Candelas on the Bay

If you could design a perfect restaurant experience, would you be sitting at a table with a glass of fine wine in your hand, dining on freshly prepared ceviche while enjoying the breathtaking view of the San Diego skyline? If you answered yes to that question, then Candelas on the Bay is the perfect restaurant for you. Known as the best Mexico City style cuisine in the San Diego area, it’s a must visit locale for residents and tourists alike. By day you’ll be admiring the sun warming the bay, people walking along the pier, and paddle boarders gently gliding through the water. By night you’ll be relaxed and comforted with dim lighting and gentle music while admiring the glow of the skyline lights twinkling off the ocean. It is equal parts relaxed San Diegan culture and upscale elegance, with a menu that will tantalize your taste buds.

Candelas on the Bay Ambiance

If you take the ferry to Coronado, you are in luck. Candelas on the Bay is on the closest end of the Ferry Landing Marketplace when you exit the ferry. This trendy area is filled with quaint little shops, the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home. If you are taking a car over the bridge onto Coronado Island, the restaurant is located in the shopping center on the corner of 1st Street and B Avenue. Throughout the day the restaurant transforms from a casual beachy vibe to a dimly lit romantic setting. The ambiance and excellent staff reflect an aura of fine dining, so it’s a bit of a shock when you see the prices are quite moderate.

This is one versatile restaurant that caters to parties from two to two hundred people; the dining room alone holds 150 people, and the bar can handle up to 30 people. There are also two terraces that can accommodate anywhere from 20 to 75 people, along with a private room that can hold 40 guests. The private room comes with a projector, so it’s perfect for business meetings and presentations. If you’re looking to plan a beach wedding, look no further. Candelas can cater the beach wedding of your dreams for up to 200 people with the beautiful harbor as your backdrop. It’s the perfect place for any event, or just a nice evening out with a few friends.

Candelas on the Bay Food

Candelas on the BayCandelas on the Bay is a restaurant that is committed to pleasing your palate; they demonstrate this with their creative full course menu. Start off your night with the Ahi Tuna Tower, marinated in lemon juice and soy sauce, tossed with avocado, tomatoes, onions, and a mix of spices, topped off with crunchy tortillas and a balsamic demi glaze. Then choose from one of their delicious soups or a fresh salad; their Sopa De Tortilla (tortilla soup) is some of the best in the city. Follow that up with one of their delectable pastas, seafood, vegetarian, or meat dishes like the chef’s specialty Placer Poblano; a grilled filet with tomatillo salsa and a dollop of mashed potatoes accompanied by a mozzarella stuffed jalapeno and homemade tlacoyos (fried masa cake). The dinner combinations are endless, ensuring each visit feels like the first time.

Candelas on the Bay Details

This may not be the ideal place to take children who don’t at least enjoy a good taco since the menu is quite unique and caters to the more mature palate, however Saturday and Sunday brunch might just be up their alley. With French toast, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and pastries among the many buffet options, kids will be heaven on the weekends. Brunch also caters to the adults with traditional Mexican dishes like Chilaquiles, Mexican Pozole, and bottomless mimosas. Come watch the sunset on Sundays where you can dine in and listen to the extraordinary guitarist Jorge Camberos. For those who want to shake up their weekly routine, head to Candelas on Tuesday for great taco deals, a salsa class at 7 p.m. for $10, followed by live music at 8 p.m. with a $5 cover. Maybe a paint night is just what you need; every other Wednesday you can sign up with paintnite.com for a night of delicious food and artistic expression starting at 7 p.m. For those who are in the military, make sure to bring your military I.D. for a 20% discount; Candelas appreciates your service.

Candelas on the Bay Neighborhood

Candelas on the Bay isn’t the only perk to Coronado Island, this neighborhood is bursting with fun things to do. You can do some shopping at the Ferry Island Marketplace, grab your beach towel and hit the sandy beaches for a little tanning, stroll Orange Avenue, or rent some bikes and explore the Island. Make sure you check out the historic Hotel Del, the first hotel on the Island where movie stars and celebrities used to gather for weekend getaways. You can also take a historic walking tour where you can learn about the history of some of the mansions on the island. Coronado is a laid back island rich in history, the perfect place for a day of relaxation.

Thanks to Laura for the Photo