Manuel’s Vintage Room
6 S Main St, Gainesville, FL, 32601
Manuel’s Vintage Room Menu
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Salad
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Soup of the Day
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Soup & Salad Combo
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Sandwiches
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Burger
Healthy Meal suggestions for Manuel’s Vintage Room
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Salad
-
Soup of the Day
-
Soup & Salad Combo
-
Sandwiches
-
Burger
Visit below restaurant in Gainesville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Gainesville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
6 S Main St
Gainesville, FL, 32601 - Phone (352) 375-7372
- Website https://www.manuelsvintageroom.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Karly G.
My favorite restaurant in Gainesville and hands down he best Italian food. If we want to go out and have an excellent meal, drink excellent wine, and receive excellent service, this is where we always go. The pricing is not outrageous, surprisingly , and I think it's s great value for what they're serving. The lobster ravioli is divine, the duck with the blackberry sauce is amazing. Manuels chicken is spicy but it's served with w wine sauce so it's very decadent at the same time. My filet was cooked perfectly and was topped with a delicious red wine sauce. The apple salad is delicious, and I highly recommend splitting it with a guest to have before your meal. The service is perfect, our server and the server assistant was so attentive and offered great recommendations. And at the end of our meal, Manuel walked us out and shook our hand. This is why we come back whenever we want a delicious meal with impeccable service. The decor is so cute and reminds me of my Italian grandmother's house. If you plan on going for s holiday, get reservation early because I can see this place filling up fast. Overall, if you want the best fine dining experience in Gainesville, this place can't be beat. I love Manuel's!
(5)eric s.
This place is by far one of the best places to eat in Gainesville. Go dressed as you want, but you will feel the most comfortable in semi-formal or in something you'd wear to church. The owner is a Mexican guy that has a deep passion for all things Italian and spent several years in Italy. He has his own table in the back and will make even first timers here feel like close friends or family. The first time I went I didn't have a reservation, highly recommended, and he gave up his own seat for us. It was several months later when I went again and he remembered me like it we met the previous night. Everything on the menu is delicious. It is pricy for some and a great place for special occasions.
(5)Jennifer Z.
Hands down, the best dining experience in Gainesville! The food is made fresh and prepared by one chef. The service is superior to the rest. The environment is cozy and romantic. My husband and I eat their once a year--because it is THAT special.
(5)Bianca J.
My boyfriend and I had dinner here for our one year anniversary this weekend. Everything was perfect: the food, the atmosphere, the service. I called ahead and we were immediately seated. Our water glasses were quickly filled and we were given bread with the house olive oil. Let me say it was the best olive oil I have ever tasted. My boyfriend and I shared a delicious salad composed of mixed greens, gorgonzola, pine nuts, prosscuito and an addictive lemon pesto dressing. We couldnt help but smile as we ate. I ordered the gnocchi with rosa sauce, and it came piping hot. The flavor was impeccable, while the gnocchi was definitely on point and homemade. For dessert we shared the raspberry cheesecake, which my boyfriend commented saying "it was almost or even better than his grandmothers"! To top it all off, the owner, Manuel, came to greet us as we were leaving and we were blown away. We could not have chosen a better place to celebrate a special day.
(5)Ricardo R.
The angel hair pasta with shrimp and chorizo was really good. So was the tiramisu. I recommend the place.
(5)N M.
It has been a number of years since we've been here, but the 2-3 times we went were memorable. The food was always delicious going in - rich, great flavors and creative. The ambiance is wonderful. Every time I've been, I've gotten physically sick later in the evening. No joke, and I have a stomach of IRON. I'm not sure if it was what I ordered, but my wife suspected it was just the richness of the food, namely the cream-based sauces. The experiences have kept us from ever going back.
(2)Marcelo D.
Food was great. Service was good. I had the truffle pasta and it was amazing.
(5)James I.
Last weekend, I took my girlfriend to Manuel's, and we had a blast! The food, the wine, the service, everything was great. Let us start at the beginning. Manuel's is a smaller restaurant, so you will need a reservation. Also, the seating is somewhat tight but not so you feel uncomfortable. If possible, ask for a table with a booth when making your reservation. When we arrived, we were promptly seated in a nice table in the corner of the restaurant. Shortly thereafter, our waiter--who was named Harry--arrived. Harry is a certified somm, an excellent waiter, charming, and exactly the man you want to appear tableside! My girlfriend and I split the risotto cakes as an appetizer, and she stated, "These are the best things I can remember eating recently!" (High praise!) I ordered the NY Strip for my main, and she had the shrimp and mushrooms. Both of us thought that our food was great. My steak was perfectly cooked, and her dish had the most amazing sauce, which complemented the shrimp so well. However, the portions are generous to say the least, so we could not finish. For dessert, we split the chocolate cake, which was equal parts moist and decadent. Up until now, I have neglected to mention anything about the wine we had. Well, I was saving that for the end! I chatted briefly with Harry about wine at the beginning of the evening, and his knowledge was immediately evident. All oenological decisions were deferred to him. He picked a wonderful glass of white to pair with our appetizers, and an equally perfect bottle of red for us to split with our mains. Lastly, he even brought over some port for us during dessert! TLDR: A cozy restaurant with great food and a top-notch wine list. Make reservations, come hungry, leave happy.
(5)Ashley B.
First off this place is not given the Yelp credit it deserves! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. My husband and I arrived around 7:30, and they were packed but fortunately for us they had a cancellation and sat us immediately. The atmosphere is quaint and romantic, with little tables, dim lighting and candles. The servers were very knowledgeable and extremely polite. The food, was amazing! I ordered the shrimp and mushroom pasta, which is one of their popular dishes. While I typically don't order pasta dishes, I loved this one. The shrimp tasted fresh and it was seasoned perfectly. My husband had the gnocchi with a beef bolognese sauce, which I tried and also enjoyed. He was happy with his choice as well. We didn't make room for desert, but it did look delicious. We can't wait to go back!
(5)Steven E.
This restaurant has the most incredible marinara sauce I have ever tested. I have been to Manuel's twice, and I was sold from the moment I ate the first appetizer. We ordered the calamari, which came with the aforementioned sauce. I was very close to just ignoring the squid and drinking the sauce. It still haunts me... The two entrees I've had here did not disappoint. The first was a special of the evening, a chipotle seasoned rack of lamb. It was perfect. The other was a classic Bolognese, which also delivered exactly what I wanted. Obviously I would not hesitate to recommend this place - just know you absolutely need to make reservations. At maximum, they can seat about 36ish people at any one time.
(5)James J.
With an air of quiet confidence, Manuel's was recommended to me over the years by a few people who poured over their experience. The lack of ego makes it all the more easy to say that this cozy room is home to the most authentic Italian cuisine I have eaten in recent memory, with an ambience that lifts you out of quaint Gainesville and into the perfect date night. The Space Tucked into a small slot downtown, Manuel's might be a hard to find if you were relying on your eyes. A faux-Miami night club and American/burger bar sit on either side, acting as concrete camouflage, but neither detract from the rustic charm. Step in and feel the warmth of a small, charming dining room that would sit about 25 (so consider a reservation). Not many places offer both the intimate environment and high-end plates, so look forward to easy conversation. Around the walls are little cute bits of inspired decoration, including paintings and other small, themed pieces. One of my favorite surprises was the visibility of the kitchen. For me there is just something mesmerizing about knowing the hard work I'm watching will directly translate into the fantastic meal to come. The Service Starting before even arriving, Manuel's has both premium and fluid service. We needed to call in and make sure our reserved table would be handicap-friendly. Approaching the door, a server was outside waiting to open the door and insure the place they chose accommodated the wheelchair properly. Once settled, we swiftly received bread and oil, had our wine selection served to us, and never went without check-ins on how we were enjoying ourselves. Expect a finely-tuned staff: you are offered to taste the wine to confirm it suits you, your water never warms with the room, and all work to keep an eye on every table. Professional, courteous, and informed. The Food Authentic. Fresh. Delicate. There is no mistaking you will be in love with your bites when the pasta is made in-house, this on top of Italian cuisine already being a warm hug of feel-good. Starting from the crisp, yet soft bread and pine nut-infused olive oil into the luscious, decadent entrees and ending with one of the indulgent desserts, I challenge you to find a mediocre meal (I'll be happy to eat it for you)! Our table of 4 enjoyed two of the special (filet mignon bathed in a goat cheese sauce), Lobster Ravioli, and the Gnocchi Daniela (my meal), as well as splitting one serving of homemade Tiramisu. I did not sample all of the dishes, but trust the looks of bliss on everyone's faces that must have mirrored my own. The Gnocchi Daniela comes drenched in a rich, smooth fontina cream sauce with a splash of vibrant marinara in the center (add fresh parmesan upon request). Bite after bite, the warm, smooth gnocchi balances a perfect chew with a pillowy, smooth center. The acidity of the fresh tomato sauce dances with the richness of the cream to continuously satisfy. I see this dish pairing nicely with many different wines but I bet the staff would advise you regardless. Having dove into the above, dessert was a must. We all had generous portions of bread, as well as the meal, and found splitting the one serving between us all the just-right amount. This tiramisu is the best I have ever had: a cool, smooth square of silky heaven soaked in a spectacular milky espresso, drizzled with chocolate and joined by fresh berries. So outstanding I plan to tuck this dish away as its own, singular reason for stopping by, perhaps paired with a café for a late-night treat. Final Thoughts The wine selection is vast, from single glasses to half bottles and even beauties from Manuel's private cellar. While a weekend date night is everything you want, I feel compelled to encourage coming on slower days for the chance to meet Manuel himself, which I did not get. Trust me when I say I will make plenty of opportunities to do so now knowing what a treasure I've discovered.
(5)Olivia W.
As much as I love Gainesville, sometimes I can't help the sudden onset of wanderlust. When the weekend rolls around, every so often I find myself imagining that I'm somewhere far far away like Tokyo, Barcelona, or Paris. But if I ever feel the urge for an Italian getaway, I'll have no further to travel than Manuel's Vintage Room. Located in the heart of Gainesville's downtown, Manuel's is somewhat of a small space. However, the small space works, because it creates a cozy and intimate dining experience. I was impressed by the extensive wine list and I had a hard time deciding on an entree because I wanted so badly to try several. But I settled on the night's special, which did not disappoint. It was an 8 oz. filet mignon covered in a creamy goat cheese sauce with a spicy kick. The plate was also garnished with red peppers and arugula. It was absolutely outstanding. I will say that I ordered it medium rare, and it came out closer to medium, but it was too good to complain. I also sampled a little bit of my date's entree, the Gnocchi Daniela, and that was top notch as well. For dessert, we split a tiramisu. It had the perfect amount of moisture and I particularly enjoyed the strawberries and blueberries on top. I would definitely recommend Manuel's for a date night, a special occasion, or if you're looking for an exceptional dining experience. The food is fabulous and the service is quick and attentive. It is a good idea to call ahead, since the space is small and they fill up quickly. But it's certainly worth it. Buon Appetito!
(5)Raquelle R.
This restaurant gave me hope for the Gainesville restaurant scene. I went for my birthday recently and can't wait to come back. MUST HAVE: The lobster ravioli with truffle cream sauce is delicious! Real chunks of lobster. You will be cleaning the sauce off of your plate with the bread. The portion might not fill you up though but it's worth it. I tried a little bit of the pesto sauce from my brother's goat cheese and pesto pizza and was impressed. In my experience it's not that easy to find good pesto at restaurants so I was very happy.
(5)Jason G.
took my wife to Manuels last Saturday for our one year anniversary. It was incredible. I ordered the filet mignon and cannot describe how indicate and delicious the flavors were. I had to compliment the chef, who is also the owner and Manuels son. He told me that they make each sauce from scratch to order. The service is great also. I think that this place has the best prepared food in Gainesville hands down.
(5)Carley H.
All I can say is that if you haven't gone to eat here, what the heck are you waiting for? I come to eat here as many times as I can. My favorite dishes are the risotto cakes, pizza pastore, and lobster ravioli but everything is decadent and full of flavor!
(5)Jen M.
I have NEVER had a disappointing dinner at Manuels. My husband usually try one of the specials- but the pear pasta appetizer is what we come back for time and time again. The service is always excellent, especially Melanie.
(5)Judy B.
Fabulous dinner. First time at this place. We were staying near by at at B&B. The pear pockets and calamari were excellent. My husband had the tuna special which was a little bit too spicy. It was tasty but way to much spice. I had the duck which was perfect!! We had a slice of cheesecake for dessert. The atmosphere was refreshing and I can't say enough about the service which was above and beyond. We will be back!!
(5)Brandon B.
I think the stars speak for themselves, but I was very impressed with this place. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and the best wines to pair with them. I had the duck, which was cooked to perfection and did pair very well with the wine the waiter recommended. As we were leaving Manuel made a point to come over and speak with us, made us feel very welcome. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is in the mood for traditional Italian.
(5)David B.
It is so sad to write this review. Manuel's was the first restaurant that we visited, many years back, after a post-graduation, 20-year absence from Gainesville. At that time, we simply walked in, and the hospitality and the food could not have been any better. The owner was there - he was carrying in his personal wine stash, stocking the restaurant's cellar from the trunk of his car. A perfect experience ... unfortunately, it's been downhill ever since. Our biggest gripe - Manuel's treats you like they are doing you a great favor by allowing you to dine at their establishment. You can try calling for a reservation - if you can stand the attitude ("well, I could see if I could try to fit you in somewhere, but we are very busy ..."). Or, you could try emailing - but don't expect a reply. And, you could try walking in, after repeatedly emailing and not receiving a reply; you could then try to explain that you've been trying, only to receive what must be the standard, pre-programmed response from the host or hostess - "I usually try to return emails, but if I didn't return your email, that means that I didn't have anything available - and I am totally full tonight ..." So, since when did this restaurant get far too big for its britches? Last time I checked, this isn't New York - this is GAINESVILLE, and your restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall, next to a pub-grub bar and a rotating array of bass-thumping pseudo-disco flesh pits. The place is very small, and very loud. And yes, the food is good - but not that good that one should have to beg to get a seat. Seriously, save your time and your money, and walk around the corner to Paramount. You'll be treated better, you'll have much more room to breath, you can actually have a conversation with your dinner mates, and the food will be exceptional and creative. Oh, no attitude! Overall, you'll thank this reviewer, since at the end of the meal, you'll be much, much happier, having bypassed Manuel's. PS - must be nice to turn away customers ... maybe more people will read this, and will save Manuel's the trouble of having to turn away the hungry crowds ...
(1)Jasmine C.
Loved the ambience. Went for Valentine's Day dinner. Snails appetizer were amazing! Entrees were okay. Pasta sauce a bit bland. However, I would definitely return. Great wine selection!
(4)Jevay G.
I know I'm going to be an outlier here, but if my husband wrote the review he would give them zero stars if possible. After planning on going to a place we thought made fresh pasta for months now, the stars finally aligned and we really wish they wouldn't have. Atmosphere: It has a nice romantic setting. Dim lighting, small and the seating is tight but comfortable, we couldn't hear what the table next to us were talking about and for their sake I sure hope they couldn't hear what we were talking about, but I digress. Service: Our main waiter was great and very helpful, but during our dinner two other people kept checking in on us. I appreciate the service, but we came to eat dinner and enjoy each other's company not talk to the wait staff all night long. Also no one introduced themselves as our waiter so it took us a while to figure out who was who. Food: In a nutshell their sauces are amazing, but to echo Gordon Ramsey a great sauce is pointless if you put it on top of crap! Here's what we ordered: Pear Purse - I liked it and thought it was interesting. The pasta was fresh made and you can tell but I don't need to have it again. Goat Cheese Pizza - It was ok. The goat cheese was mild and I would have liked more goat cheese. New York Strip Steak - The sauce was amazing, the steak was cooked well and good quality meat, but it was just another steak. Lobster Ravioli - Here is where I have a problem. The actual ravioli was horrible, my husband was starving so he ate it, but I only ate half of one. You can tell it was frozen and the filling was mush! If the menu didn't say lobster ravioli I would have had no idea what the filling was. But the truffle sauce was amazing. All in all not a horrible place for Gainesville, but I would never call a restaurant who cooks frozen ravioli an authentic Italian restaurant.
(2)Steve G.
Always feel well cared for here and the food is always good. If you haven't gone, definitely need to check it out. a great date night place. our food was a little late coming out and so they comped our wine for us. I would recommend the gnocchi, the roasted veggies, the pear & riccota pockets truffle cream sauce. Pretty amazing.
(5)Sara K.
As far as Gainesville food goes, this is one of the better "nice meals" we've had. Our table shared the pear purses and the risotto cakes - both were delicious. My husband ordered the Gnocchi Daniela - the sauce was amazing! I had cappelini pasta with a lemon herb sauce. It was okay but nothing off-the-charts as I was hoping. The restaurant itself is small & cozy. We made a reservation a few days before and had no issue getting a table on the night we wanted.
(4)Brent T.
Had a wonderful dinner here tonight. Service and food was fantastic. Mozzarella Caprese was out of this world. Chicken Parm was so tender I cut it with my fork.
(5)Carly R.
My fiance and I chose Manuel's to celebrate our 3-year anniversary. Neither of us had been there before. We were able to get a reservation easily, even calling at 6:30 PM the same night. We were greeted and seated immediately. We ordered a half bottle of wine, which our waiter uncorked and poured for us. (Very fancy!) We ordered a pear/cheese appetizer...it might be the best thing we had. Don't get me wrong--our dinners were great too. But the appetizer was the star, as I had not had anything like it before. They also served us bread and herbs. My fiance is a glutton for freshly baked bread, and they happily brought him another basket of it as soon as he killed the first basket. (They even offered him a third basket, but he (surprisingly) refused it.) Wanting to try a traditional Italian dish, I ordered Chicken Parm, and the fiance ordered Chicken Milanese. The parm was very, very good; very rustic. But the Milanese...now THAT is a fun dish. Just absolutely delicious in every way. Needless to say, he devoured it. We did not have room for dessert, so I can't comment on that. The one thing I did not like is that they do not serve pasta or any sides with their main courses. All dinners are served a la carte, though you can add a side of pasta for like $3 or something. Truthfully, you won't really need it; they give you a HUGE portion that is filling on its own. But I'm Italian; I like some pasta with my meal! So it was a little annoying that I had to pay extra for something that comes standard at every other Italian restaurant (fancy and non-fancy) that I've ever been to, including the one I worked in many years back. All in all, Manual's is a wonderful experience. The service is superb; you will be treated like royalty. And the food is truly divine. This is a great spot for a date or any special occasion. I can't believe I lived in Gainesville 9 years before I finally went!
(4)Mike F.
Average. Not that great but it is overpriced.
(3)Leonardo A.
The best italian food we had in Gainesville!! Very nice staff, with good and prompt service, we were happy to get a table for 2 without a reservation. The appetizers and entrees were delicious, I wish we could have a second stomach to eat more and save room for desert. Highly recommended!!
(5)Sara L.
This is my favorite place to splurge! The special appetizer of poached pear and goat's cheese purses in a brown butter sage sauce are incredible; they force me to close my eyes while savoring each bite and make incomprehensible noises in delight. I usually follow this with a pairing of the gnocchi Daniela and the chicken limone. The food is amazing and the service never fails. I recently tried the tiramisu and it also knocked my socks off. Definitely a fine dining experience.
(5)Keith B.
Hit & Miss Manuel's is a formal Italian restaurant in the heart of Gainesville. It gets very good reviews. The Hits: The staff and owner were very nice. The dining room was quite pleasant. The best item we had was the delicious Apple Salad. The bread was rather addictive. They gave us tastes of wine before we ordered which was most appreciated. The Misses: The staff was rather disorganized and no one seemed to be in charge of any particular table. Therefore, there was a lot of buzzing about by staff but nobody noticing us when we needed something. The rest of our food was mediocre. We were told that the Lamb Bolognese was a favorite, but we found it to lack any depth of flavor or richness. The shrimp and mushroom pasta was, likewise, lacking any fullness of flavor. We were the first to enter the restaurant that evening since we had a show to go to. Even then the kitchen took surprisingly long to get food out. I would gladly return if I wanted a light meal of the great Apple Salad. Otherwise, I will try somewhere else on future trips to Gainesville.
(3)Nicolle S.
The food, the wine selection, the ambiance, the wait staff - all excellent. You won't find better in Little Italy in NYC. Best kept secret in Gainesville. Loved this place and will be back - often! Oh and I forgot to add, priced reasonably enough that it's not just for special occasions. Treat yourself today : )
(5)S L.
Definitely one of the best restaurants in Gainesville. It's a small place, but the food quality and personal service are great. The lobster ravioli and the tiramisu where so fresh and delicious I have cravings for them now. Everything is mostly cooked to order, so it's not a fast, quick dinner by any means but it's worth the wait.
(5)Nathan G.
This place is tops of the restaurant world in Gainesville. Great food, solid wine selection and I like the small setting. Plus the owner/staff have always been very accommodating and kind. RSVP if you wanna go though.
(5)Steven H.
Overall a good menu and very good service. The warm bread with olive oil and spices is a nice touch. It's a little smaller, so getting a table, especially for a larger party may be difficult. I had the gnocchi and while it was good, I can't say it was the best I've had (hence a 4 rating).
(4)Cecil G.
A place I love taking my wife if we're looking for a sexy night on the town. The food is so delicious. It's a nice step away from the typical Italian place!
(5)Simon P.
Small cozy restaurant, right around the corner from the Paramount Grill and very similar in the quality of the food. But Manuel's has more of a "dressy night out in the city" atmosphere, while Paramount Grill is a little more "artisanal muffin". Service is suitably obsequious. Prices are high. In fact, based on the crowd the last time I went, I'd say it's mostly only UF undergraduates and administrators who can afford to eat here.
(4)Connor M.
I have to be completely honest here. I was shocked by Manuel's. After having dined in some of the more quality restaurants in Europe and Asia, it sets a higher bar for what classifies as good food. Sure, in a smaller towns there are restaurants you like to go eat and they are satisfying, the food is pretty good, and its not a problem. But I have to plainly admit that my meal here was not just good, it was remarkable. The ambience is passable, pretty good for Gainesville's standards, but the food could stand side by side with any good restaurant in NY, London, etc. I had the Lobster Ravioli with truffle sauce, which was near perfect. The gnocchi floored me. I had a bite of the other two dishes friend's had, and both were on par with mine. I have to say that coming from someone who grew up here, this is the first dining experience I have had in this city that truly elevated the playing field. I am pleased someone set a new benchmark for what is good food in a laid back college town. The fact there are so few seats makes you think twice about writing a good review because you want to keep the place all to yourself, but the hard work and meticulous detail put into the craft is worth celebrating, and sharing.
(5)Andy S.
Manuel definitely did something right. Reservations during busy season are hard to come by but are so worth it. Ambiance: Out of the "fine dining" establishments in Gainesville, Manuel's is definitely the most intimate one and best for a first date. The room is small; 10 or so tables with 2 outside. Dim lighting with candles on the table. Food: FOOD. Everything is good. All of the appetizers are great; the escargot is a much larger portion than any other restaurant I've been to and is amazing. If you're in the mood for pasta, I highly suggest the Gnocchi Daniela. If you're in the mood for protein, Manuel's is known for any of their veal dishes. Make sure you get a veal dish with a risotto cake in the middle though - outstanding. The owner always comes to your table during the meal and welcomes you with his thick Italian accent. Prices are what you would expect for an upscale Gainesville restaurant. You definitely get your money's worth with portion size and amazing quality.
(5)Matthew B.
What a wonderful place. This is my favorite place in Gainesville after our recent visit. The staff was absolutely wonderful and Manuel himself was there and greeted us graciously during out dinner. I took my girlfriend there last night and we had a wonderful time. The food is superb as well. And for everything that you get, it is very reasonably priced.
(5)Naomi G.
As an Italian-American living in Florida, it's hard to find Italian cuisine that hits the spot the same as my family's homemade meals. Manuel's surprised me and exceeded the expectations I had before dining with them. The Vintage Room is a very intimate, cozy area - dimly lit, decorated in wine paraphernalia and paintings, and with a brick wall reminiscent of brownstone bars and eateries in New York City. The smell of the restaurant is a rich blend of wine and the savory, trademark scent of olive oil and garlic used in many of the dishes. The menu focuses primarily on Italian, French, American, and Italian-American foods. The staff was very welcoming and seemed to know what they were doing. This wasn't a restaurant of clumsy college kids in nice outfits; it was a restaurant of young and friendly, but trained, waiters who knew more than just refilling drinks and rattling off dinner specials. Like good waiters, they were never intrusive in their action and kept a perfect flow between meal courses. The only complaint I may have is that there seems to be many waiters at one place at one time, but this is not a fault of assignment as much as the small restaurant size. My party's glasses were filled with clean water (not the tell-tale minerally taste of plain city tap) and they each had glasses of wine they brought along themselves. We were brought baskets of warm bread with individual plates of seasoned olive oil, which really pleased me (I hate sharing plates). We started off with calamari, escargot, and their signature "pasta pockets", filled with spiced pear. Although I'm not a fan of escargot, it was well seasoned and delicious. The calamari was fresh and outstanding, with a delightfully crunchy outside and a satisfyingly chewy inside. The marinara sauce served with it deserves a prize of its own; it is hard to find a profoundly taste marinara sauce, but Manuel's has perfected it. The pasta pockets, I believe an original creation, melted in my mouth with the amazing combination of sweet and savory. I had to shut my eyes and slowly savor every bit of the perfect blend. I ordered a caesar to start with - I like to see how each restaurant makes theirs, and it prevents me from over-eating - and it was very nice. The dressing tasted homemade, but it had a little more anchovy than I'd like. For my entree, I had the lamb bolognese. The pasta was al dente, but the lamb had an even stronger and muskier taste than usual. The taste seeped into the sauce as well, so that even without meat, it was still quite musky. Many people prefer the stronger end of the spectrum as far as the musk of lamb goes, but I am not one of those people. I prefer a nice medium. Besides this, the dish was generous in portion and nicely seasoned. My party had a plate of gnocchi to share, and it was delicious! Everyone else enjoyed their meal, especially the person in my party who ordered Manuel's chicken, a spicy dish. We each finished off with chocolate-dipped espresso ice cream, which really tied together the meal. Manuel himself made an appearance and was very hospitable to each guest. I will be coming back here, but I will order a non-lamb dish next time!
(4)Justin P.
Went here with my girlfriend for an anniversary and the place was just fantastic. It is the most intimate place I have eaten in all of Gainesville, the food and service was wonderful, and the prices aren't crazy. This place reminds me of some the European restaurants that I loved.
(5)Tara S.
I discovered this gem back during my foodie college days. I was back in town for my man's (grad school) graduation and was soo glad to see that this place was still there (since we all know how restaurants come and go in Gainesville). I knew this would be the perfect place to take him for a celebratory dinner. Everything was a delicious as I remembered . We ordered bottleof chianti and started off with the escargot, which was delicious. They had my BF at the pesto olive oil for the bread! I ordered the veal porcini with the risotto cake and he had the tenderlion special. We were eating off each others plates and even though we were both not very hungry, we ate every last morsel off our plates. Lets just say that the food coma that followed was pure bliss.
(5)Erin C.
Manuel's is amazing. Lovely atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff (Melody is the best!), and the Gnocchi Daniela is to die for. I'm removing one star for the experience I had last weekend, though. I had made a reservation on Friday evening for my birthday, but I decided mid-week that it might be nicer to have dinner at home instead. On a whim, I called them to ask if they would be willing to do take-out for us on Friday evening. I was told that it would be fine; I just needed to call in my order at 5:00pm so the chef could make the food before the evening rush. I then cancelled my previously-made reservation, so that the restaurant could book another couple in our slot for the evening. I called at 5:00pm on Friday... and was told that they would not be able to make food for us to-go. I explained the conversation I had had previously, that I was told it would be fine, that I had cancelled my reservation for the evening because I had been told it would be fine, that it was my birthday, etc... nothing. I was definitely disappointed. And given the late notice, there weren't any tables available anywhere else!
(4)Lindsay H.
I have never had a bad experience at Manuel's. in fact, the one time I went in without a reservation, they were full, but gave me a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert the next time I came back. I LOVE the rustic salad and the grouper. So amazing. If you like pasta, the lobster ravioli is the best I've ever had.
(5)Peter F.
Call ahead or you wont get to go at all. Great restaurant! Great Food! Great Service! A little pricy, but very much worth it.
(5)Diana D.
We did our anniversary dinner date here last weekend after hearing good things about it. We also wanted something a bit classier for the special occasion. We made reservations and are glad we did, because at one point all of the ~12 tables were full. Even so it was not very loud and the atmosphere was less "young" than some of the other restaurants in town. The waitstaff was extremely professional and kind. The sourdough bread was excellent paired with the basil olive oil. We started with the pear purses which were TO DIE FOR. I was expecting a pretty good unique appetizer and instead that was our favorite of the evening. I had gnocchi della casa with basil pesto which was sooo good. The gnocchi was so tender and yummy. My husband had lamb bolognese and it was his "type" of meal and though he said it was very good, it's probably not something he'd get again. Both plates were on the large side - somehow my hubby downed all of his but I had to take some of mine to go, and it was a delicious lunch the next day. We got the chocolate torte for dessert - it needed to be split between us because it was so rich. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal and didn't spend as much as we expected to, believe it or not. It's definitely high-class with high standards of service and we most definitely will be back.
(5)Colin C.
My favorite restaurant in Gainesville hands down. The veal porcini is the best dish in my opinion , but they are all amazing. The pear and ricotta pasta purses with pesto are a great app. Plus the pasta pizziorie flatbread is delicious too.The staff are very attentive and the atmosphere is cozy.
(5)Aloysia E.
Food is AMAZING customer service AMAZING it is a small place so get a reservation. I had the gnocchi. It was as good as my friends homemade gnocchi. I would go here every time I am in town.
(5)Paula M.
I came here on a Friday in late May while visiting, and, coming from a place where a 45 minute wait on a Friday is pretty common, was expecting not to be able to be seated right away during weekend dinner rush. We were pleasantly surprised when we were seated immediately. The restaurant is small and intimate (ie your table will not be far from your fellow diners) and reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen; so my review may be biased. I had the rustic salad to start, which could have been a meal of its own. My fiance had the Caesar salad, which was also quite a large portion. The veal porcini was fantastic and again sufficiently large that I took some home (and subsequently forgot it in the hotel refrigerator). The service was quick and pleasant, and the owner was sitting at a table by us harassing the waitstaff in a friendly manner and stopping by to greet his patrons. I guess it may be on the expensive side for the area, but I'm used to higher prices and felt that the quality of food and service was certainly worth the price tag. This will definitely be a place where I take friends and family who come to visit.
(4)Julia V.
There is nothing negative to say about this restaurant. Best dining in Gainesville! Great atmosphere, delicious food, fast service. Expensive but worth the price tag.
(4)Christine S.
Love this place! Great food and wine:) The Caprese Salad, Gnocchi Daniela and Veal Porcini are all excellent. Also love their bolognese sauce.
(5)Charles S.
Best restaurant in Gainesville. Period.
(5)Estelle R.
I have been to Manuel's several times over the past year or so. It is always excellent and last night was no exception. We started off with the rustic salad, which is definitely big enough for two people. Then I had the macadamia encrusted chicken for the first time and it was incredible! My boyfriend and I shared a bottle of Santa Christina Chianti, which was really delicious and at $30 a bottle is one of the cheapest on the wine list. We finished off the night with a seriously decadent vanilla pecan cheesecake drizzled with caramel. The service was excellent, though our waiter did seem a bit on the spazzy side. The atmosphere is really lovely. And Manuel was there, as usual, and came over the make sure that everything was to our satisfaction. Manuel's is definitely not for the cheapskate, but they offer a great "early bird" menu Tuesday-Thursday, 5-7PM, with $10 plates and $3 glasses of wine (or $12 bottles).
(5)Pooja R.
Now that I no longer live in Gainesville, I miss this place more than you could ever imagine. As someone who has been to Italy many, many times, I can assure you that this food is not only authentic, but is some of the best food you will ever eat. I must have eaten here over 100 times and EVERYTHING is amazing (you will never be disappointed) but my personal favorites are the mushroom crostini, truffle cream gnocchi, and the pasta purses they have as a special sometimes. Everything about this restaurant from the food to the service is outstanding. The chef and owner are amazing! Mi manchi, Manuel!
(5)Ben S.
This is one of the two best restaurants in Gainesville, by far the best Italian, and has by far the best service of any place in town... or perhaps anywhere I've ever eaten. I first brought my daughter there when she was 7. Getting up to use the restroom her dress that time caught on the tablecloth and sent 3 glasses crashing to the floor. 3 servers immediately came over to help; 2 cleaned up the glass while the 3rd assured her it happened all the time to everyone. Then Manuel, the owner, insisted on sending my daughter a free tiramisu for dessert. I've been back regularly for the last 3 years and tonight took my daughter to celebrate her birthday. Manuel gave her a hug, wished her a happy birthday, took her back to the kitchen to meet the chef (who also wished her happy birthday) and again sent her tiramisu for dessert (remembering it from 3 years prior). This is what restaurants should aspire to.
(5)Victoria P.
Manuel's Vintage Room is tucked away on South Main Street in downtown Gainesville. An intimate Italian hideaway, the family owned restaurant just so happens to serve some of the best pasta this side of the Atlantic. Manuel's ala carte style menu can be a bit pricey at times, but it's well worth it for the chef's decadent flavors and robust dishes. Snuggled into a corner booth facing the street, candles flickered on the table as I perused the menu while sipping my glass of Pinot Noir. Manuel's extensive wine list will satisfy any vino connoisseur's palette. Our appetizer was a tough choice between the Mushroom Crostini--portobello mushrooms marinated in a wine sauce over a gorgonzola spread topping a crispy miniature flatbread--and the Snails simmered in butter, garlic and seasonings. In the end, we both decided to be adventurous and the snails won out. So dainty and delicious, the sea mollusk was just the right texture with a burst of strong garlic flavor. The buttery leftovers turned out to be a perfect dipping sauce for the complimentary bread. Being a big fan of Manuel's seafood based dishes already, I knew one of us had to get the Lobster Ravioli. The truffle cream sauce added a sweet tinge to the otherwise savory dish. I was craving a little spice so I went for the Capellini with Shrimp. The angel-hair pasta tossed with sautéed shrimp, chorizo, onions, and tomatoes in an oil and garlic sauce was light yet full-bodied. I was exactly sure what to do with the shrimp tails and looked quite unladylike in my attempt to remove them. The chorizo's distinctive smokiness was a perfect mix with the citrus afterthought of the tomatoes. This time, I knew there was no turning down dessert. Manuel's Tiramisu tastes like a small piece of cloud drizzled in chocolate. This dessert was by far the lightest I have ever tasted. Rich and warm, the dish kept me oohing and aahing with each bite. The mix of cocoa and ladyfingers went nicely with the decorative fruit on top.
(5)Chad D.
Excellent! This is the best Italian food in Gainesville. Small and cozy, but makes for a great atmosphere. Make sure to call for a reservation, there are only a few tables.
(4)Neia F.
The best food in town! While in vacation with my son, I saw the reviews here and went there to check it out. I used to live in italy for many years and i thought i was back there when i ordered my gnocchi al tartufo! Owner came to every table checking if everything was ok. Everything was perfect. We will be back with the all family. Restaurant can fill up quick, make a reservation before you go.
(5)Andrea H.
Best Italian in town! Great ambiance and awesome service! I love the Spaghetti Bolognase and The Veal Porcini is my finances favorite! Outstanding selection of wine.
(5)Joe D.
Amazing food and service. The owner Manuel is a great guy. What a gem. The handmade gnocchi and the salmon were spot on.
(5)Foodie F.
The food and service was good BUT look over your bill carefully. Our bill had $20 wrongly added to the VISA total and, when asked about it, the server's unapologetic and rehearsed-sounding response made it pretty clear this was not "a mistake". It was early evening and not busy. (In fact, we were the only diners there.)
(3)Elizabeth R.
We really liked this place! Very cozy and the food was great. The fish was fresh and the service was awesome. We will definitely be going back sometime soon. The only thing we didn't like was the tomato vodka sauce, but thats okay, the other sauces were good! For Gainesville this place is really nice.
(3)Morgan A.
Fine ass dining. Been to every restaurant in town and if you like amazing food with impeccable service - this is the spot.
(5)Hania R.
The food is very good. The waiters are nice. The atmosphere could be way better. If you do not like tight small places, this is not your spot. I think the food, price, drinks, do not go with the look of the place.
(4)Jeff M.
The food was great. I had the veal marsla amoung our dishes my wife and I ordered and it was well executed thoughtful dishes. Definitely one of Gainesville's best restaurants.
(5)Gator R.
ALWAYS delicious. Amazing tortellini. Fantastic service, Manuel is always around--he found us a table when they were completely reserved for the night. One of the few authentic, consistent, pleasant-to-be-in restaurants in Gainesville. Everyone I have taken here has fallen in love. If you're looking for an intimate setting for a date or get-together, this is the perfect place.
(5)Debra B.
Magnificent Food and Service. Absolutely 5 star. My husband & I had dinner Wednesday night. We choose rustic salad that we split-WOW what a great salad with ,many layers of different flavors. There is also a house warm bread that is delicious served with olive oil & herbs.YUM-OH. Then we had special appetizer of pear & cheese in outrageously good sauce. We both choose specials-I had steak with mushroom & red wind reduction and my husband had shrimp, shitake mushroom with angel hair pasta. Both dishes were outstanding! Our waitress Melody was great. She made adjustments to our wine choices by giving her input on better food/wine pairing & she was right on target. For dessert we split a hazelnut ice cream with chocolate & port. Everything we ate here was 5 star, first rate, the best. The service was friendly, warm & the restaurant is a great warm intimate space. I highly recommend you head over! Charming in every way. FYI They have monthly wine tastings with a dinner on Monday nights; we reserved a spot for May 23.
(5)