Candle 79

Reviews

• Justine B.

  star star star star star 10 June 2026

  Pros: The food here has so much flavor and the portions are a good size so you leave feeling full! They send a complimentary starter to the table which tastes great. The waiters were very friendly, knowledgeable on each dish, and helpful. The food cake out quickly. We ordered the mushroom ravioli as an appetizer and the "chicken" francaise and Ceasar salad for dinner. Everything was perfectly cooked and you can tell they took the time and research to really think about flavor when creating these dishes.
  
  Cons: The front hostess should be a little more inviting. I feel like we had to get her attention and she didn't smile until we said we had a reservation. I get it you don't like walk ins, but you should still greet people. Other than this I love this place!!

• Amanda D.

  star star star star_border star_border 6 June 2026

  Disclaimer: No one apart of this review is a Vegan.
  
  Saturday night reservation for three people.
  
  The restaurant is small and causal but we've heard great things from our Vegan friends so we wanted to give it a go.
  
  We tried  different appetizers/salads and shared entrees among the three of us.
  
  Drink menu was innovated and the drinks were yummy. We always appreciate restaurants who are socially responsible, which Candle 79 is, so bring on the tequila that supports others!
  
  Apps/salad: wild mushroom ravioli, grilled flatbread, seaweed salad
  Entrees: eggplant Parmesan, wild mushroom crepe, roasted cauliflower
  
  Another disclaimer, I am a health nut so I am used to eating different substitutes. I knew going into this not to expect the eggplant parm to taste the same as my Italian grandfather would make it.
  
  Out of everything the consensus was that the seaweed salad was the best. Everything else we wouldn't order again.

• Janey P.

  star star star star_border star_border 5 June 2026

  I would have given a higher review but the hostess was so weird and made the experience uncomfortable. When my husband and I walked in earlier today she asked if we had a reservation. We didn't. I asked, "Is that okay?"
  She looked at me strange and said, "I'll sit you by the window." Her tone was not friendly and made us feel that the widow was a bad place to be. It felt awkward, but was also bizarre because the window seat was fine with us.
  During the meal I caught her staring at me several times.
  Other customers came in and she was very friendly towards them.
  Other than that, the food was good, great sized portions, and we had a nice waiter. I joked with him about the hostess and we had a good laugh about her.
  The water guy was exceptional--very old school friendly and attentive. Loved the music too.

• Brandon C.

  star star star star star 26 May 2026

  Candle 79 specializes in plant-based cuisine that is nourishing and healthy. Located on the upper east side, just 6 blocks from the original Candle Cafe, is an upscale 2 story dining establishment  that offers chef inspired plant-based cuisine that will satisfy omnivores as well as vegan and vegetarians.
  
  Food: 5/5
  Absolutely the best tasting plant-based meal I've ever tasted.  The fresh ingredients, sustainable source from local nearby farms to table, are masterfully presented to highlight their flavors.  I ordered the Burrito 79, a burrito that came stuffed with chili-herbed grilled seitan, caramelized onions, sautéed greens, chipotle black beans, brown rice, "mozzarella", guacamole, tofu sour cream, guajillo chipotle salsa.  It was delicious.  The seitan was soft and had just the right amount of tension. The guacamole, sour cream and salsa were freshly made.  The ingredients complemented and blended nicely with each there.  
  
  The Lady ordered the Avocado Salad which was loaded with baby greens, quinoa, black beans, corn, cucumber, radishes, toasted pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, and topped with chipotle-avocado dressing.  All the ingredients in the salad were tasty. Each bite presented it's known tasting note, enhanced by the chipotle-avocado dressing.  It was a nice balance of flavors.  
  
  For desert, we shared the Berry Crumble.....fresh berries, almond crumble, almond cream, strawberry sauce and huckleberry ice cream.  Plenty for two and delicious.
  
  Atmosphere: 5/5
  There are two floors. The dining area is spacious, cozy with simple decorations.  Chairs and booths are comfortable.
  
  Service: 5/5
  Service is really good. Hostess, waiter, busters....everyone was great.  
  
  Price: $$$
  Expensive. Hey, it's the upper east side in Manhattan.... sustainable plant-based farm to table ingredients.....chef-inspired menu...it's to be expected.
  
  Will I go back to Candle 79? "YES"

• Stephanie G.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  Came here for my birthday and what a treat! Great service, amazingly, creative, vegan menu.