Manzke Los Angeles

I have been wanting to try it for quite some time, but have been put off by Iffy reviews and a VERY unfriendly corkage policy. Still, not too many grown-up Michelin style tasting menu options in LA and we have always loved Manzke’s food and it is our birthdays, so we did it. And it was glorious. Every dish was hyper seasonal and locally sourced as well as elegant, beautiful, and most importantly, quite delicious. Service was a little awkward a la Los Angeles, but yet very attentive (not in a bad way.) We had at least 4-5 people assisting us, all very helpful and knowledgeable. Not ideal, but I worked out the wine ahead of time with the Somm. She sent me the list and we pre-ordered pre-decanted. Their markup is mostly obscene and wines too young but that is LA. We found two lovely bottles, one off list and I was able to bring one more. They decanted them prior to my arrival per my instructions. I am not sure they would do it again, but they surprised me by waiving the corkage on the one bottle I purchased since we brought two. Food highlights: Kaluga, green asparagus panna cotta, tomato gelee. The brioche was outstanding, like a cross between Challah and Croissant and it was served with a dramatic presentation of a cultured Normandy butter. Also the Supplemental course: Incredibly fresh SB spot prawns perfectly grilled tableside on binchotan ,not overcooked, way better than Providence. Another nice touch: I am not a fan of grilled Wagyu Ribeye (too fatty) and they made Fillet Mignon for me, which was perfect. We don't typically order cocktails, but when we do we want them to be be amazing and they were. I would consider coming back and doing more cocktails - Scot had one of the best Old Fashioneds I have ever had, and my passion fruit coconut pineapple gin foo foo drink was fresh, lively, and not particularly sweet. Went well with the deconstructed tuna tostada. Bottom Line, I would definitely go back. Frankly, it was the best restaurant we have been to in SoCal post-pandemic, taking the trophy from Kato. The food and overall experience was simply too good to let the wine issues keep me away. #thefoodietraveler.#TheFoodieTraveler

Visited a while ago and still easily my top favorite place in LA. It’s a 1-star on Michelin guide located right above their sister restaurant Bicyclette. We happened to try Providence a couple days prior and found that their menus had slight similarities, both focused on seafood. I couldn’t help but compared their menus, Manzke is way better in terms of food qualities, service standards and overall experience. Highly recommend this place for special occasions/ celebrations. Their cocktails are amazing too.

We had the classic wine pairing with the tasting menu. Everything was absolutely phenomenal, from the food to the service. The French butter with the caviar and panna cotta on brioche was incredible. Special mention to the sommelier, who was very knowledgeable and matched the wines to our food perfectly. This is my new favorite restaurant in LA and we’ll 100% be back.