Calle Dao Chelsea

This place is awesome. Andrés is the man, he made the experience so fantastic. I would eat here a lot if I were you

If I were to give a restaurant more than a 5 star rating, it would be Calle Dao in Chelsea!!!! My friends and I made a reservation here for a birthday and we were running a bit late. The restaurant was extremely accommodating and reassured us that it wasn't a big issue if we showed up a few minutes after our scheduled time.

Upon entering, we were immediately seated and the staff helped us choose our menu items while filling our water cups. First of all, the ambiance was far above our expectations. There was great music, interior was beautiful, and the lighting of the restaurant gave a very nice vibe. We ordered various dishes starting off with the Cuban Sandwich spring rolls. We thought that it would be 4 spring rolls, but it was actually two cut in half. Not a big deal, but did want to mention that it tasted delicious.

I got the mushroom noodles that had a fiery kick to it and they did not skimp on the mushrooms. Loved how everything tasted and it was definitely a vegetable-packed dish. We secretly told our waiter that it was our friend's birthday and he did amazing with surprising her with a cake slice and we all sang happy birthday to her. Additionally, he brought over free pineapple shots for the table, which we appreciated so much!

We ended up staying until the closing time of the place and loved how we didn't feel rushed throughout our meal. The fusion of Cuban and Chinese flourished our tastebuds, and we will 100% be back to this restaurant. An absolute 10/10.

Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5

Calle Dao in Chelsea is a gem that blends Cuban and Chinese cuisine into a truly unique dining experience. The star of the menu is the Cuban Fried Rice, a fantastic fusion dish packed with flavor. With shrimp, pulled pork, Spam, sweet maduros (fried plantains), onions, bell peppers, tamari, egg, and topped with a creamy cilantro crema, the dish combines the savory and sweet perfectly, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. The balance of these Cuban and Chinese influences is impressive, making it a must-try.

The service at Calle Dao is attentive and friendly, enhancing the laid-back, intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. The low lighting creates a cozy, relaxed vibe, ideal for a casual night out or a quiet dinner. Whether you're in for the fusion dishes or just soaking in the ambiance, this spot is a true find in Chelsea.

I never had come across Cuban-Chinese fusion, but Calle Dao Chelsea proved that this unique combination is a culinary masterpiece! The flavors were absolutely incredible--some of the tastiest food I've had while in NYC. Each dish was a delightful adventure for the taste buds, blending vibrant Cuban spices with the rich textures of Chinese cuisine.

The ambiance was just as impressive--stylish, cozy, and inviting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a memorable dining experience. If you're looking to try something new and unforgettable, this place is an absolute must-visit!

We came in for restaurant week and chose an appetizer and entree for the lunch special. I had the papa rellenas and ropa vieja noodles. My friend had the cuban spring rolls and the ropa vieja sandwich. Everything was delicious. We had 2 rounds of drinks the mojito and capirinha which were delicious. My friend's sandwich was cold when it came out and it was quickly resolved and we were offered complimentary tres leche cake for dessert.
We loved how the restaurant was decorated it felt like I was back in Cuba and the music was great. Our waiter was attentive and friendly. Will definitely come again to try the rest of the menu!

This was my first time having Cuban-Chinese food and the fusion works really well! My friend and I went for their Restaurant Week lunch which was $30 for an app and an entree. The Papas Rellenas was delicious. It's like a mashed potato ball with meat inside it.

For my entree, the Ropa Vieja Noodles were like lo mein with pulled pork. It was packed with veggies too. My only con would be that it was a little too oily, so I got a tummy ache later in the day, but it still tasted very good.

Service was great since the restaurant wasn't too busy in the afternoon and there is lots of space inside!

Very nice fusion food. Everything we ordered were quite tasty. One note though the size of coffee is very small soif you need a bigger boost make sure you ask for something bigger lol. The waiting time is significantly shorter than the rest of the popular places in the neighborhoods which is also very nice. Highly recommended!!

We were very excited when we saw Asian/ Cuban fusion as the description. Us all being Latin and loving Asian food, we thought this place would be perfect.
Walking in we liked the place, a fusion of both cultures in the decoration. Looking at the menu you see the same. Took us a bit to decide on what to order since all sounded interesting and delicious, but we finally did.

Started with drinks. I had their specialty Mojito, and my friends had other specialty cocktails too. Unfortunately, neither of us was able to enjoy them. It is usually good when a drink is strong, but not so much that is undrinkable. This were torture, and we all had to just push them aside. So, we started with a big fail, and ordered a bottle of sparkling water.

As for the food, this is a mixed review. 5 stars for the Asian part of the Menu and not impressed with the Cuban part of it, very sad to say.
The Papas Rellenas were lacking in size and in flavor. Disappointing.
The Duck Bao Buns were amazing and the best thing we had, hands down. We all wished we had ordered 2.
The Mushroom dumplings were delicious too.
Then came the churrasco and it all went downhill again. The Churrasco was flavorless, and the rice and beans on the side was very salty. The plantain, not ripe enough.
And to end the 3 Leches cake was as dry as a boxed cake. Who even does that? The only good thing on it was the match infused whipped cream.

Service was good and friendly and, again, the Asia part of their menu is worth it. Because of this I will round up to 3 stars but, if you go, stick with that and avoid the "Cuban" items.

Another place i have been looking to try. Sounded like an interesting combo of cuban Asian. The restaurant was a bit smaller than i thought. So you probably should make a reservation. Sat after a few minutes at the bar for happy hour. Had a cuba libre. And a dozen oysters. Ordered shiitake wontons. And shrimp wontons for appetizers. Loved both Ropa Vieja noodles for a main. Delicious. Wished they used a different style noodle. Good food. Good service. Recommend

Just came by for Restaurant Week with a whole group of friends, we had a pleasant evening and some solid food.

We came by at around 7:30 pm with a reservation, but barely needed one - mid-week dinner shift was pretty laid back, plenty of room for us.

All of us went for the Restaurant Week menu - $45 for a 3-course dinner.

For the appetizer I tried their Papas Rellenas, which were nice - but I was jealous of other people who ordered their Crispy Pork Belly with Baos, which were phenomenal.

Next came some Cuban Fried Rice and Ropa Vieja noodles for our Entree - pretty good options, no complaints.

Finally we had their chocolate lava cake, which was good - but didn't get to try their Tres Leches, which they'd run out of.

I spent a further $27 for a single cocktail and a corona, which was a bit steep. They also charge an automatic 20% tip on large groups, so in the end I spent over $70 for dinner there during Restaurant Week. A bit more than I wanted to dish out, but I'm OK with it.

Service was nice and prompt, food was decently filling, and the restaurant decor is fun.

I love this restaurant. I had previously dined at the Bryant Park location and now I am trying the Chelsea location. It did not disappoint. The ambiance is warm and inviting. The hostess and servers are friendly and helpful. It is the unique and tasty menu that is the winner. It was Sunday brunch so I started with the Guava Screwdriver and the Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls. Nice.
Switching to a Mojito (you can change drinks during the bottomless hour). My main course was spicy pork sauce over plantains with a sunny side up egg. Delicious.
My only suggestions are a larger dessert menu and a new location in the L.A. area.