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Vegan
American
Organic
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Catering
Upscale sister restaurant to Candle Café. Vegan organic cuisine presented in a two-floor dining oasis with an organic wine and sake bar. Brunch on Sunday. LAST DAY DEC 31, 2019.
134 Reviews
First Review by Poundie
TrudiBruges
Points +29176
great dining experience in NYC - Edit
If we ever have the chance to be back in NYC, we will definitely go to this place again.
Read moreGreat atmosphere. Great dining experience. We were sat upstairs at the window. Very nice and friendly service.
Fine food and wine.
yes, a bit expensive, but we thought all in all it was well worth it!
Pros: atmosphere, fine dining
Cons: on the expensive side
Guest
vali
Points +59
Nice food - Edit
The food was great and also the smoothies. Highly recommeded!
Read moreGuest
Take It Back
Points +416
Biggest disappointment - Edit
The biggest disappointment in a long time: Yes, the place is posh and great to bring a date to, but the food was tasteless and actually kinda gross. I mean, who would wanna deep-fry seitan? Seriously, don't deep-fry seitan!! Just don't! We paid $120 for food that tasted like it cost $12. Super cool and friendly service though.
Read morekindlizard
If you ran up a $120 bill you must have had one fine time, ordered drinks and lots of food, sounds fun!
Read moreGuest
fivesstarr
Points +137
Enjoyable experience - Edit
Unlike the cafe, Candle 79 was a delight.
Read moreAlthough, what I ordered seemed like something I could make myself at home, it was still very pleasing. I think great service really helped me to enjoy the experience even more. I was prepared for an overrated experience since Candle Cafe had been such a disappointment, but Candle Cafe was nice for lunch. I also saw Woody Harrelson there, so that was cool.
It may even be a more awesome experience for dinner.
Pros: service, environment
Cons: expensive
Guest
bill
Points +104
Excellent Restaurant - Edit
I have been a vegan for 25 years and consider myself something of a vegan tourist. To date, this is the best vegan restaurant I have visited. The appetizers and entrees were excellent. The service was friendly. Vegan beer and wine is on offer. I highly recommend Candle 79. This restaurant serves cannoli!
Read moreGuest
Herbiv4
Points +2083
Even the skeptics were pleased! - Edit
I went there for a late lunch to celebrate my grandmother's 82nd bday with all the family. I'm the only veggie-saurus so everyone else was hesistant, to say the least. However, we ordered a couple of appetizers to share and sampled each others entrees and desserts. Even my younger siblings and nephew cleaned their plates! I only wish that I still lived in NY so that I could frequent Candle79 more often.
Read morePros: great food, friendly staff, menu that non-vegans love
Cons: close between lunch and dinner
Guest
jetgal
Points +108
Awesome! - Edit
After walking 40 blocks to get here I figured I could splurge on the calories a bit! I had the cajon seiten sandwich with aoli for my entree and it was amazing! I would've liked the seiten to be at least a little spicy, but it was great. For desert I had the Vegan vanilla cheesecake. It had a raspberry topping and chocolate flakes on top. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Read morePros: great food , friendly staff, quick service
Cons: pricy
Guest
rach
Points +144
Fantastic - Higly Recommend For Special Night Out - Edit
This is my fav vegie restaurant. I am so glad we got into this place on our visit to NYC, if I lived in NY I'd go here often. This is the perfect romantic venue with delicious vegie food. The food was delicious and this is a special place. My entree raviloi was delicious. My only criticism would be my pre-dinner cocktail which was a little too sweet. Definatley give this place a go for a fancy night out. Please open a restaurant in Sydney!!!!
Read morePros: Special place, Great food, Extensive menu
Cons: NOTHING!
Guest
aliciajkern
Points +162
Wonderful Experience - Edit
My husband and I went here for a special dinner on our recent trip to NYC. We were not disappointed! We had a bottle of amazing biodynamic wine and an absolutely delicious dinner, followed by one of the best vegan desserts I have ever had. The ambiance is quiet and intimate and the staff was exceptional. Everything from the hummus appetizer to the peanut butter and chocolate dessert was delectable. I look forward to going back!
Read morePros: Delicious food, Great staff, Wonderful atmosphere
Cons: Expensive
Guest
bgoodwin17
Points +47
I can't wait to go back! - Edit
I was extremely excited to try Candle 79 during a short trip to NYC with my dad. And I must say, it was great to have the dining experience of an all vegan, upscale restaurant. The restaurant was warm and inviting and the staff was great.
Read moreFirst off, I must mention their homemade ginger ale. I saw this on the menu and was so intrigued that I decided to pass on the organic wine and go for this non-alcoholic beverage instead. It was a great choice!! The pungent but delicious flavors worked great together. I am definitely going to try to duplicate this for my at-home enjoyment. :-)
For appetizers we got the butternut squash & wild mushroom-spinach ravioli and the smoked hummus. The ravioli's may have been the best thing I have ever tasted in my entire life. I couldn't get enough!! The hummus was also delicious and was served with an entire bulb of roasted garlic (yumm). After eating both appetizers I was certain the entree would be equally as delicious.
Unfortunately, I didn't find the entree's as tasty as the appetizers (this is the reason for 4 cows). Don't get me wrong, they were good but I did expect a lot more after eating the delicious apps. Also, this restaurant isn't cheap so I expected a little more for the money. I got the seitan piccata and my dad got the special that night for pistachio encrusted seitan with garlic mashed, veggies and gravy. Both were good, but not great.
Desserts were a hit. The cannolis were amazing and the mexican chocolate brownie was rich but very tasty.
Overall the experience was a great one. I am going back to Candle 79 for my birthday weekend in March. If I get a better entree, I will make sure to update my review to 5 cows.
Pros: delicious food, delicious drinks, upscale and ALL vegan
Cons: expensive
Guest
fondducoeur
Points +1167
Simply Amazing - Edit
The food here is absolutely wonderful. I was prepared ahead of time for it to be pricey, so that didn't bother me (my fiance and I were in NY for Valentine's Day), and we were far from being disappointed. We split the butternut squash and wild mushroom, spinach ravioli (one of the best things I have ever eaten). I had the hot special seitan piccata (different sauce and slightly different veggies than the standard menu item), and we split a cannoli for dessert (amazing...).
Read moreThis place is great for special occasions. I would not be able to afford it regularly, but if I could, I would go there often.
Pros: Beautiful Presentation, Atmosphere, Delicious, Creative Food
Cons: Pricey
Guest
aeclarke
Points +114
Hands Down the Best Vegetarian Meal I Ever Had! - Edit
Honestly, the best vegetarian meal I ever had, really says it all. We were blown away by the food, the atmosphere, even the smell when you walk in the door was amazing! Highly recommended!
Read moreGuest
christopher byron
Points +106
very good food - Edit
candle 79 was probably the best vegetarian restaurant in New York City. They offer dishes that most other vegetarian restaurants dont and strive to make consistently great dishes.
Read moreIf you go, you must get the seitan skewars. Its the best $8 you will ever spend. The seitan avacado sandwich is my favorite thing to order there.
The food at candle 79 is excellent but the atmosphere isnt. You're cramped side by side into tables, sometimes sitting at the same table as strangers.
Pros: delicious food, healthy cusine, seitan skewars
Cons: small portions, expensive, slow service
Guest
andrea
Points +728
Simply the best - Edit
We've been trying for two years to make it here, only to be stymied each time we were in NYC. Finally ate here and it lived up to its reputation. First, I'm amused by people calling it bland or too crowded or pricey? Are they from Iowa or someplace? This is NOT expensive for NY. And the table are not really crowded at all. And it's only bland if you are used to oversalted processed food.
Read moreOur seitan chimuchurri appetizer was sublime. We couldn't believe how good it was. Almost the same for the yummy Arancini, a treat I've missed since being veg. We both had a seitan dish for dinner. Absolutely delicious and unique sauces. Good sides like mashed potatoes and green beans included. We thought the portions were more than adequate. We didn't get any dessert as we were meeting friends downtown for dessert. The options looked OK, nothing thrilling. I will say one thing: my entree came and it wasn't hot. I have a thing about hot food. But when I told the waitress, she got a suitably horrified look on her face; not like "you're a fussy pain in the ass". And she got me a hot re-done plate as quick as she could. So we will most def be back!
Pros: FOOD, Great staff, View from 2nd floor
Cons: $10 beers?
Guest
Vadim
Points +85
not good enough - Edit
I went for dinner last week. Service: great; ambiance: great; food presentation: great; prices: Through the frickin roof; food: disappointing.
Read moreThis was my second time there. The first was much better so perhaps I just ordered wrong. But frankly, the food was somewhat dry, poorly seasoned, and uninspired. And yes, the portions are on the small side, but that's ok - we're not supposed to be stuffing our gullets. But in my opinion, you pay largely for the ambiance and the fancy food presentation as much as for the food. I will go back, but cautiously. I'm rating it "excellent" because it is, but it really should be better AND CHEAPER.
kindlizard
I can't help disagree not only w the content, but your tone. First thing anyone should know about eating out in general, let alone NYC: if you can't afford it, don't do it. This is a high end place. They have a less expensive cafe too. There are other options in the Cty too. If you can't afford to go to a nice place, don't go. If you can afford it, don't later complain, especially on your second time, you should know the cost.
Read moreSecondly, the cost is because they only serve the freshest ingredients, and last I checked, was all, if not mostly OG, a premium in life. The food is always expertly prepared. It is never dry or bland. That is just unfair.
vegan_ryan
Judging by the fact other people have slammed this place in reviews of the food taste/quality, maybe you should reconsider.
Read moreDon't insult another user for posting their opinion--that's the purpose of this page.
Guest
jlo5616
Points +232
Candle 79 & Candle Cafe - Can't Be Beat!!! - Edit
I went on my 1st trip to NYC with my sweetheart for our anniversary and the first thing we did as a vegan couple in a new city is look at the vegetarian restaurant listings. I liked the name so we went to Candle 79, a vegan restaurant (with the exception of their cheese which has casein) with raw food options, a juice bar, and a seasonal menu. We had a little bit of sticker shock - meals were $20, drinks were $10, dessert was $10, and by the end of the night we had a $100 restaurant bill. But boy, was it worth it!!! First we sat down and ordered a chocolate chip shake... mmmmmmm!!! Eyeing the menu, I was sort of lost - I considered myself (at that point in my life) to be a "simple" vegan. Tofu, vegetables and fruit, pasta, rice, beans, etc. I asked the waiter for his recommendation, and he immediately recommended the house favorite rosemary peppered seitan. I had not yet had seitan so I thought, why not! The waiter brought out a little plate of complimentary appetizers, all of which were delicious. Then came the meal, so elegantly arranged on the plate. Rosemary peppered seitan in thinly shaved slices with a side of creamy pureed leeks. BEST. MEAL. EVER. Then came dessert, a delicious peanut butter chocolate torte. My mouth waters just thinking about it again! My boyfriend and I went back the next night, and then the day after that we went to try Candle Cafe - also fantabulous!!! Thank goodness the trip was only 3 days or else I'd be broke!!! I highly recommend this restaurant to couples as it is very romantic, and if you're looking for a slightly cheaper and more cafe-like place to eat with all of the quality of Candle 79 try their original Candle Cafe!
Read morePros: Best food, Fine dining atmosphere, Helpful wait staff
Cons: Pricey, Busy, Somewhat small
Guest
boneyardpixie
Points +18
DELICIOUS - Edit
The service was friendly and outstanding. I couldn't believe there was actually a nice and competient server out there. They are so few and far between.
Read moreThe food?? Amazing. This is my new favorite restaurant. I had the guacamole to start, then had a balsamic seitan dish. If only I could cook like this at home.
Pros: Excellent Flavors, Great Service, Great Music
Guest
XspeedyX
Points +122
O my God! - Edit
O my God! O my God!
Read moreNeed more?
O! My! God!
Guest
marcelina
Points +29
Love it... - Edit
This is our favorite place. Lovely uptown dining. Always go for the specials, they work with no fail. I heard brunch is particularly wonderful. We had this brown rice salad with avocado, it was to die for! As insignificant as it is, the hummus was amazing as well. Every time I'm in the area, I have to catch a meal here.
Read morePros: Great menu, Delicious!, Great service
Guest
vegbride
Points +37
Tasty and Pricey - Edit
My fiance' took me here for my birthday back in November. The atmosphere here is great - very intimate (You will find it hard not to hear the conversations the next table over) and dimly lit.
Read moreWe had a drink each, appetizer, main course, and desserts, and the check was over $150 for the two of us.
The fall sangria I had was delicious and the dishes were good, but I wouldn't say great. A little bland for our liking.
If you happen to be a thousand miles away in Ft. Lauderdale, Sublime is a much better meal and cheaper too.
Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Variety
Cons: Cost, A little Bland, Small
Guest
mr.pancakes
Points +51
yummie is all i have to say - Edit
ok it was my first time in new york cause im actualy from germany.and we went to candle 79 and it was mindblowing.the atmosphere was great and the food delicious.i cant wait till im back in ny to be there again.one of the best vegan restaurants on this planet.if you have the chance check it out.and get their cookbook it's awesome.
Read moreGuest
dinakourda
Points +98
Fine Dining - Edit
I took my mom here before a Broadway Show (Duran Duran). It re-opens at 5:30 pm so we had to eat a little quickly. The server was very understanding and accommodating. But had dessert and made it to the show on time. I will definitely come back here. I went to Candle Cafe the next day for lunch and the check was slightly more. Don't be intimidated by its fanciness.
Read morePros: Food & Service, Close to a subway station, Atmosphere
Cons: Price, Far from the Action
Guest
condekedar
Points +10071
Slight let-down - Edit
I went to Candle 79 with high expectations. Ultimately, I found most of my meal to be bland and uninspired, especially considering the price of the place. The avocado-black bean salsa appetizer was heavy and dull; the main dish, a fava bean puree with tempeh and morel mushrooms, was bland and unsubtle. Finally, the ice cream sampler, while tasty, came in a tiny portion (and cost $8). The service, while friendly, was slow and inattentive. Decor and ambiance don't make up for bland food, high prices and poor service. Go to their sister joint, The Candle Cafe, instead.
Read morePros: Good for dates, Location, Decor
Cons: Bland food, Expensive, Slow service
Guest
myboyfriendisdead
Points +108
Simply the Best! - Edit
Candle 79 is my all time favorite vegan restaurant! The service is wonderful and the food is simply amazing! The presentations of each dish are an artistic masterpiece. The ever changing seasonal menu always features a wonderful tempe or setan dish that is both hearty and elegant.
Read moreGuest
bullcityveg
Points +207
The classiest vegan place - Edit
Want to impress a vegan with four star dining? This is the only place that even comes close. The decor is fine dining, as is the presentation. The food is artfully arranged and tastes great...but for the prices, I wish you got a little more food. I guess you're paying for the atmosphere, which makes a couple of young people like my friends and I a little uncomfortable. Either way, it *is* undoubtedly fine dining, and unequivocally delicious.
Read moreTry: seitan chimmichurri, the guacamole appetizer, seitan piccata
skip: raw entree. it wasn't the strongest thing I've tried.
Pros: fine dining/upscale, great food
Cons: fine dining/upscale
Guest
Poundie
Points +20514
World class - Edit
I have eaten at vegatarian restaurants all over the East Coast of the US and Europe, and this is one of the best. Along with Hangawai and Gobo, it is the best in NYC (with Franchia and Candle Cafe--its sister restaurant--close behind). The restaurant is extremely classy and the food is very healthy, fresh, excellent tasting, and all vegan. The portions are not huge, but they are a nice size. Anybody who has a 3-course meal with side dish and a drink should be satisfied. Unfortunately, you will also be broke--such a dinner for 2 could cost you well over $100, even without wine. On the other hand, a brunch could cost $30-$50 for two, as could a single course dinner without drinks. If you are concerned about the price, go to Candle Cafe around the corner (which is not cheap, but is nonetheless less dear than this place).
Read moreLocated on the Upper East Side near the Whitney Museum and Metropolitan Museum, close to subways and bus lines.
Pros: top-notch food, classy decor, healthy
Cons: expensive!
Guest
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