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El Manantial Reviews List

El Manantial

El Manatial is a family operated restaurant, featuring European Fusion Cuisine. We offer Italian, French and Spanish specialties, including a Tapas bar.
See more El Manantial details
145 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
(145 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 145 reviews
5 stars
(88)
4 stars
(38)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.6 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(94)
  • special occasion(71)
  • fit for foodies(70)
  • good for groups(51)
  • notable wine list(51)
  • romantic(51)
El Manantial Reviews List
Review 1 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Neighborhood delight!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"El Manantial is a totally unexpected delight. Located in a sad little half-leased strip mall in Reston, there's never any trouble with free parking. It's superb food and friendly, expert service make it a neighborhood gem. For Mother's Day, it was crowded and lively, a little higher noise level than usual, but that was ameliorated by two flamenco guitarists playing some lovely music. Wine list features Spanish wines, several of which we have enjoyed enough to search out in wine stores later. We have taken friends there several times, and they have always been delighted by the experience. We highly recommend it."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 2 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Brunch

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I had been to El Manantial a few times before for dinner only, always leaving thinking to come back. I was unsure how it would be for brunch, on Mother's Day no less. Well, my family and I were happily surprise by the service, ambiance and food. I had the soft shell crab special, others had pasta, salmon, lamb, and even chicken. All of our plates were cleaned out! Delicious food, warm greetings from the moment you walk in, attentive service- overall wonderful experience. Will definitely be going back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I keep forgetting about this place.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Which is unfortunate because they never disappoint. My wife and I had the sea bass and it was wonderful. The calamari appetizer was cooked to perfection and we love the eclectic wine list - the Primitivo Puglia is our favorite."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My friends were so pleased

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"It was my friend's birthday and we had a wonderful meal with excellent wine. The Lobster Fricassee was fabulous. I will be back again and again."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 5 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Wonderful food ... wonderful service"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

great food, service

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/06/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"we love this restaurant. At lunch, She had the soft shell crabs, I had the steak. great food as usual. The Fuentes family treat all their customers as family.
truly a neighborhood gem
"
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As always, nothing but OUTSTANDING"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This restaurant is always

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This restaurant is always a pleasant experience. The warm greeting makes you feel at home, the food is good, and they are always willing to cater to special needs--with a smile! It is an inviting upscale decor, while at the same time feeling like you are with family!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 9 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Waiter most likely was having

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Waiter most likely was having a bad night"
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 10 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My salmon was wonderful -

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My salmon was wonderful - we did a girls night out and enjoyed their sangria too! Yum!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I keep coming back for the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I keep coming back for the food, the wine, the service."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
0points
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Review 12 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Enjoyable evening

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We enjoy going to this restaurant with friends or just the two of us.... you can have a conversation and hear each other, you feel welcome every time you visit and they value you as a customer. The food is consistently good. You know you will have an enjoyable evening every visit."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Went with a friend for lunch,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Went with a friend for lunch, that has been gone for awhile; not only was the food good, but we were not pressured for our table (although they were very busy.) My husband and I have been for dinner and have been pleased with the food always. It is a wonderful place for food, wine, and conversation."
Dined on 04/17/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 14 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The reviews were pretty high

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The reviews were pretty high for this place and I think we were just a bit let down. For food the mussels were pretty good, the sea bass was pretty good but had several bones, and the osso bucco was just ok. The restaurant's ambiance was just ok. It says coat preferred, but I think 50+ year olds and untucked polos is more like it. We thought we had a romantic gem in our back yard but I think we are just labeling this one as a good family restaurant and nothing more."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2008
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Review 15 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This restaurant was outstanding

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This restaurant was outstanding in all areas. Excellent food choices and variety. Nice breaks between courses and excellent service."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 16 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We are regulars at Reston's

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We are regulars at Reston's secret gem. Hidden is a dying town center, El Manantial thrives on good food and good service."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food is always top notch!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food is always top notch! The wait staff is knowledgable and friendly."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

El Mantanial is definitely

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"El Mantanial is definitely a neighborhood gem. I've had two lunches and one dinner there; all have been first rate. The staff is professional and knowledgeable. El Mantanial is a little pricy, but definitely worth it."
Dined on 04/01/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

El Manantial is a terrific

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"El Manantial is a terrific family run restaurant in Reston, Virginia. It's great for lunch or dinner. Would be a sensational place for business lunch, because it's quiet. You can talk to one another in a normal voice, and hear the other person! Additionally, Humberto or Mario can seat groups where they can have private conversations.
The Fuentes family goes out of their way to make sure you have a pleasant dining experience. Humberto has constructed a superb wine list, at reasonable prices, representing many different countries and styles of wine. Chef Enrique presents a fine plate of food that is perfectly proportioned. You may be full after a meal, but you always feel the tasting desire for more. Please, don't forget desert."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent food. The four

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent food. The four in our group had the sea bass, barramundi, venison and osso buco. All delicious!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A wide-ranging menu, something

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A wide-ranging menu, something for just about every palette. Entres expertly prepared, nice presentation."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A Reston gem off the beaten path

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Always a good spot for a business dinner lunch.
It's in a secluded part of Reston, so no parking issues to deal with like at the town center. The space is large enough to enable conversations to remain private. The food is consistently good, and the service is excellent.
I've only ever eaten lunch there, but it hits all the right notes for refined business lunches."
Dined on 03/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 23 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

YOU should come here.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"LOVE the oysters! This is one of our favorite restaurants, unfortunately stuck in one of the worst excuses for a shopping center in all of northern VA. On the bright side, there's always plenty of parking! Enjoy the food! It's always wonderful."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had requested a quiet table,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had requested a quiet table, and the maitre d' was most accommodating. It was a wonderful dining experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 25 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everything was great - service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was great - service and food and excellent wine selection. Very comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 26 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food was great. Service was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food was great. Service was outstanding. Good place for a small business lunch."
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 27 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A Hidden Gem in Reston

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I've lived in Reston for many years, but only recently heard about this place. I heard it was real gem and it did turn out to have a great menu and extremely well prepared food. It's interesting because you find this place in a shopping center, but its probably one of Reston's closest approximations of a fine dining restaurant and its a refreshing change to the chain restaurants in the Town Center. The wait staff there also seem to adhere much more to the fine dining model than most places in Reston. I went there on a date and it was a good fit for a romantic evening. This place is also huge so it would be good for large groups. Before you go, check their website for $10 and $20 coupons. It made the bill a little more reasonable."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A dining delight!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was great and the service good. It was not crowded so the noise level was kept down. Wait staff were friendly and offered excellent choices from their menu. In addition to their regular menu, they had a 'special' menu that, for a fixed price, you had a choice of appetizer, entre and dessert. I chose that option and it was fantastic! The gazpacho was delicious as was the chicken scallopini. The only negative was the setting - in a small strip mall next to an empty grocery store."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2009
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Review 29 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Ate lunch at El Manantial

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Ate lunch at El Manantial -- trout is one of my favorite fish dishes, but the piece I had was covered with an uninteresting and salty sauce. Blackened tilapia, my partner's choice, usually has some "bite" from the spices -- she liked it, but I thought it was very bland. Calamari appetizer was also dull. The flan dessert was very good. Waiter was supercilious. In the past this was one of our favorite restaurants in Reston -- we are rethinking that."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2010
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Review 30 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A Great Restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"El Manantial is a family run restaurant that is superb from reception to departure where you always feel welcome. They have a nice menu with a wide selection of items, and in my opinion, an excellent wine list that is reasonably priced. The waiters and waitresses are excellent. Chef Enrique does not disappoint in the creations that he makes. Humberto and Mario excel at accommodating requests and making you welcome."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 31 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We love this restaurant.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We love this restaurant. excellent food and service"
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 32 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Nice Place for a Liesurely Dinner

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I went here with a girlfriend for a weeknight dinner. We had a couple of small plates, and lingered for a long time talking. Since they weren't busy, it was nice that the server didnt rush us. I loved the olives and the wild mushrooms. They also had a Malbec by the glass that was very nice."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 33 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful as always! Returning

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Wonderful as always! Returning for lunch the same week!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 34 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We were extremely disappointed

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We were extremely disappointed by the service."
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2013
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Review 35 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Not open late on Sundays.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Not open late on Sundays. Excellent food. Especially off their "hidden menu""
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 36 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food and service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent food and service in an unexpected location."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 37 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Friendly service, but for

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Friendly service, but for the price the food just wasn't good. Steak too bland, salad was Olive Garden quality."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2006
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Review 38 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

I want to likr this restaurant,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I want to likr this restaurant, as it is close by, attractive and family run However each time we decide to try once again, there is some major problem with someone's food. On the last meal tghe fish stuffed with crab--the fish was way overcooked and dried out, and tasted of freezer burn. The crab used mashed potatoes as a binder. My husband's steak was OK at best. My frog's legs were delicious and garlicky, the highlight. T prices are in th $20-30 range making it not worth the risk."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2006
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Review 39 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Perfect from beginning to end

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everything from our welcome to our table, food and service was outstanding! The staff is as charming as the food. Would definitely go back! We put our special request in the reservation and it was accommodated admirably. The host specifically noted that it was helpful to them so I highly recommend that if you want a special table or anything to be taken care of ahead of time, let them know in the reservation. It is much easier than trying to get it done once you arrive. Oh! We had the stuffed barramundi and the salmon... DELICIOUS!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 40 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Em Manantial is Reston's secret

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Em Manantial is Reston's secret gem.The brothers could give lessons on how to run a restaurant to Gordon Ramsey,"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 41 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I have never ever been disappointed

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I have never ever been disappointed whenever we visit this restaurant. Amongst the very very best in the Washington D.C. Metro area"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Hidden Gem

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"An exceptional find in our area. If it were in a more prominent location, it would certainly be too busy and crowded. That worked in our favor as we were able to enjoy a quiet dinner with friends.
We were seated immediately, the menu was varied and interesting, and the service was prompt and friendly.
The wine list carried some gems we will sample on future vists. We tried a Chilean Syrah which was elegant.
We will be back!
"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 43 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

light and healthy if you choose.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Always a good choice, this time a late light dinner w salad and pizza with great crust!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 44 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had dinner recently at

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had dinner recently at the restaurant with another couple and the service and food were excelent. I usually visit this restaurant for special occasions. I like the warm welcome and the nice ambiance."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 45 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

the food is always great.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"the food is always great. easy to get to, to park, walk right in.
management is friendly and great to talk to.
waiters are wonderful
highly recommend this hidden gem."
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 46 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Don't Miss This One

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"What a wonderful way to spend Valentines Day dinner with my husband. Food was excellent, the waiter Mario was just a delight, wine superb. We will return. Don't miss out on this hidden gem of a restaurant."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 47 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had some delicious tapas

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had some delicious tapas for dinner. We tried 6 different choices. Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Olives, Goat Cheese and Beef Medallions. They were all good. The service was great too."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 48 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Everything was great, the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was great, the wait staff was hustling but they paid attention to our needs."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 49 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Always enjoy this place no matter what. It was good to see a healthy crowd, which did not affect out good service or experience!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 50 for El Manantial
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The food was just too salty,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was just too salty, not just one dish, several of the dishes had so much salt we could not taste the food...
Service was OK given it was Valentine Day but was spotty at times....
Once advice to those Romeos out there (inlcuding myself): I know you love trying new places and new restaurant but its probaly best not to do it on special occasional...go with a sure bet. My wife is adorable and was reassuring me all the time that this was a good experience but I know better...I have seen better..."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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