Cello Restaurant — Restaurant in Lenox

Cello is probably the best restaurant in the Berkshires.

On a recent visit, the staff were incredibly warm, welcoming, and genuine. Kim Boya was warm-hearted, welcoming and genuine, made us feel as though we were long time friends and not first timers at the restaurant. Both other wait staff that evening were equally friendly.

The meal was one we will remember for a very long time (until our next visit, which will come very soon!). The cornbread is a must. You’ve never had cornbread this savory yet light, richly flavorful, especially with the honey maple butter. The onion rings are another must-have and set the standard. Not at all greasy, light, complex flavors, with a batter that crunches and then just melts in your mouth. Next time we plan to order two.

Roasted peach salad came with local burrata and tomatoes The surprise was a garnish of crunchy granola, which just works. It gave a surprising and delightful texture to a dish that otherwise would have had mostly ‘soft’ texture ingredients.

The ribs could be an entrée in themselves. I’m not a big rib person and thought my partner would eat most of them but I ended up literally licking the plate. Again not at all greasy, complex flavors, the meat just fell off the bone.

The halibut was the best we’ve ever had. Crunchy on the outside yet soft, moist, and impossibly rich and flavorful, served simply on a bed of sauteed red onions and pea shoots.

If you’re drinking with your meal consider the Oyster River Morphos Pet Nat Rose from Warren Maine. We’re going to sour the Earth looking for this one! Full bodied yet not too sweet, it’s the perfect bubbly for a summer meal.

It was a leisurely, unrushed two hours, we could have happily spent more time for dessert if we didn't have a show to get to that evening.

Kim and Ryan obviously put their hearts and souls into what they do. Their creativity, passion, and execution is second to none, and would be at the top among restaurants in New York. Yet this little gem of a place is hidden away in beautiful, idyllic Lenox MA. It’s a destination, worth driving to just for an unforgettable meal. It’s not just amazing food, it’s an experience.

We are going to be...

Contemporary American restaurant with great food and service.

We recently dined here before a concert nearby. According to our server, it seemed like we struck gold with our reservation. We booked about two weeks ago, but the manager mentioned that slots are almost completely full months in advance. Coming from Boston, the menu initially didn’t seem that interesting—it was mostly contemporary American with strong Italian and French influences. But compared to the usual diner and pub fare in Lenox, this place was a huge upgrade.

We kicked off the evening with the Mushroom Toast and the Roasted Carrots. The roasted carrots, spiced with chili crisps, brought a nice heat, but it was perfectly balanced by the vanilla yogurt and pickled broccoli stems. The mushroom toast, meanwhile, got an umami boost from the bacon, which paired well with the more subtle flavors of the mushroom and garlic confit.

For our entrées, we chose the Bass, Hanger Steak, and Fusilli. Although these were labeled as “larger plates,” the portions were on the smaller side, so we ended up sharing all three. Instead of overwhelming each dish with too many ingredients, they kept the toppings simple and focused on the sauces. The Bass was paired with a creamy corn purée that complemented the fish beautifully. The Fusilli, coated in tomato marinara, initially seemed unassuming with just a sprinkle of shaved parmesan. It almost resembled a simple mac and cheese, yet the sweetness and umami of the marinara, enhanced with a drizzle of basil sauce, made it surprisingly addictive. The Hanger Steak was solid, though the pickled blueberries were a bold choice that didn’t quite work for me. I preferred the simpler pairing with the onion soubise and mushrooms, which allowed the steak’s natural flavors to shine.

Cello might not push the envelope with innovation, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. It’s easily the top choice for refined dining in the area, so if you’re planning a visit here, I highly recommend getting a reservation...

This is my favorite place to eat in the Berkshires.

The menu is constantly changing so there’s always something new and exciting to try. The constants on the menu (the cornbread and onion rings) are phenomenal and I always order one or the other… or both if I want to go full glutton.

The food is beautifully presented and you can watch Chef Ryan meticulously plate and garnish each dish from his open kitchen. You can see and taste the care and attention in every dish.

They have a great wine selection and a refreshing spritz with homemade lemoncello, perfect for a hot day.

When you first walk in you’ll most likely be greeted by Kim, the front of the house, who is just a ray of sunshine. She makes sure to remember guests and her kindness and warmth will make new and returning patrons feel welcome.

The staff is engaging, hardworking, motivated, and really pleasant to be around.

The space is small, but I’d rather use the word intimate. I think the size allows for good quality control on the dishes coming out. Just be sure to make a reservation. I personally like sitting at the counter opposite the kitchen to watch the action.

I highly recommend this place to locals or anyone visiting. It’s really special and I hope you love it as much as I do.

And definitely order the chocolate chip cookies for desert, they are life changing. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but I’m serious. I’m legitimately concerned Cookie Monster will kidnap Ryan. We must protect him at all costs. If you see something,...