Levantine Food
Lebanese and Syrian favourites, including tender lamb ribs, mixed grills, hummus and fattoush, are repeatedly praised.
Cello Restaurant & Cafe
Trade Centre
Cello is a Middle Eastern restaurant in Trade Centre serving Lebanese and Syrian dishes alongside Western-style options. Reviews highlight generous mixed grills, breakfast and Iftar buffets, live music, and a shisha-focused setting that stays open late, making it suited to relaxed meals and social evenings.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
3,204 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Large Portions
A lamb-ribs meal with assorted sides was described as enough for three to four people.
Live Music
Live music adds atmosphere without preventing conversation, according to several visits.
Breakfast Buffet
The buffet included made-to-order omelettes, with vegetables and flavours chosen at the counter.
Family Space
The Ramadan buffet was noted for spacious seating and a dedicated children's play area.
Valet Parking
A review reports free valet parking when the ticket is stamped.
Late Hours
Several reviews describe the restaurant as open around the clock, useful for late dinners or breakfast.
What to Eat at Cello Restaurant & Cafe How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Cello Restaurant & Cafe, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Cello Restaurant & Cafe, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
-
Falafel Net +2
“If you are a vegetarian, you only have two things to eat.. fries and falafel.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“If you are a vegetarian, you only have two things to eat.. fries and falafel.”August 2020
“We have tried cheese pida pie and falafel and grills and all were so delicious.”February 2026
Honorable mentions (19)
-
Bbq lamb Net +1
“The bbq lamb is a must try.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The bbq lamb is a must try.”January 2026
-
Cheese pida pie Net +1
“We have tried cheese pida pie and falafel and grills and all were so delicious.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We have tried cheese pida pie and falafel and grills and all were so delicious.”February 2026
-
Chicken burgers Net +1
“The fried chicken and chicken burgers are very tasty and sauces unique as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The fried chicken and chicken burgers are very tasty and sauces unique as well.”June 2026
-
Fried chicken Net +1
“The fried chicken and chicken burgers are very tasty and sauces unique as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The fried chicken and chicken burgers are very tasty and sauces unique as well.”June 2026
-
Grape leaves Net +1
“Food was great , Grape leaves like home it was amazing , Place spirit is amazing ..”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was great , Grape leaves like home it was amazing , Place spirit is amazing ..”June 2026
-
Halloumi Net +1
“Usually halloumi comes over cooked and thin...they did it perfectly here.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Usually halloumi comes over cooked and thin...they did it perfectly here.”October 2023
-
Jedi bel zeit Net +1
“The Jedi Bel Zeit was AMAZING!!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Jedi Bel Zeit was AMAZING!!”June 2024
-
Kunefa with cheese and cream Net +1
“I was in absolute love with kunefa with cheese and cream...”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I was in absolute love with kunefa with cheese and cream...”May 2021
-
Lamb chops with fries Net +1
“For lunch I enjoyed the lamb chops with fries. The flavor of lamb was mild and savory with a nice light seasoning that preserves the unique characteristic flavors of lamb here in Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For lunch I enjoyed the lamb chops with fries. The flavor of lamb was mild and savory with a nice light seasoning that preserves the unique characteristic flavors of lamb here in Dubai.”January 2019
-
Lamb ouzi Net +1
“The food is very well prepared and presented and tastes good. Just to note the lamb ouzi was slightly dry on the night we went.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is very well prepared and presented and tastes good. Just to note the lamb ouzi was slightly dry on the night we went.”March 2026
-
Lamb ribs Net +1
“For the mains we ordered lamb ribs which were cooked with tender served with different assortments. The meal was good enough for 3 to 4 people.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the mains we ordered lamb ribs which were cooked with tender served with different assortments. The meal was good enough for 3 to 4 people.”October 2025
-
Lebanese mix grill platter Net +1
“For the main dishes i went for the authentic Lebanese Mix Grill platter, Juicy and tender meat , all items were carefully cooked and seasoned, and it comes with a nice side of grilled and raw baby onions.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main dishes i went for the authentic Lebanese Mix Grill platter, Juicy and tender meat , all items were carefully cooked and seasoned, and it comes with a nice side of grilled and raw baby onions.”June 2020
-
Mixed grills Net +1
“The mixed grills were a nice pick for two.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mixed grills were a nice pick for two.”May 2025
-
Mutton Net +1
“I particularly enjoyed the mutton and Vimto drink.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I particularly enjoyed the mutton and Vimto drink.”May 2024
-
Ras asfor Net +1
“Starting of with famous and irresistible lebanese starters Fried Kebbeh, Yalangi , hummus and the delicious Ras Asfor something that i tried for the first time and fell in love with it... fried lamb meat in garlic and pomegranate sauce sweet, tangy and delicious. Just couldn’t stop eating this one.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Starting of with famous and irresistible lebanese starters Fried Kebbeh, Yalangi , hummus and the delicious Ras Asfor something that i tried for the first time and fell in love with it... fried lamb meat in garlic and pomegranate sauce sweet, tangy and delicious. Just couldn’t stop eating this one.”June 2020
-
Sheep meat stew with special rice Net +1
“Perhaps the best entree we tried, though, was the intensely flavored and quite eye catching while they prepare the dish right at your table in a clay pot and serve sizzling hot, was the sheep meat stew with special Rice this one was a complete a knockout! 😍 The meat was so meltingly soft and broth so thick and creamy with onion carrots and potatoes all of which came together in a cozy harmony.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Perhaps the best entree we tried, though, was the intensely flavored and quite eye catching while they prepare the dish right at your table in a clay pot and serve sizzling hot, was the sheep meat stew with special Rice this one was a complete a knockout! 😍 The meat was so meltingly soft and broth so thick and creamy with onion carrots and potatoes all of which came together in a cozy harmony.”June 2020
-
Cordon blue dish Net 0
Mixed feedback
“Food is delicious. The best cordon blue dish they made it place very good vibe is very nice.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“Food is delicious. The best cordon blue dish they made it place very good vibe is very nice.”July 2025
-
Spaghetti Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“We ordered fattoush it was okay but too much onions, the spicy potato disappointing, spaghetti was okay”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
-
Umm ali Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“There was no knafeh, the umm ali was OK no nuts or anything everything else that we saw was most pastries.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 3
-
Arabic coffee Net +1
“Nevertheless whichever way you go at cello, you might think about ordering a cup of rich Arabic coffee and soaking up the ambience a bit longer.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Nevertheless whichever way you go at cello, you might think about ordering a cup of rich Arabic coffee and soaking up the ambience a bit longer.”June 2020
-
Turkish coffee Net +1
“A Turkish coffee and a Shisha are options not to miss.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A Turkish coffee and a Shisha are options not to miss.”February 2020
-
Vimto drink Net +1
“I particularly enjoyed the mutton and Vimto drink.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I particularly enjoyed the mutton and Vimto drink.”May 2024
What to Avoid (5)
Food 5
-
Alfredo fittucini Net −1
“we ordered Alfredo fittucini and ( صفيحة شامية ) ،kebab, tea, hot chocolate, but nothing of today's dishes were tasty, i eat half my dish although i was very hungry , i don't know what happened today but it was very bad experience today”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“we ordered Alfredo fittucini and ( صفيحة شامية ) ،kebab, tea, hot chocolate, but nothing of today's dishes were tasty, i eat half my dish although i was very hungry , i don't know what happened today but it was very bad experience today”August 2021
-
Fattoush Net −1
“We ordered fattoush it was okay but too much onions, the spicy potato disappointing, spaghetti was okay”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered fattoush it was okay but too much onions, the spicy potato disappointing, spaghetti was okay”November 2023
-
Hot chocolate Net −1
“we ordered Alfredo fittucini and ( صفيحة شامية ) ،kebab, tea, hot chocolate, but nothing of today's dishes were tasty, i eat half my dish although i was very hungry , i don't know what happened today but it was very bad experience today”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“we ordered Alfredo fittucini and ( صفيحة شامية ) ،kebab, tea, hot chocolate, but nothing of today's dishes were tasty, i eat half my dish although i was very hungry , i don't know what happened today but it was very bad experience today”August 2021
-
Mushroom soup Net −1
“Our food looked great however the mushroom soup had no taste, it was pure cream which was off putting.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Our food looked great however the mushroom soup had no taste, it was pure cream which was off putting.”August 2023
-
Spicy potato Net −1
“We ordered fattoush it was okay but too much onions, the spicy potato disappointing, spaghetti was okay”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered fattoush it was okay but too much onions, the spicy potato disappointing, spaghetti was okay”November 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Check Smoking. If you do not smoke, ask about seating first: one review says there was no way to get away from shisha smoke.
Stamp Valet. If you use valet parking, keep the ticket and have it stamped to claim the reported free valet service.
Visit Off-Peak. Breakfast buffet visits can become crowded and busy, so an earlier or quieter time may be more comfortable.
Confirm Extras. For Iftar, check whether tea or coffee is included before ordering, as one diner was charged separately.
Ask Portions. For groups, confirm serving sizes directly before adding dishes; one party ordered excess food after being told portions were small.
Try Breakfast. Breakfast and brunch are specifically recommended, and the buffet has a chef preparing omelettes to order.
Plan the visit
Practical details
برج سما, 14 - Sheikh Zayed Rd
Trade Center First, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Common Concerns
High Prices
Some diners found the pricing steep, especially for drinks, and one reported paying around 45 AED for tea.
Smoking Indoors
Reviews warn that cigarette smoke can reach diners because the venue may not provide a separate non-smoking area.
Dessert Availability
One visit found sweets had run out without replacement, including no knafeh.
Inconsistent Dishes
A diner found the lamb ouzi slightly dry, while another called a microwaved cordon bleu soggy.
Portion Advice
One group felt a server overstated how small the portions were, leading them to order more than needed.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
135 AED per person
Iftar package
“While the overall facilities are impressive, I was expecting tea or coffee to be included in the Iftar package especially considering the price of 135 AED per person”Google review · March 2026
around 45 AED
tea
“The tea they serve is basically just hot water, yet they charge around 45 AED for it, which is honestly shocking”Google review · April 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Cello is a spacious Middle Eastern restaurant in Trade Centre with a Lebanese-Syrian focus and a lively social side. You can come for breakfast or brunch, order Lebanese grills and mixed grills, settle in with shisha, or visit during Ramadan for the Iftar buffet. Live music runs in the evenings, but several diners say it stays quiet enough for conversation.
The food is often praised for generous portions and well-prepared grilled dishes. A lamb-ribs meal was enough for three to four people, while the breakfast buffet included an omelette cooked in front of you with your choice of vegetables and flavours. The Ramadan buffet was also noted for its oriental dishes, seafood and children's play area.
Décor is a major part of the experience, with photo-friendly interiors, spacious seating and a relaxed atmosphere. There are a few practical cautions. Prices can feel high, particularly for drinks; one review objected to tea costing around 45 AED, and another found the 135 AED Iftar package did not include tea or coffee.
Smoking is central to the setting, and some diners reported cigarette smoke indoors, so ask about seating if that matters to you. Valet parking is available, with one review reporting it as free when the ticket is stamped. Reviews also describe service continuing 24 hours, making late visits possible.