Manny’s Bistro

We love Manny’s Bistro! An iconic neighborhood spot that brings joy to many through music and delicious food. We very much enjoyed our sole and steak dinners last weekend. Perfectly prepared and fantastic service with live music. A gem!

Delicious - I had mixed salad, followed by the sole, and then profiteroles. The fish was perfectly cooked with a very tasty Meunière sauce and perfectly cooked and crunchy green beans and baby roast potatoes. Classic French fare - great service. Wonderful neighborhood spot. Would highly recommend.

Me and my sister came to this restaurant and we were met with poor service throughout the entire process. For starters when we sat down, the server came to us and said “just so you know we don’t take Apple Pay” Then, they brought out food with hair in it and refused to take it off the bill or apologize. The manager came out and was avoidant and walked away while we were talking to him. Terrible service, and the quality of food is obviously poor.

Highly recommend the duck and escargot We asked to change the steak mignon as it was overcooked The service was attentive and opened the umbrellas right before the rain has started

I had one of the worst customer service experiences at Manny’s Bistro on Columbus Avenue. I was seated by a waiter while waiting for my father, who was just 10 minutes away. I had ordered something to drink, and instead was approached by a man who was not my waiter. My child was asleep in my arms, and I had a carriage full of bags with me. Despite this, the manager came over and told me I had to get up and wait outside in the rain until my father arrived. The restaurant was basically empty  maybe one or two other patrons inside so there was absolutely no reason for such cruel and inconsiderate treatment. Forcing a mother with a sleeping child and a stroller full of bags to stand outside in bad weather when there were plenty of available tables was beyond disrespectful. I will never return and cannot recommend this place to anyone. If you are a parent, or simply someone waiting for a guest, avoid Manny’s Bistro. There are many other restaurants nearby that treat people with the decency and kindness this one clearly lacks.

We had a great time. The waitress was friendly and attentive. The food was good; I really enjoyed the foie gras and the bavette à la Bordelaise. Definitely recommend!

I pass by this place daily and finally decided to stop in. I was intrigued by one of their specials, golden beet and apple soup. It was cold which I did not expect and it was delicious. I could have just had this for lunch. I also ordered the grilled chicken sandwich and fries and both were good, nothing spectacular but good. I wouldn’t mind returning for dinner or even breakfast. The staff were friendly and attentive. I have also seen Tony Danza singing here on occasion so it’s worth a stop, you never know.

Manny and his team are fantastic. Fun, attentive, hospitable and made us feel so welcome. The food was phenomenal, the wine list is broad and well priced. Great restaurant and can’t wait to go back.

Visited Manny's Bistro during a busy morning on UWS after the Maybelline Women's Half Marathon in Central Park but this hungry runner was seated immediately! Our waitress was courteous and efficient in giving us our drinks and throughout our stay. We were made comfortable with plenty of space (feels like a rarity in NYC restaurants). We were started with mini croissants with strawberry jam and these were honestly the hit of the meal. They were flaky and doughy at the same time - delicious and would have eaten an entire basket full! Was slightly disappointed by my frittata - was just kind of plain and thought there would have been more to it for the price. Our table also split the French toast - very well cooked and was sweet but not too sweet. A solid, underrated brunch spot. Would want to try more egg dishes to see if the frittata was a one off.

I just posted a review with only two stars. I think the restaurant deserves 4, I'm sure. My issue is with the music, which is loud in my apt.

Live the food, the atmosphere and especially Sunday afternoon with live music. The mussels are always great! Today also had onion soup and endive salad. Both great. Best place on the UWS!

Don't go there ! I used to go fairly frequently as it is in my neighorhood. My friend took me there today for my birthday. I ordered a salmon dish. It was WAY too salty. Complained and the manager said " that's the way the chef cooks it " :( Didn't want to order anything to replace it with based upon his bad attitude and rudeness. Horrible !!!!!! Shame on them........

The service was bad - the waitress brought out 3 of 4 entrees and then 10 minutes later asked if she should check on the 4th. Also, all other tables got bread, and ours did not. The food was fair too. I may have high standards for French food, as I have maintained a French residence for nearly 20 years, but the magre was not well prepared. The fatty side should be seared and crisp. It was not crisp. The sauce was nontraditional blackcurrant - but was well suited. The watermelon salad special was only fair.

Nice cozy ambiance, albeit not a weekend. Service was solid and attentive. Food was good...we had muscles which were tasty but tiny. Duck tacos were good but nothing special. Good fresh, Caesar salad. OK tuna tartare. Nicely prepared trout almandine. All was quite good but a wee bit pricey.

I've been a frequent visitor here for a few years, and I can't believe it took me this long to write them a glowing review! I love it so much I've spent a few new years here and it's the spot I come to for a relaxed visit when someone is visiting the UWS. It's that versatile, that lovely. Every item I've ordered is delish from the coq a vin to moules to steak a poivre-- you can't miss. Tonight my dad was in town and running late. Naomi poured me a delightful paper plane at there petite bar while I waited. I haven't ordered yet today, but I already know I'll be pleased!

A Disappointment All Around - We Won't Be Returning We were repeat customers, but this last visit sealed the deal -- we're done. The owner was downright rude and dismissive, which left everyone in our party shocked and insulted. It's one thing to have an off day, but to treat loyal customers with such disregard is unacceptable. They've clearly shrunk the portion sizes since our last visit. Two of us ordered Diet Coke with ice on the side because in the past, they've filled the glass mostly with ice and just a splash of soda. Well, this time they served us about 4.5 ounces of soda -- in a half-filled glass -- and a separate cup of ice. When we politely said something, they added maybe another half ounce. It felt petty, like they were measuring it out with an eyedropper. The food? Mediocre at best. Not worth the prices or the attitude. And the service was just as underwhelming. The waiter ignored our empty water glasses, and when finally asked, filled only one -- despite the rest of us sitting there clearly parched. Unwelcoming, stingy, and indifferent. There are too many good restaurants in this city to waste time or money here. Total turn-off.

This place is discriminatory - first, management claims that pet strollers are a fire hazard and that they need to be folded up, which, in turn, means that handicap people or children are not permitted (and btw, there was also only 1 couple in the entire restaurant at the time). Second, my dog is a registered service dog and flies everywhere with me, yet this restaurant wouldn't allow him indoors - which is illegal. (and you're concerned about the fire marshall?). Finally, it was 86° outside and probably the same temperature inside. That said, they at least had hand sanitizer upon entering restaurant, which is the only positive feature I can list.

Terrible restaurant. The owner/host is the worst person. He yelled and cursed at potential customers after making them wait an extremely long time. Has zero customer service skills or people skills, favors his regulars and zero regard for anyone else's time or reservation. He was cursing right next to our table for half our meal. Sat other guests in the rain and didn't care. So appalling, inappropriate, and rude, what an arrogant establishment. Not worth the wait or the trip.

Felt like this was very overpriced for what you get. A glass of wine being $18 and it was not even halfway filled. Everything is just overpriced mediocre food sorry. Also host guy wasn't the kindest and service was very slow. Kind of had higher expectations for this place in the area but don't like it wouldn't come back

We went to Manny's Bistro on Sunday late afternoon for apéro. And they have amazing live music, the musicians were talented and to our surprise Tony Danza was in that restaurant and decided to sing with the band. Unfortunately the service was very slow. We ordered the Escargot and Brie Sur Toast. We were waiting forever for the bread to eat with the escargot, until the escargot became cold and we almost finished eating it. The Brie Sur Toast was ok. Overall the Bistro was expensive, the service was slow but we loved the live music.

If you're looking for a place that is Classic French on the upper west, look no further. The food and decor takes you to a small dark cafe in Paris, and for a moment your can pretend your somewhere else. The bread is a classic French loaf, hard and crunchy in the outside soft on the inside, served with soft salty butter and a chicken liver patet. The clams, with white wine and garlic sauce, were delicious. A perfect sized appetizer. The duck was the highlight, truly. Tender and melting in your mouth. The hanger stake was also delicious, with a perfectly salted red wine and shallot sauce. Both classics, done well. Will definitely go back to try the crème brûlée!

Was slightly nervous given the mixed bag of reviews but our first experience dining with Manny's Bistro turned out to be a pleasant one. I called ahead and was told it was okay to walk in without a reservation. Interior is a classic bistro. Our party was dressed for a day in Central Park but no one batted an eye. Our server was William and it's because of him that we had a five star experience. He was attentive, gracious, and patient with my young kids. He knew the menu and ingredients well. My oldest child has a lot of food allergies. Her favorite food is duck so she had the duck breast. She wound up feeling off after eating a few bites of the duck and decided to stop eating. I gave her some allergy medicine and began monitoring her closely. I brought this up with William. He apologized profusely and said the dish had none of her allergens. I believe that there wasn't an allergen ingredient because of the way she reacted mildly. It seems as if something contaminated with an allergen touched her food, perhaps a contaminated utensil or pot. I appreciate the way William handled everything. He insisted on taking the dish off of our bill and took away the duck immediately. She's been mocked and stared at by staff at other restaurants in the past when she had a reaction so the way William treated her with so much dignity was heartwarming. The foie gras appetizer was delicious and perfect. My next favorite dish would actually be my daughter's duck breast. It was cooked so well and the flavor was great. The rest fell under solid, standard French fare.

Terrible place. My friend and I went for appetizers at 4 pm on a Sunday. The owner was rude and unwelcoming as was the waitress. He told us to sit at an empty table, which we did . When we finally saw a waitress she said we could not sit there unless we ordered a main dish. My friend would have ordered a salad but I was not hungry. We were told we could not sit there, so we went to another restaurant nearby that was great. Awful, rude service. Don't waste your time or money.

The food and service are solid so it's a great place 7 days a week but if nothing else, you need to come on Sunday between 5 and 8pm for the outdoor jazz show with dance performances. Such a great atmosphere on the sidewalk. The whole neighborhood comes out to cheer and watch. Evan really took good care of us.

Manny's Bistro is one of the best places that you can go for a casual or fancy dinner. The menu is fantastic especially with the French onion soup, duck, and key lime pie. Everything about the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. - Clement

Walked by one day during late summer and they had a band outside. It was about 345pm and we asked to sit and have an appetizer. There were about ten tables open outside. The head server (some blonde lady) said we could only sit if we ordered drinks and dinner. Basically refused us- it was so weird ! What an odd business practice. I understand if every table was full but there were like ten open

The food quality is 5 star here, very well cooked and the sauces were outstanding which is key for good French restaurants. We really enjoyed the salmon and Brussel sprouts, and the filet mignon with cheese potato. This was a 4 star experience though because we ordered takeout and when we got there the older waitress at the bar was really rude and insisted we didn't place an order when I offered to show her my phone. She claimed she couldn't check the computer and made us wait for the manager who then was nice but said we had to wait 40 more min for our food. It's also pretty expensive, though the food is good.

Perfect neighborhood bistro Delicious onion soup and beef bourgeon that still makes my mouth water

This was a truly terrible experience. I've been before and while the steak frittes is good for dinner, lunch was atrocious. The service was rude, and the food entirely passable. What gives it 1 star vs 2.5 is that there were hidden fees. I ordered the tuna Niçoise salad and, because I'm pregnant, asked what I could substitute for tuna and was told shrimp. We were later surprised with a $14 surcharge (on a $24 salad)! The 4 shrimp were also overcooked. When we asked about it, we were met with further rudeness. Please skip - too many other good restaurants on the UWS to waste your time here.

This was our first time here. We dropped in for dinner and without a reservation and they took fitted us in. The food was delicious! We had escargot and the carrot ginger soup. Oth were very tasty. The ginger flavor in the soup was subtle and a wonderful addition. The escargot was excellent and the French bread with its juices was perfect. My wife had the seafood pasta special, which she thoroughly enjoyed. It was not a heavy dish. The different seafood blended well. I had the lamb special, which came with a wonderful lamb sauce came with a light mashed potatoes and green beans. I highly recommend it. The lamb was juicy and tender. The key lime pie is a must, fluffy and floating on air. You have to try it. Mark, our waiter, was attentive and knowledgeable. The decor was nice, evoking France. It was a bit noisy but I only noticed it at the end, as we were getting to leave. We will return

After Tavern on the Green, H and I decided to find dinner in the relative wilds (to us, both denizens of the UES) of the Upper West Side. We ended up at Manny's Bistro, and had both a lovely experience and a wonderful dinner! We were greeting by a charming host, seated in the outside enclosure, and Caesar took great care of us all through dinner. Manny's is a traditional French bistro that does the staples very well. We had soupe à l'oignon to start, escargot, and then steak frites. The French onion soup was very, very good! Plenty of deliciously browned, gooey, yummy Gruyère cheese. The escargot were garlicky, buttery, and perfect. The bread was crusty and served with both French butter and pâte. The steak (medium rare) was perfectly cooked and seasoned, if a bit gristly. I was surprised by the gristle. The frites were REALLY good. Crispy and flavorful. We did not have room for dessert, but wish that we had.

We chose Manny's for a quick pitstop lunch on our urban hike. Two perfect Croque Monsieur's for the boys and some spinach and mushrooms for me. Simple but effective. A massive heap of mushrooms PERFECTLY COOKED, and this is all I am going to say, sliced evenly and gently sauteed with a hint of garlic. This trip was 10 days in New York, we spent a fortune everywhere on food and bev. These shrooms made it into my top 3 items of the tour. I kept wanting to go back for more and I still do. The spinach alongside it was a good marriage. A glass of white wine and it was mushroom heaven. The service was first class, I just wish I could have had the night time ambiance of a small dark candlelit cafe so my shrooms and I and the spinach could have loved up even more.

Don't get the mussels for $27 could only have 5 it was so gritty and smelly. Told them & still charged me for it.

Maybe three stars for food, 1-2 stars for service. Considered making a reservation here for dinner, but each time I looked at the times available, there were many options so I didn't think it was needed. Come 6:30, my husband and I walked down the street to the restaurant and saw at least two empty two top tables outside. We were told by the host/manager? that they were only seating people with reservations. I asked really? In disbelief considering there were so many time slots still available for reservations and visibly empty tables. He arrogantly said, "Really. It's Saturday night." I looked online and sure enough, a time slot for 6:45 was available so I took it. We walked right back and they sat us. The Host claimed there was a cancellation. Doubtful as the other table was never seated while we were there. And many other tables opened up outside. I'm sure there were empty tables inside as well. Had the Steak Tartare as our appetizer. It was decent, nothing that separated it from your average. It came with a little bit of greens and two crostinis. Ordered the Halibut special with mixed veggies on the side. Husband ordered the Trout Almandine. Both fish were over cooked. The Halibut special was definitely not worth the 50+ price. It was over cooked and bordered on too dry. The mushrooms that were part of the mixed veggies were good. The aioli that accompanied the halibut was more of an oil, not a thick sauce. The "aioli" was flavorful though. As we sat and ate, saw a party of three stop by the outdoor menu stand and decide they'd try this place, "if we can get a table." They stood on the sidewalk and made contact with a waiter that sat them at a table outside. There were now several empty tables. They apparently didn't need a reservation to be seated. In conclusion, with the very mediocre food and terrible service from the older host/manager (not sure who he was), definitely will not be going back and def do not recommend this place. There are too many places to try in NYC, including the packed restaurants next door to this one.

Will return. Between the recitals at Juilliard we stopped here for a quick dinner. Despite of their computer or network is down, and couple of items are not available, I find this bistro charming, with good service and food. Hot bread , soft butter ; French fries are crispy ~ Clams ~ Escargot Handwritten bill Bathroom is downstairs La Chevaliere's Chardonnay (2020) is yummy, better than its Pinot Noir (2019).

I live across the street. Appreciate that the patrons and performers find delight and maybe reassurance to gather for the same songs every Sunday. I know it's about the singer, not his voice. But I live nearby and I have actually cried. It should be an intimate experience not entering through my closed windows, for hours. To me it is relentless. Every Sunday my family's home environment is assaulted. Please be a good and respectful neighbor--and appreciated. Please lower the volume! You all are right next to each other. Bye, bye happiness...I think I'm going to die." Many thanks to any efforts to that end.

Stopped into this nice cafe. We found a table in the streetside enclosure, careful to watch for traffic in the busy adjacent bike lane. Table cloths adorned and real napkins, although we were there for brunch. I enjoyed a Croque Monsiuer, and my wife had eggs Florentine. Our server also brought us crispy browned small croissants that were warm along with delicious strawberry preserves. He even made it a point to bring us a side of fries, after some indecision as to whether I should have potatoes or salad. I had both, and they were perfect. The fries were crispy with a slight coating. Service was first rate.

This is a neighborhood gem! Manny himself is typically always at the door greeting you and feeling like you're right at home. I had moved to the area about a year ago and this has been a constant staple that is always consistent. On a nice sunny day, you may also get a live band outside which brings you to a European vibe. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu but my favorites are the escargot, clams and the burger! I do have a gluten allergy, but everyone I bring here RAVES about the key lime pie, don't forget to leave room for it :) Thank you Manny & team.

This is a casual bistro and a  neighborhood gem. I love that the meal starts with warm, crusty bread, liver pate, and butter. It's been that way for years. I hope they never change that. Our server was competent, pleasant, upbeat, and not overbearing. They did everything right - kept our waters full, changed plates and silverware btw courses, even split our appetizer salad in the kitchen without a fuss. The special watermelon salad was fresh and refreshing. The goat cheese was excellent, not too goaty. We always get either the roast chicken or duck. They've made some changes to the chicken. It's now a half cut into quarters.  Still delicious with plenty of vegetables or French fries. The gravy is now more of a lemon sauce. I'm not sure if that's a change just for the summer. I preferred it when they served the richer traditional gravy. This evening, we also ordered the trout. It was moist with crunchy almonds.

I have been coming here for a number of years with my family. Tonight, I dined solo. The staff and service were excellent. The food, for the first time was not up to their usual standards. I ordered a frisee salad, as well as a filet mignon special and two glasses of wine. The salad did not look fresh, and tasted awful. The filet was a bit over cooked. The potato gratin that accompanied it looked like something that had just been thawed from a freezer and put under a broiler. The first glass of wine ( a special of the evening) was underwhelming but cost much more than the wines on the menu. I ordered my second glass from the menu, and it was better. I usually love this place, but after tonight I would be hesitant to return. Hopefully, just an off night.

Neighborhood French bistro. Service can be spotty at times. Expensive for what it is Steak freight is good. Mussels were good. Good selection of wines by the glass as well as by the bar Restaurant is situated and surrounded by other Columbus Avenue restaurants Popular spot.

Delicious food and excellent service in a cozy bistro. I had a perfect filet mignon au poivre with potatoes au gratin and sautéed spinach with a glass of St Emillion. Exactly what I wanted! Looking forward to the next time.

These guys are horrible neighbors, blasting their tuneless boomer Sinatra covers through a residential neighborhood every weekend. Food is equally boring and obnoxious. Not surprised to hear other reviewers say the service is bad and the owner is rude. Their character comes out in every aspect of their business.

Not the best food; not the worst. But really "meh." Decor is very outdated. Owner is highly annoying and talks incessantly about himself. There are much better spots in the neighborhood. MOVE ON!

I recently visited Manny's Bistro and had a disappointing experience with the owner and staff. Unfortunately, they were very rude when I didn't order an extensive amount of food. Instead of providing a welcoming atmosphere, there was discrimination, and the owner's response was far from hospitable. Comments like, "You come here to my busy restaurant and order just a soup; we are not going to pay attention to you," left a sour taste. It's disheartening to see such behavior in a neighborhood restaurant. Hospitality should be a priority, and my encounter at Manny's Bistro fell short of that expectation. Apparently there are tons of reviews about them being rude . If they don't mend their ways I'm sure they ll shut like many other restaurants . Racist staff and owner

Saturday lunch here and only their brunch menu but we were impressed by the authentic French bistro choices and vibe. Space classic but looked like new - clean and sharp. Frisée salad was excellent, the baguettes perfect, croque monsieur had excellent ham and made cheesy and gooey great with a touch of nutmeg in the melted Gruyère. Chicken sandwich with Brie and caramelized onions fantastic as were the solid martinis. Service professional and friendly - and French. Looking forward to proper dinner here soon. Not too far from Lincoln Center. Definitely recommended.

The food was incredible. Our waiter was wonderful along with his support staff. Manny was wonderful with his recommendations on both food and wine. This is a must for the UWS. Go and enjoy!!!

Lunch service lagged. Food was mediocre. Chose a classic ham and cheese crepe that I thought foolproof. Nope. It was so overcooked, you needed a knife to cut through the scorched crepe and hardened gruyere. The ham was salty sandwich ham cut up in little squares. The side was lettuce leaves with dressing, period. Coffee was bitter and reheated. Maybe it's a neighborhood fave with folks whose understanding of French bistro was formed 40 or 50 years ago, but there are too many other good choices on the UWS these days.

Visited on a night lamb chops were on the menu. Yum, yum, yummehhhhhh!!! We ordered tuna tartare for our appetizer, lamb chops & halibut for main courses, and crème brûlée & sorbet for dessert. We were stuffed!! Food is so delicious!! Friendly waitstaff, and I must say there's something special about the owner of an establishment checking in with every table to see how things are. It's the little things that make all the difference in the world :)

I'm writing a review because my wife and I love this place- as do all the friends and business associates we take there. Post pandemic under the ownership of the amazing Manny the food and reputation of this classic French bistro have only gotten even better. So many items on the menu are excellent- my favorite is the duck breast. Their bread is wonderfully crunchy. The service is terrific, the atmosphere is fun, this is definitely a GO TO Upper West Side restaurant. I only hope we can continue to make reservations as it become even more popular!

Please for the love of god hire a new singer on Sunday the one u have makes me want to drive an ice pick through my ears and then kill myself.

I have been eating French food for decades in restaurants in NYC and elsewhere the U.S. and in France. My mother, who lived in France before I was born, cooked great French food. I was hoping this place would have very good French food. I was/am disappointed. Plus I didn't care for the narrow space. Probably won't go back.

If you care about the many details in life, having authentic experiences, and dining in a true French Bistro, make a reservation now to dine at Manny's. The owner is on site happily seating his guests, and has a phenomenal staff to support his vision. He acquired the restaurant when the previous owners passed it on to him, after he managed it for many decades. Abad our waiter was kind, attentive, and a true professional. He told us he has worked there for over 20 years. Another waiter has been there for 30! That alone is a sign that Manny deeply cares about his staff, and is grateful for everyone who comes to dine there. Obviously no one is taken for granted. That is what makes this hidden gem so incredibly special. The food is phenomenal from A-Z. The setting is simple classic French, and the menu is textbook French, with everything cooked to perfection. This is our go-to place when we visit NY and always look forward to another great meal at Manny's. So make a reservation now, you will not be disappointed!!!

Manny's was a great spot to enjoy some dinner with family. We sat outside and enjoyed some fun live music. All of the food was really good. We ordered the trout, sole, steak and chicken. It definitely exceeding my expectations. The fish was cooked wonderfully and the flavors were amazing. Even the green beans and fingerling potatoes were tasty. It all tasted great paired with a French red wine. For dessert we had some mouse and profiteroles. The service was great and I would recommend this spot.

Don't use Seamless if you're ordering from Manny's. The only dish that appealed to me tonight was Penne Vodka with Green Peas. Order came on time, no peas. Called the manager and he said that menu was out of date. Have had some good meals at Manny's, but for $32 plain vodka pasta without peas is a rip-off. Best to call and confirm whatever menu you're looking at is current. No more Manny's for me.

French fries were 10/10; was a nice day, so we took advantage of the outdoor patio seating

A good friend suggested Manny's when we were in NYC the 1st week of June and we were not disappointed! The 4 of us went for lunch and selected the hanger steak, the crepe poulet, the trout almondine, and the burger, and all of us were pleased. The service was excellent and Manny is so very hospitable. For dessert, we shared the creme brulee, the sorbet, and the chocolate cake and finished with coffee/cappuccino. We also got to check out some of the excellent photography adorning the walls from Frank Stewart, the photographer for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for 30 years. We look forward to going again on our next visit - this time for Sunday brunch and live jazz!