Manhattan Of La Jolla stands as a beacon of Italian cuisine nestled within a charming boutique hotel. Patrons frequently rave about its classic yet inviting atmosphere, enhanced by live piano music that creates a vintage New York ambiance. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian fare, with standout dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Lobster Ravioli, and the highly praised Veal Piccata. Guests have commented on the luxurious yet relaxed dining experience, making it ideal for romantic evenings or special family gatherings. Ely Cohen's experience highlights both the food quality and attentive service, while Dimitri Tsioutsiopoulos appreciates the cozy, intimate setting that feels timeless. The menu also caters to seafood lovers, featuring dishes like Shrimp Fra Diavolo and Linguini with Clam Sauce, skillfully prepared to evoke authentic flavors. Not to be overlooked is the carefully crafted dessert selection, with homemade Tiramisu drawing compliments from many diners. While some long-time patrons reminisce about lost specialties, the restaurant’s commitment to quality remains unwavering. For those seeking an exquisite dining experience enriched by vintage charm and a harmonious dining atmosphere, Manhattan Of La Jolla truly delivers—making it a beloved gem in the heart of La Jolla.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Valet parking
Photos
Reviews For Manhattan Of La Jolla
Ely Cohen
Jun 4,2025
Delicious food, live jazz band, great service. Fettuccine Alfredo, lobster ravioli, New York strip, fried zucchini and last, but not least the homemade tiramisu. Everything was excellent, a bit pricey, though, we’re definitely going to go back there. We enjoyed it so very much.
Dimitri Tsioutsiopoulos
May 15,2025
I love this place! I go to La Jolla every month and I always have dinner here. The atmosphere is fantastic and a perfect spot for a romantic night. It's fancy but very relaxing and casual at the same time. It feels like you're stepping back in time and the piano player/singer gives it a lounge feel but doesn't interfere with the relaxing feel or ability to have a conversation. The food is traditional Italian food with the same fancy yet casual presentation. The staff is always professional and accommodating. The restaurant is in a very unassuming hotel, which has surprisingly large and comfortable rooms, with the same relaxing vibe as the restaurant.
Joe Franza
May 11,2025
A true gem in La Jolla! The food is outstanding, and the cozy, intimate setting adds to the charm. I highly recommend trying the veal piccata - it’s exceptional. 5 out of 5 stars!
Zan Lee
Apr 22,2025
My family and I have lived in La Jolla since the early 1990s and I’ve been coming to this Manhattan‘s of La Jolla since the mid 1990s. I love how it is a time capsule in that it has not changed much over the years but in a good way. I will say that they used to have a double cut veal chop and now it is a single cut and that’s what we went for specifically every single time for decades so I’m hoping that they bring that back. Aside from that it’s located on the ground floor of a small boutique hotel in the village of La Jolla. Parking is fairly easy in this part of town, your best options will be street parking for free or valet. Our server was extremely polite and honestly service here is always terrific. It used to be filled with older Italian men that would sing Italian love songs but now it is more of the standard full service restaurant service. It’s also very dimly lit and kind of reminds me of a steak restaurant you would see on the East Coast. It makes for a much more private and enjoyable experience. As mentioned, we would always come here for the Double Cut Veal Chop but for some reason, it is not on the menu anymore. PLEASE BRING IT BACK! I started off with the Carpaccio di Manzo and thought it was terrific. I’ve been getting this dish since I was a little kid and still get it now in my adult life. For my entree as always, I got the Veal Chop Fiorentina however it was half the size as it were was every other time we had been here. The flavors were still great though, and it was packed full of garlic and juicy flavor. I would highly recommend to anyone in San Diego searching for a great dinner location and it’s definitely someplace that I would consider a hidden gem and is usually filled with us locals.
LULU LIVE Art
Apr 6,2025
Just walked in and was greeted by live piano music and singing, giving off a classic piano bar vibe. The dark, vintage decor feels straight out of an old-school Manhattan restaurant. Guests were dressed up, making my Crocs feel out of place, but no dress code here! The food is fantastic and worth the price. The complimentary bread was fresh, and the calamari was one of the best I’ve had, packed with squid heads. We ordered the Manhattan Trio pasta—lobster ravioli was a highlight, and the sauces were so good I wiped them clean with bread. The NY cheesecake was authentic, though I still prefer Yanni’s. This place is perfect for a romantic date, especially if you appreciate vintage charm. Definitely a hidden gem!
Dan Gaffey
Apr 1,2025
Located inside of the Empress Hotel in La Jolla, this a very nice restaurant and a local favorite. The menu is extensive with a wide array of options. The veal chop Florentine was delicious and make sure to order a Caesar salad, the staff brings a cart table side and makes the salad right in front of you. On the weekends there is live music and a lively bar scene.
Brad Bianchi
Mar 25,2025
Last year we booked this restaurant for my wife’s birthday because she loved the piano player. The food was excellent and everything was terrific. This year we again booked the restaurant for her birthday, because the piano player was there and our first experience was so nice. We requested our same table for her birthday, not certain whether or not they would be able to accommodate us. When we arrived, we found that they had planned everything perfectly and were able to give us the same table. Food was again terrific, service was again terrific, and her favorite piano player was there and recognized her birthday. We are big fans of this restaurant and we highly recommend it to others.
Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor
Mar 7,2025
Manhattan's has long been a cherished favorite of ours, a go-to destination for special occasions and hosting out-of-town guests. Last night, we returned to celebrate my bride's birthday, and it was truly a magical evening. The staff greeted us with warmth and friendliness, and the exquisite food never fails to impress. Our waiter was so friendly and quirky, sometimes he got a little busy and we had to ask for him, but nothing that ruined our experience. The enchanting Jazz Band created a captivating atmosphere, perfectly embodying a classic evening of elegance. Manhattan's is truly a place where one dresses up to savor a remarkable meal, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
Reviews For Manhattan Of La Jolla