New York City is an oasis for fine dining and unique cuisine.  The world-renowned Candle restaurants round out the Big Apple’s savory selection with farm fresh vegan menus, the best organic wines, and an amazing juice bar.  Whether you choose the casual atmosphere of Candle Café, or the elegant and sophisticated dining at Candle 79, you will be treated to delicious food and drink that is as good for you as it is for the planet. 

The Candle Story

Once a favorite Manhattan health food store known as Sunny’s, Bart Potenza began Healthy Candle in 1984 as a vitamin shop and juice bar.  Ten years later, Candle Café was born – a full-service juice bar and vegetarian restaurant, featuring homemade delicacies made from local organic ingredients.  Candle Café was the first Certified Green Restaurant in New York City and has been named the best vegan restaurant in the country a number of times. 

In 2003, a new Candle began to glow – Candle 79 opened its doors just 5 blocks away as an upscale version of the original Candle Café, featuring an organic wine and sake bar alongside sophisticated organic menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  Candle 79 has been named Zagat’s number one vegetarian restaurant on two different occasions and is a favorite destination for celebrities and politicians, as well as local regulars. 

An Eco-Friendly Dining Experience

Committed to improving both human and environmental health, Candle 79 and Candle Café strive to minimize their carbon footprint while promoting and practicing a sustainable lifestyle.  Compassion for animals and concern for the local economy also play a prominent role in the Candle philosophy, resulting in vegetarian cuisine that is created from local, organic ingredients that are free of pesticides, hormones, and genetic modifications. 

As Certified Green Restaurants, Candle Café and Candle 79 use energy efficient appliances, eco-friendly paints and décor, and supplies made of recycled materials.  The restaurants invest in wind power, compost food waste, and use nontoxic cleaning supplies.  The owners also work closely with a number of organizations that share their values, including PETA, Farm Sanctuary, and Better World Books. 

Candle Café

Located on Third Avenue in upper east Manhattan, Candle Café is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner, or a refreshing afternoon snack.  Catering, delivery, and take-out are also available.  Enjoy Paradise Casserole ($15), featuring farm fresh sweet potatoes, black beans, and millet over steamed greens and homemade country gravy, or delight your tastebuds with the Café’s Chile-Lime Grilled Seitan ($20), served with avocado salad, black bean sauce, and chipotle coulis.  Finish off your meal with a savory slice of chocolate mousse pie, soy ice cream, and organic coffee. 

Candle 79

Intimate formal dining at its finest, Candle 79 serves lunch and dinner daily, as well as weekend brunch, and is found on East 79^th  Gluten-free menus and full catering menus are available in addition to daily chef specials, an extensive organic wine menu, and decadent dessert selections.  Stop by Saturday or Sunday for fresh berry crepes ($16), or indulge with a dinner of chipotle-ginger glazed tempeh ($23) with seasonal veggies, sautéed spinach, and grilled peach salad.  Street at Lexington Avenue.

By Danielle Bullard