Delicious!! We had the fried catfish and the fried chicken dinners- with black eyed peas, mac & cheese, hush puppies, and collared greens. Looking forward to trying the red rice and dirty rice next time :) *Yelp said they were closed but I called and they were open, so keep in mind. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Most of the way through dinner! But was so delicious wanted to share a pic to add to the review - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Oh my soul food bliss! If you want family southern comfort, Cea-Lo is your place. This Mac and cheese is to die for! Probably the best I've ever had! The chicken (even though I opted in for grilled) was super juicy, very flavorful. The yams were a perfect balance of sweet and cinnamon. When you are here, you feel like family. This is a small locally owned restaurant and there is so much love put into everything they do. Even the art on the walls supports local artists. Bonus is that there's some parking spots out front and street parking was a plenty. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

I had family in town and soul food was the request. I can say that I'm not sure soul food and the San Fernando valley are a perfect match but there are a few options. After some research I came across Cea-Lo LA and their great reviews. While I really wanted something more fancy for a sit down dinner. I have to say that I'm not sure that soul food and fancy sit down are a match either. All that aside, I enjoyed the fried catfish. It had a nice lightly breaded seasoning with a crisp fry. The sides were good because when it comes to the things you know and love it can be rare magic when everything hits on perfect. The greens were good not great. The yams were heavy on the nutmeg/cinnamon flavor and more mashed than I prefer. They did have vegan options which was needed and great for some of our party. Someone got the catfish and jumbo shrimp combo plate. It looked great but I don't think delivered to their expectations. The staff is super friendly and helpful with recommendations and you can tell they believe in their product. I would consider Cea-Lo more grab and go. read more

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We came here on a Sunday (late) afternoon. Parking was easy because they share a small lot with other businesses. The place is small with a few tables and chairs for indoor seating only. We were greeted and seated right away, but at the time, they were one chair short, so I ended up sitting on my hubby's lap for a good 25 minutes before a chair became available. We ordered wings, shrimp and grits, dirty rice, Mac n cheese, and collard greens. All were very delicious. I will definitely be back for the shrimp and grits. read more

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Service was quick. Lady on the counter took our order. Inside was clean and plenty seating. I am vegetarian so ordered a lot of sides to go. Cauliflower Grits Rice with black eyed peas Yams Plantains Hush puppies ( forgot to pack the honey dip) My fav are in the above mentioned order. Y'all should go check it out! read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Utensil mural wall inside - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

I've been sharing Cea-Lo as one of the hidden gems of the valley, and I knew this the moment I tasted their Catfish Dinner a while ago. In the first visit alone, I enjoyed their simple paintings along the wall and cozy atmosphere for dining. Fast forward a year later, and I'm back with a friend to reorder that and Cea-Lo's Dirty Rice to share. We also tried their House Punch. Service here has always been nothing short of amazing. Even on the unexpected day that they had a large event, they still remained open to accommodate a few guests with a condensed menu. The catfish was tasty, but the main standout for me is their mac and cheese. It's rare for me to compliment a mac and cheese, but somehow they've managed to turn a classic dish exciting. Plantains are a side I often avoid, and I wouldn't go out of my way for them. They were tasty nonetheless, almost feeling like nature's candy - sweet and chewy. Cea-Lo's dirty rice though? Oooh that did me had me running for my wallet... I almost wanted a second! Thankfully, those portions were large enough to feed two. Something about this just hits different... like their House Punch. At first, I was thinking of a plain fruit punch, but after hearing their description of it, I was blown away; I needed to try it. Sweet? It sure was, a good "cheat day" drink! Lord know how much sugar was in that, but I ask no questions and only enjoy how tasty every visit here is! read more

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"Soul Food Done Right" Without the Food Coma Cea-Lo LA is hands down one of the best soul food spots I've found in the Valley. If you've been craving authentic, comforting soul food but don't want to battle traffic over the hill, this is the place. What I appreciate most is that they give you the option to have your protein fried or pan-seared. I went with the pan-seared catfish, and it was perfection beautifully seasoned, tender, flaky, and cooked just right. It had all the flavor you'd expect from soul food without being weighed down by excess grease. Now let's talk about the sides because they deserve their own spotlight. The baked mac & cheese is everything you want it to be: rich, creamy, cheesy, and baked until the top has that irresistible golden crust. It's the kind of mac and cheese that tastes homemade and keeps you going back for "just one more bite." The candied yams were equally impressive soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. They complemented the savory catfish beautifully without overpowering the meal. The ambiance is quaint, cozy, and inviting, making it a great place to dine in. Even if you order delivery, the presentation is still impressive. Every dish arrives looking thoughtfully prepared, and it's clear the kitchen takes pride in every plate they send out. Cea-Lo LA offers a fresh, elevated take on soul food that's packed with flavor while feeling lighter than the traditional, grease-heavy experience. It's comfort food that doesn't leave you feeling sluggish. This is a fantastic addition to Sherman Oaks and the Valley as a whole. I'll definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu. 10/10. Highly recommend read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Catfish Dinner with 2 sides. Catfish seasoned w/Cea-Lo's signature spices. Pan Seared * Mac & Cheese * Candied Yams. - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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Stopped in on an early Sunday evening with the family for dinner. Low key empty, there were customers only at 2 tables. It is limited seating with about 6 booth tables of 4 for about 25 people very little noise level. Upon entering after we were greeted, the host ran down a list of food items that were no longer available. We were seated near the corner window. After reviewing the menu, I ordered the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were grilled well, the grits were buttery but the oyster based sauces is what made the dish. The Mac & Cheese was a hit with the family. There is free parking in the lot read more

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Food 4/5 - Let me tell you something them Damn hush puppies was EVERYTHING!! I almost ate all of them before I got home (I know big backitivities) Now that's what I call a hush puppy ! I was being bougie lmao and got the fried whiting fish plate. The fish was good and flaky the batter was light and had great flavor! They gave me like 4 pieces too. Now candid yams were good but more like a soufflé, the Mac & cheese was just ok and the greens are a NO for me. Service 5/5 - I ordered a pick up which only took like 20min perfect timing. Chef I believe that's what he said he's called, he was cool in person and over the phone. He picked up the phone the first time I called iykyk! They had my order hot and ready. Ambiance 3/5 - regular, degular, shmegular! Definitely a take out spot. But clean and I believe there was a small seating area looks like so you can wait on your food while you're picking up. Overall a good spot to get some bougie soul food from in the valley! read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Fried Fish Dinner - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

The food was amazing, the service was top tier. The ambiance was quaint. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because the water I received tasted bad and at first I thought it was the entire parties water, but I tasted them and it was only mine. So just don't order tap water. But the food!!!!!! OMG the food!!!!! Uh-mazing! I ordered Mac and cheese, yams, catfish, and fried jumbo shrimp. And the House punch! Healing! It even had bits of ginger at the bottom after I drank it that gave it a nice crunch, so I know it was made with love. If you haven't tried this place, don't walk run!!! read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Fried Fish Dinner (catfish) with Macaroni and cheese and Yams with jumbo shrimp. - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Cea-lo will leave your jaw on the floor. An unassuming little restaurant off of Sepulveda that might make you think twice from the outside. All you need is one bite of their phenomenal food to know this is a restaurant you will visit again and again. The staff are poliete and the restaurant cared for well all hide the depth of flavor in their food and how it is so delicious. The seasoning on the chicken is fantastic and had me licking my fingers after every bite. They don't skimp on the chicken sandwich either. Their sandwich is big enough to serve for 2 meals. I loved their Mac and Cheese and the hush puppies were a delight! The food is made fresh so it can take a minute for it to arrive but the time waiting is well worth it! I highly recommend Cea-lo to anyone who has a desire to have a meal that will leave them wanting more. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Drumeetes with Fries and Mac and Cheese - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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Food made by people who love food. Period. We got the catfish dinner and the six-wing dinner. The fried catfish was excellent-- tender, moist, and flavorful on the inside while perfectly crispy on the exterior. The sides were really good-- black-eyed peas and collard greens were really flavorful. The collards are probably the best I've ever had. Both plates came with pickles and pickled hot peppers which was a nice addition. The catfish and the wings were not greasy at all. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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Delicious food and great service! Definitely will be back for more! I'm going to try the whole menu!

This was a serendipitous stop on the way to a birthday party and I'm so glad we came! We met the owners and they were so kind and fun to talk to! We meant to get our food to go but we ended up eating there and chatting for a while. We shared the snapper and shrimp combo plate with fries and the vegan bowl. It was fresh and delicious! We kept trying to convince them to open a location in Inglewood or just live there lol The vibe inside is chill, great music and very clean. We will be back when we're in town! read more

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The service? Incomparable. The food? Incredible. The vibes? Immaculate. We have probably driven past a thousand times as it's tucked into a strip mall, but that's our mistake, and we hope you don't make the same one. I'm convinced that there is no problem too big that can't be solved by a Rich Boi. Get in there and see for yourself! read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Rich Boi - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

We all already know that there is a lack of good soul food in the valley. When this place came up on my Yelp I immediately told my hubs we had to go try it. It's in a little strip mall, a small clean restaurant with about 10 tables. We were greeted by the owner, a kind, charismatic gentleman who helped us to make good choices about our meals. They make all the food fresh so it took about 15 to get our meal. I ordered the shrimp and Grits and it was delish the coating on the shrimp was so light and flavorful without being salty which has been an issue at other soul food places Ive tried. The grits tasted cheesy and delish. My hubs got the dirty rice and it came with shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage mixed it. The portion was big and he tore it up, he said it's really good! You can tell everything is fresh and made by a chef who truly cares about the food he's putting out. Chris, thank you for that great meal, see you next week. read more

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Wonderful soul food, tucked away off sepulveda. There was attention to detail paid to every item I ordered; crispy, juicy wings, crunchy, chewy onion rings, thick and creamy mac n cheese, and carmelized, sweet plantains. Shoutout to Chef for the presentation and prompt service. I ordered to-go, but the environment is charming and worth dining in. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - 6 Pieces Chicken Winggets, Onion Rings, Macaroni and cheese, Sweet Plainains - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Had high hopes. No seasoning, not fresh and service was mediocre. The prices aren't accurate either.

Greeted immediately upon entry by Chris, food was brought in the time it was primised and it was all good and favorable. I come here often and im never disappointed. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Whiting fish, grits and macaroni and cheese - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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It can be unassuming when you first walk in, but when that food hits them plates--you know you've got a good spot. The chicken wings flavor was spot on with good seasoning. The only strike I have is the catfish tasted a little gamey/fishy; probably coulda fried it a little longer (which I did ask for), but still it was fine enough to eat. Service was good too--they learned we were just there visiting and got to know us and everything--it was cool. My 15 year old daughter is picky, but has asked a couple times when we're going back. Guess we gotta make the trip again from the IE. read more

Best Sunday ever! My family and I decided to go on a walk for our weekend celebration. As I checked google maps, I typed in "food near me" and seen Cea-Lo L.A so we decided to take our boys on a walk to discover this place. What a great vibe to sit in especially on a Sunday! We love soul food so much and I am so happy that Van Nuys has this treasure for the neighborhood! Great service and absolutely delicious food thank you family so much for the pleasant experience! read more

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man I took a bomb photo of my Sandwich but I can't find the image rn lmao. This place is QUALITY AF! yes you're going to be waiting a hot second for your food but when you get it it's gonna hit so hard that you'll forget all about Cynthia not texting you back. The chicken sandwich is so good. The mac and cheese slaps. The HUSH PUPPIES. My god I need 10 more. Place is cute and always clean. Staff is super down to earth. I'll be back read more

Absolutely phenomenal! We had the catfish dinner with collard greens and mac&cheese, and the fried chicken dinner with hush puppies and candied yams. Everything was delicious, and the fried chicken was hands-down the best fried chicken I have ever had. Will definitely be coming back. read more

I don't think we have a true Southern soul food spot in the SCV... so if you're looking for a solid recommendation, you've got to check out Cea-Lo's (Food for the Soul). We stumbled on this place while working in the Sherman Oaks area and decided to give it a try. The reviews were great, so we figured why not -- and wow, they were not lying! The food was amazing and left our bellies so happy. We started with the fried chicken wings and the fried jumbo shrimp, and both were on point. For the mains, we ordered the fried catfish dinner with black-eyed peas and greens, the 1/2 fried chicken dinner with mac and sweet potato mash, and our son went with the fried buffalo chicken sandwich. Everything we tried was delicious. He even makes his own dipping sauces and hot sauces, which just takes it to another level. We're definitely going back! read more

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Love this place! The fried catfish is to die for! Great business with great service! If you need some delicious soul food, definitely support this place! read more

We visited after church. We were looking for soul food and we got just that. The best dish was the mac and cheese. It tasted like someone's auntie made it. I also liked the crab cake. It was soft and well flavored. Maybe heavy on stuffing but well done otherwise. The greens were tasty. Non inventive but who wants that with greens? I respect keeping it simple and dependable. I liked the whiting option. Overall, it was a win and we will return. I'd like to see more drink options. Something original and connected to the food. Also the dirty rice could've been dirtier. The sweet potato was life. read more

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First I found them on Yelp and I was sold at soul food. I was in town to see a customer and staying about 4 miles away. The place has a cool vibe, good music laid back. I ordered the fried catfish dinner with yams and red rice. The catfish may be the best I've had, two large flaky fillets cooked to perfection. The batter is light and perfectly seasoned, putting any tarter or other sauce is criminal. The yams amazing as good as the best I've had. The rice also very good. I will be here every trip to see this customer The owner is super friendly and knows what he's doing Honestly do your self a favor get in here. read more

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I saw a girl on TikTok say this was her favorite collard greens anywhere, so I went and can confirm, best collard greens I've ever had. But let me tell you about the wings! Extra crispy, seasoned for the gods, got chills just thinking about it. Chef was lovely, funny, personable and very attentive. Watching the regulars roll in you can tell his customers really love him & the staff. Will be coming back, obviously. Not sure what to try next I'm so stuck on those wings. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - I had already started eating bc those greens & yams were calling - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Went back tonight, I had the fried Jumbo Shrimp Dinner, it was great! I also stole a piece of the fried catfish from my daughter's plate, and was surprised at how light it was, it felt like a healthy version of fried food. Sides were potato salad but the Rolling John's was the star side tonight. Got the 2nd to last cornbread, and helped sell another customer on buying the last one. I told the kids to remind me to order it as soon as we get there! read more

Cea-Lo L.A - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

I really love getting the fried catfish dinner whenever I visit this spot. The baked macaroni and cheese is super creamy and makes the perfect side dish. read more

Picked up the fried catfish with potato salad and califlour and the gumbo style dirty rice A+ all around. The flavors the seasoning the batter was perfectionism at its finest. Props to a small restaurant doing it RIGHT Go here now and get the goods :). read more

There is a wait, but well worth it. Maybe call ahead. Very traditional and legit. Best grits we've ever had. Everything is so fresh and delicious. Don't forget a ginger beer drink. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Amazing drink. - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Came here with my gf and we shared the fried catfish and it was amazing. Enough to fill us both. Fast service as well and the music selection was great. Will definitely come back to try out the other items. read more

DELICIOUS SOUTHERN FOOD! I haven't written a review in a while because, quite frankly, I haven't dined in an establishment worth reviewing. That ended tonight at Cea-Lo L.A. The catfish was flawless. Excellent seasoning and fried to perfection. Clearly this is food made with care and pride. The staff was charming and genuinely aimed to please. Truly a hidden gem in the San Fernando Valley. But wherever you're coming from, it's worth the trip. read more

So dissatisfied and drove from Woodland Hills because I wanted to try them based on the reviews. I do not know how anyone could rate them high. Zero or negative zero customer service. The food was all bad! Bland and tasteless like someone with no seasoning skills said I will cook today. Fish tasteless, hush puppies had a hint of flavor, mac was macnasty, chicken needed lawrys, yams were burnt and it all tasted like four day old left overs. The greens juice spilled all in the bag because they failed to put it in a sealed container separate from other food I spent $100 and now I have eat somewhere else. Another failed soul in the valley. read more

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We have stopped by twice in the last couple weeks to try this place during hours their website says they're open, but the doors were locked and the inside looked empty. Why? Is this restaurant permanently closed? read more

Food is FIRE! service always good. Can't go wrong with anything in the menu. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Super chill atmosphere and just nice people in there eating good food. read more

Cea-Lo L.A - Boneless Chicken Dinner with 2 Sides - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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DELICIOUS!! Vegan-friendly. Carnivore-friendly. Vegetarian-friendly. Pescatarian-Friendly. Soooo good. The "Not So Dirty Vegan Rice" is out of this world. Not to mention the sweet potato cornbread. *insert meme of Jenifer Lewis fainting. And the Banana Pudding!! My dad got the "5-piece Fish Plate" with Greens and Macaroni Cheese. It was sooo good he devoured his food and then ordered it again to-go. Lol My mom ordered the "Dark Chicken Dinner" with Yams and Red Rice. She's a hard critic but she let us know she absolutely loved everything. She even enjoyed the slice of pickle and pepper garnish lol I tasted everyone's food and it was ALL FIRE. I am a new regular here. Thanks Chef! read more

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I've been wanting to try them for years! My neighbor recommended them as we live across the street. I ordered wings with two sides and hush puppies to go. I was a little disappointed for a minute as he said he had no dessert. But he came back and said he had peach cobbler. The wings were great as was the mac-cheese and collard greens. Hush puppies were fantastic. I'll be back as I love to support local businesses but the food is really great! read more

Fried chicken was dry. No seasoning on it. Collard greens tasted odd. Cheesy grits were kinda good. Couldn't tell if the cashier had an attitude or that was just her personality. For $29 this was definitely not worth it. Will not be coming back. read more