My Moroccan chicken was equally good and as we worked on our second bottle of Erumir, the chef came back around and, with our permission, poured himself a glass with the promised trade of two glasses of something else a little later in the meal. The mayo was a little too smoky and the bread a lot too garlicky, but other than that, the appetizers were all delicious…even the curry that Armando had seemed so unsure of. He followed that with another gratis gesture, a bruschetta topped with prosciutto, peppers and a balsamic vinegar reduction. Then came the appetizer of manchego cheese with chorizo cantimpalo, with which the chef sent out garlic bread. After we expressed some interest in his curry-based chicanery, the chef sent out a chicken curry empanada before our appetizer of crispy yucca sticks with aioli and chipotle mayo. Immediately, we were welcomed with open arms by Chef Armando, who ushered us into our seats and began regaling us with a tale of the day’s experimentation with curry. We were offered our pick of tables and chose one in the dining room, as opposed to the handful of tables that face the kitchen. Other than a regular at the place who was sitting at a table with the owner’s son, there were no other diners. Otherwise I would suggest going elsewhere.We pulled in to the parking lot about 15 minutes late for our reservation, but that wasn’t a problem. If you can stand the owner’s yelling, poor service, lousy food, lack of taste, a cheep 3 oz wine pour, or a $25 corkage charge, then this is your restaurant. The snapper tasted frozen, lacked flavor, the edges looked freezer burnt and had a plastic taste the grouper looked more like a soup than a fish dish with a sauce. Dinner was unremarkable – the 2 Moroccan Chicken dishes were spicy but were overcooked, tough and stringy. We did have to send the initial bread back due to be very head and cold – the owner did tell us he ran out of his bread and had to go to Publix (a grocery store) and buy French bread – the second batch was just as bad – cold and very oily. What a way to interrupt our dinner – all we saw him do is go by and yell at his staff…I mean YELL. Throughout the meal we counted he came by our table (always holding his own glass of wine) 17 times. The owner/chef coming to the table and yelling across the restaurant at his staff – more water, more bread etc. The appetizers’ (tapas) were ordered- they were not the best, but just ok tasting. We wanted to order more, but due to the small amount – we did not. The wine came out (the average glass was $10) with a 3 ounce pour – Yes 3 ounces.

We ordered wine – wanted to bring our own due to their limited wine list – but they charge a $25 corking charge. After being seated the server came over before we even had menus and asked us what we wanted to order for food (kind of rushed). The reservation was for a party of 4 at 7:30pm, it took them 10 minutes to find the reservation (they filed it under the first name not that last name) and kept say you do not have a reservation (was made under Open Table with a confirmation). This was our second time at Candela and will be my last. Again, do not let the outside of the restaurant discourage you! Great find and they have it together! Par excellent! We felt as if we were in a small restaurant in Barcelona. I am a local and will tell all my friends about this hidden gem. We washed it down with Cuban style café con Leche. BTW.everyone who said the bread was good, spot on! Very European like crispy and yummy! We finished our meal with desert which included flan and almond cake. The serving is generous! With black beans, rice and plantains. Prepared like a stew with rasins, and green olives, slightly spiced with paprika and red bell peppers. I had the ropa vieja which was really good. My husband had the oxtail which melted in your mouth! It was a dinner special. The ham melted in the mouth and croquettes crunchy and rich cheese. Excellent wine selection! We had a Spanish 100% cabernet.the best! Great price too. He gave us a brief explanation of the food and his background. Ignore the negative comments! Excellent service, greeted by the owner/chef. I have to say this restaurant is very good.

Candela restaurant wilton manors fl