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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Manhattan of La Jolla Reviews List
Manhattan of La Jolla
Manhattan of La Jolla transports you to the best of New York via the cozy, upscale village of La Jolla. Located in the Empress Hotel on Fay Avenue, it is an elegant, casual and classy place where you would expect to see Old Blue Eyes or Danny Ocean romancing a beautiful woman while she sips her Cosmo over dinner. With quality Italian charm, Manhattan offers classic cocktails that get you into that New York swing--and the entrees are as good as it gets. Liberal olive oil, garlic, lemon and pepper complement the Zagat Award winning veal chop, steaks and seafood. Signature scampi, classic cannelloni, pasta al dente, and other succulent dishes, plus professional service and decor make this a terrific spot for a romantic dinner or mixing business and pleasure. Manhattan in La Jolla gets you the best of both worlds. Manhattan is an award winning La Jolla favorite, celebrating its 25th year.
See more Manhattan of La Jolla details
59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(36)
4 stars
(16)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- romantic(35)
- special occasion(34)
- neighborhood gem(33)
- fit for foodies(17)
- good for groups(16)
- vibrant bar scene(16)
Manhattan of La Jolla Reviews List
Review 1 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Italian Food inside a hotel
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Manhattan of La Jolla is a very good restaurant. I had the eggplant rollitini and it was just wonderful. We also had their house specialty which is the veal chop and it was great. The service was impeccable. I would highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Timeless
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Manhattan restaurant at the Empress offers the best in service, food and ambience. The restaurant is a timeless classic that measures up as one of the best anywhere. Their house specialty cannelloni surpasses any description that can be imagined and their table side Caesar salad is iconic. Their waiters make you feel like your part of the family. If you're looking for classic homemade Italian fare with a friendly, service-oriented staff, this place can't be beat. It is a place frozen in time that won't disappoint."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They keep the dining room way too dark for me. The food was excellent and the service was great but it doesn't need to be quite so dark."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 4 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really good location, fish was awesome. Good service, good quality of food.
Recommended."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dependably outstanding food and service. The owners are always there and it shows."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of my favorite restaurants in La Jolla. The food is always amazingly delicious."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely 'old-fashioned' hotel
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lovely 'old-fashioned' hotel restaurant with all the ambience that that entails. The food has gotten very good once again and we enjoy going there."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 8 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb food in the New York
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Superb food in the New York Italian tradition."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
While our maitre d was exceptionall
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While our maitre d was exceptionally hospitable, when he found out my husband's steak was over cooked, he did not offer to have another one sent out to him. I also did not mention the fact that my shrimp was over cooked as well. It was our 5th anniversary so we were very disappointed in our food. The piano bar is very cool, however, having people sit at the piano really ruins it for the other patrons who would like to be able to visually see the pianist and interact with him. It is also very difficult to carry on a conversation with the noise level. Great venue but you are over seating for the square footage you have available in the bar area. Thanks!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2013
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Review 10 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfection!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This restaurant was one of the best I have ever been worldwide. Carpaccio was outstanding and the sea bass was so fresh and cooked to perfection! Next time I am in San Diego, I know where my reservations will be!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had the best experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had the best experience! The Owners and Staff made us feel special and made sure we were well taken care of. Food, wine, service, and lounge talent was superb!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Such a great representation
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Such a great representation of the diversity within La Jolla. I can't wait till my coworkers are back in town to take them for dinner."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We've been many times over
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been many times over several years, and consider it one of the best restaurants in San Diego. They don't advertise (they don't have to!), and it is always filled on the weekends when we're there."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had such a great time with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had such a great time with Fantastic food! We would definitely go there again!
Everything was perfect."
Everything was perfect."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love this place! Favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Love this place! Favorite Italian restaurant in La Jolla."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good food, polite and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always good food, polite and attentive waitstaff-the place is run by grownups!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, service, ambience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, service, ambience. Anxious to return."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Must!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a great surprise! We found it through Yelp and it looked like a fun, interesting place with great food. The food and wine was amazing! We will visit this gem every time we visit La Jolla."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 19 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
For a very long time, one
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For a very long time, one of the best restaurants in San Diego. Outstanding "New York style" Italian steak house, with emphasis on beef, veal and pasta. Great service and marvelous, consistently first rate food."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Oustanding food and outstanding,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Oustanding food and outstanding, professional service, as fine as we have ever experienced. Have been coming to the Manhattan since 1989. You always feel welcome."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good menu offering a large
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good menu offering a large variety of dishes. I stick to a simple fish and salad meal while my husband is a meat and potatoes man. We are always very pleased with our choices."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 22 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had not been to Manhattan
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We had not been to Manhattan Restaurant in 20 years or more. We celebrated a special occasion last week and it was as wonderful as 20 years ago. We were in the main restaurant but the bar looked like a great,place to sit back, have drinks and enjoy the music.The food was out of this world!We love the old charm feel of the restaurant and will definitely be back!A restaurant not to miss!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Manhattan needs to improve
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good. Avoid Friday nights - too loud, music bumped up making it hard to talk at table. Waiter was not attentive at all. He pushed the Caesar salad at the table then had the bus boy make it. Very disappointing. Saw him later with the bill. The decor is first rate. I think when they get busy, service goes out the window. When we told the waiter we didn't want coffee and desert, he practically slapped the bill on the table and left. What in the world is that all about? We probably won't go back. The bill for 4 was $325 with a basic Malbec wine and no desert or coffee."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
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Review 24 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Waiters all were depressed,
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Waiters all were depressed, they all seemed like they were prisoners. The food was terrible, it all tasted like frozen food and microwaved. The waiter never came back to check on us. We will never go back again."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
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Review 25 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A La Jolla Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Superb food and outstanding, professional service. You are always made to feel welcome and special. One of the few places left on this planet where your Caesar salad is made from scratch at your table. My wife and I had our first meal at the Manhattan in 1989-- and have been customers ever since."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
No complaints it was perfect
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"No complaints it was perfect for me."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was excellent. Found
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent. Found the place to be a little dark, but overall the decor fit the atmosphere."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great classic high end restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great classic high end restaurant type atmosphere but food was just OK insofar as classic Italian taste. Marinara was not as robust as other Italian restaurants (and like that in Italy) and prices are reminiscent of a much higher quality."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Interesting older Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Interesting older Italian restaurant. Very noisy in the front room. Food and service were very good. Best suited for an older crowd that likes a very energetic place."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing manhattan la jolla
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very nice place, live music, amazing performers, food is very tasty and very big plates, extremely good!"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 31 for Manhattan of La Jolla
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Romance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a wonderful dinner and romantic evening altogether, while never leaving Manhattan's!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Manhattan of La Jolla
Based on the average of (28) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic