Manhattan of La Jolla

Bad service from the afternoon wait staff. We had an older gentleman with black hair wait on our team of people, there were about 6 of us. After we were seated we were served water. The waiter did not welcome us or make eye contact. Nothing. This was rather surprising considering we are a local business that not only eat here ourselves frequently but refer our clientele.
My manager asked him if we could also have a basket of bread for the table, to which he flippantly responded «If you’d give me a second, I’ll grab the bread». I thought that was extremely rude and uncalled for.
My ice tea took 25 minutes to get to the table. He forgot my about my colleagues iced tea so that took another 20 minutes. The salad that came with our pasta’s were small and measly. It looked like someone threw 10 pieces of lettuce onto a plate. The phone kept going off incessantly with no one answering it.
Finally our food arrived and my fettuccine was really oily instead of rich and creamy.
None too impressed with this place, given the prices they’re charging, slow unfriendly service (no one else was even in the restaurant…) and measly portions.
I’d say skip it.

Full disclosure first: this is NOT a review of the Empress Hotel (which we loved!), NOR is it a review of the food at Manhattan (which we didn’t have). Rather, it’s a review of the bar.
We came here because we were given a coupon by the Empress Hotel manager for some problems with our (otherwise great) room. It said: «good for one free beer, wine, or well drink.» So we went to the bar, which was packed with people. The bartender (a really big guy with gray hair) was clearly mad at something. As he was making drinks in the loud, crowded space, he was dropping F-​bombs and other curse words. Not that I’m offended by cussing, but really? With customers all over the place? He wasn’t joking about it, either: he was MAD.
When we finally managed to get his attention, he said, «WAIT» and pushed past us to go do something else. It is hard to convey, in words, quite how gruff and rude he was. When he finally took our order, we each ordered a glass of wine from the regular wine menu. I think one was $ 15 and one was $ 18 or something. In general, the wines on the page ranged from $ 10 to $ 20 or so. He handed us the wine and we handed over the coupons. Without even looking, he said, «Can’t use those.» We asked why and he chortled as if we were idiots and said, «That’s only good for the house wine. READ the COUPONS.» I politely said that we had, and that it didn’t say anything about the house wine. He said, «You can’t use a COUPON for a twenty-​dollar glass of wine.» I replied that I hadn’t known this, but that it seemed a little misleading, since the coupon didn’t say anything about which wines we could order. He rolled his eyes and made a «TTTCH» sound (again, as if we were idiots), snatched the coupons out of our hands, crumpled them, and went to wait on other people. We were so uncomfortable that we took the wine back up to our room and enjoyed it there.
I don’t know what this guy’s problem is/​was, but I hope it’s not typical. I think it’s probably not, because we went by a different night, and there was a different bartender (who only works there two nights a week), and he was decent, as were the drinks, and Tad Sisler was playing the piano and we had a perfectly grand old time.

First of all the REAL deal spumoni ice cream with nuts & dried fruit that is so hard to find. A classic Italian restaurant that’s a great place for a romantic dinner. Food was wonderful the staff even better. Our waiter was friendly & very sweet. It was a place friends recommend & we are so glad we went. We will be back on the nights they have music during the week. A real gem of a place that is quite & away from the La Jolla crowd.

My mom finally convinced me to come tonight and now I regret not coming sooner! Roman Palacios was singing and what a wonderful show– absolutely lovely, beautiful voice. I also could not resist ordering the crème brûlée and it’s the best I’ve ever had! I took one star off because the after the waiter brought us our drinks he kind of ignored us and was attentive to all the tables around us and I had to flag him down to order my crème brûlée but otherwise the place is great! Hopefully I can come back soon :)

We had dinner here November 11, 2015 (a day early) for our 32^nd Wedding Anniversary as we have done for a few years now. Food and service were excellent. We time it so that Roman is singing, on Wednesdays. I had shrimp scampi and Rhonda had cannelloni as appetizers. I had the Manhattan salad and then the Twin Filet Mignon Oscar; Rhonda had the Filet Mignon Salad as an entrée. Ara Scalini our server supplied the dessert, a very nice Tiramisu. Nice size crowd including a busy bar scene.

My wife and I celebrated our «one week» (still honeymooning) and were able to stay at the Empress Hotel. This is definitely one of the most romantic dining restaurants we have ever been to.
We were greeted by staff well-​dressed in tuxedos. The lighting was dim and in every table there were candles and flowers.
Our server was an elderly gentleman who took great care of us. He offered the highest service and made sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves.
The freshly baked bread was incredible. We then had the Manhattan clam chowder, which neither of us had ever had before. It was delicious. Our meals were salmon salad for Diana and bone-​in ribeye steak for me. To say the least, we were more than satisfied and greatly enjoyed the meal.
This restaurant is well deserving of five stars and we highly recommend.

I was skeptical of the ranting and raving reviews I read on Unilocal and for a minute, thought that the owners of this establishment had everyone in their family write a review! I mean almost every sentence on these reviews was a compliment and I have been to my fair share of overhyped restaurants that, in my head, it felt that this probably was one to add to that long list.
Shockingly and surprisingly, I was mistaken. For
Once the hype is actually true and I was basking in the experience.
This restaurant is located inside a hotel; the dining room screams renovated yet classic 80’s chic décor and ambiance. Wait staff appear very experienced and old school, like they grew up in that location, which is a A good quality and sometimes a hinderance for a young hipster crowd but this is an upscale fine dining restaurant so it is kind of expected. Great attention to detail and a very classic, slightly pretentious old school way of serving, bring these knowledgeable servers into giving you a full old world Italian steakhouse dining adventure.
We had the largest filet on the menu and I have to honestly say that this is the, and I mean zeeeeee best steak I have ever had! Cooked to perfection and justifies the price point, no complaints whatsoever this was wow wow wow. Pre-​dinner bread, tomatoe
And lemon Calamari, authentic minestrone soup, house salad with evo citrus vinegraitte, a tiny side of pomodoro penne pasta, cheesecake, side vegetables, Fred Flinstone sized broiled bone-​in chop, everything was made from Scratch judging from the amazing tastes and presentation, and it was wow, wow! Wow! Wow!
Did I say wow!!! Yes, I have nothing to complain about, and am compelled to join the hype with those who raved about this steakhouse; so splurge as it is very pricey but well worth it, from start to finish. #RavingFan

I always love dining at this restaurant. Whether it’s a simple happy hour, or a full relaxing dinner, the food and wine here is amazing. The décor in the restaurant is a dark sexy ambience, and they have comfortable booths to sit in, as well a cool aquatic aquarium to view.

Amazing, amazing food and ambiance. I felt like I was in an old gangster movie w the ambiance, dim lights, brick walls, live jazz, perfect bar w just enough masculine touch without being overpowering.
Caesar salad made fresh at the table, shrimp, steak, pasta, wine & cheesecake were perfection. Oh my. A true dining experience thats not over the top. How restaurants should be.

We went for a romantic anniversary night out and we got steak, lobster and Crème brûlée. The environment was wonderful and the staff were very gentlemanly. This was such a quiet place that we enjoyed so much.

The Manhatten of La Jolla, is one of the places that is so representative of what I consider memorable, quaint, charming San Diego. With visit new memories are made and new friends are met. The bar is intimate, music perfect, food always mouth watering.
This is what San Diego is all about after dark!

I was only in La Jolla for the night, and I went with the restaurant’s specialty and ordered the cannelloni. It was incredible! And the sauce was so flavorful that my boyfriend said it was all he could smell over his fettuccine alfredo (which was a little bland for my taste).
The décor was a mixture of interesting and homey, and the half-​circle booth was very comfortable. I also have a soft spot for white linen tables – it adds a certain touch. Our server reminded me of the typical older waiter you find at authentic Italian and French restaurants.
If I ever make it back to San Diego I’ll definitely be stopping by for the cannelloni again! It’s not something I typically order, and it was the best I’ve ever had!

I am fairly easy to please — give me good customer service and good food, and I’m a happy girl. Manhattan accomplished both! The hubs and I were staying at The Empress Hotel and decided to make dinner easy by slipping into Manhattan (it’s in the hotel) on a Saturday evening to celebrate our 7^th wedding anniversary!
We were a tad under dressed, but no biggie! The menu has a wonderful variation of pasta/​seafood/​red & white meat options. Hubs went with the Salmon Fiorentina and I went with the Steak Fiorentina. Both were excellent! My steak melted in my mouth, it was so buttery and light! I recommend medium, as you will still have a bit of red in the middle. The sauce was amazing!
Hubs devoured his salmon, light & flaky with a beautiful sauce. We weren’t overly impressed by the steamed veggies (mainly because we don’t eat green beans) but the carrots were tasty! After watching the table next to us get the Caesar Salad presentation (they make it at your table) I was sad we didn’t order the same!
When the waiter heard it was our anniversary he notified our waitress who brought a magnificent crème brûlée with a lit candle! They comp’d our dessert, which was a great touch to an already terrific meal!
Both the waitress and waiter were excellent! Attentive, although we didn’t get to hear the specials, which would have made an impact on our meal selection, but I’m not removing stars for that!
We will definitely be back to Manhattan! And next time we will stay for the live music!

The food was great but service was sub par. Drink orders took 30+ minutes throughout the meal and we waited a really long time for the check.
A larger party that arrived after we had already ordered food somehow finished and received their check before us.
The wait staff seemed pretty light as there seemed to only be 2 guys covering every table in the dining room.

Great New York ambiance. Loved seeing Zucchini Chips on a menu!
The Manhattan salad was a little over dressed, for my likes, but my friend disagreed. The Veal Parmesan was good and the special Halibut very nice.
Dress is «whatever» even though it is a very elegant restaurant with suited waiters, white linens and formal service.

Fantastic food and entertainment as always.
Not much of a bar scene, but if you secure a table, you’ll enjoy the yummy food and ambiance.

I took my fiancé here for his birthday yesterday since he told me he wanted to go somewhere we had never been before. I researched menus and looked for places with a nice ambiance and decided on Manhattan of La Jolla. I was not disappointed at all. Immediately we were greeted by one of the owners and every person working there was extremely professional and sweet. We especially enjoyed Manny and Chewy (not sure if that is how you spell his name). They were some of the nicest guys ever and they were very attentive.
Along with the customer service, the food was amazing! We had the ceasar salad, shrimp scampi and twin fillets. I have never had a ceasar this good in my life! They made it fresh right in front of our table. It was great! The shrimp scampi was good but I definitely preferred the twin fillets with crab and asparagus on top. The meat was cooked perfect and was so tender! The scalloped potatoes were also very creamy and delicious! Yum yum yum! My mouth is watering thinking about it all again!
We will have to go back again soon!

We remember Manhattan of La Jolla from November 2003 when Romano was our waiter. He wore a tux and sang the most beautiful opera to us while we dined on a memorable and delicious meal in a romantic setting.
Fast forward to April 2015. Romano has retired, and the restaurant has had a major facelift, but the ambience is still there, and the food is superb ~ reminiscent of a bygone era where you would expect to hear Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra in the cocktail lounge.
Tonight I was dining solo, and had Dirk as my excellent waiter who is the one who replaced Romano. The food is as memorable as it was. Starting with a wonderfully chilled Old Fashion, the fresh bread and soft butter were excellent. A delicious Caesar salad was resplendent with anchovy and shaved cheeses. My favorite meal here is their delectable Veal Chop Milanese with a side of Fettuccini Alfredo. The chop is massive and amazingly thick and tender, not pounded to postage stamp thickness. It satisfied all my criteria: crispy, juicy, savory, not too salty or greasy, and with a squeeze of the lemon wrapped in a cloth, it is still the best I have had anywhere!
We can’t let another 13 years go by before visiting Manhattan of La Jolla again.

pros:
Extremely swanky/​beautiful place. 5 star ambiance.
Valet & street parking available.
Extremely friendly staff.
Variety available on menu– meat/​seafood/​pasta.
Live music
recommend:
Shrimp scampi appetizer
Caesar salad
Chilean seabass
con:
Steak game needs improvement. Ordered a medium filet mignon– came out rare with extremely smoky burnet flavor on the outside.

Great find… right up there with Baci and Salvatore’s in terms of food (and I’m an ex-NY’er who is real picky about his Italian food) plus the added bonus of live music in a classy, rat pack speakeasy environment.
Been meaning to check this place out for a couple of years, and glad I did this past weekend. Sat at the bar where they also have a small TV and I was able to catch the end of the great FSU — Notre Dame game. In fact, I called ahead and they offered to reserve a seat for me at the bar – imagine that… Started out with their caesar salad – with heavy garlic influence (which I cannot get enough of) and then followed that up with their veal parmesan. The portion was HUGE, let alone tastey, and was accompanied with a fresh plate of vegetables that included perfectly cooked carrots and green beans. Washed it down with a couple of full bodied glasses of Montepulciano red wine and was a happy camper.
Excellent service at the bar from Beige and Mike and they were playing classic old school music on the piano with a mixed age group crowd in attendance (I should add a nice crowd, as one would expect in La Jolla… not the downtown San Diego clown crowd, where I drove up from, that couldn’t tell good food if it bit them in the nose). Sat next to a couple of locals who are regulars and I can see why – will be making this place a part of my circuit going forward.