Calle Dao Bryant Park: A Cuban-Chinese Culinary Adventure in NYC
New York is full of culinary surprises, but Calle Dao Bryant Park is a gem that brings a rare and intriguing concept to the city: Cuban-Chinese fusion. Inspired by the once-thriving Chinese community in Havana, this restaurant revives the flavors of a hybrid cuisine that’s not commonly seen, especially in the U.S. While some may recall La Caridad, a Cuban-Chinese spot that had its heyday in New York (even appearing in pop culture references like Seinfeld), Calle Dao elevates the experience with elevated dishes, creative cocktails, and a contemporary vibe.
Walking into Calle Dao, the atmosphere immediately draws you in. The bar glows warmly, a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, while the dining room offers a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for indulging in the menu’s diverse offerings.
Standout Dishes: Seafood, Surf & Turf, and Vegetarian Delights
For seafood lovers, the black rice paella ($37) is a must-try. Packed with clams, shrimp, calamari, mojo rojo, and crema, it captures the essence of both Cuban and Chinese influences. For an extra indulgent twist, add a grilled miso butter lobster (+$15) to make this dish truly decadent.
If lobster is your obsession, the lobster noodles ($39) deliver. The miso butter coats tender lobster, crispy shallots, shiitake mushrooms, peppers, onions, and Chinese broccoli, all served atop sautéed lo mein noodles—a perfect marriage of textures and flavors.
One of my personal favorites is the Cuban fried rice ($30). This surf-and-turf twist on a classic Chinese dish combines shrimp, pulled pork, Spam, maduros, onion, bell pepper, egg, and cilantro crema. Every bite offers a harmonious explosion of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that keeps you coming back for more.
Vegetarians are not left behind. Mushroom noodles ($29), featuring shiitake mushrooms, Chinese broccoli, and lo mein noodles dressed in garlic hoisin sauce, is comfort food at its finest. And for a lighter appetizer, the crispy shiitake wontons ($14) and tostones ($10) with house mojo sauce are perfect picks that showcase the fusion of Cuban and Chinese flavors.
Desserts and Drinks: Sweet and Spirited
Calle Dao’s desserts are equally compelling. The tres leches ($13) is perfectly soaked in a creamy three-milk blend, offering a sweet, satisfying conclusion to any meal.
Cocktails at Calle Dao are inventive and often change with the seasons. While the Clave ($10), made with rum and coffee, was once a personal favorite, it’s no longer on the menu. However, the Opium ($19), a striking mix of bourbon, tamarind, Ruby Red grapefruit, lemon, and poppy seeds, is a must-try for those seeking something bold and unique.
Visual Highlights of the Menu
- Bar and dining room – warm, inviting, and perfect for a sit-down meal
- Opium cocktail – vibrant, flavorful, and visually stunning
- Crispy shiitake wontons & tostones – great starters, crispy and packed with flavor
- Mushroom noodles – comforting vegetarian option
- Lobster noodles – indulgent, luxurious, and savory
- Cuban fried rice – a flavor-packed surf-and-turf twist
- Tres leches – a sweet, creamy finish to your meal
Overall Experience
Dining at Calle Dao Bryant Park is a delightful journey into a cuisine that many may not even know exists. The food is inventive, the drinks are crafted with care, and the atmosphere is both lively and sophisticated. Weekends, especially Friday nights, can be busy, so reservations are highly recommended. But even if there’s a short wait, the experience is well worth it.
Calle Dao Bryant Park
38 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
