Manuela

3 Reviews on “Manuela”

• SfChowhound

  A lively place with a lot of energy. That brings the noise to an almost too-much level, but everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and not bothered. Very busy, so have reservations or be prepared to wait. Waitstaff is super friendly with good suggestions. The menu leans toward Southern classics: hush puppies are perfect, fried green tomatoes are delicious, biscuits and razor-thin Smithfield-style ham absolutely should not be missed. There are lots of other choices, too. Small plates to share and large plates that are so generous even an eager eater will ask for a takeaway box. Pork collar deliciously seasoned and fork-tender while diver scallops were grilled to perfection. Creative cocktails, good beer choices and an ok wine list. A little pricey, but worth it.

  August 18, 2020, 4:41 am

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• Michael U.

  With the slow revitalization of Downtown Los Angeles there is no area that has changed as much over the last five years as The Arts District, a collection of Restaurants joining galleries, clubs and bars with Manuela emerging in late 2016 as part of Hauser & Wirth at 901 East 3rd Street.Built out the old Globe Mills Complex and now featuring rotating exhibits alongside shopping, Food and Beverage, the latter two overseen by Chef Kris Tominaga, it is immediately upon entering the fluid indoor/outdoor space that guests will notice a small sign introducing Manuela, though the overflowing patio will probably catch eyes first as will the stylish interior.Best described as New American, or perhaps Farm to Table, the Restaurants reliance on local farms and purveyors reading like a virtual whos who across menus for lunch, brunch and dinner, it was midday Saturday that options were perused for a party of six, fifteen items slowly rolled out by servers including one green haired woman who seemed stoned or lost as she wandered aimlessly and spilled Lattes unapologetically when placing them on the table.Not a cheap Restaurant, but at the same time lower priced than many SoCal hotspots that put far less effort into sourcing, it was with locally roasted Beans in the form of Cold Brew that Brunch began, Beignets piled with Powdered Sugar disappointing as they were flat and doughy though everything was on the up-and-up following first bites of a golden Cinnamon Roll liberally topped with toasted Pecans and housemade Caramel.Transitioning swiftly to savories, a request for items to be coursed out only loosely followed, it was alongside pricey but impactful Cornbread that the first of two Burgers was divided, housemade Chorizo topped in Red Onions and the glue of Egg Yolk plus Avocado delighting even those averse to spice while a Pear Salad with Bacon, Feta and Pecans also dazzled in terms of sourcing and composition.In a way repeating course two at this time with a quartet of Bread, Burger and Salads, the Broccoli di Ciccio unfortunately coming up short as Sheeps Cheese was thin and funky Milk that overwhelmed everything, it was leaving much of that $12 behind that attention turned to fluffy Biscuits with impressive Pear Butter alongside finely ground Venison on a bun with vibrant Garlic Aioli, though Tominagas best dish on this day may just be seasonal Fuyu Persimmons topped in African Pepper, French Feta and Bee Pollen plus sweetened Vinegar.Continuing an impressive display of Vegetables with Shell-on Peas topped in diverse textures and flavors, the Sesame and Dates forming unexpected dance partners, it was returning to Persimmons that Pancakes made of Cornmeal proved lighter than most would assume while ground Corn that had been fried formed the base to hearty Mushroom Ragu crowned by an Egg and tangy Crme Fraiche.Only aware of Desserts available during Brunch by calling in advance, the staff already assured of 20% autograt overzealous to turn a table, it was here again that Manuela delivered by way of Cookies featuring puddles of Dark Chocolate plus world-class French Silk improved by Tonka Bean Whip, though the smooth Lemon Verbena Ice Cream stole the spotlight for others. endoedibles.com

  March 8, 2019, 10:47 pm

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• Tiffany Aguayo

  Who deserves my #800 review. I think Manuela does. -pricey-welcoming-delicious-hip and newThe venue is absolutely amazing, it’s open, located in the up and coming food hipstery area, in a renovated building.Plenty of seating we were lucky enough to not need reservations because it was quite earlier.I tried the lavender sour which is a little overpriced but so is everything else here lol. And worth it hahahaha It’s LA so a typical cocktail is usually around $14, so whateveWe finally decided on the cornmeal pancakes $15, a little pricy but very good. I ordered the meat, pickled plate, which I wouldn’t get again.The cauliflower and charred avocado The veggies were sooooooo freaking good. I would ordered those again.The server was great, the hostess was nice.The venue was unique and there were two small museums and a veggy/chicken coop lol.

  November 21, 2017, 10:04 am

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