Kelly Speed
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 most popular restaurants that debuted when CityPlace opened in 1999 has been going strong ever since.
Now in its 24th year, City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill remains a staple (and local favorite) on the downtown West Palm Beach restaurant scene for its craft cocktails, impressive wine list, and fresh-made pastas and oven-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 features a huge front dining room, open kitchen and lively bar.
Grab a seat at the ever-popular bar every day from 4-7pm for daily happy hour featuring half-off select food and $2 off drinks. There is also a large outside area for alfresco dining overlooking the square.
In addition to its popular Italian cuisine, scratch cuisine, under the direction of the executive chef Farin Kolpanoffers a good selection of ribs and seafood.
Kelly Speed
Their specialty cocktail list includes everything from a fruity Raspberry Negroni to a hip Just peachor you can opt for your favorite wine from one of the 600 bottles of wine on display in the glass-enclosed cellar behind the bar.
Friendly servers greet guests with baskets of hot, freshly baked focaccia bread. Our knowledgeable server guided us through the menu offering suggestions on popular dishes.
Kelly Speed
The Beef meatballs they were a standout served with a spicy marinara sauce accompanied by a dollop of whipped ricotta and a grilled baguette.
The Crispy fried calamari it was one of the best samples we’ve had here: lightly fried and served with a roasted garlic lemon aioli and San Marzano tomato sauce.
Kelly Speed
A visit to City Cellar would be remiss without trying one of their signature pizzas.
The Pizza in the cellar it was simply prepared with San Marzano tomato sauce, topped with just the right amount of mozzarella cheese and served crispy to our liking.
Kelly Speed
For main events, be sure to try Baked dumplingsa hearty combination of chicken, spinach and fontina cheese, topped with a vodka cream sauce.
Other Italian favorites include Rigatoni Bolognese and angel hair with shrimp.
If you’re looking for something heartier, a Bourbon Street skirt steak, braised lamb shank, or aged rib eye is sure to satisfy.
Kelly Speed
Homemade desserts include everything from salted caramel chocolate cake, vanilla custard to key lime cheesecake and homemade ice cream.
We recommend the Carrot cake with cream cheese ice creamgolden raisins, pecans and caramel drizzle, big enough to share, but so good you might not want to.
Look out for their weekly Sunday brunch with unlimited mimosas and endless bloody marys (with the purchase of an entrée). Their Wine Down Wednesday special each week offers 50% off all bottles of wine under $99.
City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill is located at 700 S. Rosemary Avenue in West Palm Beach.
