Candle 79, a vegan restaurant on the Upper East Side, and it’s sister Candle Cafe restaurants, have been serving plant-based food for decades. Candle 79 has long been a New York institution for people seeking healthier, more humane, and environmentally sustainable food when choices were limited.

Sadly, its reputation didn’t match my experience. The restaurant lacks eye appeal, the service was unremarkable, and the food was good but forgettable. With so many options in the city, nothing about my experience inspired me to return unless I’m veg-starved. The Google reviews reveal a cult following, so I recommend finding out for yourself. Skip the crepe.