Candela Bar

For guaranteed good times, Candela is our venue of choice. Situated among the buzzing activity of Karangahape Road, this cosy space is a welcome retreat from the non-stop action of Auckland’s liveliest street. 

Candela’s decor sets the tone for your evening—luxuriously layered red and wood hues, plush bench seating and warm, romantic lighting. This is ambience at its finest. 

Upon entry, you’re instantly drawn down the long narrow space to the home of all things mixology, a magnificent brass bar. Sidle up and peruse their fine selection of sherries, local craft brews and hand-picked bottles of vino. 

The cocktail list is small but mighty, sporting custom twists on classic favourites. Swap your regular espresso martini for the Salento, a concoction of boutique rum from Honest, tonka liquor and cold brew. 

Let’s dig into what you’re really here for—the food. Candela is home to tastes inspired by the Iberian Coast, weaving together Spanish and Latin flavours throughout the menu. Here, it’s all about sharing, with small plates designed to create a conversational dining experience. 

The savoury selection packs a punch, with go-to plates like oysters or grilled flatbread topping the menu. Those into seafood are well catered for, with trevally ceviche and kūmara crisps or saffron Tiger prawns. 

Pack your meal out with additions like grilled cabbage with chilli jam, charred romesco beetroot or the utterly moreish patatas bravas. In fact, we’ll take two of those ones. 

And let’s not forget the most important part of the meal—dessert. Awaken your tastebuds with plum and mezcal sorbet, or choose the hearty rice pudding with date ice cream.

One thing is for sure, you can’t go past their house-made Basque cheesecake. Served as an individual cheesecake wrapped in charred baking paper, you might need some help finishing this one.