Step into Calle Dao, where Cuban-Chinese fusion takes center stage in a culinary experience unlike any other. Inspired by the rich history of El Barrio Chino—the vibrant Chinatown that once thrived in Havana—Calle Dao serves up a unique blend of Cuban staples infused with Asian flavors. From the menu to the ambiance, diners are transported to a world that merges two expansive cultures. With locations in Chelsea (461 W. 23rd St), near Bryant Park (38 W. 39th St), and Greenwich Village (543 Laguardia Place), Calle Dao brings this cross-cultural homage to New Yorkers with inventive style.
Calle Dao (Chelsea Location)
Delight in Calle Dao’s menu, a flavorful adventure that includes a vast array of dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner. Diners can explore appetizers, entrées, and sides that celebrate the best of both traditions. Cold appetizers include refreshing options like the Tiger Salad, a vibrant mix of watercress, baby kale, cucumber, and crispy shallots with a sesame dressing, and a Mixed Greens Salad with Asian pear and citrus ginger dressing. For those craving heartier bites, hot appetizers like Chicken Empanadas spiced with curry mojo, Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls filled with pulled pork and mojo lime mustard, and Steamed Shrimp Wontons with citrus soy and chili oil capture the spirit of fusion dining. Main dishes include innovative creations such as Cuban Fried Rice with shrimp, pulled pork, and Spam, Ropa Vieja Noodles with slow-roasted brisket in Sichuan soy glaze, and Black Rice Seafood Paella, packed with clams, shrimp, mussels, and calamari. The menu’s sides, like Stir-Fry Cashew Cauliflower and Ma-Po Maduros, offer an excellent way to explore even more layers of fusion flavor.
Cuban-Chinese Fushion
The drink menu at Calle Dao is as dynamic and inventive as the food, with cocktails that fuse ingredients from both Cuban and Asian traditions. A special highlight is their Copalli Rum series, featuring selections like the Desiderio, a tropical mix of Copalli Cacao & Barrel Rested Rums with Coco Lopez, blue curacao, fresh pineapple, and lime juices. The Clave, a rich espresso cocktail with Copalli Cacao Rum, Licor 43, and Mr. Black Coffee Liquor, brings a burst of deep flavor, while the Bembe pairs Copalli White Rum with kiwi purée, lime, and mint. Signature cocktails like the Calle Dao Mojito add a unique twist to classics, with ginger liqueur, shiso leaves, lemongrass, and champagne. There’s something for every palate, from the tart grapefruit notes of the Opium to the sweet, frozen indulgence of the hibiscus-infused Malecon. A variety of beers, wines, pitchers, and alcohol-free mocktails round out the offerings, ensuring a perfect pairing for any dish.
Oysters
The fusion of Cuban and Chinese cultures extends beyond the kitchen to Calle Dao’s thoughtfully designed décor. Dark wood finishes bring warmth and richness, evoking Havana’s historic charm, while neon signage adds a dash of retro charm. Maps of Havana on the walls ground diners in the experience of place, while striking samurai sculptures add a unique, artistic touch that bridges these two worlds. The atmosphere at Calle Dao is lively and immersive, offering a sensory journey that goes beyond taste alone.
Tres Leche Cake
