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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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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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

Food was ok. The chicken was bland underneath the skin. The Mac and cheese was ok. The greens had good flavor but were too peppery for me. I had a side of yams that came out without any seasoning or sweetening. My friend also had yams and ours were 2 different colors and 2 different tastes...hers were good, mine were not. I also had a side of hush puppies. Those were probably the best things I've had while here. Lastly, I had a side of fried cauliflower. The cauliflower had no flavor at all and needed the sauce it came with to give it flavor. My overall experience wasn't the best and it's not just because of the food. The owner kind of rubbed me the wrong way. He had no sense of customer service. He 1st became offended that I asked if the food was good. He just kept saying "believe all the reviews" & "you came here for a reason". Then he kept cutting me off while ordering. He was very dismissive and a bit passive aggressive. Then to top things off, I asked about a bathrooms and had to go through the kitchen to get there and the floors were so dirty that I couldn't even use the bathroom in fear my pants would touch the floor. Overall experience was disappointing to say the least. There were 3 others in my party and they were all underwhelmed as well. We hope he can make the necessary adjustments and grow from here. Oh, the other young guy working there was amazing. Such a sweetheart and took very good care of us. read more

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

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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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

Cea-Lo L.A - Catfish Dinner, Cea-Lo's Dirty Rice - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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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

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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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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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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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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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

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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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

Food was 10/10 the fried chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy. Service is incredible, my man stayed open a little after closing just to finish serving us. I heard they have a good time on fridays I will be back! read more

First time ordered through Door Dash. Food was very good and large portions!!! Will order again!!!

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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I was looking to get food catered for an event. I was looking for a soul food place that would be professional and reliable. I originally reached out via yelp and was instructed to reach out via email. From there, Ja was super professional, very responsive and patient with all my questions. This was the first time being in charge of the catering and Ja made it easy for me. Everything was seamless and effortless. I went to pick up the food and was ready on time. I ordered the chicken, salmon croquettes, mac and cheese, and hush puppies. Everything was delicious, I will definitely be back! read more

This place was AMAZING!!!!! Cozy space in a small shopping center, but the moment that the staff begins to interact with you, you know you are in good hands. The food is amazing, cooked to order, seasoned to perfection, ans made with love. The owner/ chef even came out and chopped it up for a few minutes. Great experience, great food, highly recommend. We had the chicken wings, fried shrimp, catfish, and greens were all spectacular. Highly recommend and will.retirn, from Oakland. Sorry I didn't include pics, I was too busy eating. read more

I would definitely recommend Cea-Lo L.A. The food was outstanding...had the shrimp dinner with Mac-N-Cheese...EXCELLENT!! The owner Chris, and his wife were very friendly and welcoming...the ambiance was great!!! I'll definitely be back soon!! Thanks to the both of you Chris!!! read more

You absolutely cannot go wrong here - this place has incredible food, and the service just on another level! They've got everything right here at Cea-Lo L.A. I just had a holiday birthday party for 20 people catered by Cea-Lo and everything was impeccable. Party guests were so satisfied, everyone asking where this amazing soul food came from! They worked with me to get great vegan and vegetarian options for the party -everyone was so impressed with the buffalo cauliflower with chili (vegan option)) not to mention the plantains! You must not miss the banana pudding ! I'm so excited to have discovered this place and I cannot wait to get fat and happy here in 2026! Thank you Ja! 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

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! A MUST-VISIT! Let me tell you... this place blew me away. The seafood here is on a whole different level. I ordered the crab cakes, and when I say they were succulent, juicy, flavorful, and honestly one of the BEST crab cakes I've had in my entire life -- I mean it. I could've ordered a whole tray and called it a day! The mac and cheese? Whew! Cheesy, fresh, perfectly seasoned -- everything you want from mac and cheese and then some. But the true star of my plate was the CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS. That sauce on them was to die for. I literally inhaled them off my plate. No shame. My friend ordered the white fish (deep fried) and jumbo shrimp combo, and I had to steal a bite because the smell alone was calling my name. Crispy, fresh, perfectly seasoned -- absolutely delicious! The collard greens? Cooked to perfection. The red beans and rice? Super tasty and full of flavor. On top of the incredible food, the service was just as impressive. This is a Black-owned restaurant, and the staff is so polite, friendly, and genuinely appreciative. You feel welcomed the second you walk in. If you love good food, good energy, and good people, GO HERE. It is 100% worth the trip -- for anyone and everyone. I'm already planning to go back. read more

1000/10 this place was so amazing and I'm writing the review while I'm still here! The chef and their staff is so kind and so nice! We loved eating here! Highly recommend the fried chicken, fried shrimp and dirty rice plate! Sides were great! Dessert was soooooo freakin good!!!! read more

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

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You guys always come though. Food was fire . Always win with the fried chicken Thanx Chris read more

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

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The food here was soooo good and the service was even better! We started with crab cakes then our dinner combos and ended with desserts. We loved everything! We're coming back for sure!! read more

Cea-Lo L.A - The food here was so good and the service was even better! We're coming back for sure!! - New American Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Walking into this restaurant for the first time felt like I was going over my cousin's house. The venue is small but homey. They had a good menu that was all reasonably priced. The owner was really nice and walked us through the menu options. I got the Catfish dinner with Mac N Cheese & The Red Rice. The greens, catfish, and rice were all flavorful. The Mac N Cheese was the star for me. Would definitely return if I'm ever in the area. read more

We were in the area and this Soul Food place popped up on Yelp as a restaurant to try. When we checked out the menu, they had a separate menu with vegetarian AND vegan options! Customer service was good and helpful. They asked about our dietary restrictions and pointed out things on the menu we could have. Also the prices were very good as well. They were getting ready to have an event so there was music and a small amount of people gathered inside the dining area. There's also a small shared parking lot and parking in the neighborhood. This is definitely a place we would return to and try some more options! read more

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

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