Dominican restaurant Mi Candileja in Brooklyn
In the heart of Coney Island, just a few blocks away from the roar of the Cyclone and the salt spray of the Atlantic, Mi Candileja at 1509 Mermaid Ave stands as a warm, aromatic sanctuary of Latin American flavor. While the boardwalk is defined by hot dogs and tourists, Mi Candileja is the "Real Deal"—the neighborhood’s kitchen where the portions are massive, the coffee is strong, and the atmosphere feels like a Sunday dinner at Abuela’s house.
It is the definitive destination for those seeking the soulful, unpretentious "Sabor" that keeps the community of Coney Island running.
The "Mermaid Avenue" Soul
The Rotisserie Legend: The unmistakable scent of Pollo a la Brasa (rotisserie chicken) often spills out onto the sidewalk. Marinated in a secret blend of spices and roasted until the skin is perfectly crisp, it is widely considered the gold standard for a family meal in the area.
The "Plato Típico" Mastery: Mi Candileja is celebrated for its traditional platters. Whether it's the Bistec Encebollado (steak and onions) or their fall-off-the-bone Pernil (roasted pork), every dish is anchored by a mountain of perfectly seasoned rice and beans—the ultimate comfort for a Brooklyn winter or a long summer shift.
Liquid Energy: True to its roots, the restaurant serves as a vital morning hub. Their Café con Leche is the stuff of local legend—bold, creamy, and served with a level of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit.
A Community Living Room: This isn't a "fast food" joint; it’s a social anchor. On any given afternoon, you’ll find locals catching up over a plate of sweet maduros (plantains), creating a vibrant, bilingual energy that captures the true spirit of Brooklyn's Latin heritage.
The Flavor Foundation
"Home-cooked hearts, Brooklyn-sized plates. We bring the Caribbean sun to Mermaid Avenue."
The most interesting reviews
- I've been eating at this restaurant for over 20 years and the food is still on the money!
- Love there food the rice and black beans with grilled bbq chicken is very good
Not greasy very light and tasty
- Excellent authentic Spanish food fresh and delicious great customer service and delivery
- This is a small local shop on a main Ave in Coney Island. It has very good Spanish style food. They don’t have the newest furniture or paint on the walls, but it is clean and the people who there seem to take care of the place. The food is very good always consistent, employees are courteous and friendly.
- It's an ok place. The only Dominican restaurant in this area you will think it will go the extra mile. They need a larger secrion of ready made food ( they have enough space) Food is ok. Service is ok. Not my favorite. Pretty expensive compared to other Dominican restaurants.
- The food is good they have grits and corn beef hash. Very friendly atmosphere they're serving are big so you better have a good appetite. People should try it. Stay bless for life.
- Good food good service and very clean place.
- Tasty food but tiny portions with big dish prices.
- The food is always great here i ordered take out but it was sooo good i fed my family and they loved it!!!
- Best place for satisfy my mofongo craving. Mofongo is moist, well seasoned delicious!
- Очень вкусно, еда очень вкусная. Все время полно людей, которые заказывают еду на вынос. Нам очень понравилось
- Delicious food! Food was fantastic and the ladies there are so friendly and make you feel special. They get very busy so be patient but definitely will revisit :)
- Service super friendly and the baked chicken was so tasty, the arroz con gandules was good not the best I had but the chicken made up for it desert delicious tres leches
4.0
