Candela Cucina — Restaurant in New Bedford

Have been here a few times already for drinks and apps. We wanted to try out their food so went last weekend for their Sunday brunch buffet. Atmosphere is nice and well decorated. Had plenty of food options which was great. Got the mimosa tower to go with our food. All of the food was very good. Eggs, bacon, Salmon piccata and the chicken parm were some of my favorites. The prime rib was the star of the show though. Very juicy and flavorful would come back again just for that. Plus the gentleman cutting it up was very personable and fantastic service. Somehow I had room for a few bites of desert. To our surprise they had a running chocolate fountain which my wife enjoyed using some of their fresh fruit to dip. I tried a couple of their small desert cups and the tiramisu. The chocolate mouse and the lemon panna cotta both were pretty bland though. The tiramisu was more of a cake so that was a bit disappointing as it’s my favorite desert. Service wasn’t bad.

Some things I would say they could work on. Although the food was very good most of the food in the trays were barely warm/cold when eating. French toast, potatoes and green beans were cold. Chicken parm meatballs and salmon barely warm. Also the mimosa tower kind feels like a rip off. For $36 it seemed like it was maybe half a bottle of bubbles and then loaded up with ice. For $2 more we could have gotten a full bottle instead. Maybe can use some of the ice for the table water instead lol. Only other thing was that the seating is too close together. We were practically sitting right on top of the couple next to us. With people getting up and down to get food it’s too close together and couldn’t really have any private conversations. Maybe remove every other table for the 2 seaters would be much better.

Overall though it was a great experience. The updated outdoor patio looks awesome will have to come enjoy that as well. We will be back again...

You need to make reservations. Open table had 2 options 4:15 or 7:45 (all other times taken) We arrived at 7:30. We sat in the very comfortable seating area in front of the hostess station. I particularly liked the club chairs located there. We reviewed the menu while we waited (no specials at this time). We were seated promptly. The dress was business causal. I saw very few persons who did not have a collared shirt. Our server was excellent (Madeline). She was very accommodating. Plenty of water, foccia bread with salted butter. I tried a Mediterranean Lemonade (blood orange with sparkling water). The lemonade is a must try. My friends drank water in order to keep their palates clear. We ordered apps after a little time of being seated. This allowed us to get acclimated (I never felt rush). We ordered 3 apps. Shrimp Aranacini (5 on the plate). The inside was a black color...my guess is from squid ink?? . They had an incredibly delicious crispy texture on the outside and perfectly creamy filling inside. The artichoke and calamari were lightly fried. They were each in their own right a solid appetizer.

I had the cacio e pepe. The pasta was perfectly cooked and fresh. The pancetta was crisp. It appears that it is done in-house. The peppery creamy sauce amazing. This dish was perhaps thee best pasta dish I have had outside of New York (eat out your hearts Providence and Boston)

The only regret was not enough room in my stomach for more food.

If I had any complaint, the music was too loud.

This place was an A plus. The service was absolutely stellar. The bill came to 178 plus $40 cash for tip. Great value.

*We were there, the fire alarm went off and everyone had to leave while the building was...

My fiancee and I came to candela cucina for the first time since it was carmines. Will not be returning unfortunately.

When we first arrived we were very early , so I went to the bar to purchase a couple of drinks for myself and my fiancée ( definitely needed after a long days work) The bartender asks In a rude way well whos the other drink for and shoots me a look then says I’ll just meet you where the other person is ( I’m 40 years old)

Then we sit in an area that is to crowded for tables as close as they were I mean it felt like we had a triple date with the couples next to us , being able to hear every detail of their conversations and barely my own. Our server was poorly trained , for one he rubbed me the wrong way when I caught him attempting to look down my fiancée’s shirt, Then he tried taking my drink not once but twice while it was still 1/4 full. He then walks by when it’s empty looks right at it and leaves it for a ridiculous amount of time. Many more minor grievances to list not worth getting into, Had it not been primarily children running around maybe service would’ve been better, our to go box both plates were simply dumped on top of each other :/ My fiancée’s salad she ordered no dressing very dry and very little Of anything else other then lettuce which wasn’t chopped as a chopped salad should’ve been.

Very unsatisfactory experience.

We do appreciate the attempt to reach out at 9:30 pm to ask us and leave a voicemail about why we wrote train your wait staff. However unfortunately it is unnecessary.

If you’re looking for a good experience go to this restaurants other establishments either black whale or ciscos is absolutely 5 stars this one needs massive...