Aslin is the best server ever! Fantastic food, unbeatable atmosphere. I can't even recall how many times I've given this place rave reviews. And it never disappoints!
You are well cared for at Manhattan of La Jolla. Nancy and staff treat you as if you are family they are happy to see again. Piano bar volume is just right and pleasantly entertaining. Baked ziti was out of this world. Penne pommodoro was a little watered down (probably too much pasta water before saucing) otherwise it would have been 5 stars. We will definitely be back again.
Anne
Veal parmigian was good. Veal Oscar not so much. Was told new chef. A good experience but the veal oscar used to be better. Malbec needs adding to the wine list.
Benito
just a wonderful evening. The food was fantastic. There was live music. Some of the guests even saying and danced. truly a wonderful wonderful wonderful place to have dinner.
Robert
It has been quite some time since I last ate at Manhattan but I'm happy to say that the experience was very good. The food was on time, the NY Steak I had was delicious and the hostess was charming at every step of the way. We were seated at a booth where we could still hear the live music but were given enough cover to have a pleasant conversation. Sadly, we weren't able to have a taste of the desserts. But that just means a reason to go back to it.
Natalie
We love this restaurant! The food is fantastic, all of the employees are wonderful (shout out to the owner, Nancy, who is a gem of a human!) and ambiance is amazing! Such good energy in the space and the live music is so fun. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a great dining experience in La Jolla!!
Eleanor
Love, love, love Manhattan of La Jolla! Phenomenal food, great service, beautiful environment!
Desmond
The staff was very attentive and kind. The food was AMAZING! I loved the live band and ambiance. Our waitress took great care of us until she departed We were passed to a great guy ( I believe his name was Manny). He was very friendly and personable. I'm glad we found another restaurant we enjoyed in our home city!
Celeste Abbott
Manhattan of La Jolla; mixed experience (amazing start, disappointing finish)
We made our reservation several days in advance and were genuinely looking forward to it. This was a special occasion, we got dressed up, and we Ubered 30 minutes to and from La Jolla expecting a relaxed, full dinner experience.
We had an 8:15 reservation and were seated right away. Within about 10 minutes, our first server, Frida, came over with several water options and took great care of us, she was truly an angel and set a warm, welcoming tone.
Unfortunately, after that, the service pacing completely fell apart. Our waiter came to the table but didn’t offer cocktails or ask if we’d like to start with drinks. We were ready to order two martinis, plus an appetizer and a salad, but we weren’t given a moment to place the full order so we waited… and waited.
Eventually we ordered calamari (fishy, not crispy and undercooked) and a bottle of wine, and the tableside Caesar was lovely. But we still hadn’t ordered entrées, and by the time it was close to 9:00 PM, the waiter told us the kitchen was closing soon. At that point, we felt rushed and ended up ordering only one entrée just to get something in.
Then the room started shutting down around us; lights dimming/turning off, music turned off… and all we could hear was a boombox from the kitchen. The whole vibe made it feel like we were somehow keeping the staff hostage just by being there… which, considering we had a reservation and arrived on time, was honestly a joke.
On a positive note, the coffee was fairly hot and the cheesecake was decent. Overall, it was a disappointing end to what we expected to be a really nice night out.
Frida was wonderful. The service pacing and the end-of-night shutdown atmosphere need serious attention. Overall unwelcoming. 👎🏽
This place is fun and delicious! I love the Caesar salad, made table side and one of the best I have ever eaten. The shrimp scampi is great, either as an appetizer or an entree atop angel hair pasta. The bread comes warm and crusty. Eggplant Parm is wonderful. The Whaler ice cream boozy drink is a perfect dessert. We love Manhattans!
Noni
The food was superb, as usual. Dawn and all the servers were exceptional, as usual. Manhattan Restaurant never disappoints.
The Legend
This is your go to Italian place in the village for a wonderful sit down at a proper locale. Food is excellent and staff is tenured and knowledgeable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathleen
Lovely service. My friend had the Veal Marsala and said it was excellent. I had a filet. It was not the best. Should have sent back. It was tough. The vegetables (carrots and asparagus) were ok, but cold when they arrived.
San Diego Swim Week
Manhattan in La Jolla is all about incredible food and flavor. Every dish comes out hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared. You can truly taste the passion and pride Chef Toney puts into his cooking—he is absolutely fantastic. If you’re craving rich, delicious, high-quality meals, this is the spot. Hands down one of the best dining experiences in La Jolla, located inside the Empress Hotel. Highly recommend!
Aslin is the best server ever!
Fantastic food, unbeatable atmosphere.
I can't even recall how many times I've given this place rave reviews. And it never disappoints!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad Prepared Tableside, Filet Mignon Delmonico, Homemade Tiramisu
Had a bug in my wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
You are well cared for at Manhattan of La Jolla. Nancy and staff treat you as if you are family they are happy to see again. Piano bar volume is just right and pleasantly entertaining. Baked ziti was out of this world. Penne pommodoro was a little watered down (probably too much pasta water before saucing) otherwise it would have been 5 stars. We will definitely be back again.
Veal parmigian was good. Veal Oscar not so much. Was told new chef. A good experience but the veal oscar used to be better. Malbec needs adding to the wine list.
just a wonderful evening. The food was fantastic. There was live music. Some of the guests even saying and danced. truly a wonderful wonderful wonderful place to have dinner.
It has been quite some time since I last ate at Manhattan but I'm happy to say that the experience was very good. The food was on time, the NY Steak I had was delicious and the hostess was charming at every step of the way. We were seated at a booth where we could still hear the live music but were given enough cover to have a pleasant conversation. Sadly, we weren't able to have a taste of the desserts. But that just means a reason to go back to it.
We love this restaurant! The food is fantastic, all of the employees are wonderful (shout out to the owner, Nancy, who is a gem of a human!) and ambiance is amazing! Such good energy in the space and the live music is so fun. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a great dining experience in La Jolla!!
Love, love, love Manhattan of La Jolla! Phenomenal food, great service, beautiful environment!
The staff was very attentive and kind. The food was AMAZING! I loved the live band and ambiance. Our waitress took great care of us until she departed We were passed to a great guy ( I believe his name was Manny). He was very friendly and personable. I'm glad we found another restaurant we enjoyed in our home city!
Manhattan of La Jolla; mixed experience (amazing start, disappointing finish)
We made our reservation several days in advance and were genuinely looking forward to it. This was a special occasion, we got dressed up, and we Ubered 30 minutes to and from La Jolla expecting a relaxed, full dinner experience.
We had an 8:15 reservation and were seated right away. Within about 10 minutes, our first server, Frida, came over with several water options and took great care of us, she was truly an angel and set a warm, welcoming tone.
Unfortunately, after that, the service pacing completely fell apart. Our waiter came to the table but didn’t offer cocktails or ask if we’d like to start with drinks. We were ready to order two martinis, plus an appetizer and a salad, but we weren’t given a moment to place the full order so we waited… and waited.
Eventually we ordered calamari (fishy, not crispy and undercooked) and a bottle of wine, and the tableside Caesar was lovely. But we still hadn’t ordered entrées, and by the time it was close to 9:00 PM, the waiter told us the kitchen was closing soon. At that point, we felt rushed and ended up ordering only one entrée just to get something in.
Then the room started shutting down around us; lights dimming/turning off, music turned off… and all we could hear was a boombox from the kitchen. The whole vibe made it feel like we were somehow keeping the staff hostage just by being there… which, considering we had a reservation and arrived on time, was honestly a joke.
On a positive note, the coffee was fairly hot and the cheesecake was decent. Overall, it was a disappointing end to what we expected to be a really nice night out.
Frida was wonderful. The service pacing and the end-of-night shutdown atmosphere need serious attention. Overall unwelcoming. 👎🏽
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is fun and delicious! I love the Caesar salad, made table side and one of the best I have ever eaten. The shrimp scampi is great, either as an appetizer or an entree atop angel hair pasta. The bread comes warm and crusty. Eggplant Parm is wonderful. The Whaler ice cream boozy drink is a perfect dessert. We love Manhattans!
The food was superb, as usual. Dawn and all the servers were exceptional, as usual. Manhattan Restaurant never disappoints.
This is your go to Italian place in the village for a wonderful sit down at a proper locale. Food is excellent and staff is tenured and knowledgeable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely service. My friend had the Veal Marsala and said it was excellent. I had a filet. It was not the best. Should have sent back. It was tough. The vegetables (carrots and asparagus) were ok, but cold when they arrived.
Manhattan in La Jolla is all about incredible food and flavor. Every dish comes out hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared. You can truly taste the passion and pride Chef Toney puts into his cooking—he is absolutely fantastic. If you’re craving rich, delicious, high-quality meals, this is the spot. Hands down one of the best dining experiences in La Jolla, located inside the Empress Hotel. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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