Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Candela Cucina, New Bedford, MA

Candela Cucina

4.7
4.7
264 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary Italian
72 N Water St, New Bedford, MA 02740-6264

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 43 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
Candela Cucina is an upscale Italian restaurant from Servedwell Hospitality in the historic Candleworks building. Candela Cucina is not just another Italian American restaurant, Candela is an authentic Italian restaurant. Candela’s menu ranges from classic Italian dishes to innovative contemporary creations, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

This new concept from Servedwell Hospitality is in partnership with Peter Biondi. Pete has opened other Servedwell concepts and has worked at several NYC Michelin-starred restaurants. The menu is crafted and overseen by Chef Josh Riazi. Josh has been overseeing all Servedwell’s culinary development and operations since 2018. Josh has worked in several highly acclaimed restaurants; most notably, Josh was Executive Chef at Al Forno in Providence, RI. Josh is assisted by Chef Joe Melo, a Servedwell alum, who will oversee daily culinary operations at Candela.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Italian, Regional Italian (Sardinia)
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Jose Melo
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    New Bedford
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 264 people are saying

Candela Cucina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Boston Metro South

    Great for fine wines

  • Boston Metro South

    Romantic

  • Boston Metro South

    Good for special occasions

  • Boston Metro South

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Candela Cucina offers a delightful Italian dining experience with "scrumptious" food, attentive service, and a cozy, welcoming ambiance. Guests rave about the "whipped ricotta," "shrimp pasta," and "vodka sauce." The restaurant's historic charm enhances the dining atmosphere, making it a "must-visit" spot for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine.

265 Reviews
  1. Maja

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Table was ready at the time of reservation and was seated promptly upon arrival. Service was very good. Ordered appetizers which came out in good time and were very good. We had ordered entrees at the same time as the appetizers. Entrees came out before we could finish our appetizers which was bad timing. Sitting at a small table there was no room for all the plates so the appetizers had to be picked up without the opportunity to finish them. We were offered to pack up the appetizers which was not preferable. Entrees ordered was the lobster risotto and the swordfish. Both meals were extremely salty. The risotto had large pieces of shallots and the lobster was overcooked. Entrees were disappointing. Would go there again but not order the same entrees and it was not worth the money spent.

    Is this helpful?

  2. tim

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice experience. Diverse menu, interesting and tasty apps.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Claudette VIP

    Greater Boston20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I had a lovely dinner to celebrate my birthday. The food and cocktails were excellent, and the service was stellar.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Claudia VIP

    Greater Boston110 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our appetizers and dinners were delicious, our service was excellent. We love the ambiance, it made our dining experience most enjoyable.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Mark VIP

    New Orleans32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a nice weekday lunch. Food & service were excelled. Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Cynthia

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Restaurant was cold and pretty loud; we had trouble hearing each other. Server was attentive and helpful. Food very good.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pauline VIP

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our experience was very good - the food was great and our waiter was well trained and friendly, plus we got a free hors d’oeuvre for having to wait for our table!!🤗

    Is this helpful?

  8. Thomas VIP

    Greater Boston41 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The food and service were excellent. The only criticism is that it has a limited menu.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Debbie

    Greater Boston7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our third visit to Candela Cucina and once again it was a huge success. The food is always excellent as is the service. It has become one of our top go to spots for special occasions. The atmosphere is very cozy and welcoming. Love it and will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Beth

    Rhode Island1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious meal, adorable waitress and charming atmosphere. Can't wait to return!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Candela Cucina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (774) 510-7901.

Candela Cucina is rated 4.7 stars by 264 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston Metro South
  5. New Bedford

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 43 times today
Google Map for Candela Cucina

72 N Water St, New Bedford, MA 02740-6264

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    New Bedford
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Italian, Regional Italian (Sardinia)
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Jose Melo
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo