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Candela Cucina is an upscale Italian restaurant from Servedwell Hospitality in the historic Candleworks building. Candela Cucina is not just another Italian American restaurant, Candela is an authentic Italian restaurant. Candela’s menu ranges from classic Italian dishes to innovative contemporary creations, crafted with the finest ingredients.
This new concept from Servedwell Hospitality is in partnership with Peter Biondi. Peter has opened other Servedwell concepts and has worked at several NYC Michelin-starred restaurants.The menu is crafted and overseen by Chef Josh Riazi. Josh has been overseeing all of Servedwell’s culinary development and operations since 2018. Josh has worked in several James Beard Award winning Italian restaurants, including Washington, DC’s Maestro at the Ritz Carlton and most notably, Providence’s Al Forno Restaurant. Josh is assisted by Chef Joe Melo, a Servedwell alum, who will oversee daily culinary operations at Candela.
Candela Cucina is designed to be Servedwell’s “finest” concept, where every detail has been carefully considered. The staff, meticulously selected and highly trained. The ingredients, the very best available. The bar is well-stocked with Italian apéritifs, digestifs and an extensive selection of Italian wine. Our large yet cozy bar area is complemented by two intimate dining rooms and a yet-to-be-built covered patio with a bar. The interior was thoughtfully curated, including a stunning landscape mural in the “sunroom” painted by local artist Kat Knutsen, as well as two other works by Kat, a beautiful “realist” painting by Allison Borges and several works by renowned artist Meg Roberts, now living in Italy.
Candela Cucina occupies the historic Candleworks Building, the last standing Candleworks building in America. The name Candela Cucina, “candle kitchen”, is in honor of the historic building the restaurant occupies. The Candleworks building is a landmark where the finest candles in the world were made from sperm whales for over 85 years. These candles burned the brightest and lasted the longest. Built in 1805, the building is constructed with 2-foot thick fieldstones and heavy timbers sourced from the local forest, creating the perfect environment for Candela Cucina.