Manuela image

Manuela

Restaurant Bar Organic restaurant

Casual eatery for seasonal menus, cocktails & housegrown ingredients in a rustic-chic arts complex. People often mention biscuits, good, great, delicious, brunch, restaurant, service, Manuela, parking, ordered,


Address

907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Website

manuela-la.com

Contact

(323) 849-0480

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM
  • Monday: 5:30 to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: biscuits (21) good (20) great (18) delicious (18) brunch (13) restaurant (12) service (12) Manuela (11) parking (11) ordered (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kirsten Alana P. 1 year ago on Google
    Like so many truly great restaurants in LA, you’ll pay a premium by the time you leave. Oh but the money will be so worth it! We each had a cocktail, split one appetizer, each had a main and split a dessert and it was about $75 / person with tip for brunch on a Saturday. BUT you sit in a garden in the middle of a former warehouse with a ceiling open to the sunshine and blue skies in a manufacturing facility that’s now an arts-focused community center in a sense. There’s a huge garden and chickens around the corner from where you sit and eat that supplies the restaurant with fresh veggies, herbs, eggs, etc. The service is so great and the servers so nice. They genuinely seem to love their jobs which isn’t always the case — especially after years of a pandemic — and that makes you love the restaurant before you’ve even tried the food. And then you try the food! And it’s so good! I wanted to stay and keep eating and just not leave till dinner was over. The beignets were so good with the little dish of homemade jam. Don’t skip those. My cocktail was divine. I’d also come back just for cocktails and lite bites with girlfriends. The bacon dish is why I can’t ever go fully vegetarian! I don’t know if there’s a better plate of bacon in LA? I’ll need to do more research. Bottom line: it’s popular for a reason. And worth the money!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hsin-Yi K. 4 months ago on Google • 196 reviews
    One of the standout features of Manuela is the convenient parking options. Whether you prefer street parking or the hassle-free valet service, accessibility is a breeze. The restaurant is housed within a captivating building that not only hosts the dining area but also features a charming bookstore and several art galleries. This unique setup adds an extra layer of charm to the overall dining experience, making it an ideal spot for a delightful date night. Manuela offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and the decor creates a cozy and inviting ambiance. After perusing the online recommendations, we decided to try a few must-try dishes, and they did not disappoint. The Biscuits were a true revelation, living up to their "Must order" status. The buttery goodness paired with the delectable fruit jam was a delightful way to start our meal. The Popover Benedict showcased an innovative approach, with the flipped-over bread layer adding a delightful twist to this classic dish. My personal favorite was the Ocean trout tartare. The combination of red onion, capers, bronze fennel, colatura vinaigrette, and garlic created a flavor profile that was simply irresistible. Each bite was a burst of culinary excellence, leaving a lasting impression. While the French Toast was enjoyable, it didn't quite reach the heights of the other dishes. The same can be said for the cocktails; they were satisfactory but didn't quite match the brilliance of the food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great brunch spot in Downtown LA. There's parking garage around the area and they have valet so that's not a problem. Atmosphere is very nice and the vibe is amazing. The service is spot on and happy servers. Food and drinks were good as well. Will surely go back.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandolph T. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything was just soooooo good! The overall ambiance of the restaurant felt like I was in a movie. Everyone needs to try this place and definitely order the scallops. They were cooked to perfection *chefs kiss*
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aileen C. 1 year ago on Google
    We went there for brunch and I loved the converted space. The food and service were also excellent. The biscuits almost melted in your mouth and I enjoyed the eggs and lentils dish and my friends liked the thick cut bacon that they ordered. Will definitely return!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LaLa L. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous restaurant. Incredibly attentive and friendly staff, especially Asher. The black bean chilaquiles and blistered snap peas are absolutely delicious. I loved the cream biscuits. Such delicious flavor profiles. Everything was perfect. I'm looking forward to coming back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed F. 2 years ago on Google
    What a lovely restaurant in the Art District! The outdoor seating is beautifully decorated. Our server was friendly and funny. Food was just the right portion and scrumptious. I ordered their cream biscuits, bay salmon, burrata salad and pink sangria. Totally enjoyed everything!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michele N. 6 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Manuela never disappoints. I have been here in a bustling busy weekend where the ambiance is rich with culture from live art in the courtyard and people enjoy the moment. Last night was the first time visiting during the week with a friend who had never been here. It was a cozy, comfy vibe that allowed for great conversation and an intimate Birthday celebration. Our host provided excellent food choices and paired the meal with a great wine.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yevette B. 9 months ago on Google
    Manuela is a beautiful restaurant space where you can enjoy a brunch that’s a delicious work of art. It’s designed that way since it’s located in the middle of the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery. Have a lovely boozy brunch and enjoy the current exhibit. An afternoon that will not disappoint!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jon N. 5 months ago on Google • 121 reviews
    Manuela is such a cool place with a great vibe. The food and drinks are excellent, and everyone loved everything we tried Service was very good but disappeared a couple of times. We ordered two drinks when our entrées dropped and they got to us after we'd finished our meal. If it had been busier, I'd have understood, but it wasn't. They were still really goid, though! When we arrived, we mentioned that it was our nephew and his wife's anniversary and asked the host to acknowledge it in some way, but they didn't, so that was a little disappointing. It's not that big a deal, but still... This is a great spot, and I highly recommend it.

  • 5/5 Peter H. 3 months ago on Google • 55 reviews New
    Tried the buttermilk fried chicken and it was deliciously succulent. The arugula salad with vinaigrette was delightfully balanced. Finally the hibiscus apple cider gave a satisfyingly refreshing. Even the dessert of pear sorbet, seemingly simple, had a little something that made me do a double take. Will be back for more of their offerings
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marco L. 4 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    Excellent Sunday brunch with our fabulous friends. We arrived in the arts district early, so finding parking was a breeze. Be aware, parking at the lot can be pricey; street parking is the most economical, with valet as the next best option. The location is beautiful and surprisingly clean for a resto-mod. The breezeway adds a refreshing touch to the experience. The staff is superb—engaging, attentive, and responsive. The biscuits are very flaky and buttery, although they might verge on being too buttery. The cornbread is excellent, served warm and generously buttered. The popover Benedict is light with perfect hollandaise, but there may be too much popover and not enough organic egg; I wished for more yolk. The Bub and Grandma’s ciabatta (aka BLT) was okay; my wife found it a bit messy after eating half. My buddy had the grits, which I also tasted. He was right; there wasn’t enough of a flavor profile. Both of us, having had grits in the South, expected bolder flavors—some cheesiness, some oil. On a positive note, the butterball potatoes were a fabulous surprise. Made with horseradish, they packed a lot of flavors that coalesced beautifully. In conclusion, Manuela is a great place with a fantastic staff and good food. You cannot go wrong with a visit.

  • 4/5 Linda M. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a lovely place for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. They have a great list of cocktails, wine, and beer. I decided to have the watermelon juice, which was very fresh. We started with the smoked albacore dio, which was served with fresh and crunchy rice crackers. It was delicious. The grits, egg, and thick cut bacon was perfect, as was the popover Benedict. Only two sour notes. We ordered the biscuits as a starter, but they did not arrive until we were almost completely done eating. Second my French toast looked great, and the edges were cooked, but the inside was completely raw and gooey. As it was a celebration brunch I didn't say anything, but it was gross. I recommend skipping this one. The ambience was great, with a large section outdoors. The wait staff were marvelous! Very sensitive to the needs of our small child.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel Z. 8 months ago on Google
    We ordered the halibut tartare, the burrata and cucumber salad, the shrimp roll and the cauliflower vinaigrette. The burrata and the shrimp roll both felt very refreshing and delicious. The halibut tartare felt a bit dry, and the roasted cauliflower I liked it but it had a tad too much vinaigrette. Would come again for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pamina B. 11 months ago on Google
    Great ambiance and food. A perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday. Great pieces of art are displayed. The open courtyard dining area is very airy and pretty, with leaves and vines adding to a natural ambulance. Inside a historical complex with very cool old brick buildings and artifacts. I recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenna P. 6 months ago on Google
    We've visited several times when we are around the Art district. It is not only a good choice for weekend brunch but also is amazing for a spontaneous popping by before hitting some galleries around. Great cocktails, yummy finger foods and romantic vibes!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TaQoya B. 8 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful restaurant. The organic southern cuisine is such a vibe. Very delicious! Albacore dip, shrimp roll, and asparagus… yummy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donggun K. 8 months ago on Google
    Loved their setting. It feels like outdoor garden feel but you are still inside with cool AC on. Staff is very kind and their service was good. Ordered Skirt steak, French toast, Cauliflower and biscuit. Liked all of them. Loved french toast and biscuits and liked skirt steak but a little hard but still good. Definitely recommend. There is valet parking available bit you can find street parking nearby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow. This place was everything and more! I absolutely loved the atmosphere, great for a girls lunch, work meeting or date night. I really enjoyed my skirt steak with chimichurri sauce 🥰 and the blueberry pie was to die for! You must try it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole C. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been here years ago and finally tried it again. Ordered the cream biscuits which came with steen's butter and apple butter, ocean trout tartare, and the venison burger. Was quite impressed with the biscuits. They were light and buttery. By far the best biscuits I've had recently! Just wished they were larger. They're barely 2" in diameter each (so tiny!). The ocean trout was fresh (not fishy) and very flavorful. If you like capers and fennel, you'll enjoy it. The burger was simple but the fried leeks added a nice crisp texture and flavor to it. We were missing a fork but was unable to flag a server so ended up grabbing one from an empty table. There's valet parking if you are unable to find street or metered parking. Restrooms are outside across the restaurant, down a hallway.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cherie L. 1 year ago on Google
    Really incredible food and perfect ambience. Manuela nailed everything from seafood to pastry to steak, and I can't think of a better place that nails the balance of laid back yet Boujee, leaving you feeling comfy but also satisfied with a classy night out. The place is located in a really cool indoor/outdoor area that is breathtaking! Every dish - buttered biscuits, baked oysters, scallop entree, vegetables (I tried a piece of a tablemate's duck, which was also amazing!) - was flavorful and perfectly executed. The server was also super amicable and made us feel at home. My only complaint (and probably because my palate isn't developed) was that the mixed drink was W A Y too strong for me. Couldn't finish it 😅
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jasper T. 2 years ago on Google
    Burrata and grilled oysters were amazing. Rest of the food we ordered was decent, skirt steak not memorable. No refills on juice but free refills on coffee. Overall, good experience. Staff and ambience were awesome!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erica E. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is so gorgeous and I loved all the flavors. Came here for lunch - highly recommend the chilaquiles (kept a really wonderful crunch and the beans tasted amazing) and the biscuits (served hot and had the best sweet butter!)... I also really loved my cup of coffee and the cocktails we had. Just overall, such a beautiful place to come. Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anesha L. 2 years ago on Google
    Another great spot! Many savory items to select. I enjoyed the Smoked Albacore Dip & Carolina Gold Rice Crackers enough to share.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vivi L. 2 months ago on Google • 54 reviews New
    The food was good. We got oysters, mushrooms (5/5), corn bread (5/5), duck breast (5/5), fish dip (5/5), salmon, potatoes, okra, cauliflower and the butter cake. everything was delicious including drinks. Maybe we had way too many drinks, I was a bit shocked when the bill came out. But everyone had a great time so it was worth it. We were also there for like 3-4 hours and they never rushed us or tried to kick us out. The place is like a garden a lot greenery and you feel like you are sitting outside. Overall we love this place and will be back!

  • 5/5 Michael Rusty P. 2 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    One of the best dining experiences of my life. Excellent service paired with delicious food and creative drinks. The dining space is just so lovely. The dishes served beat all expectations.

  • 5/5 Lily Z. 2 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    Had brunch here and got in not long after they opened so was able to walk in without a reso but the restaurant sooner filled up. Beautiful venue, very attentive service and food was beautiful as delicious. Well worth it for the quality.

  • 4/5 Martina M. 4 months ago on Google
    Good for more straightforward flavors, with good quality ingredients. I honestly won’t be coming back, just not worth the price to me. It is a hyped place though, people were lining up to sit down. I LOVE the fact that it shares the space with an art gallery, designer store and bookstore. That was the highlight for me. The atmosphere is great too. The food, though… it’s just alright. >> With the exception of the SCONE. If you go, get the scone. Trust me.

  • 4/5 Bree L. 6 months ago on Google
    Delicious, attentive, and overall a fun outing! The food was good, but in all honesty, the price tag was steep for what you get. The location and service was impeccable! They also tack on a service fee to ensure good wages... which in my opinion should count towards the tip.

  • 5/5 Julia L. 7 months ago on Google
    Incredible food! We ordered the corn bread, biscuits, mushroom, snap peas and the venison burger. All very delicious and made for perfection! Service is very attentive too!

  • 5/5 Kennadi D. 7 months ago on Google
    I got the French toast and a martini both were pretty good! The vibes in the spot were immaculate with quasi outdoor seating to help stay cool. In all honesty, you definitely pay a little more for the vibe. Oh and they have a decent grace period for reservations! Only street parking available, so plan with that in mind:)

  • 2/5 Sgagead 8 months ago on Google
    Definitely will not return. Small bottle of diet coke $6 and the coldest slinkiest steak I've ever been served. Awesome waiter, though.

  • 5/5 Rebecca R. 8 months ago on Google
    Realllyyy good food and really good atmosphere. Came here on a brunch reservation. The ambiance is perfect, open air and earthy vibes. The food is delicious. I ordered the overnight oats, my friend ordered the polenta. Some of the best food I’ve ever had. The biscuits with jam and cream was the star of the show. Super buttery and melted in your mouth. Manuela has their own chickens and grows their own herbs in another part of the building. It’s great that they do things in-home. My only complaint is that they use those flat slabs of stone or rock to serve some of the food on, they get messy. You must come and try the food here. It really is a blessing to eat such well made and thought out dishes.

  • 5/5 Olivier L. 1 year ago on Google
    It's delicious, modern, elegant and unpretentious, a cascade of fresh ingredients and vivid colors, a surprising blend of spices and influences with a unshakable focus on staying real and enjoyable. I recommend their seafood (oysters, trout tartare, mussels, and more), their round and crusty corn bread, and -oh- their honey cake and gateau Basque! Try a cocktail or a glass of wine on the side. Friendly staff, fast service in an airy setting where indoors and outdoors smoothly intertwine.

  • 4/5 TONL -. 9 months ago on Google
    Great ambiance, friendly staff though our server seemed extremely busy and not as available. I ordered a ginger drink and it lacked any ginger taste. Ordered cornbread and it lacked flavor. Topping it with honey would enhance the flavor as the texture was divine. My salmon dish was delicious and the biscuits were good.

  • 4/5 Chocolate M. 10 months ago on Google
    "Service was by far the best we've had in a while... the attention to dietary restrictions was thorough and carefully discussed. The ambiance is trendy and inviting. With the recommendations of our Server we ordered quite a bit of the popular dishes with only 2 of them falling short of expectations... The Butterball Potatoes were crispier than expected - meaning the middle wasn't moist. The Black bean chilaquiles had a fabulous spicy flavor but were dry. Other than those 2 items all other dishes surpassed what we hoped for!

  • 5/5 Zara P. 2 years ago on Google
    Make sure to visit the gallery by the courtyard when you are there and make sure to talk to the security guard inside. He always has AMAZING insights into the art and is a wealth of fascinating information. He tells you where to stand and how the art can transform itself. Food is excellent and vegetarian friendly. Love the side brunch dishes of okra & snap peas. Biscuits and beinets with yummy butter and fig jam. Salads are scrumptious with great dressings. Also, check out the bathrooms while there, interesting wallpaper. Art book store is also attached and worth the visit along with the garden/chicken area.

  • 5/5 puneet g. 10 months ago on Google
    I came for brunch and the food and service was spectacular. This place is pretty pricey, paying dinner prices for lunch, but it was excellent and the biscuits were to die for. The plating was a bit sloppy but the flavor was on point. it was lunch time and they looked busy prepping for dinner. Get the biscuits, even if you're not hungry come by for the biscuits

  • 5/5 Amy K. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a delicious dinner at Manuela! The biscuits were phenomenal, as were both salads. My husband got the roasted chicken, which he loved, and I got the roasted oyster mushrooms. Our server, Nate, was awesome, and definitely added to the great experience. We'll definitely be back!

  • 4/5 Jina D. 2 years ago on Google
    4 stars because $15 for four oysters!? Seems a little excessive. They were delicious though. But otherwise, this place is so open, airy, and beautiful. Gorgeous today for my lunch date with a friend. I had the mushrooms and braised beans on toast, so yummy! Enjoyed a delicious vanilla latte, which was perfectly lightly sweetened as well.

  • 5/5 Boozy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Brunch, lunch or dinner Manuela is acute little spot inside Hauser & Wirth. Slow during the week but get a resy for the weekends.

  • 5/5 Jason M. 2 years ago on Google
    A restaurant in a museum- I didn’t expect much, however, their dinner menu was chock full of cool things to try with a southern twist. I may have gotten lucky with the lineup of sliced tomato salad with Dungeness crab dressing, cream biscuits, Pitman Farms half chicken, and the wood grilled okra but it was a pleasant meal for three. Their cocktails were nicely crafted and not a cup of sweetness, but instead, flavorful and just as delicious as the food. I think this place would be great for a date but given the popularity, a reservation is required. I got one at 8pm and had to wait a few minutes for may table. It turned out a happy wait as the museum has a few artworks in the courtyard! 5 stars for the whole experience. I hope you can have as much fun here as I did!

  • 5/5 Justin Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely over the top experience. The biscuits are the best one I’ve ever had. Those biscuits are so flaky and airy, goes well with the slightly sweet butter and ham. Duck breast was cooked beautifully and we were also amused by the cocktails. The ambience was superb. Service was very attentive. A little bit pricey but Manuela is definitely one of my new favorites in DTLA.

  • 5/5 Jay J W. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed the food here. The duck was cooked perfectly tender. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Super delicious. Not to mention the cool industrial decor. Not sure I like my drink “florida man”. I really like this restaurant overall. It’s a Yes from me

  • 3/5 Zan L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great interior design and ambiance with pretty good food and horrible service. Our server Krista took our order and never checked in on us except to bring the check after we finished our meal but managed to see her take a shot with her off duty coworkers at the bar and what’s worst is she never even apologized or explained why our appetizer came out and then 52 minutes later our two entrees followed. As mentioned the interior is very pretty and I like the Arts District so I was really excited when I first sat down. The menu options are a bit lacking though in my opinion. One fish option and not really any fine dining options, it’s more casual than I assumed it was. No really complicated dishes available but still the flavors were good. I started with the BBQ oysters and really liked those and finished up with the pork chop which was tasty but a bit dry. I suggest including a jus of some kind. But what made the experience a bad one was our server Krista and the 52 minutes we had to wait for our entree to come out. Basically she talked to us only to take our order and at the bar right next to our table were 9 seats; 7 of which were taken by off duty employees all loud and glad to be there. Not a deal to me but when she ignored us and went over to them many times and even TOOK A SHOT with them while the kitchen was backlogged and other diners were commenting too was very inappropriate. I don’t care if you drink but always do your job first and always be polite to paying customers. Not a fine dining establishment and I would not recommend or be back. Very disappointed for these prices. Bestia down the street is a much a better option.


Call (323) 849-0480 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant image
1
San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant
Seafood restaurant
Busy, waterfront seafood spot with outside seats, famous for its shrimp tray & on-site fish counter.
$$ $$
4.30 (18.7K reviews)
In-N-Out Burger image
2
In-N-Out Burger
Hamburger restaurant
Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
$ $$$
4.60 (17.3K reviews)
Hollywood Bowl image
3
Hollywood Bowl
Concert hall
Concertgoers bring a picnic & wine to watch shows of every genre at this historic amphitheater.
$$$ $
4.70 (16.1K reviews)
The Original Farmers Market image
4
The Original Farmers Market
Farmers' market
Sprawling historic market features a range of trendy shops, restaurants & gourmet grocery purveyors.
4.60 (14.8K reviews)
Last updated:
()