Candle Cafe
$$ - average
Eclectic (Varied)
Eclectic Mostly Vegan Restaurant on the Upper East Side
All of the food served here is vegan except for the soy cheese, which contains casein, and is always optional.
At 75th Street
Added by kmiles on Nov 13 03 (updated May 19 05)
Reviews
I was quite disappointed with Candle Cafe. The Porcini Crusted Seitan, although edible, was fairly tasteless beyond the marinated mushroom on top. The Spinach Pie was bland, lacking both salt and spices, and was accompanied with a poorly made gravy and squash puree, which was actually decent. As disappointing as the entrees were, however, it was no comparison to how bad the dessert was. I had the "Decadent Chocolate Cake," which was anything but decadent. It was denser than a brownie, but it was so dry that it made an Oreo look moist. Even if one could put aside the horrible texture, the flavor was quite lacking. I could barely take a few bites of it.
Although, especially given all the positive reviews, I shouldn't generalize from this one experience, I won't be going here again unless someone else is paying and I most certainly would not bring a non-vegan here.
Rather expensive but wonderful! I ordered some manner of sandwich involving tempeh & sweet potatoes, for dessert there was homemade cinnamon ice cream and cake. All very Delicious, cinnamon ice cream in particular! Go when you're feeling vaguely rich or (better yet) with your parents so as to not sink into some sort of Fifteen-Dollar-Sandwich-Depression (FDSD) unless already taking medication for this disorder...
I only tried two dishes so I can't give a really thorough review. Friends of mine really like the sandwiches, but I went for a birthday dinner and wound up ordering entrees. The Mexican offerings are filled with cilantro (I don't know anyone on the fence with this herb--most people I know hate it, though others love it)--I ordered the Mexican Burrito and didn't like it at all. It was very large and the waitress told me she would replace it after she asked me why I wasn't eating it. I also tried the lasagna--again, a large serving--but didn't think there was anything special at all about it. Pretty expensive for just standard food.
I had a really good experience at the candle cafe. I went on a Saturday night, so there was a slight 20 minute wait, but in the meantime I had a really good mocha latte smoothie. I had the excellent porcini-walnut crusted seitan while my dinner partner had the al ceppo pasta. The service was excellent, and the experience overall was definitely very positive.
This place is pretty good. It's not the cheapest place, but I guess for NY it's relative.
They have a varied menu, all vegan, except for their soy cheese which has casein and is used in a few dishes (it's indicated on the menu).
I had the Paradise Casserole which was delicious and I think one of their specialties. The Chocolate Mousse Pie was also delicious. And, I had to buy a cookie to go, which was great.
They also have an extensive juice bar and just opened a second location a few blocks away that I believe is a little pricier.
All in all, this is a great restaurant and the service and atmosphere are good too.
Candle Cafe has great ambience, though it's a small place. The service was attentive and friendly. Their chocolate peanut butter smoothie was too liquidy for my tastes, but their Tuscan lasagna was layered, tasty and filling. Prices are high, sadly.