Calle Dao

Asian fusion restaurant · Chelsea

Calle Dao

Asian fusion restaurant · Chelsea

2

461 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011

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Highlights

Asian-Cuban fusion with craft cocktails & tropical decor  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

461 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011 Get directions

calledao.com
@calledaonyc

$30–50 · Menu

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461 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011 Get directions

+1 212 414 4104
calledao.com
@calledaonyc
𝕏
@CalleDaoNYC

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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New NYC Restaurant Openings, March 2025 - Eater NY

"A new Mexican restaurant from chef Henry Zamora offering carnitas tacos and enchilada verdes." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://ny.eater.com/2025/3/6/24375036/nyc-new-restaurant-openings-march-2025
View Postcard for Calle Dao Chelsea
@infatuation

Calle Dao - Review - Chelsea - New York - The Infatuation

"Calle Dao was probably cool when it opened in 2014. In the wake of the viral ramen burger trend, their Cuban spring rolls, which arrive at your table atop an artfully strange swoop of yellow mustard, must have stolen the hearts of food bloggers everywhere. Nowadays, this slightly too quiet fusion Cuban Chinese spot in Chelsea (with two more Manhattan locations) feels tired. Nothing you order will be bad, and some things, like a picanha steak with chimichurri, will be perfectly juicy. But unlike the side-by-side approach of older Chino Latino spots, most of the things you’ll eat here seem unnecessarily jammed together. If you find yourself in the Chelsea area with a coworker, a $9 Happy Hour margarita next to an areca palm tree will hit the spot. But once the clock strikes 7pm, go elsewhere for dinner." - Willa Moore

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/calle-dao
View Postcard for Calle Dao Chelsea

Cindy W

Google
The dishes here were a bit hit or miss. The appetizers were tasty; however, it's not hard to not execute spring rolls and wontons well. The cocktails were decent, and I would recommend the Ahumada. Now, onto the main course. I was eagerly looking forward to the ropa vieja noodles, as ropa vieja is a Cuban national dish, but I found it disappointing because the meat was too dry. On the other hand, my partner enjoyed the pork belly stir-fry, and others at the table liked the flank steak. The service was good, and we appreciated that they didn’t rush us out since we were the last ones there.

Diane Branco

Google
I chose this place because of the online pics, proximity to Chelsea piers and some reviews. Our steaks were cold. It felt they were super understaffed since it took a long time to get served. Our drinks took forever to come. The restaurant decor was nice.

Ana C

Google
Went to Calle Dao (Chelsea location) for a late dinner with friends. It Cuban-Asian fusion food. The drinks were pretty amazing. Mango Mojito was great. Papas Rellenas is a small but heavy appetizer. Garlic Shrimp was tasty and had a nice kick to it. Our servers were friendly and informative and were able to recommend food and drinks to everyone's liking. The vibe is pretty chill. Definitely recommend! Great place for foodies who are into trying new things but aren't too adventurous yet.

George Espinal

Google
We made reservations after the rude individual on the phone encouraged us to do so. Upon arrival this restaurant was absolutely empty and the reservation was not required for a 8pm indoor dinner. We arrived and was seated next to what appeared a staffers family member or friend because all she did was complain about the portion size of the food. The decor is beautiful, bathrooms are tiny and the service needs improvement. Took us 15 minutes to get a drink refill, 25 minutes to get water refill and us getting up from our seats to get the servers attention to get our check. We caught him huddled around his coworkers gossiping. Food was good but nothing to die for. The lechón dish would be best served with rice and black beans with a side of salad. The rice mix as seen in the photo was pretty good. The four stars were awarded because of food quality, pricing, decor and overall dining experience. A full five stars was not awarded because the server was extremely inattentive.

Christine Lee

Google
So so so good! Everything was amazing. The fried rice was a huge portion so definitely get your money’s worth. The empanadas was amazing with and without the cilantro sauce. Cilantro sauce was super fresh. I have no complaints! Would return! 10/10

Eric San José

Google
Imagine you’re in Cuba 🇨🇺 and you want to eat in a Chinese Restaurant. That’s exactly this place. Rice and beans. Plantains. Ropa Vieja Lo Mein. All tastes great. Latin music 🎶 playing all the time. Nice staff. Moderately clean facilities. Manhattan prices so bring your credit cards 💳. Great for date night. We will definitely be going back.

Azi Amiri

Google
Alright it was really greasy food but we enjoyed it. We were a group of 4 and we ordered Goat Neck, Pig ears!, Cuban roll, noodle, empanadas, and yellow rice with chicken. They all were pretty good.

Aurora Fowlkes

Google
This spot will take you straight to the El-bario Chino right here in NYC. Can’t wait to go back for the *bottomless* brunch! Delicious & flavorful! Wanted several things off the menu & our server kept our glasses full. Food: Each dish is infused with Cuban and Chinese flare. Must-order apps: My friend and I ordered the Ma-Po Maduros (omg mouth watering thinking of it. Just get it. That’s it), the Cuban sandwich springs rolls (hands down best app on the menu! Unique & tasty take on the classic Cuban sandwich - Flakey & flavorful w/a zesty sauce), and the Crispy shiitake wontons (these were okay, needed more flavor for the veggie). For entrees we ordered the Cuban eggs Benedict (cooked nicely & tasty) & the steak and eggs (a classic brunch edition but the chimichurri sauce on the steak was amazing!). Drinks: Choose the boozy bottomless brunch. Only $29 with your classics (mojito, mimosa, margarita, sangria etc.. ) & also other drinks with a twist like a twist (guava screwdriver). Never disappoints, constantly refilled (getting your moneys worth for sure). Atmosphere: Adorned with Cuban/Chinese centric decor. BUT Venue is very very small, narrow and was super short staffed BUT our server did his best and was very professional! Only a few tables for large parties. They make do with the space they have. Overall - GO! Can’t speak for lunch or dinner but the brunch has me sold.
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Carol C.

Yelp
Came here for my mom's birthday and we were seated once our entire party arrived. The decor gave me a very retro Chinese feel because of the dimmed low red lights, pictures on the walls and leather booths. Our hostess was very nice and gave us a rundown of what was offered since it was our first time. She suggested we get the Cuban spring rolls to start and highly recommended we try the Ropa Vieja noodles which has an 8hr slow roasted brisket and is tossed in a spicy soy glaze. We got those, but what caught my parents eyes was the seafood paella! So we got that too along with the Cuban fried rice(it comes with some VERY BIG shrimps! 3 dishes of hearty carbs and we were still hungry for more! We added a crispy pork and BUILD-A-BAO with duck to end the night! The crispy pork is reminiscent of the crispy fire pork from a local Asian restaurant, but has notes of Cuban spices and the grilled pineapple cubes atop the pork really adds a depth of caramelized sweetness that balanced out the saltiness and spice of the dish. I highly recommended getting the seafood paella, ropa vieja noodles and the crispy pork!!We were very much stuffed and oh so happy! We didn't even eat the birthday cake for dessert because we were still dreaming of all the savory dishes at Calle Dao!!
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Dee B.

Yelp
Booked on Resy since it was my birthday and restaurant week. My son recommended it because he went to the Bryant park location. So to start the drinks were strong and worth it for $10. I had 3 Caipirinha's definitely on point. I opted for the restaurant week dinner menu. My starter was the Papa RELLENAS which was actually good the meat was seasoned well inside. Then my entree was the lobster noodles which initially they said they didn't have and the next batch would be a long time. That's why I took off a star because why have something on the menu to say you ran out smh. Anyways the waitress came back and said she had good news they have it. Yippee I was happy. It was tasty but a lil too spicy but flavorful. Then I had the tres leches which they put a candle since it was my birthday so that was nice. Overall it was a good experience I would come back for happy hour and tapas but next time I will go to the Bryant park location tbh. The waitress was very sweet though
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Jason L.

Yelp
This one is a winner. I was staying at the Equinox and attending a conference at Javits so it's just far enough out of the way on a frigid day that it doesn't get flooded when the day ends. 100% worth the ride. Started with the Crispy Pork Belly and Duck Build-a-Bao. The pork belly was amazing, full stop. The Duck was really good, but I didn't actually read the menu closely enough to see "Leg" and since I was with someone else, we found it a bit awkward to be tearing meat off the same piece. I ordered the Ropa Vienna Noodles as an entree and was very happy. Flavor was great and the portion size was large enough that I struggled to finish it (but I did). The guy I was with ordered the Lobster Noodles and his only complaint was that he didn't understand how it was Cuban, which was followed up with me saying "dude, island..." Overall, it was a great experience. The waiter was super helpful throughout the evening and the decor was on point. I'd definitely come back next time I'm in the area.
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Meri L.

Yelp
Wow! My boyfriend and our family found this place while on a walk in the area. Nothing we've ever seen before! Chinese and Cuban fusion?? And let me tell you, they do it right! When we arrived we were advised of a 15 minute wait. Not bad at all. We ended up getting seated in less than 10 minutes. We were brought to a cozy booth towards the back. After a quick view of the menu we wanted everything! Everything sounded so good. For appetizers we decided on steamed shrimp wontons and papas rellenas. Both were so delicious! Lots of flavors that made the tongue happy. For entrees we had lobster noodles, Cuban fried rice and ropa vieja noodles. We all shared and had bites of everything. Everything was absolutely delicious! My favorite was the Cuban fried rice! It was popping with flavors! The lobster noodles had a very generous amount of lobster. Service was great too! We would absolutely return. 5+ stars!
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Jillene W.

Yelp
A friend and I saw this fusion restaurant and knew we had to make the trip over the river! It's not too far from the 23rd st path station and it's the perfect place for a dinner with friends or a date. We were able to catch the happy hour which features deals on the drinks, not so much the apps as most of them are the same price as the regular menu. Our server was kind and was very attentive even though she was serving multiple tables! We ordered the margarita and sangria. I enjoyed the sangria and not so much the margarita. We also ordered the crispy pork belly, Cuban sandwiches spring rolls, and Yucca fries. The Yucca fries were my favorite! They came with awesome sauces! For our main course we ordered the Cuban fried rice and the Ropa Vieja noodles... Hands down the Cuban fried rice was the winner! Sooooooooooooo good! The noodles for me seemed overcooked. Lastly we ordered the tres leches... if you know me... you know this is my FAVORITE dessert. This however came out dry LOL like where are the tres leches?! I had to ask our server to bring some milk for it lol and she brought milk.. not sweet milk. Anyway, would I go back? YES, absolutely. I just know what to get and what to pass on! Cheers!
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Cindy W.

Yelp
The dishes here were a bit hit or miss. The appetizers were tasty; however, it's not hard to not execute spring rolls and wontons well. The cocktails were decent, and I would recommend the Ahumada. Now, onto the main course. I was eagerly looking forward to the ropa vieja noodles, as ropa vieja is a Cuban national dish, but I found it disappointing because the meat was too dry. On the other hand, my partner enjoyed the pork belly stir-fry, and others at the table liked the flank steak. The service was good, and we appreciated that they didn't rush us out since we were the last ones there.
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Chin T.

Yelp
We celebrated two birthdays with a group of 5 on a weekend. The staffs were friendly. We made a reservation. Ordered Cuban Fried Rice, Crispy Pork Belly, Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Mojo, Chorizo & Garbanzo Hash, and Crispy Wings. I recommend the Chorizo & Garbanzo Hash which was delicious when mixing all the contents together. The Crispy Pork Belly was a disappointment, mostly fatty. Pair the pork belly with with rice. The grilled shrimp came in two skewers of three shrimps on top of the cucumber and lime to use to squeeze. There were 5 Crispy Wings with cilantro. Since we had a party of 5 a 20% gratitude was automatically applied. Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambience: 4/5
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Ashly D.

Yelp
Love love love this place!!! We came here for date night during restaurant week and the food, music, ambiance and service was amazing. 10/10 for sure!! Love the cuisine mix and everything was delicious. Totally recommend!
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Heather C.

Yelp
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!
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Austin L.

Yelp
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!
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Greshka P.

Yelp
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.
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Karen L.

Yelp
We went on a Wednesday around 6pm and there were lots of tables available! The interior is very beautiful and the aesthetic was a cool fusion of Cuban x Chinese. Since it was still happy hour, we ordered the lechon on tostones and were not disappointed. The waiter also recommended the Cuban sandwich spring rolls and that was delicious too! Additionally, we got the crispy pig's ears which was my favorite appetizer out of all of them -- crispy and so flavorful. The yucca fries were the biggest disappointment. They were hard and not flavorful, as if they weren't fried long enough or seasoned enough. We also got the black rice seafood paella which was small but packed full of flavor and seafood! The ropa vieja noodles were good, but the portion size was too small. Both of them were over $30 which was a bit pricey.
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Lauren S.

Yelp
I came here on a quiet Monday in need of a quick bite before a concert. Service was prompt and friendly. I ordered the "opium" cocktail, which was good but at $18 felt a little too simple -- none of the notes of grapefruit or tamarind were noticeable. They notified us that they were out of noodle dishes so I abandoned my plan to order the mushroom noodles and opted for the chicken and rice instead. I cannot put into words how perfect this meal was. My friend even said that the chicken looked like it was straight out of a cartoon, sliced meticulously with crispy skin that nearly glimmered. The flavors were simple and perfect and I devoured the whole thing. I think this dish may be my ideal comfort food. I'd love to try this place for happy hour, although I'd love to see some chicken/veg items on their happy hour food menu.
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Jeremy B.

Yelp
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.
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Dana S.

Yelp
We came here for Sunday brunch. It wasn't busy, but it wasn't empty either. The staff was very attentive. We dug the music. The vibe in the place? Pretty cool. We enjoyed all the food. Except for one meal. Hubby had the duck with the bao buns. He said the duck tasted flat. Our only complaint . We would be back and he would drive something else.
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Ash B.

Yelp
A really cool fusion eatery! I enjoyed the interior design of the restaurant, I can tell there was a lot of thought and intention in combining both Chinese and Cuban cultures. The standout from the meal was the Calle Dao Mojito. It was strong, sweet, and refreshing at the same time. In terms of food, the crispy shiitake wontons and the stir fried cashew cauliflower were my favorite. As a vegetarian, I do feel that their veggie entree options are decent, but could be better. The tofu stir fry was bland. I didn't try the other entree. The tres leches cake was yummy -- I just wish the cake was more drenched. The cake appeared to be served on top of the milk instead. All in all, I would come back for drinks.
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Warren L.

Yelp
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
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Marci D.

Yelp
Food, service, ambiance are all amazing. The duck baos I think about often and they keep me coming back.
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Martha K.

Yelp
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
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Dumond A.

Yelp
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.
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Scott C.

Yelp
What a perfect night out. The food was unique and spectacular. The staff was attentive. The drinks were amazing. And the place had a cool vibe. The chicken and rice was great. The Cuban fried rice was amazing. 100% will go back!
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Lisa Z.

Yelp
I don't understand why there's such a high rating of this restaurant. We came during happy hour and had some oysters, they were refreshing and didn't have a gamey flavor. This is a Chinese and Cuban fusion restaurant so I expected dishes to have a mix of flavors but it seemed most of their offerings were either or. We got the fried rice as it was the most fusion option they had but for $28 there was only 3 pieces of shrimp barley any pork and it was mostly rice, plantains, and spam all very cheap ingredients. Nothing was wrong with the taste but I could easily make this dish at home. Service and interior were meh. I would not return, highly disappointing.
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JiHae L.

Yelp
I didn't realize the last time I came to this calle dao was in 2018. I decided to order different items off the menu. Something gave me a bad pain in my stomach. It didn't feel good at all. For the table, we ordered the pork spring rolls, ropa vieja, flat iron steak, and ma-po maduros. I did like the ropa vieja and flat iron steak.
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Wonder L.

Yelp
The food was good, authentic cuban / chinese cuisine. The service was very polite and timely and the ambiance was very authentic to cuban culture with cuban music playing in the background allowing people to dance.
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Donika J.

Yelp
We came here after a comedy show and lucked up when we found out it was also Latin restaurant week. I've never been to this location but the lobster noodles is just as delicious as the Bryant park location. I had the shrimp wontons and the lobster noodles. My date had papas relenas and the steak with rice and beans. Our meal was delicious but could have been warmer. We had delicious mocktails, we had a slight inconvenience with our steak being overcook but the manager took care of it with no questions asked. As always, I highly recommend. It was quiet for a Saturday night, much more calm than the Bryant park location.
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Kendrick B.

Yelp
I had higher expectations. If not for the thoughtful decor and ambiance, I'd give it 3x stars. Service staff were nice and attentive. Food was basic. I had higher expectations for a Spanish-Asian fusion restaurant. Instead of dishes of either culture inspired by the other, it was more of menu of either or. And even then, the flavors were basic. If you're just looking for a place to eat, it passes. If you're looking for dishes that explore flavor, it's not here.
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Eric Z.

Yelp
A unique twist on two cuisines! Needless to say, I love both cuisines expressed here at Calle Dao Chelsea. Also needless to say, I was a bit timid going into the experience. Luckily, I walked out with a greater appreciation for what the staff and chefs have done here. The interior is comfy and filled with apt decor that reminds guests of their unique intersection. We ordered a variety of items, but the standout was the Mapo Maduros. I never though one could combine these two dishes but it was done. We were treated to a truly unique experience that left us craving more. The only let down was the Crispy Duck Baos. Certainly too little duck meat for the whole dish at that price. I'd go to a proper Chinese restaurant for better. Otherwise, a must-visit if you're a fan of either cuisines!
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Lisa W.

Yelp
The many reviews caught our attention, Chinese and Cuban fusion... never had it before and we were excited because coming from California to visit NYC, it's all about the fusion! We came with a party of 6 and ordered almost everything off the menu. We caught happy hour, For appetizers we ordered: chicken empanada, Cuban sandwich spring rolls, grilled shrimp with garlic mojo, oysters, lechon on tostones. As a group we agreed that we enjoyed apps much more than their entrees. The lechon on tostones were probably the highlight of dinner. Everything else were mostly "Cuban" flavors. Now for the disappointing dinner, the entrees were pretty bad. The mix of flavors were awkward and didn't go well together. Starting with the black rice paella. The black rice didn't absorb any of the seafood broth, it was hard and dry; it was just rice and seafood. Didn't taste anything like a paella or what ever Chinese dish they were trying to blend with. Another bad dish was the chimichurri steak, omg, that steak had a weird fishy taste to it. We all agreed that it tasted off. Like maybe it's a bad piece of old meat. The Cuban fried rice was ok, nothing amazing. The ropa vieja noodles were probably the one thing that had a better taste, which more Cuban and we thought it was good. The "best" entree was the cashew cauliflower, sad I know but it was better than any of the entrees. We left pretty disappointed. And I felt embarrassed because I forced my group to eat this bc I saw the high Yelp reviews. It definitely was a miss for us that night. At least the cocktails were good! Strong sangrias and excellent espresso martinis.
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Tiffany R.

Yelp
We went to the Chelsea location. The food was okay. I think I expected a bit more for this type of fusion in terms of flavors and the price. Went for a birthday dinner and it was opening time so it was quiet. The service was great and so was the music.
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Karen G.

Yelp
Very cool place with delicious options! My friends and I came to Calle Dao for brunch on a Saturday after being intrigued by their Cuban-Chinese cuisine. We were able to get seated right away, which is a huge plus during the weekend brunch rush. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls, Chorizo and Garbanzo Hash, Ropa Vieja Cheese Steak, and Ma-Po Maduros. The spring rolls were delicious with the mustard sauce. It was crispy on the outside and the pork filling was tender and so good. The hash is a good option for those who don't want to be too adventurous with their order as it tastes very similar to a classic breakfast hash. However, the flavor was amazing and the two eggs were cooked perfectly for a good egg yolk pop. The ratio of all of the elements balanced each other well and I was not overwhelmed by any of them. My friends ordered the two entrees and I had a small bite of each. The sandwich was also delicious, with tender brisket and a crispy yet pillowy bread. The Ma-Po Maduros were a wonderful surprise! We were all a bit skeptical of the combination but the sweet plantains with mapo sauce works really well. The dish was slightly sweet, very savory and smoky. Our server was really friendly and attentive. The decor inside the restaurant was also done very well. The lighting gave the restaurant a warm hue and had some vintage posters hanging around. The one thing I did wish they had was established mocktail and non alcoholic drink options. They have a selection of sodas and the option for the bar to make anything non alcoholic for you but no set drinks. I would definitely come back to try some more options next time around.
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Nicole N.

Yelp
Cute Cuban Chinese restaurant serving solid dishes! Stopped by for an early dinner on a weekend. Loved the Havana tropical vibes mixed with vintage/retro Chinese restaurant decor! Started off with raw oysters that were pretty fresh. Would recommend the Crispy pig ears as appetizers as the batter was crispy and the cartilage itself was crunchy. Loved the Chinese five spice and classic salt and pepper seasoning on the outside. The papa rellenas were croquette balls filled with cuban beef picadillo. Felt the potato to meat ratio was a little high and thus wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. For mains, I really enjoyed the black rice seafood paella. We got it with the miso lobster add on! It had a generous serving of seafood including squid, shrimp, clams, and mussels. The shrimp were super juicy and loved the chinese sausage laap cheong pieces for a fusion twist. Didn't really taste the miso flavors but the lobster meat was still well-seasoned, albeit on the drier side and smaller pieces. The plantain crisp added some texture contrast to the rice and meats. The ropa vieja noodles had very tender and juice shredded meat amongst classic chinese stir fry noodles. Enjoyed the mushrooms and veggies it came with, as well as the familiar oyster sauce flavors. For drinks, the margs were a little too salty for me but the sangria was tasty which a nice prominent orange flavor! Again, I very much enjoyed the ambience and vintage decor from both cultures. Restaurant was spacious and looked good for both big and small parties.
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Keia H.

Yelp
I'm no new customer at Calle Dao Chelsea, however I hadn't been to this location in a few years. Stopped by yesterday for a quick lunch with a friend. We arrived just after 2:15... a bit of an odd time on a Friday because it was after the lunch rush and before happy hours. Calle Dao is such a cute location, lit up like a corner of Havana. We ordered shrimp steamed dumplings, sesame ginger wings, chicken empanadas, and yuca fries all from the appetizer list. Everything came out hot and fresh. If you'd like a bite of Cuba with a twist of Chinese flare... visit Calle Dao!
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Nicolas L.

Yelp
The food was pretty good. Nothing that blew me away but solid. The service was very mediocre. They kept water coming but, aside from that, it felt really distant and impersonal. The waiters seemed like they didn't want to be there. The atmosphere is really great! Really cool decor. Overall was really disappointed. Wish I liked it more because the dishes sound so interesting.
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Christina R.

Yelp
This is a very hip Cuban/ Asian fusion spot. Great for brunch with bottomless cocktails ($) with purchase of any entree. We came on a Sunday afternoon around 12pm. We had reservations and the place wasn't packed. It's right across from one entrance (middle) of the high line which can take you all the way to the vessel. We ordered the chicken empanada app (2 pieces) and it was delicious with a curry spice but a bit pricy. We also ordered the fried rice entree and the steak and eggs. Eggs were cooked perfectly (sunny side up) on both entrees. The steak was tender and the portion with the yuca fries, makes it very filling. The rice was also great with the chorizo. A touch spicy but not overwhelming. Overall, it was a nice brunch spot and the crowd surrounding us seemed to all have the bottomless drinks. Maybe next time. We had kids with us.
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
Wonderful, tropical ambience. A cute place for friends, family, a date etc. We had the the crispy duck bao buns and then the ropa vieja noodles. The duck was extremely crispy- which was delicious. A little on the dry side alone but, if consumed with the creamy sauce and bun- it was great. We ordered the noodles and that was great. Very nice fusion of the Cuban and Asian spices, great use of veggies, delicious broth with good flavor. Really enjoy that dish
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Laura W.

Yelp
We visited a few days ago on Sunday evening, a party of 6. Luckily there was no wait and we were seated quickly. The hostess was very kind and asked if we had a preference for high chair placement. We were not offered menus but noticed card holders with QR codes on them to access the menu online. I enjoyed the Max Ver as did my sister-in-law. My brother tried the Opium and said it was good. We had shrimp wontons for an appetizer but we ate them so quickly, I don't think I got a photo lol. They were really flavorful and had a tiny kick. If you like spicy food you'll like them. If you don't, you might like them too, my son did. Everyone really seemed to enjoy their main entrees and it was nice that there's a variety of foods to choose from. The evening ended with my nephews high chair breaking . One minute he was in the chair and the next he was on the floor. Thankfully he didn't get hurt but it was a bit of a damper on the evening. When we were in the restaurant we realized that our last visit here was almost 5 years ago to the date! I don't think we'll wait that long to go back, but we'll definitely skip the high chair next time.
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Danny B.

Yelp
I thought it would be better based on the positive reviews. The oysters were okay, not the best but definitely not the worst and they could've been cleaned slightly better (had tiny pieces of broken shell in one). For my entree, I ordered the crispy pork belly. I wouldn't recommend, the pork belly was overcooked/dry, so I only ate half. The sweet potato purée was the best part of the dish. I do highly recommend the garlic bok choy as a dish. My friend ordered the mushroom noodles. She said it was good. Drinks were solid and service was okay. Overall, I would rate my experience 3/5 with unlikely to return.
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May W.

Yelp
we had a reservation for four people at 6 PM. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 but you can sit at a table and still get the happy hour discount. The ambiance is pretty mixed with Chinese and Cuban fusion. My favorite is picanha steak.
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Alden K.

Yelp
The Cuban sandwich spring rolls are a first for me. They were great and worth trying. I wouldn't order it again, but I'm really glad I had it once. They serve it with a nice smear of mustard. I had the brunch CHORIZO & GARBANZO HASH($18). It was tasty. The chorizo was not one that I've ever had served to me in a Cuban place. My wife is Cuban and just brought back some tasty chorizo from Miami. However the chorizo served here was more reminiscent of one that might be found in South America. Tasty, but not as good in my opinion. The dish had more sweet potato than chorizo or garbanzo. But it worked. It's not like the chorizo and garbanzos that is difficult to find, but some Cubans do still make. This is a completely different dish, I enjoyed it, but wouldn't order it again. I didn't detect as much of a Chinese influence as the ropa vieja. My wife ordered the ropa vieja with noodles. The meat was delicious, generous, and unique. The noodles are thick and tasty. This dish is probably worth ordering again. But I don't think it's normally available for brunch. Dulce de leche souffle was good and worth trying. It was a good portion. It was sweet but wasn't overwhelming sweet. It was different, unique, and worth trying. All in all, I don't think I'll return. I didn't get the flavor explosion that I do in some of my Miami spots. But I feel it was different, with a nice Chinese touch, and is a place worth trying if you are in NYC. sk
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J. Lawrence N.

Yelp
Calle Dao is cute. It's a quaint little gem, hidden a little from the bustle of Chelsea, which makes it a nice find. Food is good, albeit different than other restaurants with its unique array of culinary delights. Oysters were delish, which is always a plus for me. It's not a place to go if you're looking for bland or ordinary, which is another part of its allure. Service was great and attentive. Great date night spot for sure.e
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Uyen N.

Yelp
We come here for restaurant week and the food is okay. I don't think I would come back and pay normal price. The mustard sauce for spring roll is actually better than I thought: I normally don't like mustard, but this one is not strong at all. The rice with fish is a little spicy, which I didn't expect. The chicken with rice is probably the best dish.
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Jen H.

Yelp
Located just a short walk away from the entrance to The High LIne and other points of interest in the redeveloped part of Chelsea, Calle Dao pays homage to the heyday of Havana's Chinatown (El Barrio Chino) in both decor and menu items, creating a unique and memorable casual dining experience. I went here with a group of colleagues, and we highly enjoyed it. It's a little on the noisy side, and the Latin music made us want to get up and dance, but it enhanced what was already becoming a fun evening. Not only do they serve excellent cocktails and mocktails, but their appetizers are superb. Permit me to suggest beginning your happy hour with the crispy shitake wontons served with a chile lime soy reduction and spicy aioli as well as the chicken empanadas with cilantro crema. The chimichurri flank steak I had for dinner was also quite good. The service was attentive and tried to accommodate everyone's needs. Calle Dao also has two other Manhattan locations: one in Bryant Park and another downtown. I highly recommend this unique experience wherever you are in the City.
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Morlene C.

Yelp
The history of Chinese migration is so widespread that it spans many continents, and Chinese immigration to Cuba in the late 1800s resulted in its own cuisine. I knew about this far reaching diaspora but was not familiar with any particular dishes before my visit to this restaurant. Apparently NYC used to be rife with Chinese-Cuban restaurants, with about 50 known eateries during the height of its popularity. You could find lechon asado with a side of shrimp fried rice and an egg roll on many such menus, and dining at one of these restaurants and talking to wait staff who are Cuban-Chinese could educate you on the history of Chinese immigration through Latin America, which was my biggest and fruitful takeaway from eating at Calle Dao. I have yet to visit Cuba, but the interior of this restaurant makes me want to go. The black and white checkered floor tiles, tropical greenery, arched doorways, ornate metal gates, and red and yellow walls gave off a decidedly Cuban air but with a bit of Asian influence, much like the menu. We enjoyed yucca fries, steamed shrimp wontons, Cuban sandwich spring rolls, black rice seafood paella, mushroom and broccoli, Cuban fried rice, and the tiger salad. Everything was pretty tasty, but some dishes were a bit light on flavor. My favorite was probably the tiger salad. Our drinks were a bit too sweet for me but they were strong and well made. Our server was fantastic and made sure we were taken cared of even while dining in the outdoor shed. I'd gladly return to try more of their menu and to have something a bit different outside my typical rotation of cuisines.
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Michelle G.

Yelp
Food was just okay - like definitely good example of mediocre fusion where it feels like they just wanted to put flavors together but didn't really hit. Especially at this price point, the food was a little too mediocre to be worth it (I don't mind paying if it'll be Good) and it was interesting but not interesting enough. The spot is super cute though, decor is really fun, and the service is great. 3 stars purely on food which in my opinion is the most important thing at a restaurant.
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Ivy T.

Yelp
Cute decor and spacious. Food is Cuban Asian fusion. We ordered a bunch of entrées to share family style. Service was decent. The food itself was a little over salted and seasoned for our palates and we were very thirsty afterwards. Our favorite was probably the Cuban fried rice, the noodles were also very tasty but too salty.
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Abby M.

Yelp
Prime example of why yelp saves me. Walking the Highline on a Sunday. Starting to get hungry, pulled up yelp, found a close by spot with great reviews. Slam dunk. I've never heard of a Cuban, Asian fusion restaurant. I'm here for it. Like I said, we didn't plan to come here, but so happy we did. They had bottomless, mimosas, and an excellent brunch menu. The food was delicious and the prices were exceptionally great. Highly recommend this restaurant if you're in New York City. Especially walking the Highline getting hungry. What I liked a lot was the interior design and flair. So unique. If I was an entrepreneur with tons of money. I would try to open up exactly this in Kansas City. It is so unique and nothing like I've seen before.
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Donesha T.

Yelp
Calle dao is always one of my favorite brunch choices. I originally booked for Bryant park and the rest of my party ended up at this location. Menus are the same. This location is larger. Bottomless time has been cut down to an hour, which is very frustrating. They put a timer on your table. But servers do monitor and are very attentive and friendly. Many drink options for brunch. Food: eat everything. I especially enjoyed the CHORIZO & GARBANZO HASH With Sweet Potatoes, Peppers, and Charred Onions, topped with Eggs and Spicy Aioli. I added steak to it. Very filling and flavorful. All of the appetizers are good! I love the crispy shiitake wontons and steamed shrimp wontons. You can't go wrong with anything in this menu. BUT, this was not a good Caipirinha.
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Stephen V.

Yelp
I come by whenever I can when I'm in town for vacation visiting family as I currently live in S.C. but seeing this place grow from a fruit stand to their own store is amazing. Love it here, fruit is always fresh and delicious. Friendly staff. Great place!
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Stephanie T.

Yelp
I came here for restaurant week and it was great! Book a reservation in advance because it was packed on Friday. The restaurant week menu was full of options and portions were not small in comparison to other restaurants. I would definitely get the shiitake wontons again. The lobster noodles were a little salty for my taste. The lobster tasted fresh, I wasn't a fan of the breading on top. The soufflé was not a soufflé, it was just tres leches cake which was tasted better than the molten lava cake. The drink options looked a little boring so I stuck with beer. Despite those little issues, I would visit again. Chinese-Cuban food is a great and unexpected fusion.