La Manuela Restaurante Parilla Bar

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!

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.

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 !!!

Rachel Curry

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.

Anna A

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.

Loren Garcia

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.

Adrien Ferrand

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.

Julian DeVincentis

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 !!!

Christian X

Manuela is always a good time. The menu changes pretty regularly so there’s always something new to love. This time around, the winter tomatoes were the star of our meal. Fresh, layered, and just tasted amazing.

Luana Paiva

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!

Josephine Lee

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.

Catherine Case

Dinner at Manuela in Soho was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The moment you walk in, you are surrounded by art. The space doubles as a gallery, and the showstopper is the wild, colorful sculpture that spreads over the bar like a magical tree. It sets the tone for the whole night. The menu is pure beauty. Every plate looks like it could be framed, and the flavors are just as impressive. Everything is fresh and vibrant, clearly made with care and sourced from the best ingredients. Watching the chefs in the open kitchen only adds to the experience. Drinks are a highlight. The cocktails are inventive and balanced, and the wine list feels handpicked with real thought behind each bottle. The staff knows their stuff and makes great recommendations. They are friendly, attentive, and seem genuinely happy you are there, which makes you feel right at home. The energy is upbeat without being overwhelming, and the space feels both special and comfortable. Manuela is the kind of place you want to linger in, soaking it all in. This is the spot to bring someone you want to impress or to celebrate something worth remembering

Natalie Schmidt

Had to come back because of their squash pasta, the food is just wonderful. Love the vibe too, beautiful Art on every wall. The service was amazing too, very patient with me asking lots of questions and helpful with choosing something that I’m going to like. Will come back. (and then again)

Dalisha P

Where do I begin? I know for my friends and I we had a ball. I am confused as to what people are complaining about LOL. This place is not only gorgeous but the service and food are great as well. In the heart of soho, we decided to have dinner here Monday night. It was easy to set a reservation. We were greeted warmly , our server for the night was Cory. Cory was awesome, he was very helpful when it came to breaking down the items on the menu. First things first the biscuits delivered straight from heaven!!! Order them ! So warm, soft, and flakey. It comes with butter and a side of prosciutto if you want. I want them right now as I speak! Next we ordered the shaved fennel salad , my friends enjoyed it. A bit too bitter for me. Next were the oysters, those were so very good! Easy to eat and tasted marvelous!!!That citrus mignonette on point! Now for the mains, we went with the swordfish, bass, and chicken with a side of broccolini. Let's just say the swordfish was my favorite and that is not what I ordered lol. All of the dishes were very good and well crafted. They tasted as good as they looked. We ordered a great bottle of orange wine to go with our mains the perfect pair. Because we were stuffed we passed on dessert, but we will be back for sure! My only request is to not give tickets for doggy bags , we had such a good time we forgot to get our doggy bags. Bring the bag to the table so we do not forget our good food! I was devastated when I got home and remembered lol. All good we had a great time !!! Ohhhh and the playlist was superb!!!! so please go and enjoy this beautiful establishment!!!!!

Liviya David

I sat at the bar for a casual dinner. Get those biscuits!!! I had that with a glass of wine and the side salad because I wasn’t too hungry. The service was great and attentive and the space is beautiful with so much art. Highly recommend for folks looking for a lovely dinner in the area.

Anthony DeSanto

Quite stunning on the inside. I guess the owner of Hauser and Wirth (art gallery) owns this place? it’s filled with beautiful fine art and furnishings, tons of natural light and a fabulous bathroom downstairs. Really big inside as well. We came for lunch - had the crudités and Cherry tomato salad to start. Simple, fresh and light. Cocktails were juicy and fresh, I got the TLC. Burger was perfectly cooked, but rather messy and I wish there were an option to get frites on the side instead of the lettuce it comes with, since we already started the meal with a vegetable. Overall, everything was quality, simple, and well prepared but nothing really to write home about. They were able to accommodate some food allergies at our table as well, which was greatly appreciated. Best part was honestly not feeling rushed by the staff. I came here with a group and it was nice to really catch up with each other without feeling like we need to leave. Great place for larger groups and nice lunch dates.

Sydney Shope

This restaurant has wonderful food and drinks with an open kitchen concept the gives it a warm vibe. While surrounded by interesting art on the walls to the tables to the chairs you are sitting on, everything is well thought through. Our waiter was attentive and gave us good advice. Our favorites by far were the biscuits starter and chicken main! Definitely hope to be back!

Darliana Gómez

Wow, what an incredible dining experience! I recently had the pleasure of visiting Manuela, and was blown away by the creativity and flavors of the gourmet dishes. Every bite was a delight, from the fresh ingredients to the expertly crafted Jamaican tea and matcha-infused tea. The sweet potatoes and biscuits were the unsung heroes of the night - absolutely divine! But the pièce de résistance was the dessert, paired with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream that was simply sublime. The service was top-notch, attentive, and friendly. I'll definitely be back for another culinary adventure! If you're a foodie looking for a unique and delicious experience, look no further. Five stars isn't enough - this place deserves a standing ovation!"

Isaiah Flores

I walked into this restaurant with wide eye, and I was not disappointed. The atmosphere when I walked in had my friends and I gobsmacked. From the amazing staff, to the ambiance, to the incredible drink selection, and of course to the food, we were not disappointed. Chef Devan has such a way of meticulously preparing every bite of food with love and passion. THAT is why I eat out. He is truly such an incredible talent and obviously such an important part of the restaurant. Lastly, Molly was such a joy as a server. She was so kind and so eager to help us with whatever we needed (which was not much considering we were stuffing our face with food). She is so good at her job and if it’s not for Devan and his amazing food, we will be coming back just to be helped by Molly. Incredible job Manuela!

Very cool interior decor, especially with all the art. Biscuits are a must order, and I really enjoyed the mushrooms on toast. Fluke crudo was okay at best. Good selection of drinks here as well.

Rovik Robert

Very cool interior decor, especially with all the art. Biscuits are a must order, and I really enjoyed the mushrooms on toast. Fluke crudo was okay at best. Good selection of drinks here as well.

Unfortunately, the experience did not fully live up to our expectations. I had noted in our reservation that we were celebrating birthdays, and also mentioned this to the host upon arrival. However, this information never made it to our server. The food was mixed overall. My friend sent her dish back as the duck was undercooked and to tough to eat when brought back out. The scallops with salsa verde lacked flavor. The standout dish at our table was the half chicken, which was excellent and we were told had just returned to the menu. When it came to ordering dessert we ordered the cookie dough fondant. I laughed when the waiter brought it and asked where were the candles and he said no one told him. He did make up for it and brought a complimentary dessert with two candles. The restaurant itself is quite impressive, with a grand atmosphere and a variety of seating options suitable for both large groups and more intimate dining experiences.

Carin Rudich

Unfortunately, the experience did not fully live up to our expectations. I had noted in our reservation that we were celebrating birthdays, and also mentioned this to the host upon arrival. However, this information never made it to our server. The food was mixed overall. My friend sent her dish back as the duck was undercooked and to tough to eat when brought back out. The scallops with salsa verde lacked flavor. The standout dish at our table was the half chicken, which was excellent and we were told had just returned to the menu. When it came to ordering dessert we ordered the cookie dough fondant. I laughed when the waiter brought it and asked where were the candles and he said no one told him. He did make up for it and brought a complimentary dessert with two candles. The restaurant itself is quite impressive, with a grand atmosphere and a variety of seating options suitable for both large groups and more intimate dining experiences.

Lovely place for a date night with my husband. We booked a 5:30pm pre-theater reservation and noted the special occasion online, however it was never acknowledged. We arrived 10 minutes early and mentioned we would be wanting to order from the happy hour menu, which seemed to frustrate the manager ordering 4 minutes before the end of happy hour as she made a comment and I reminded her we still had time. We felt rushed ordering our drinks and ended up taking her recommendation of unfortunately too sweet wine after specifying no sweet wine. The food, however, was excellent, especially the vegetarian dishes! I ordered from the regular (non happy hour) menu; the beets, and squash dish, delicious! Service felt oddly passive-aggressive at moments from our server and the manager; including comments about sharing plates like the burger from the happy hour menu and getting asked if we wanted to split the check at the end. If someone wants to split the check the clients will let you know… Despite the customer-service missteps, the dishes were outstanding and I’m glad to have fresh local food options in SoHo. Perhaps next time ill just order take out at Manuela’s. Compliments to the chef and kitchen! Front of house: there is room for improvements.

This Friday, on the 21st. First, I ordered a burger. It came out cold and did not taste good. I asked for ketchup three times, but they never brought it. Then I ordered oysters. They came with no sauce and no lemon. I asked for sauce, they said they would bring it, but they never did. While I was still eating, the manager (wearing a yellow sweater) came over and tried to take the oysters away even though I was only halfway done. I had to tell him, “Please leave it, I’m not finished,” and then he put the plate back. After that, I ordered a cocktail. The drink tasted really bad. The bartender agreed to make me a new one and he poured the first drink into the sink, but he never brought me the replacement. Then the same manager came back and kept telling me I had “had enough drinks,” even though I was sober and never even got a proper drink. He refused to remove the cocktail from the bill even though I didn’t drink it and it was supposed to be replaced. The bathroom was also very dirty, and it is one shared bathroom for both men and women. Overall, the food was cold, the service was poor, the bathroom was dirty, and the manager’s behavior was rude and unprofessional.

Selena Çevik

This Friday, on the 21st. First, I ordered a burger. It came out cold and did not taste good. I asked for ketchup three times, but they never brought it. Then I ordered oysters. They came with no sauce and no lemon. I asked for sauce, they said they would bring it, but they never did. While I was still eating, the manager (wearing a yellow sweater) came over and tried to take the oysters away even though I was only halfway done. I had to tell him, “Please leave it, I’m not finished,” and then he put the plate back. After that, I ordered a cocktail. The drink tasted really bad. The bartender agreed to make me a new one and he poured the first drink into the sink, but he never brought me the replacement. Then the same manager came back and kept telling me I had “had enough drinks,” even though I was sober and never even got a proper drink. He refused to remove the cocktail from the bill even though I didn’t drink it and it was supposed to be replaced. The bathroom was also very dirty, and it is one shared bathroom for both men and women. Overall, the food was cold, the service was poor, the bathroom was dirty, and the manager’s behavior was rude and unprofessional.

Edythe Hughes

Visited last night for a holiday dinner. It’s a beautiful place, but the food just was not good or even near to what we expected for a $270 dinner. The steak temp and flavor was off (way too fatty and cold), the tater tots and onion rings were nothing special. The food was heavy and unsophisticated. Not what you’d hope for from a prime SoHo spot. Cocktail was good, coat check service was appreciated, but I wouldn’t go back.