
A visit to City Cellar would be remiss without trying one of their signature pizzas.
The Cellar Pizza was simply prepared with San Marzano tomato sauce, topped with the right amount of mozzarella cheese, and served crispy to our liking.
For main events, be sure to try the Gnocchi Al Forno, a hearty combination of chicken, spinach, and fontina cheese, tossed in a vodka cream sauce.
Other Italian favorites include Rigatoni Bolognese and angel hair with shrimp.
If you are looking for something heartier, a Bourbon Street skirt steak, braised lamb shank, or dry-aged ribeye are sure to satisfy.
Homemade desserts here include everything, from salted caramel and chocolate tart, vanilla bean crème brulee to key lime cheesecake and house made gelato.
We recommend the Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, golden raisins, pecans, and butterscotch drizzle – large enough to share, but so good you may not want to.
Keep an eye out for their weekly Sunday brunch featuring unlimited mimosas and endless bloody Marys (with the purchase of an entrée). Their specialty Wine Down Wednesday offering each week boasts 50 percent off all bottles of wine under $99.
City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill is located at 700 S. Rosemary Avenue in West Palm Beach.
