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Candle 79

154 E 79th St, Frnt 3R, New York City, NY 10075-0423
212-537-7179
Ranked #15 of 7,382 restaurants in New York City
4.5 of 5 stars 128 Reviews
Price range: 32 AUD - 41 AUD
Cuisines: Vegetarian, American, Vegan
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Neighbourhood: Midtown
Cross street: Between Lexington and 3rd Avenues
Transit: 6 Train to 77th Street and Lexington Avenue, #79 Bus to Lexington Avenue and 79th Street, and #101 & #102 Bus to Lexington Avenue and 79th Street or 3rd Avenue and 79th Street.
Description: Candle 79 combines delicious organic vegan cuisine with gracious, knowledgeable service in a gorgeous duplex space. Lovingly crafted food fresh "from local farm to table." Intimate organic wine and eco-liquor cocktail bar. Favorite of East Side regulars and celebrities like Paul McCartney, Woody Harrelson, and Alicia Silverstone. The only vegan restaurant ever reviewed by former New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni, who wrote "Candle 79 showed me the light!" We offer an extensive Gluten Free Menu. Brunch available Saturday and Sunday. Take-out & catering available, no delivery.
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128 reviews from our community

90% Recommend
    86
    30
    7
    2
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Miami, Florida
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

This restaurant was the highlight of my dining experience in NYC (which included more expensive, non-vegan places as well). The service was impeccable; our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable, and just the right amount of attentive throughout our dinner. I had the Moroccan-spiced chickpea cake, which was mouth-wateringly tasty. Really the perfect serving size, and such a wonderful, complex... More

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See 4 more reviews by Carolyn K for New York City
Leeds
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

I loved the food. Vegetables CAN make a posh dish. There was a multilayered depth to each dish and I only wish the portions were bigger. But that's just my inner glutton speaking. Unfortunately I booked the table too late - we were going to a show later so we only had 1.5 hrs to enjoy ourselves and I regret... More

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See 5 more reviews by CalamityJane999 for New York City
Toronto
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

I am always looking for great restaurants with vegetarian options for my partner - and Candle 79 did not disappoint! The service was great, the atmosphere was intimate and lovely and the food was fantastic. I didn't miss the meat in my dishes! I would highly recommend this restaurants for vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters! More

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See 3 more reviews by Kathryn N for New York City
western mass
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2012

Candle 79 is a testimonial to the fact that a truly outstanding and sumptuous meal can be had without meat. This vegan restaurant ranks among the very best restaurants, never mind that they don't cook with any animal products. I dined with a group of friends and dinner went on for three wonderful hours. The morel and ramp ravioli (sauteed... More

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Los Angeles, California
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2012

High end vegan place with well priced ~$20 entrees. Might be a little bland for meat eaters (all vegan places tend to be so) but vegitarians will be delighted by the menu. Beautiful non-alcoholic drink menu for the teatotaler who wants something a bit more fancy than soda to drink. Attentive staff ready to guide the unfamiliar thru the extensive... More

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See 2 more reviews by geterd0ne for New York City
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

Went here on a trip to NYC with friends. One vegetarian and 3 omnivores all enjoyed the food! The atmosphere is cozy. The service was good and our waitress was attentive. The only complaint was that it was so hot in the restaurant when we were there...we asked the waitress about it and she said that the restaurant didn't have... More

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See 4 more reviews by skinnyglassesgirl for New York City
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012

Super service! Awesome organic food! Nice atmosphere! Great neighbourhood and location to stay before or after having an extraordinary meal! More

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See 6 more reviews by alexanderschmidt76 for New York City
Perth, Australia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

We stumbled upon Candle 79 on the web. So glad we did. Service is congenial and genuine - overall ambiance is lovely. Food - presentation, texture, taste - was fabulous. Arguably our best meal in NY this tip. Highly recommended. More

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See 5 more reviews by pac1952 for New York City
New Zealand
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

We just walked in here for lunch after the Metropolitan. Great range of food and beer too! Vegan is normally to radical (bland) for us, but here they have made the effort to make their dishes tasty. If you are in this part of town then come here More

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See 6 more reviews by Gooner51 for New York City
Las Vegas, NV
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012

Finally! I have found a vegetarian restaurant that understands there is more to vegetarian cuisine than carrots and potatoes! Even if you aren't a vegetarian you will enjoy eating here. Everything was so creative and unique. It not only tasted delicious, but the presentation was exceptional too. The service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere was fun. Good for... More

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See 2 more reviews by HappyVegasGirl for New York City

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