Good vibes, enjoyed the LED lighting. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze between tables and I’d DEFINITELY recommend getting a reservation. For drinks: got the Malecon cocktail (it is frozen which I should’ve realized bc it says “mango sorbet”‘in the description but I’m apparently illiterate so it was a surprise when it came out lol). For the appetizer, got the crispy duck with bao and it was AMAZING, the duck was so tender and was literally falling apart. For entree, I got the mushroom noodles and my companion got the ropa vieja noodles. We split a side of yuca fries. The mushroom noodles were yummy, 8/10. I’m not giving a 10/10 because there wasn’t an element in the dish that WOWed me. Companion said they liked their ropa vieja noodles! For the yuca fries, the gochujang ketchup was good but I really did not care for the house mojo at all.

+1

I never leave reviews but this was legitimately one of the best meals i have EVER had. I had the Malecon cocktail, duck bao, and chicken with yellow rice. Everything was phenomenal. I will be eating here every time i come to NY.

+1

We visited for brunch in February of 2017, I was a little skeptical of the menu as I'd probably prefer a more traditional bacon and egg brunch but this place turned out great! We arrived on a snowy/rainy/cold morning and it was nice to be greeted and allowed to sit at the bar while we waited for the rest of the group....far too often your stuck standing at the front of the restaurant waiting for others. The bartender even got us waters. The unlimited drinks at brunch was great and they were constantly on top of the refills, very good value. To eat I got the french toast and my wife got the noodles, both pictured. Both were very good, glad I got the side of eggs with the french toast...pricey but needed a bit more food. Service was friendly, quick, and efficient. With the check comes the frozen mojito's which were fun. Overall a great spot for any meal, recommended!

+1

The Duck Bao was pricey, but it melted in my mouth and tasted incredible. Alicia was incredibly helpful, and her charming smile made the experience even better! Great customer service — I’ll definitely be back.

We had an amazing time at this place. We decided to go for the 3-course dinner menu offered during restaurant week, and it exceeded our expectations. Every dish they served was a sensory delight. We started with the Cuban sandwich spring rolls and chicken empanadas, followed by the Ropa Vieja noodles for the main course. Dessert included a delicious Souffle and chocolate lava cake. My personal favorites were the spring rolls, the main course, and the souffle. If you haven't experienced Cuban Chinese cuisine, this place is a must-try!

+2

A very nice surprise, we randomly chose this spot for a unique menu and close proximity to our hotel (The Grayson). We were seated promptly (w/o a reservation). The waiter was very pleasant and attentive. We were promptly served water and asked about drinks. Overall the meal was very good and the portions were sufficient. My appetizer (ceviche) was different from what I’m used to having, but I loved it! If I had any criticism at all, my steak was requested medium and was well-done. The chimichurri helped offset what would have otherwise been a dried out steak.

We had an amazing girls brunch at Calle Dao! our server Alicia (hope I spelled it right) was AMAZING. The bottomless option was great for our group and we enjoyed a mix of appetizers and entrees. Highly recommend!

We got in a bit early and were seated at the bar while waiting for the table to ready. The drinks were delicious, especially loved the Maxver with white peach. Our waiter gave us a laugh-filled night, and made great recommendations. I got the salmon and it was one of the best salmon dishes I’ve had in the city. Will be coming back

The food and drinks here are amazing!!!

Excellent almost fusion. We ordered the egg fried rice & plantains (egg scrambled) and added a side of black beans - BOOM amazing texture and flavors. Was excellent. Steamed dumplings also amazing - and drank the Hai Chi martini-esque beverage. All highly recommended. The fried cubano spring rolls were interesting but the texture of the minced meat threw me off. Fun though. Great atmosphere as well.

Great restaurant, good service and good food

This spot combines the best of Cuban and Chinese flavors, all wrapped up in a gorgeous Cuban-themed setting. You have to try their grilled shrimp with garlic mojo - it’s a seriously next-level deliciousness. And if you’re into comfort food with a twist, their Cuban fried rice and Lobster Noodles dishes are total winners. The service is amazing. Also they have amazing drinks. If you are up for unforgettable dining experience, head over to calledao, you won’t regret it. Featuring: Cuban fried rice Lobster noodle Crispy shiitake wonton Grilled shrimp with garlic mojo Warm chocolate cake Tres Leches Pinacolado Grape fruit mojito

+4

Popped in after a show, greeted and seated immediately. Our server JUSTUN was great!, engaging, fun and was honest in his recommendations. We had appetizers and cocktails. We WILL DEFINITELY Come back from brunch!!!

+4

I had a fantastic experience at Calle Dao. The food was exceptional. We got multiple appetizers: Bao buns, crispy pork belly, and shrimp wontons. All were delicious and well made. I got the Ropa Vieja Noodles and at first I thought a little bland. But once I got the sauce mixed in, it was very tasty. Fresh ingredients and perfect portion sizes. Our server, Justin, was personable and came at the right times. Food was served quickly and empty dishes were whisked away. It got a little loud in the restaurant as it was a smaller venue. 10/10 experience, would recommend.

Lovely atmosphere, kind service, the food was so tender and flavorful. An overall very charming little spot. The prices are worth the quality of the dishes.

I was initially hesitant about the prices but the quality of food and service made it completely worth it. I especially enjoyed the cubano spring rolls. My only drawback was the noise level. The bar is right by the tables, so it can be difficult to speak when they're using the blender.

Awesome low-key place. We've gone several times for lunch & dinner, and we loved it so much we had a Welcome Party for guests of our wedding there. From their management to their servers, the personnel are awesome, and the food is amazing. Several of our guests agreed with us - best cauliflower we've ever had. Special place

Really enjoyed our experience! Great service and great food. A few standouts that we loved: Cubano Spring Rolls, Shiitake wontons, and Bao Bun Pork Belly. Highly recommend a visit!

Date night with the Hubby and we were seated immediately upon arrival. Best seat in the house where we were able to see our surroundings. Started off with cocktails, I had the Opium and my husband had the Calle Daisy mojito. For apps we had the CRISPY SHIITAKE WONTONS and the PAPAS RELLENAS. Crispy and deliciously perfect. For our main I had the BIANPAO SALMON and hubby had the CHIMICHURRI PEPPER PICANHA. Side of the MA-PO MADUROS. Delicious!!!!! They have happy hour till 7pm!!!! Drinky drink all the way! Amazing wait service who were totally on point from start to finish. Shoutout to Justin! You’re awesome 😎

+3

Five stars all around, there are even some vegan options available however I wouldn’t come here with a vegan pal, there is too many non vegan delights on the menu. We had the yuca fries, build your own bao, cauliflower side and split the chicken and rice. (The fries and Baos not pictured) I love “Chino-Latino” cuisine it combines some of my favorite flavors, and the place does it at a very high level. My only regret is not coming in with a bigger appetite.

My friend and I tried out Calle Dão for Restaurant Week in NYC and we loved it. The service was excellent. Great vibes and decor. The staff were attentive, pleasant, and genuinely kind. The food was beautiful and delicious. Compliments to the chef! I am very glad to have visited and will return with other guests or just a quick bite on my own. The menu looks amazing and have a great happy hour and brunch menu as well. I am looking forward to coming back for more. I have saved Calle Dão on my Google maps. Thank you for a wonderful dinner.

Wow! This place was amazing. From the food to the service to the atmosphere. I can't wait to return and try more items on the menu. The drinks were delicious and my friends and I shared a few apps and large plates. Highly recommend!

+2

I had the tofu stir fry and I thought it was delicious. The cocktails were also excellent. My fave was the ahumada. I also really enjoyed the soundtrack of Cuban versions of 80s pop songs. ...

We were visiting Bryant Park and decided to stop in for a meal. We are SO glad that we did! The food was absolutely amazing. We tried a little bit of everything, and it was all delicious. The fusion of Cuban and Chinese cuisine was like nothing we had ever tasted before. Everything was seasoned well and cooked to perfection. The three things that really stood out were the Stir Fry Cashew Cauliflower (We could make a meal of that alone!), the Cuban Fried Rice, and the Cubano Spring Rolls. We also loved the easy-going atmosphere and our waiter, Jordan, was tremendous. He catered to our every request and helped us to navigate the menu. We would also recommend the Sangria. It was exceptional and a lifesaver after a busy day! Whether local, or visiting the city, Calle Dao is a must!

This was a great find after traveling all day. Walked in, sat at the bar for happy hour, and were treated to some delicious food and great service from our bartender, Anise. We had appetizers, all of which were flavorful and filling. The DUCK BAO was awesome! The Chinese/Cuban fusion was unexpected, but creative and definitely one of the best meals I've ever had. Definitely plan on coming back to eat here again. If you haven't tried it, go now!

Great place for delicious food and drinks. I waited at the bar while my friend was on her way and got a Opium cocktail. It was fantastic with a great blend of flavors and not too sweet. Bartender was super nice and attentive. Also got the Ahumada and really enjoyed the mezcal and pomegranate combo. Amazing cocktails! For apps we got the steamed shrimp wontons and papas rellenas. Both and amazing flavors and textures. Shrimp was fresh and the Cuban beef was seasoned well. For entree I got the ropa vieja noodles. The brisket was delicious and the noodles were cooked perfectly. For dessert we shared the chilled dulce de leche souffle. Super light, fluffy, and mild. The mango coulis added a nice fruity element to the dessert. Great way to end the meal. I was super excited to try the Cuban and Chinese fusion and am pleased to see it was as delicious as I expected. Will be back again. Staff was all friendly and food came out at a nice pace.

+2

Came for happy hour after work with some friends and we had an awesome time! Happy hour drinks were such a good deal. Most of the drinks are only $8 and I dare you to find that kind of deal somewhere else in this area. We split a ton of appetizers and one entree. For appetizers, we got the wings, buns, and Cuban slider. The bun on the sliders was tostones so that was a nice fun twist. We also got an order of free yuca fries because I checked in on yelp. The buns were my favorite but the sandwich was popular with the other members of my group. We had multiple rounds of margarita and caipirinha. We got the salmon entree and it was SO GOOD. The sauce was spicy, the cauliflower rice was well flavored, and even the green beans were really good! Ambiance; music was at a good level. We could hear what everyone was saying without having to yell. Lighting was soft but strong enough for us to see. Dessert was the flan and the matcha tres leches. I wasn't a huge fan of the tres leches but the others liked it a lot. It wasn't very sweet and one of the three milks tasted odd to me. Or maybe it was just how it paired with the matcha. I much preferred the flan with the pineapple and passion fruit sauce. It was pretty busy, but we didn't have to wait long for our table considering it was was a Friday night at happy hour. I would absolutely come back again. Our server Justin was awesome! Super friendly and made us all laugh.

+1

Our server Justin was great, took great care of us and was cracking jokes with us hahahah great time! food was great bc the grilled shrimp was delicious. Chicken empanadas was a great choice also, the filling was a hint of curry w carrots. Wings were a hit too, seasoning was nicely paired w our drinks. The salsa verde and garlic aioli were amazinggg no exaggeration. Brisket tostones were good portioned even tho the tostones got soggy quick at the bottom, it still tasted good. We liked the decor and the bathroom was clean. The door latch was a bit sus it felt insecure but it worked well.

+6

Had a fantastic dinner here. Got some oysters, mixed greens salad, squid ink paella, confit duck, pulled pork/beef sliders. Everything was extremely tasty. The oysters and the seafood paella were both standout dishes with fresh ingredients as the highlight. Didn't have reservations and were still able to be seated as a party of 3 during a Wednesday afternoon.

+2

I went in for Latin Restaurant Week on a Sunday . The restaurant wasn’t too crowded and the service was good. I’d recommend ordering several plates to share to try the different flavors. I enjoyed the empanadas, papas rellenas , Roopa vieja noodles, Cuban fried rice. I was very full at the end but the tres leche and flan both were delicious

This place deserves more customers. Their design includes both booths and tables. The team graciously handled all our special requests. My taste buds were completely amazed. Their food delivers perfect flavor every time.

Cuban - Chinese!! The concept itself interested me a lot and do we checked out this place when we were in that area. The food and the ambience is excellent. Very casual vibe and the service is great! We got a couple of drinks to start and duck bao and dumplings as appetizers. For main course we got the burger, Cuban fried rice and the salmon. Everything was delicious. We had no room for dessert. We came out super content and satisfied after that lunch.

+6

Went for Restaurant Week to try a few things out and celebrate my birthday. Everything was fantastic. Standouts were the empanadas and the ropa vieja noodles. The mojitos were delicious although a little small, however, they were reasonably priced. Service was great, we never felt rushed. Will definitely be back and already recommended to friends!

Justin is a Rockstar server who made my evening such a pleasant experience. The food was great, my mocktail was on point, and the music and service were top notch.

Tried during restaurant week. Service and drink was great. Food had an interesting twist. Like the duck, steak and shrimp fried rice.

Addae Akinsheye

Last minute dinner decision before heading out to Brooklyn for a show. Definitely made a great decision. Our server/waiter was amazing...he was the only one waiting tables (aside from the hostess and bus staff) but he still managed to be a great host, super friendly and hilarious. Food was amazing. We had the cuban sandwich rolls, wings and fried pork. Everything was great...luckily we snagged the last hour of Happy Hour and got some drinks too! A++++++ loved this spot!

Xing

Get 25$ off your bill here with the link in my profile lol We came here for date night and ordered the Chicken and Yellow Rice with the Seafood Paella. The chicken was a well-cooked and had great portion size + very flavorful rice! The seafood Paella was a great fusion take and was LOADED with seafood! Would definitely come back here for the happy hour and creative menu!

Russ Dean

Great vibe with fun and wild fushion. Cigar wall and neon were legit. Waitress said get the noodles, and we did, and we did not regret it. Lobster noodles were a great portion and worth the price IMO. Their Happy House is awesome, can be served at the tables not just the bar, and the drinks while smaller portion are only $12 from 12-7 with small bites discounted as well. Our server was so sweet and everything was very quick. We'd absolutely return. Pro Tip- Pay with the InKind app to get discounts and cash back.

Bob Fries

We went for lunch - chicken empanadas, mapo maduros, fried shitake wontons, and papas rellenos. Mojito and mambo spritz for our drinks. The meal was phenomenal. The food came quickly and the service was great. Very clean and comfortable. We can't wait to go back when we return to NYC

Rachel Braddock

Honestly, I tend to be critical of restaurants in touristy areas, but this one is a fantastic option! The concept is creative without being overdone, and everything was quite tasty. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re near Bryant Park.

Adrian D

Absolutely loved our server Alicia! She was lovely and the Mojitos were the best I’ve ever had. As someone who has Cuban/Chinese heritage this place was unexpectedly delicious. And Alicia made the night. We came back for seconds, and will continue to come back anytime in NYC!

Alain Frómeta

Great food and service! We reserved for dinner and had a good experience. Thought, the music is a bit loud. The Cuban fried rice, the ropa vieja noodles, the yuca fries and the grilled shrimp with garlic were very good.

M Carr

We went on a weekday night and I was thankful to have some space to set down my bag pack - typically restaurants in NYC are really congested. We were able to enjoy a peaceful conversation. The server was very friendly and interacted well with us beyond being prompt and attentive. Drinks were decent but not special. Bok choy still had some light dirt between the stalks. We asked for some hot sauce which helped spice things up nicely. Appetizers were two on the plate (see pics). Overall a nice visit mainly because of server and ambiance.

+1

Ayana K. Domingo-Rosado

Yesterday, I took my sister here for her birthday! We arrived around 5:30 pm and was immediately seated in a cozy little section in the back! Our server, Justin, was phenomenal and kept us laughing the entire time. We started off with the hot appetizers (chicken empanadas, crispy, shiitake wontons, and grilled shrimp with garlic mojo) -everything was delicious. Afterwards, we ordered the steamed shrimp wontons and our main course Bian Pao Salmon along with the ma-po maduros. Great food, great service. The overall experience was definitely a vibe. We will be back. Thanks again Justin for making our first visit to Calle Dao memorable.

TJ Rumler

We went here while vacationing in the city and absolutely loved it. The server was so kind, and the atmosphere was PERFECT for a sexy date night. The fusión vibe, the lighting, and music made it a fun evening. Also highly recommend the lobster noodles!

Jodilynn DiPiazza

Really delightful treat in the heart of Midtown. Yummy fair with a perfect mix of Chinese and Cuban food, left us wondering what we would taste next. The service was excellent and the decor was really on point and beautiful, one of my favorite elements of this place.. Went here for a group work lunch and everyone loved it.. A little pricey for lunch but hey they gotta pay the bills.. lol

+6

Edgardo Rodriguez

Calle Dao in Bryant Park is a hidden gem that masterfully blends Cuban and Chinese flavors into dishes that feel both innovative and harmonious. Each recipe seemed meticulously planned, and the way the flavors worked together was impressive—delivering a dining experience that was both surprising and satisfying. The atmosphere is equally remarkable, with a vibrant yet comfortable ambiance that makes you feel instantly at ease. The music sets the perfect tone for the evening, and the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. A special mention has to go to the manager, Jessica, who is absolutely the most wonderful person. She was incredibly attentive to us, especially because we were there for a tasting, as we’re considering booking the restaurant for our wedding. Her warmth and attention to detail made our experience all the more special, and we left feeling confident in our choice. Overall, I’d rate Calle Dao a 9 out of 10—a fantastic place to dine, with great food, atmosphere, and exceptional service. Highly recommended!

+3

Happy hour specials worth trying which might end up pretty noisy thanks to the cheap drinks. You don't get seated at the table if the whole party isn't there. I My friends loved the fried pork ear, I've enjoyed the oysters plate 1$ each

Good food, great service and mojitos

The food was very tasty. My friend and I shared six $2 oysters from the Happy Hour menu. Our $9 drinks were good but small. We shared the delicious grilled chicken with yellow rice. Our server could have been a little more attentive as we had to wait a while for him to take our dessert order.

This is a cute place with character and tasty food. The service is good as well. I got the salmon..the sauce is very spicy but full of flavor and my friend got the tofu stir fry entree. We ordered tostones which were a little dry and lacking flavor but the dipping sauce they gave was good..just needed to come with more of it. They offer some authentic and unique options. Overall I would recommend this place and would go back again.

Pluses: Cute, friendly, warm holiday atmosphere Good duck bao - tender with crispy skin Ok ceviche Tender and tasty “ropa vieja” - very different than traditional ropa vieja, but the noodles with fresh herbs are fun Minuses: Tough pork belly - really hard to cut and chew, with flavorless sweet potatoes Small portions on the ceviche Kitchen closes rather early I would potentially go back because it’s in a convenient location - everything was good, but nothing was a standout, especially for $70 a person without drinks. If it had been a $40 meal, I’d be more likely to go back enthusiastically. If you’re looking for a better restaurant in the area in the same price range, I recommend La Pecora Bianca.

Overall rating: 4.5 There’s something off about this place. I can’t place my finger on it. The concept is very intriguing and the restaurant itself is very pretty. But it’s missing the types of Cuban dishes or the flavor of Chinese dishes. I had the noodles, after watching a lot of TikToks on what not to order. They were good! They had some kick. But my friend got the fried rice and it was meh. I was surprised. It was very bland. Thought for sure it would have some fun Cuban flavors. It didn’t. The mojito thooo.. 😏👀 highly reco! The server was so friendly though even if I probably won’t be coming back. I think it could be worth trying. Maybe there are other better dishes?

+2

Cuban Chinese fusion is one of my favs, came here to check it out and happy hour was actually really good here. They make a good mojito and other drinks. The steak and eggs are good but their dumplings were great! Will come back and try some more stuff, but overall a good experience.

+1

The food was made well. Great pairing of ingredients, cooked without error, pleasant aftertaste. I still may not consider returning because of the high cost per menu item. Steer clear of the appetizers which are about $10 per and can be made at home to a similar level of quality. Staff were polite and fast.

The food was delicious. Cuban-Chinese Fusion is doable. It was something different. I had the Crispy Duck with Baos. It came with yucca fries. I love this combination. The duck was tender and crispy. I will be back. Now, why I didn't give it 5-stars, the service was a little lacking and the place wasn't busy.

A fusion of Cuban and Asian cuisine, cute atmosphere, refreshing happy hour drinks (Margaritas). The food was tasty we had some crispy pigs ears and chicken wings, not a lot of Ac flowing so if you want to sit here go when it’s not super hot they do have an outside area but to close to the side walk and the people waiting online to get in for my taste. The place is small so get there early.

Food was good but space was tight especially in the front window area where my friend and I sat. The round tables also didn’t offer much space for all the drinks, appetizers and entrees we ordered. Regarding entrees, the chicken and yellow rice was great, but portion-wise, one is enough for two people. Had to take home the other half of my chicken and some of my friend’s pork with fried rice for lunch at the office tomorrow. Nice atmosphere with the music.

Yummy noodles! The ropa vieja was good though I think even without meat, it would’ve been good too. Tue revolucíon cocktail had a nice kick to it. Staff was really nice and highly attentive. Cool vibes through!

+1

The service was amazing. The food was good. I had a great time with my cousin and enjoyed the meal. All in all, decent happy hour, pretty atmosphere.

This is 100% a hidden gem! The best thing about this spot is the unlimited beverages for $29.99 where you get ANY drinks on their list and not just mimosas! The fusion of Cuban and Asian food is amazingly unique & delish! Love the palette given at the end to close out the meal. The space is decorated nicely and the service is lovely! Highly recommend!

+2

It's such a cute casual vibe. The food here is a fusion of Chinese and Cuban food. So unique and spot on. The food was so good, but I would skip that steak and egg. The steak was so rubbery that I felt like I couldn't chew thru it and barely cut it. We just swallowed it whole it felt like. The empenadas, shiitake wonton, grilled shrimp with garlic mojo, Ropa Vieja noodles, and chorizo hash were hands down the best. We ordered so much because we were so hungry after the race that day. Our server was so good to us and assisted us well. Great place for groups and great for brunch.

+6

Solid 4.5! Food was very yummy. My favorites were the chicken empanadas, the ropa vieja noodles and the maduros mapo. The side of black beans was tasty too. Great music, vibes and cocktails were strong but nothing to remember. This place is perfect large and small groups.

+4

I came for both happy hour and lunch. It's a great spot for happy hour with a bunch of delicious appetizers. I really like the fusion ambience and flavors. They used some Chinese seasoning and sauces to cook Cuban ingredients such as the Mapo plantain dish, which is interesting. The lunch dish I ordered is in generous portion which has two eggs lots of veggies and chimichuri steak, very delicious. However the wait time that day at lunch time was a bit frustrating. Overall it's an interesting and fun spot!

We went for an early dinner at 5pm and noticed they had a happy hour special until 7pm. It was easy to make a same day reservation for 7 people. We shared a bunch of oysters, small bites (ranging from $10-15 a plate) and a couple of entrees. We also ended up sharing the tres leches and flan (which at first they said they didn’t have any ready but the staff came back 10 mins later and said it’s ready to be served if we wanted it). The food overall was good but did lack some flavor (a lot of the dishes tasted a bit bland); chicken wings were the best out of all, tbh. Even with the happy hour deal, it’s a bit pricey based on portion size. The drinks on the other hand were tasty (I had two glasses of margaritas and the tropi crystal). Overall, a cool concept of mixing Cuban and Chinese food but better to go for the drinks if going for the happy hour special.

I went there with a friend for lunch. We are both happy with our orders, except the plantain appetizer, for which my friend had a high standard for. The staff members are friendly and attentive. We both enjoyed our experience there. It's a convenient a meetup location around the Bryant park area.

Fernando Anglada

Great Cuban/Asian fusion and atmosphere is amazing. Drinks look good. I had the Cuban egg rolls, highly recommend. I also got the Ropa Vieja noodles, a bit spice and noodles were great but the brisket lacked flavor.

L.

+Take $25 off your bill through the link in my profile! Came here for the happy hour (4-7pm) dishes. Enjoyed the oysters and the tostones; personally preferred the brisket one heavily over the pork. The mojito was sweet and refreshing. Overall not a spectacular meal but also not a bad place to stop by. The server was very bubbly and friendly, perhaps the most memorable part of the restaurant.

Cierrah W.W.

Came for lunch with some friends. I really enjoyed the crispy pork belly. Just wished there was more of it. They have drink happy hour during the day which was nice. The ropa vieja cheesesteak was a little bland but the accompanying yuca fries were delicious. The chicken empanadas were good not great. Overall solid food but nothing to write home about.

+1

Iryna Glushchenko

Great ambiance and service! Cocktails 20$ pricey, but tasty. Service was exquisite. The food was good. The oysters were so fresh and sweet, highly recommended!!! Empanadas were great. Paella was tasty. Overall, great, but be prepared to pay the bill.

+1

An interesting concept: Sichuan Latino food. The service is excellent. The place is charmingly decorated. The food was okay. Kudos for the creativity. Wasn't wowed.

+6

The service was good. The staff are very attentive and really good at reading what we needed. The service staff was great. I absolutely love the black rice seafood paella, the rice has a great texture and the dish is flavorful without being too wet. The lobster and XO noodles dish was ok; the dish tasted pretty good over all, but the flavors were not particularly unique, and it is very expensive for a dish that only serves half a lobster and an average portion of noodles. The ceviche had a really deliciously novel and unique flavors, but there were very few bits of fish and shrimp and mostly filled with bell pepper slices. The bell peppers looked aesthetically pleasing on the ceviche, but detracted from the taste of the dish and is clearly a filler ingredient to hide the fact that the dish had very little meat. Overall 2/3 were disappointing and only 1/3 hit the home run. We were seated at a table near the front and close to the bar where it was pretty quiet. After dining, I walked to the back room and saw that it was a lot more atmospheric with good music, conversations, and much better lighting than where we were seated. I wonder why the hostess did not give us an option to pick where we wanted to sit at the beginning since only half the tables in the back were occupied. Honestly, I would give this place another chance, but my first experience here was a bit disappointing. 3/5 is where I stand right now.

The oysters, chicken and yellow rice, and cauliflower were ok. Not a fan of the ropa vieja noodles. Overall the food didn't stand out to me so I wouldn't recommend it

My friend who was yesterday's birthday celebrant wanted Cuban for our celebration so I booked it here. We were given the table by the entrance al fresco style so that was appreciated. From a price standpoint, we paid $360++ for a group of 6. Not the cheapest and that's alright but we didn't appreciate the attitude of the guys bringing our food out and serving it like we're the ones who owe them a favor by being customers. They have a $25+ deal if you order entrees, that gets you unlimited drinks for 90 minutes. Champagne is included and I tried that but it's honestly like watered down with cerveza. I had it exchanged for a bellini and it was decent. I only had 2 despite what I paid for the Unlimited deal, it was that 'enjoyable'. My friends to be fair enjoyed and maximized the various different drinks that can be switched within the timed 90 mins. As for the food, I ordered the skirt steak and not only was it not cooked medium rare as requested, it was bland, needed seasoning. The only thing that stood out was the Beef Broccoli dish with noodles. The beef was tender and delicious. They did a nice little touch in coming out with a small custard with a birthday candle for the dessert. The dessert was just okay, overpowered by a citrusy taste. Careful when paying, we almost added a separate 'suggested' gratuity when 20% was actually already added.

+1

Great food, worth trying, nice service. But the time I went there was very busy and noisy. It’s not for you if you’re looking for a good atmosphere of chatting with your friends it’s probably not for you.

Good food - great portions and delicious flavors. Big fan of their take on the French toast and the salads. Their service was good too. Unfortunately, we did not like their fries. Also, the restaurant is really really loud, so would not recommend unless you’re going for bottomless brunch with a large crew.

+1

Visited on 05/31/24 Calle Dao Bryant Park Ordered five dishes➕two cocktails - There's absolutely nothing wrong with oysters Happy hour 1pc$2 - Cripy duck baos $25 Friend: I feel like roast duck is not roast duck, it’s just roasted duck leg and eaten with steamed buns! The duck leg has no seasoning and is really ordinary. - Shittake wontons 5pc $12 Less ingredients, thin skin, really crispy [despise R] - Personal order of Cuban fried rice $28 I feel like I'm eating Wenzhou rice with seafood added Isn't it fried rice? Fried rice while wet is not as delicious as cooked rice…. I remember when I didn’t know how to make fried rice, I also added water to the fried rice... - Lobster xo noodles ordered by a friend $38 Friend: The oil seems to be a little salty hahahahahaha And the lobster is frozen - By the way, it's a chain Can you pay attention to the taste? …. Or should I go that day and the chef is not there…. Causes people to lose their appetite to eat - Personal taste, don’t spray if you don’t like it Pure sharing lightning protection store -

+2

Love the ambiance. Love the service (Justin was amazing). Love the cocktails. Wish I could say the same about the food. - Chicken empanadas were dry AF. - Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls looked great on the menu. However, they tasted like someone stuffed them with a mushy ropa vieja. Crust was properly crunchy and greasy, and the mustard sauce was surprisingly delicious. Stuffing was just too bland and pappy. - Bianpao Salmon was overcooked which rendered it too dry and flaky. - Ropa Vieja Noodles were absolutely delicious. The same stuff that was used for spring rolls actually worked here magically with noodles and sauce. This dish was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Chilled Dulce De Leche Soufflé was spectacular. Not overly sweet, soft and mangoey. A strong ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall, the service, ambiance and 2 very solid dishes are definitely a reason to revisit. Hopefully, they can improve other items. The foundation is definitely there.

+6

The atmosphere was nice. The food was ok. Dessert was delicious. The waiter two times didn't say excuse me to my friend. My mojito was not enjoyable. Too much mango juice. The incorrect glass was used. It was very disappointing.

I was really excited to try the food, but it just wasn't what I expected. The food was ok. My daughter didn't eat the main dish, didn't enjoy it. Staff was friendly, the presentation was cool, the taste just wasn't for us. Great concept in theory, and the outdoor dining had the heating, which was a super plus.

+4

What's up with restaurants not letting the group sit because one person didn't show up yet? We'll be ordering food and drinks while we wait which boost more sales. I get it because it probably extends table turn times but customers overall experience is priority and losing clients to this policy doesn't seem beneficial. With that said the food was ok but nothing special. Some food items were overly sweet and drinks at Happy hour were weak. The restaurant is crowded during HH. The best part was the friendly waiter.

Giang Nguyen

Came here for dinner with 2 coworkers. All of us thought the food was average. For starters we had the tiger salad and Cuban sandwich spring rolls. The salad was…. soo bland! That’s kinda unprecedented for me when eating out 😅 when there’s an issue with restaurant food flavor, it’s always been that the flavor is too strong for me: too sweet, too salty, too rich, etc. So, this salad being too bland is kinda wild 😄 The spring rolls were alright, not particularly memorable. I did initially have too much mustard, which overwhelmed the spring rolls; after I decided not to dip in the mustard at all, then the rolls were better but still just ok. Finally, my bian pao salmon main was probably the best food I had at the dinner. The fish seemed fresh, not too dry, and the sweet sauce was the right amount of sweetness. Nevertheless it felt like a 3.5 ⭐️ for the main course. Desserts were also a bright spot, but couldn’t really compensate for the real food. Overall I would rate the food below 3.5 ⭐️ and therefore round down to 3 ⭐️ For me, it just is far from good enough to command this kind of prices — even for a midtown spot. Service and atmosphere were fine. It can be quite loud during when packed — around 7:00pm it can be hard to have a conversation at normal volume.

+12

Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to try the food because the service was subpar. After booking, I was told that the table was double-booked. I understand things happen, so I was accepting of sitting at the bar. We were there waiting for a server to come take an order, and no one came. I’m sad that this was our experience because I was excited to try the food.

Overall the service is fine and friendly, but the food is somewhat substandard. To be charged $15 for two quarter sized Pappas rellenas is shocking. The Ropa Vieja noodles were decent overall,but price way higher than needed to be. The ham and cheese bites were pretty gross . The drinks were okay. Was shocked at how little and sometimes how flavorless some items were. Was expecting something nice only to walkin to place that felt like a dive bar. Staff was very nice and attentive and I appreciated the efforts. But the food is just plain/substandard, like something you'd make at home with no experience.

Very disappointed with the food. Came as party of 6 and we ordered a variety of drinks, apps, and entrees. To be fair, we are Chinese and have a certain level of expectation when it comes to fusion cuisine. I also rarely give bad reviews so this will be a detailed explanation. Drinks: mojitos were fine (HH is til 7pm) App: cuban sandwich spring roll -- Not good. The wrapper itself was fine, nice crunch. But the "sandwich" filling was a mush. So it was almost like biting into mushed taro. Definitely needed some texture in the filling. App: Crispy Shiitake Wonton & Yuca fries were fine. Nothing great but not bad. Entree: Ropa Vieja Noodles -- the presentation doesn't have to be fancy BUT this did look like food court food. Looked like it was made with frozen veggies; the ropa vieja was scattered on there and didn't bring out the dish; the flavor profile of the whole dish was lacking. Panda Express would have been better, i'm serious. I went back to look at the reviews...my friends and I couldn't believe it. We all felt the same way when we left; extremely unsatisfied. We aren't picky eaters but also know what's good from bad especially with city prices. Long story short: lack of flavor, nothing special, and missed the mark on cuban chinese fusion.

Rudy Lee

My friends and I decided to visit Calle Dao for NYC restaurant week (it was our 4th restaurant that we tried for restaurant week). After seeing the picture listed on the NYC restaurant week website, we were sold! Upon visiting, the food depicted on the ad were… Up-charged? For restaurant week, in which there are supposed to be fixed course prices, which is one reason we decided to visit. +$9 for the appetizer we wanted, +$12 for the entree that made us even want to visit in the first place. There were also multiple items on the restaurant week menu selection that weren’t available to order. This is not something we experienced at any other restaurant participating. Furthermore, the up-charged items were decent - the presentation was nice, but it seemed like all of the items containing meat were overcooked. The lobster, the duck, the beef, even the tres leches - all dry. When the time came to pay, our meals went from what was supposed to be a fixed $45 price to $60 - $70 each. Not to mention the restaurant charges around a $6 fee for ANY credit card used? On top of that, the waitress quickly shifted her attitude to an annoyed demeanor when asked to split the check rather than pay all together… There were 4 of us… I’m glad we got to try the type of cuisine, but will not be going back.

Erika Fernandez

I’ve been to Calle Dao before the pandemic and now that it’s post pandemic.. the quality and taste isn’t there like it used to be. The food is really overpriced. 2 empanadas for $15 is wild I ordered the steak and it had no flavor. The service was good & attentive so I’ll give them credit for that. Personally won’t be returning. They do give decent portions but what’s the point when the food has no flavor? Also, they need to get with the times and get high chairs & a changing table in the bathroom. Best they have is a booster seat that’s not that great for infants.

They have a ONE hour table limit…. No one does that. UPDATE: Downgrading to one star. How can you claim 1.5 hours is standard? I came here on a Tuesday night with a close friend I hadn’t seen in a while to catch up. We were reminded multiple times during our meal that we only had ONE HOUR to enjoy the table. We were still catching up a few minutes after we took care of the bill and told there was another reservation and that we absolutely HAD to leave.

A close friend and I came in for dinner, excited to catch up since we hadn’t seen each other in a while. Upon being seated, we were immediately told we had a ONE-hour limit. While we understand time limits during busy periods, we were repeatedly reminded we had ONE hour while ordering drinks, appetizers, and our main dishes—which made the experience feel rushed and uncomfortable from the start. Toward the end of our meal, as we were asking for the check and taking turns using the restroom, we were told our hour was up and the next party was arriving. Unfortunately, the constant reminders overshadowed the meal and the cool decor inside, taking away from the hospitality one expects when dining out. This was especially disappointing given our time was cut short together.

AmandaShalane

The food presentation itself was great! But then the taste was subpar. I wanted to like this place, but unfortunately I will not be back. Too many other places to enjoy with better customer service. The waiter was great, but the front host wasn’t accommodating at all. She sat us by the cold front door, when we informed her that it was just too cold, she proceeded to say they were all booked up and had nothing else available, yet when I looked through the reservations they were opened with allot of availability. She said she had a party of 30 coming yet we were there for 2 hours and no one of that large capacity came. They just didn’t want to give us a table in the back or next to a heater, so they lied. Even though I saw plenty of open seating in the back. Very unfortunate but I will be taking my business elsewhere.