08/09/09

AVOID!!!! Bad experience

by NewYork123

Avoid.. Bad bruschetta (unless soggy bread is what you desire), and happy hour saga.

Visiting New York, dropped in for 2 for 1 happy hour margaritas with my wife, only to discover it was a scam = $24 for 2 mediocre margaritas.

Not happy.. No joy in getting ripped off, no matter the hour

The sign read 2 for 1. One each right? Nope, wrong.

When I enquired after receiving our cheque, I was told by a husky voiced man, that it was bar service only. Then the owner clarified that it was 'per person'?? That every bar/restuarant in New York does it like that. Conveniently as this conversation took place, the sign was inconspicously taken inside... (Before 5pm)

This is a shifty operation people..

• Pros: I know never to go back
• Cons: Food, service and honest operations

07/02/09

LOVE IT

by Sams1

I was there last night, and had a GREAT time, the best place in the east village to start the evening.

• Pros: Mojito, atmosphere, food

04/23/09

Great Place to go with Friends

by MikeCash

This is a great, quiet place to come for a drink or have dinner. The bartender is extremely cute and friendly. She makes great Mojitos

• Pros: Great Food
• Cons: none

04/17/09

great drinks, cool staff

by colete

i went to candela for the first time today and i enjoyed myself immensely. there was no snob hob attitude from the service and the food was great. i sat outside and happily people watched while drinking tasty mojitos!!!

• Pros: homemade bread~yum!

02/22/09

Just not a good place

by Muneco

Bad atmosphere.

The place could be great if the staff was a little more educated and kindly.

Or if the food was a little more seriously made. Not cold and not with hair.

If the music was italian or cuban and not Madonna or Coldplay.

If the some people didn't smoke inside it. Because we really can smells it.

The mojitos are goods... I wouldnt come back again.

• Pros: Thumbs down
• Cons: Ambience, Food and Service

12/29/08

Second Time's a Charm

by PancettaBob

I stumbled upon this little Cuban-Italian restaurant a few months ago while looking for a place to grab some wine with my girlfriend. The appetizers we ordered were bland and the sangria left something to be desired. I made a return trip last week to celebrate a friends birthday...he lives in the East Village and swears by this place...and I was blown away. The mojitos and specialty martinins were top notch, the food was tasty and the portion sizes were huge. I had the grilled calamari salad to start which was tender and left me wishing I had ordered a second one! My date ordered the minestrone soup which was equally delicious. (I heaped on the parmesan cheese but the broth was still flavorful on its own). For my entree I had the sesame tuna...a sashimi grade tuna steak crusted with 4 kinds of flavored sesame seeds and topped with a balsamic reduction...I didn't need a knife to cut through it. Eggplant taglione was my girlfriends second course. Hand made pasta really has a different taste and texture...delicious. Our waiter was friendly and well versed in the food and drinks being served. When I asked why the food was so much better than my last experience, he informed me that a new chef had recently taken over the reins in the kitchen. My friends and I had a great night out and wouldn't hesitate to come back.

• Pros: Food and service were on point.
• Cons: Bathroom needs to be renovated

12/11/08

EXCELLENT CHEF AND GREAT SERVICE

by FAMILIA SANTOS

THE NIGHT ME AND MY FAMILY WENT FOR OUR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DINNER I FELT LIKE WE WERE IN ITALY . MY BRUCHETTA WAS SO DELICOUS. MY LINGUINI PASTA WITH SEAFOOD WAS SO FINGER LICKING GOOD. THE BEST ROPA VIEJA THAT WE EVER TASTED. MY KIDS LOVED THE PASTA WITH MARINARA SAUCE SO TASTY . WE LOVED THE DESSERT ESPECIALLY THE CRAMBULEE WAS SO GOOD. THE TIRAMISU WAS THE BEST OF MY LITTLE GIRL EMILY. OUR COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF. THE WAITERS WERE SO ATTENTIVE AND SWEET. THIS RESTARUANT IS SO COZY AND WARM FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILYS TO GET TOGETHER FOR ANY OCCASION. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS.

• Pros: THUMBS UP FOR THE CHEF
• Cons: NOTHING TO CRITISIZE

12/09/08

Great mojitos good food

by Gabbylp

i've been to this cosy restaurant on east village 3 times by now and every time I went I had a good experience. The mojitos are great , my favorites are the coconut and the original. The bread is always fresh and the food is good. The ceviche is really good. The staff is very polite and nice .Now every time I'm at the east village I go there.

• Pros: great drinks and food
• Cons: none that I notice

10/28/08

Great Dinner, Great Atmosphere

by manhtangurl

I had a wonderful experience at Candela Candela. I felt right at home with the friendly staff and warm atmosphere. I started at the bar with red wine as I waited for my husband. The bartender was friendly and helpful she suggested the specials which were the Lobster Croquette appetizer and the Cuban Skirt Steak as an entree. I decided to heed her advice. When my husband arrived, we were promptly seated and tried the appetizer special which was delicious. I talked the hubby into the steak and I tried the spinach salad which were both wonderful. I had a good experience at Candela and would recommend it to my friends.

• Pros: ambience, food
• Cons: nothing negative to say this time around

10/26/08

If you enjoy a cozy atmosphere, please go here!

by Julie500

I don't usually write reviews, but I had a really great day in my new neighborhood. I just moved to the East Village and I went to Candela for brunch. I had an afternoon cappuccino. I ordered a margherita pizza which was great. I talked to the friendly waitress and was able to relax and enjoy my day. Later that week I went for dinner. I had minestrone soup, and a glass of montepulciano. I also noticed the music that they played Each time I went I felt comfortable and welcomed. I think this is difficult to find in NY, and perfect for this fall weather. Next time, Im bringing my friends.

• Pros: food, service, atmosphere
• Cons: only one bathroom stall for women