Manuela

Spent Valentines Day here and the set menu was a hit!!! The vibe in the restaurant immediately seems cool and hip in my opinion. Playing oldies and goldies I grew up on. The gnocchi was a stand out favorite for me! But I have to say as simple as it may be I typically am not crazy about biscuits or every go out of my way to order them, but the biscuit starter with butter so perfectly melty, sweet and delicious it was by far the best biscuit I've ever had and I'm from the south. Excellent dinner. Beautiful restaurant.

Truly a great experience. This was my second time at Manuela and even better than the first. Service was above and beyond, they brought us an appetizer on the house. We never had to look for our waitress, she came by frequently to check on us (impressive on a Friday night). Everything we had was delicious and pacing was great - the crudo, the chicken, the duck, and the squash, the salads- not a single miss. Very accommodating with dietary restrictions. Definitely a place I’ll keep coming back to, perfect with a group of 4-6.

Not gonna lie: Even though I'd done my research, I still half-expected Gene Wilder to start singing about pure imagination when I walked into Manuela and saw the gorgeous rainbow mushroom chandelier. It felt like I had stepped into a candy wonderland designed by ex-EDC ravers. But it wasn't a world of sweets, it was just Manuela being a colorful Art Basel of a restaurant. Fortunately, the five-star visuals of this beautiful new outpost from LA are matched by the five-star flavors of their (albeit pricey) farm-to-table, locavorian dishes. - Cream biscuits with country ham and butter: Rich, buttery and flakey to the point of embarrassment (wear a bib if you're clumsy). The fact that they arrived piping hot only added to the delicious decadence. - Atlantic tuna carpaccio with pickled chanterelles, salsa verde and mint: I adore all things crudo and carpaccio, but this might be the first time I've had such a dish with PICKLED mushrooms. It was divine, and I was left wondering why no other chef has thought to do this. - Dry aged beef tartare with Calabrian chilli, garlic aioli and toast: At first glance, this looked like a plainer tartare than recent ones I've had, but there's something comforting about a back-to-basics approach that lets the naturally rich flavor of the beef shine on its own. The light touch of chili was just right for a bit of flavor enhancement, and the buttery toast was perfect to sop up remnants. - Heirloom tomatoes with sungolds, garlic chives and thyme vinaigrette: As a diehard tomato lover, I've not come across an heirloom tomato salad I didn't like, but Manuela's has to be one of my favorites in recent years. Not mentioned on the menu is that the tomatoes like on a bed of sumptuous, freshly made, basil paste, which just makes them taste even better. - Pan-seared Maine halibut with summer squash and bouillabaisse: Halibut is one of the harder fish to sear just right, in my experience, but the team here did it perfectly. The bouillabaisse sauce was perfectly seafood-y without being too briny, while the paper-thin slices of squash were crunchy satisfaction. My only quibble is that the halibut and sauce were lukewarm, while the squash was piping hot. - Romano and yellow bean panzanella: Threw this in because I can't resist a crunchy long bean dish. The beans were perfectly julienned, and the dressing was tart without being overwhelming--a rare feat, in my experience - Fig bakewell with creme fraiche: We decided to spend our remaining calories on this scrumptious tart, and I have no regrets. It had a moist, caky texture with tons of fresh figs, and the crust was buttery perfection. For libations, we opted for the gingery and zesty RX Spritz, as well as the green juice perfection of Doctors Orders. If you're torn on which to choose, go for Doctors Orders--you'd have to be born without a tongue not to like this. And yes, prices are steep, on par with most upscale Manhattan restaurants that are nice enough to impress your i-banker Tinder date on your 6-month anniversary. However, for once, I'm not griping about the dent in my wallet because I actually felt the near-perfect quality of each dish justified the cost. At the very least, I'm already planning my return visit to Manuela, and I can't remember the last time a ~$100-dinner had me doing that.

Manuela in Soho is already my new go-to spot in the city. From the moment you walk in, you realize this is more than just a restaurant. It is a living, breathing art gallery. The walls are lined with gorgeous pieces, and at the heart of it all is the incredible sculpture above the bar. A twisting, colorful installation that feels like a whimsical tree brought to life. The entire space is curated with the same care they put into the menu. The food is absolutely stunning. Every dish looks like a work of art, and the flavors are as fresh and vibrant as they come. It is true farm-to-table done right, with ingredients that taste like they were chosen at their peak. The open kitchen adds another layer of charm, giving you a front row seat to the skill and energy that goes into each plate. The cocktails are excellent, with creative flavors that are perfectly balanced and a pleasure to sip. The wine list shows real expertise, with each selection chosen to complement the food and elevate the experience. The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic, which makes the whole evening feel welcoming and special. Manuela has that perfect balance of buzzing energy and relaxed comfort. Whether you are here for a date night, catching up with friends, or simply treating yourself, you will leave feeling like you have had a memorable experience, not just a meal. If you are in downtown NYC, Manuela is a must.

I had an amazing time dining at Manuela! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. The food was absolutely delicious, every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Molly's service was just as impressive. She’s friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. It’s rare to find a place that nails both the food and the service, but this one does it perfectly.

Dinner at Manuela was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by an atmosphere that blends art, warmth, and sophistication. The space feels like a curated gallery. Every dish is plated with precision, almost too beautiful to eat, yet bursting with flavor. Ingredients are clearly fresh and carefully sourced, and you can taste the thought and skill in every bite. Watching the chefs work in the open kitchen adds another layer to the dining experience, making you feel part of the creative process. Cocktails are creative and perfectly balanced, while the wine list is thoughtfully chosen, with each bottle feeling like a discovery. The staff are knowledgeable and genuinely passionate, offering recommendations that elevate the entire meal. Their warmth and attentiveness make you feel instantly welcome. The energy in the room is lively but never overwhelming, striking that perfect balance between special-occasion dining and a place you want to linger in. This is the kind of restaurant where you lose track of time, savoring every moment. Perfect for a romantic night out, a celebration, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.

Manuela is a hidden gem in SoHo! This beautiful restaurant is curated by a gallery and features stunning paintings and sculptures. The design choices make the space even more special. Now, let’s talk about the food: it's excellent—well-served, light, well-seasoned, and fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal! I’m so glad I discovered this place, and I highly recommend that everyone give it a try!

Food is amazing. I’ve had everything on the menu. Get the steak and the chicken for an entree. The fluke crudo and country biscuits to die for. Service is amazing too!!! Everyone from hostess to managers and waiters made me feel at home. I’ve been twice now and will be back. Chef Devan is also my fave !!!