Candle: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Candle is one of New York City’s most beloved all-vegan institutions, now reborn at 388 3rd Ave in Kips Bay after a three-year hiatus. The original Candle Cafe, Candle 79, and Candle Cafe West all closed by December 2020, but the culinary team that spent decades behind those kitchens reopened under the single name Candle in spring 2023. It’s the same plant-based mission in a fresh 52-seat space, and it’s worth your time.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Candle

Everything. Candle is a 100% vegan restaurant, so there’s nothing on the menu that contains meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs. It’s also kosher-certified under IKC supervision, which adds a layer of scrutiny to ingredient sourcing. The kitchen skips packaged plant-based meat substitutes in favor of whole-food ingredients like tofu, seitan, beans, and grains that the team has refined over 30 years. Many dishes are labeled gluten-free (GF) and nut-free (NF), so you’ll know at a glance what fits your needs.

Signature dishes to order

The menu pulls from the best of both predecessor restaurants. A few standouts worth ordering:

• Seitan piccata – a longtime Candle classic, pan-seared seitan in a bright lemon-caper sauce
• Wild mushroom crepe – made with chickpea flour, naturally gluten-free
• Za’atar roasted cauliflower – earthy, aromatic, and a crowd favorite
• Moroccan spiced chickpea cake – bold spicing with a satisfying texture
• Polenta fries – crispy and addictive as a starter or side
• Chocolate peanut butter bliss – the dessert to finish on

Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday until 4:30pm and adds items like the Candle Croissant ($18), Brunch Bowl ($23), and Breakfast Burrito ($22). Entrees run $25-$26, cocktails $16, mocktails $12.

How to order

Reservations are available online through the Candle website and are a smart call for dinner, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome depending on availability. You can also order delivery via Grubhub or Uber Eats if you’d rather eat at home. The restaurant offers catering and private event bookings for groups, with a private upstairs room available. Gift cards are sold through the website if you want to bring a vegan-curious friend without committing to a full dinner date.

What to watch out for

Pricing is on the higher end for casual dining. Budget $30-$50 per person before drinks if you’re ordering a full meal. The space is relatively small at 52 seats, so it can feel tight during peak hours. A few reviewers note the room can be quiet on weekend evenings, which reads more as a calm atmosphere than a warning. The TripAdvisor listing is unclaimed and review counts are still building since the 2023 reopening, so you’ll find more candid feedback on Yelp and HappyCow. The restaurant accepts outside wine with no corkage fee, which is a nice perk if you want to bring your own bottle.

Is Candle worth it?

Yes, especially if you have any history with the original Candle Cafe or Candle 79. Chef Jorge Pineda spent 26 years in the Candle kitchens, and Executive Chef Angel Ramos came from Candle 79, so the food carries real institutional knowledge. The kosher certification means ingredient integrity is audited externally, not just claimed. For vegetarians and vegans visiting New York City, this is a genuine legacy brand that closed, regrouped, and came back stronger in a more accessible neighborhood. It’s not a tourist trap or a trendy pop-up: it’s the same people making the same food that earned Travel + Leisure and PETA recognition for decades. If you’re in Kips Bay or willing to make the trip, it’s one of the best all-vegetarian dining experiences in the city.