Mary Brickell Village welcomes new Peruvian restaurant, Candela Gastrobar. The new Peruvian cuisine inspired restaurant and bar opened it’s doors just last month and is already making a name for itself.
With over 3,000 square feet of space, the venue, which was previously another restaurant, has been remodeled and transformed in to a sexy dining experience for friends and couples to enjoy. The owners of the Tucandela Group hope that Candela Gastrobar becomes your go-to spot for a delicious dinner and drinks before heading over to their sister location, Tucandela, for a night of dancing.
Like most Peruvian inspired eateries, Candela‘s menu consists of all different kinds of ceviche, tiraditos, salads, rices, meat, seafood and much more, all staying true to the restaurant’s authentic Peruvian roots. The portions are served with sharing in mind, so the best thing to do is get a few items and let everyone get a taste.
With so many options making it hard to choose from, you can count on the friendly staff to help you make a decision. For starters, I recommend getting something from the cold and hot selections. I went with the Causa de Camarones and the Calamares Fritos {insert face savouring delicious food emoji here}
Since I’m all about getting the authentic experience the Causa de Camarones was the perfect starter since it’s a very unique Peruvian dish typically eaten with different fillings from shrimp, crab, lobster or fish. At Candela this version is served with a seasoned mashed potato terrine layered with shrimp and avocado, topped with panko prawns. The Calamari came next, served with a trio of dipping sauces and fried to a perfect crisp.
After getting a little taste of what the menu had to offer, I was ready to move on to the main course, well courses. I went with a cold and warm dish to get the best of both worlds. I mean you can’t have Peruvian food and not try the Ceviche. For the main courses I chose the Ceviche Erotismo and the Trilogía Exótica- a highly recommended dish by the staff. Both were perfection. The Ceviche was a mixture of fish, octopus and shrimp seasoned with chilli hot pepper cream, lime juice, onions, and cilantro served with sweet potato, corn, and fresh avocado and the Trilogía Exótica— one word: exquisite.
This dish is basically as decadent as you can get. It’s a sweet lobster tail served over a bed of mashed potatoes with prawns, scallops, and topped with a vernesa sauce that is rich with a hint of spiciness. This is a perfect seafood medley with bold flavors and not too spicy for those who don’t particularly like it hot.
Other items on the menu include the Piqueo Candela, a dish made of traditional Peruvian ceviche, parmesan octopus ceviche, shrimp Siu Cao and panko prawns. Or enjoy the Aji de Gallina, a chicken stew cooked in a yellow pepper base, cheese and crackers served with white rice, pecans, boiled egg and olives. Rice is a staple for any Latin dish, and Candela has their indulgent Arroz Al Estilo Candela, made of white rice cooked in a pepper and cilantro sauce, served with lobster tail, prawns, scallops, shrimp, squid, mussels, clams, octopus, parmesan cheese and leche de tigre. The expansive menu literally has something that will please anyones tastebuds.
To wash all this down, you have to try the specialty mojitos and piscos they offer. For the ladies, if you’re trying to count calories, they also have a Skinny Vodka Mojito on the menu that is a perfect treat. If you’re looking for something more casual, the bar has an extensive alcohol menu with specialty liquors from around the world along with a decent wine and beer menu.
And you didn’t think I forgot about dessert did you? Pfft… even though at this point I was a little of the stuffed side, I went with a recommendation from the host to try the Quinoa Crème Brûlée– trust me, it won’t disappoint. It’s perfect balance of creamy and sweet without being too sweet and the portion is perfect for two to share.
Every day of the week there’s a reason to have a bite or drink at Candela. The gastrobar serves a weekly lunch special Monday to Friday for $11.95 and a 3-course brunch party every Sunday with unlimited mimosas and sangria for $21.99. During weeknights and weekends, Candela offers drink specials and a place to party till 5am. In the night hours, the restaurant dims its lights and turns on its red spotlights for a true lounge vibe. So whether you’re out with friends, or just looking for a delicious dinner for two, make sure to head over to Mary Brickell Village and have a taste of Candela for yourself.
Candela Gastrobar is located inside Mary Brickell Village. The restaurant is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 12PM to 10:30PM, Thursday from 12PM to 11PM, Friday from 12PM to 5AM and Saturday from 1PM to 5AM.
Candela Gastrobar
900 S Miami Ave #180,
Miami, FL 33130
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