Vegan
American
International
Organic
Delivery
Catering
Fusion
NYC vegan cafe. Offers farm-to-table dining, daily specials, and uses Daiya vegan cheese. Serves brunch on weekends until 4:30pm. Reported closed December 2020.
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1307 3rd Ave (at 75th St, Upper East Side, Manhattan), New York City, New York, USA, 10021
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Last update on 22 Dec 2020 by cwl666
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111 Reviews
First Review by Poundie
PennsyltuckyVeggie
Points +442
Upper East Side Gem - Edit
I have been to Candle Cafe about 5 times and have never been disappointed in the food. Lack of planning on my part made for a longer wait than I would have liked but it was quality food and service every time.
Read moreLove the entrés, juice, salads and side. Love Candle Cafe and even chose it to celebrate after running my first half marathon!
Pros: well crafted menu, taste sensations, fresh and wholesoe food
Cons: cramped
Guest
PoppyBloom
Points +137
Never again - Edit
Very rude customer service nachos were OK the salad was not edible I sent it back and they wouldn’t give me a full refund for the Disgusting salad.
Read moreGuest
cwl666
Points +1401
Too expensive for small portions - Edit
Not even close to candle 79 in my opinion. I have spent $25 and felt like I just had a snack not a meal. I’m 140lbs btw and don’t think I’m being a fat ass expecting more than 3 bite sized pieces for a $10 app. There are 3 guys working that are really friendly and attentive, but last visit nobody refilled my water and I was sort of forgotten about, even after asking for the bill. One of the guys who was not even serving me eventually picked up the slack noticing my CC on table and allowed me to pay and leave. I really want to like this place but always disappointed.
Read more*ok the Cajun seitan sandwich is pretty tasty and filling for $17 but I think this might be an exception to the menu.
*they close early if slow and aren’t very accommodating
Guest
a7c
Points +513
Decent - Edit
Decent vegan options.
Read moreGuest
Poundie
Points +14053
Great place - Edit
I have eaten here many times since it opened, and always love the food here. It is healthy and good tasting. It is less expensive than its cousin Candle 79, though not quite cheap. The place tends to be crowded and cramped. Still, the food makes it worth a visit.
Read moreUPDATE: I first reviewed this about 15 years ago, and first started eating here when it first opened over 25 years ago (and before that, I frequented the small shop around the corner that eventually became the Candle Cafe). Since I live in the area, I have eaten here (or had take-out from here) at least 100 times, often with a bunch of friends or family. I have never had a bad experience here, and everyone I have been with seems to like it as well. The restaurant is cramped, and it is not inexpensive, but I have always found the food to be good. I had takeout the other day from the Candle, and again was pleased.
Unfortunately, Candle 79 and Candle Cafe West no longer exist; but I am happy that this place is still around!
Updated from previous review on 2006-08-27
Pros: Healthy, good taste
Cons: cramped, not inexpensive
Guest
vanillaorchid
Points +41
Great food and superb service - Edit
First time in New York City, and we found this restaurant on Happy Cow. Not only is it all vegan, but it is possible to order low fat healthy options without fake meat. My husband had the Good Food Plate. He just completed the 10-day McDougall Program for some serious health concerns and needs to avoid all animal products and added oils. Our waitress asked us about any allergies and whether he wanted his ingredients steamed or stir fried.
Read moreI had a cauliflower “steak” with a delicious risotto. We will be back! BTW, they also sell their cookbooks.
Pros: All vegan, and low fat options are possible, Great service, Convenient locations
Cons: I don’t live near New York City
Guest
InbarKedmi
Points +80
Great place - Edit
Friendly staff And good food.
Read moreWe order salads and quesadilla it was delicious
Pros: A lot of options
Cons: It’s a little bit expensive
Guest
Jeh1123
Points +45
My favorite on the UES - Edit
After moving from the east village where vegan options were abundant, I struggled a bit to find restaurants on the upper east side. Candle Cafe is AMAZING! I have been many times and have ordered delivery through postmates as well. Everything is so fresh and delicious. I have never been disappointed. I love eating there because the service is friendly and the vibe is so positive, and it’s a completely vegan restaurant😄oh and PLEASE bring back the black bean burger topped with mac n cheese!!! I dream about it!
Read morePros: Organic and vegan, Seasonal specials, Great vibe
Guest
goldconch
Points +497
Great spot - Edit
Friendly staff, excellent service
Read morePros: Best vegan burger, Jalapeño Marg on point
Cons: A bit chilly when the front door opens!
Guest
SusanT125
Points +124
Gluten-free options! - Edit
One of our favorite meals in NYC this trip!
Read morePros: Lots of gf options, Fast service/good service , Friendly staff
Guest
gabandtonic
Points +2924
Soup was great! - Edit
I got the special soup of the day and shared some nachos which were great with a mushroom crumble on them! Everything on the menu sounded great. The decor was cute with lots of light and huge photos of veggies and fruits on the walls. I am excited to try the more upscale Candle 79 restaurant the next time I am granted the opportunity.
Read moreGuest
MarinaDaich
Points +17
Too long time to wait for nothing - Edit
Took a long time before someone accepted the order.and long time to get our order.not so testy and expensive.
Read moreGuest
angdep
Points +1297
Yummy desserts - Edit
Came here for dessert after having dinner at their sister branch at Candle 79. The tres leches cake and grilled peach were both delicious. Awesome service too.
Read moreGuest
veganrivets
Points +143
Worth the splurge! - Edit
The experience of Candle 79 is worth every penny. Don’t skip the cocktails, and certainly save room for dessert.
Read morePros: Seasonal menu, Cocktails , Perfect for celebrations
Guest
SarahE_
Points +46
Stellar Experience! - Edit
My parents brought me to this restaurant for my birthday, and they were a bit unsure as to wether or not they would find any food that they liked (they are non-vegans). My mother got the salad that was the special of the day- it had soba noodles, spicy peanut dressing, etc, and my dad got their very dressed up beyond burger. I got the za’ atar roasted cauliflower and it was impeccable!!
Read moreWe all tried each other’s dishes and my parents loved them all so much! And, to top it off, the woman who I assume to be the owner or manager came out to wish me a happy birthday, ask me which dessert I would like (on the house) and conversed with me! The desert I chose, the peach empanadas with ice cream, ended the meal perfectly. All in all, it was an amazing way to celebrate my birthday. Definitely a place to hit up if you’re in the city.
Pros: Fancy Vegan Menu, Incredible Staff, Gorgeous Environment
Cons: None!
Guest
DeanJen
Points +5080
A Manhattan icon of veganistic hedonism. - Edit
Something for everyone.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2019-08-16
Guest
AvantiChakravarthi
Points +19
Cute lil vegan cafe - Edit
In between meetings I decided to stop at candle cafe to have a bite to eat. It’s cute, the staff was friendly and I got a place to sit immediately. Some coconut water and a very good portion of the open avocado toast with sweet potato fries was just the thing needed on an afternoon like that. I left very satisfied and rather full. Should’ve stuck to the salad lol All in all great place and I will def go back if I’m around there.
Read morePros: Good variety on menu , Friendly staff , Good drink menu
Guest
GonzaloGomez
Points +119
Excelentes hamburguesas - Edit
Muy ricas hamburguesas con porciones grandes que te dejan satisfecho.
Read morePros: Personal amable, Buen tamaño de porciones
Guest
ChrisSpray
Points +89
Pretty underwhelmed - Edit
Fairly generic vegan food at a pretty high price. Starters really pricey! Not somewhere to take a sceptical non vegan friend as they will be underwhelmed.
Read moreGuest
starling
Points +415
Tasty, healthy options near the Met - Edit
Everything we ordered was delicious and our waiter was very personable and funny. Great experience!
Read moreGuest
renatapereyra
Points +221
plant-based and local - Edit
If you and a friend are looking for a light (but decadent!) vegan option in the UES, then I recommend sharing the Cauliflower Steak Risoto and the seasonal mini pie topped with vanilla ice cream.
Read morePros: sincere staff, diverse menu
Guest
frecklesarein
Points +182
Meh. - Edit
It’s fine. Expensive for what you get. Quality has definitely gone down from a couple years ago. The shakes are a little runny, which makes me sad. I won’t go out of my way to eat there, but I might stop by if I’m in the area.
Read morePros: Vegan institution in NYC
Cons: Expensive
Guest
brennamcguire8
Points +20
Quality has gone down - Edit
Came for brunch today. My candle slam was practically an entire can of chick peas with way too much turmeric. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. My boyfriend had the French toast. The bread was chewy and seemed like it had been sitting for a while. The “seasonal fruit” was either from a can or just cooked until bearing no resemblance to its original form. It was disappointing because so many menu items sounded interesting and delicious.
Read moreI think the quality of the Candle restaurants has gone down in the last few years. The last meal I had at Candle 79 was flavorless and nobody responded to the email I wrote about it. Shrug. Too many other options in NYC.
Pros: Lovely staff, Completely vegan
Cons: The food
Guest
RudyZosel
Points +79
Tacos, pizza and wings! - Edit
Delicious cauliflower tacos, happy hour pepperoni pizza and candle platter (chicken wings, slider and wedge fries). I’m sure everything on the menus are great. One more thing, great Malbec.
Read moreGuest
AvocadoToast
Points +28
Go for the deserts - Edit
Amazing carrot cake. Food is not too bad but the sweets are where it’s at!
Read moreGuest
Jahangiri
Points +98
Outstanding food and service - Edit
Lasagna and Caesar salad were outstanding
Read morePros: Food is fantastic , Very friendly staff, Lots of options
Guest
JenniferLatowski
Points +30
Awesome - Edit
Great food. Loved all of if.
Read moreGuest
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