Celis Cuban Bistro - Lawrenceville (GA)

5 /5 Violet M: Decided to try this place rather than going to my normal Cuban restaurant. First appearance, the restaurant was very clean and a nice atmosphere. The restaurant is family owned, and the customer service was on point, and the food was really good. Well, seasoned and fresh. they have a DJ on Sundays, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they have a live band, so I will definitely be back for that.

5 /5 Kennese: One of our favorite spots! The staff is always warm, welcoming, and genuinely cares about your experience—even during busy times. The food? Absolutely delicious—so good I forget to take pictures every time!! Don’t miss the fresh smoothies. The vibe feels like a big family gathering: cozy, joyful, and full of heart. Clean space, great decor, and live music on weekends is the cherry on top. 10/10 Highly recommend!!!!!

5 /5 Tina Williams: Heard about this place on a Facebook group. We went early on Friday and were greeted by a friendly hostess. Our server was Pam and she was so sweet and gave great recommendations. While we were there, a couple came and we heard them say “we had to come back again.” We had the empanadas that are made in house and the toastones as an appetizer. I had the snapper and my fiancé had a steak dish. It was a little too early for a cocktail, but the next time we go back, I’ll get the Miguel Martini! Bonus —you get $10 for your bill the first time you visit. Definitely worth a visit!

5 /5 NostalgiaKarl K.F.: This is a real gem of a restaurant. I went for the Cuban part of this place, but they apparently also do pancakes in the morning, which is really cool, and Ill need to try their pancakes sometime. It is a bit of an unusual combination of foods, to be sure, but this IS Atlanta, where you can find any number of places that sell hibachi, wings, and burgers all in one place. In that way, this restaurant is right at home while also being unique, as, while there are plenty of combination restaurants in Atlanta, there are no other pancake-Cuban restaurants to my knowledge. In the end, Ill need to come back sometime.

5 /5 Diana Durango Latorre: I visited Celi’s Cuban Bistro with my family, and we had an awesome time from start to finish. The place has a cool vibe, super lively and colorful. The DJ’s live music added a nice touch, making everything feel even more fun and authentic. The staff was really friendly and on the ball, which definitely made the experience better. We kicked things off with a frozen fruit smoothie that was delicious and super refreshing. We also got two mojitos—one classic and one mango—and they were spot on, all citrusy and refreshing with fresh mint and lime. So good! For appetizers, we had chicken and beef empanadas. They were fantastic—juicy on the inside and crispy outside, topped with a tasty sauce, melted cheese, and pico de gallo that brought them up a notch. For my main dish, I went with the churrasco, and it honestly blew my mind. It was cooked just right—tender and juicy, served with rice, guacamole, and sweet plantains. I devoured it! My husband ordered the Valencian paella, and I had to try that too. It was amazing: big portions, perfectly seasoned, with a great mix of shrimp, scallops, calamari, fish, pork, mussels, and veggies—all balanced out and served with sweet plantains. This place has definitely become my new favorite Cuban spot. I really hope more people check it out. It’s a hidden gem that totally deserves more love!