Anacleto B.
Yelp
I have had this place on my radar for years! I saw pictures of the view online. It seemed to have all of the best elements for an elevated (Literal & Figurative) restaurant. Unfortunately, it's sometimes hard to corral all of the members of the friend-group. Since I couldn't "assemble The Avengers." I reserved Manhatta for a solo visit.
I was called in to the Manhattan HQ of my employer on a Tuesday. As the day was ending I was poking around my map of flags, looking for a rooftop. I figured I would skip rush hour, have dinner and then drive back after the "rat race" had cleared up. Manhatta popped up, with reservation space so I booked it, then booked it downtown from 34th St. I'm so glad I did!
I went with the four course option. Surprisingly, the waiter said that some people feel like that's too much food. I thought the portions were perfect and I went all the way through to dessert. My choices were as follows, Hamachi Crudo, Spanish Octopus, and Sea Bass. My dessert choice was their signature Toasted Rice Millefeuille with Koshikari Rice Cream and hazelnut caramel. The courses all "hit" on every level (Taste, presentation, color, smell etc.) In between they also provided some extra small bites as well as pallet-cleansers.
While I marveled at the view... and the food... I also had some wine (Sauvignon Blanc), but they also had this cocktail called "The Coconut Exchange" (If I recall correctly), and that bad boy stole the show for me! I would've ordered two but rush hour driving was looming. Cocktail lovers, try that first!
Meanwhile, THE SERVICE, very very good. They were attentive but not obtrusive. Everyone seemed genuinely kind. When I say, "everyone," I mean Everyone, including hosts, Maitre'Ds, waiters, waitresses etc. I'm not sure why this place doesn't have a Michelin Star. My Manhatta experience rivaled that of other Michelin-rated restaurants I've been to around NYC, maybe even the world.
Speaking of service, before I leave, I want to give a big shoutout to the curly-haired, blonde, petite waitress, Nina (?). We had a few short mini-conversations about the cocktails, the view and even her travels to South Korea. Her calm demeanor and kindness punctuated the service for me. Go ahead and promote her! If anyone asks why, tell them that one of the representatives of one of the biggest labor unions in the country said so, haha!
Bottom Line: Make the trip to visit, but this place is so good, you might want to reserve it for a special celebration or anniversary. (One of my friends from college said he proposed to his wife there and now it all makes sense). ;-)