Manuela

Featured reviews

• L

  lee lee

  ·2 months ago

  “We enjoyed everything we ordered. 7 of us ordered 8 different dishes to share. We enjoyed everything we ordered. I liked open-air courtyard atmosphere. Our server told us that seasonal ingredients were sourced directly from an on-site garden and chicken coop. Manuela charges $22 for valet parking at the gallery complex entrance, and they do not offer validation. Street parking in the Arts District is limited. I did self-parking directly across from the restaurant and ended up paying $24”

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• B

  Bryce Rayen

  ·2 months ago

  “Went there for brunch with a family around 11 AM. The atmosphere is quaint and relaxing. However, the quality and the amount of the food does not justify the prices. Our steak was cut with the grain and ham was under seasoned. Our chai was milk with a hint of chai in there. The staff is friendly and attentive but they are clearly overworked and understaffed. I saw my chilaquiles dish bounce around three different tables and the kitchens before making my way to me. It’s not a bad place but it’s evident that something on the management level is getting in the way of it being the place they want you to feel like it is. The corners feel so cut I’m not sure what’s left.”

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• G

  gcdplz

  ·2 months ago

  “Lovely decor with semi-outdoor and indoor space, full bar, and lots of plants and lights. The food is spectacular. Everything we ordered was excellent. Standouts include the cream biscuits from "small & to share" menu, the peads and barnett pork chop and venison burger. Our other two dishes consisting of the butterball potatoes and cast iron cornbread were also noteworthy. This place is definitely up there with Bestia and Bavel. Easily the best meal I've had in 2026 by a mile.”

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• C

  CH

  ·3 months ago

  “The ambiance, food, and service were perfect. It's got this Fall Out bunker / Mad Max outdoor but indoor industrial vibe to it. While the building looks rusty, the greenery makes it artistically beautiful. The menu is seasonal but I really enjoyed the soft shell crab and corn bread (although my Southern friends said it was not authentic at all). Highly recommend this spot for a date night or a group outing. The only downside is that there is no parking or validations; don't let the parking structure across the street trick you into parking there for $10 every 30 minutes.”

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• L

  Lastxuan.

  ·3 months ago

  “I visited Manuela for brunch and ordered the venison burger and the shrimp and rice grits. Both dishes were excellent, with very well-balanced flavors. The venison burger felt surprisingly light and didn’t have any strong or gamey …”

• M

  MarK Trosclair

  ·3 months ago

  “What a wonderful experience all around. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, and the atmosphere really adds to the meal. Service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and smooth from start to finish. The dishes were full of flavor and genuinely delicious. It felt like a real treat dining here, the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Everything came together perfectly for a really enjoyable and memorable visit.”

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• M

  Mayank Dayal

  ·3 months ago

  “Manuela in the Arts District is exactly the kind of restaurant that makes downtown Los Angeles feel layered, creative and alive. Tucked inside the Hauser & Wirth complex, it is not just a place to eat, but a full experience — part restaurant, part garden, part art-world escape. The setting is easily one of its biggest strengths. You walk into a space where the art, open kitchen, patio, greenery and industrial Arts District character all come together without feeling forced. There is a calmness to the restaurant that makes it feel special, but not stiff. The food leans modern American with a strong Southern influence, and the menu clearly celebrates seasonal produce, local farms and ingredient-led cooking. Among the starters, the cream biscuits were exceptional — warm, comforting, beautifully made and honestly one of those dishes that can set the tone for the whole meal. They are the kind of simple thing that only works when the execution is really strong. What I enjoyed most about Manuela is that it has a point of view. The restaurant does not feel like it is chasing trends. It knows what it is: seasonal, relaxed, artistic, rooted in California produce, but with a Southern comfort thread running through the food. The menu moves comfortably between shareable starters, seafood, vegetables, wood-fired dishes and cocktails, making it a great place for brunch, lunch, dinner or even a slower afternoon meal in the Arts District. Overall, Manuela is one of those LA restaurants where the environment and the food support each other beautifully. It is stylish without being cold, thoughtful without being precious, and memorable without trying too hard. I would go back for the setting, the garden, the atmosphere — and absolutely for those biscuits.”

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• Z

  zack wutzler

  ·3 months ago

  “Manuela is a truly enjoyable restaurant that combines excellent food, outstanding service, and a beautiful atmosphere. The space is thoughtfully designed, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels both stylish and comfortable. The food was fresh, flavorful, and prepared with great attention to detail, showcasing high-quality ingredients and excellent presentation. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the entire visit, making the experience feel welcoming and relaxed. I especially appreciated the attention to hospitality and the overall ambiance, which made the meal even more memorable. Everything exceeded expectations, and I would highly recommend Manuela to anyone looking for a great dining experience in Los Angeles. I look forward to returning again soon.”

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• A

  Andrea M Dinh

  ·4 months ago

  “Manuela is a straight up gem in the middle of LA and I don’t say that lightly. Walking in through the Hauser & Wirth complex you immediately feel it open, fresh, artistic, like the city took a breath. The kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. We got the burrata salad and the dressing is what got me. Just perfectly balanced and bright, letting the burrata actually shine. And the biscuits? Everything people say and more. Buttery, rich, the kind you tear into and immediately want another. Not overly heavy, just deeply satisfying. Service was excellent attentive without being in your face, which is exactly what you want when the environment is this good and you just want to sit in it. One honest note the venison burger didn’t quite land for us, and if you’re someone who prioritizes protein options, the menu is a little limited on that front. Would love to see them expand there. Other than that, it’s casual but elevated you don’t feel like you have to perform, you just get to enjoy. If you’re in LA and haven’t been, add it to the list. It feeds you in more ways than one.”

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• A

  Andrea Hoffman

  ·4 months ago

  “Manuela is a great choice for Farm to table dining, especially if you are craving yummy carby things and like woodfired meats and veggies. Reminded me a bit of some of the places we recently enjoyed in Napa. Some of our favorites were the trout tartare, soft shell crab, venison burger, all of the salads, and omg the homemade biscuits and corn bread. They also have a community garden and a chicken coop you can visit. Corkage $40 first 2 then 80, but they waive one for each bottle u buy. Nice, friendly service. We would happily go back! #thefoodetraveler”

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