ABOUT
HOME > ABOUT
OUR STORY
CeLaVi is more than a restaurant, it is the next chapter of a love story between tradition and transformation.
For us, this space represents opportunity, sacrifice, and vision. What was once a historic gathering place in downtown Reading is now being thoughtfully reimagined as CeLaVi — a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience rooted in warmth, culture, and community.
As entrepreneurs, partners, and believers in this city’s future, we didn’t just purchase a business — we invested in a dream. A dream of preserving history while elevating it. Of honoring the past while boldly stepping into something new.
Inside CeLaVi, you’ll feel that intention the moment you walk through the doors. The glow of vaulted wooden ceilings, refined textures, and intimate lighting create a setting that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. At the heart of it all stands our hearth-fired oven — a symbol of gathering, nourishment, and tradition — crafting fresh focaccia, artisanal pizzas, handcrafted pastas, and shareable Mediterranean small plates.
Every dish reflects our belief that food should bring people together. We are committed to locally sourced ingredients, time-honored techniques, and bold flavors that celebrate Mediterranean heritage while embracing modern culinary creativity.
But more than the menu, CeLaVi represents togetherness. It’s where families celebrate milestones. Where couples reconnect. Where friends toast to new beginnings. Where community happens.
For Jonathan and I, this is legacy work. It’s passion built into every detail. It’s long nights, big risks, and even bigger faith.
CeLaVi isn’t just a place to dine.
It’s a place to gather.
A place to celebrate.
A place where life is meant to be enjoyed.
Ce La Vie — this is life.
Berks Lifetime Award
“It says something spectacular about a business when it is consistently ranked best in its category for ten consecutive years!”
By Berks County Living
Where Flavor
Meets a NEW CHAPTER
A beloved gem in downtown Reading, CELAVI enters an exciting new era under the ownership of Denill Garcia and Jonathan Abreu — two passionate entrepreneurs deeply rooted in community, culture, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Denill and Jonathan are no strangers to leadership and excellence. With a shared vision to honor the restaurant’s legacy while infusing it with fresh energy, they have taken the reins of this iconic destination to continue serving inspired Mediterranean cuisine in an atmosphere where flavor meets family.
To reignite the local dining scene and give people a reason to fall in love with downtown Reading all over again.
As lifelong believers in the power of great food and community, Denill and Jonathan are committed to celebrating bold Mediterranean flavors while introducing exciting new creations that delight both long-time guests and first-time visitors alike.
Whether you’re joining us for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or an evening in our beautifully restored CELAVI lounge next door, we invite you to taste the passion, tradition, and innovation that define this bold new chapter.
Welcome to the next evolution of CELAVI — still your favorite, now reimagined.
What they say
