This is definitely one of my new favorite places in the Manahawkin area. What looks to be a very unassuming restaurant in a strip mall is actually an excellent and very modern local favorite. The service was excellent and the environment is relaxing. They had several dishes on the menu with their own unique twist. One of my favorites that was tried was burrata over a beet puree. I've seen burrata prepared easily over a dozen ways but never with beets. It was an excellent combination and left me wanting more. More my entree I had the sesame encrusted tuna. The portion was huge! They do not skimp here. The tuna was cooked perfectly rare and was very fresh. Surprisingly, one of the best things I ate at Manera's was the caramelized onion mashed potato's that came with my fiancés veal dish. These were out of this world and easily the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. I could have eaten an entire plate of them and that's saying something for someone that typically doesn't eat mashed potatoes! Another big perk is that Manera's is BYOB and much more reasonably priced compared to any restaurant on the island. You will surely leave satisfied after a meal here! read more

I ended up back at Manera's recently and wanted to share a quick update based on my new experience. First, our service was yet again spectacular! The waiter was caring, friendly, and professional. Secondly, the food was great, and actually even better than the last time. I started my lunch with a cup of their Chicken Tortilla Soup, which had a lightly spicy tomato-based broth infused with loads of shredded white meat chicken and garnished with a few tortilla strips. It was flavorful, comforting, and a perfect vehicle in which to dip their crusty Italian bread. Now the real improvement came from my selected entree. While the Asian Shrimp Salad that I had ordered previously was just mediocre, the Seared Tuna Salad that I got this time was delicious! The plate included mixed greens, sliced avocado, julienne cucumbers, pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, and sesame-crusted, sushi-grade tuna, which I ordered seared to a medium rare. The fish was tender and perfectly cooked. Cups of wasabi and Asian dressing were served on the side and further infused a tangy heat to the dish. It was colorful, textural, and simply delicious. It was a real winner! Manera's Restaurant provided yet another enjoyable meal with dedicated service in a classy, yet casual, atmosphere. read more

Very disappointing. I have to say I loved this place however two weeks ago I made a reservation for 6:30 on Saturday night they called to confirm. and then on Thursday I got a call telling me they have to change my reservation to 7:00. not leaving me any choice because the people for me may take longer and so I might have to wait if I went at 6:30. I'm sorry but when I make a reservation for 630 I would like to get that reservation at 6:30. I canceled my reservation and I will no longer go to this restaurant. don't take reservations if you can't accommodate. I'll read more

Great neighborhood spot. Good food and excellent service every time. BYOB, with a variety of standard dishes and specials.

My first introduction to Manera's was amazing and I am wishing the same for everyone who reads this. The food was extraordinary; the octopus appetizer a work of art for the eyes as well as the pallet. The main, Mediterranean Cod for me and stuffed veal for my date absolutely delicious, I know because I tasted his too. The staff was attentive, we did not feel rushed and savored every bite. Please plan a trip and enjoy the experience. read more

Another outstanding dinner at Manera's. My husband relished the sriracha calamari appetizer and it was lightly breaded and tender. The cream of mushroom soups were Amazing! I had the crusted rare tuna and the birthday boy had the sausage, shrimp special. Our server was excellent but never gave us his name, so I can't give hm a shout out. Maneras fireplaces was cheerful on a cold Wednesday evening. BYOB for wine is the way to go. read more

Great restaraunt , nice atmosphere tables are tight! Service is good! Food is good , nice choices! Seafood was good- shrimp , chicken dishes. read more

I was there last Sat night. You always need reservations. Food is excellent and the service is great most meals under $35.

Haven't been there in years since they had a piano player. Went last week, food is great and service was great. If you haven't been there, you should definitely go! read more

Very expensive especially on Holidays and only a special menu. I won't go there again.

Manera's is our first choice for catering, holidays, and easy to go meals. If we did not have a toddler we would eat there more often! Favorites are the Chipotle Chicken, Burgers, Grilled Vegetables, Porkchop, Lamb anything, and Pear Arugula Salad. Never have had an incorrect order. read more

Top notch. You can't go wrong at this price point. Excellent service, nice room and very good food. We had the baby rack of lamb and short rib dinners with the tuna tar tar appetizer. Didn't love dessert, I would skip it at $13 read more

We dined here a few years ago and finally went back recently. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Everything from our server to the appetizers and main dishes was just right. Pictured here are: - whipped ricotta with crostini - tuna tartar - chicken vegetable soup - hangar steak with roasted pepper mashed potatoes and broccolini - stuffed veal over carmelized onion mashed potatoes - filet mignon over garlic mashed potatoes with asparagus I'm looking forward to returning and trying more of their dishes. read more

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Went to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and was not disappointed. We had previously attended a 70th birthday party there and thought the food was surprisingly wonderful. Tonight I had stuffed veal, cream of mushrooms soup and my wife had the pork chop both were cooked to perfection and delicious. We had started off with a special appetizer of fresh mozzarella covered in panko lightly sautéed. The added touch was the hostess had seated us in front of the fireplace which made the evening extra special. The waiter was quick and thorough. The food presentation was 5 star Michelin approved without the Michelin price tag. One recommendation that's a must is make reservations ahead of time as the place fills up quickly after 5:30 even on a Tuesday. For an extra special event or to WOW that special person, Maneras is the place to be. read more

We had reserved for dinner and received a warm welcome and were seated promptly. Our server, Angela was cheerful, engaging and very knowledgeable about the menu and specials. The lamb was done to perfection, over garlic mash with grilled asparagus, delectable. The arugula and pear salad with blue cheese was Lucious. Grilled Chicken w/ jasmine rice and broccolini, also outstanding, juicy and tasty. The fireplace in the dining room was a welcome addition adding to the friendly and warm atmosphere created by the staff. It is busy in the evening, reservations suggested. read more

Family of four enjoyed establishment as repeat customers. Sometimes a difficult reservation but worth the effort. Broad menu with great variety and options for all. We had veal, seafood pasta, tuna tartare. All really tasty and finished with delicious pistachio tartufo. Will be back again provided we can obtain that hard to get reservation! read more

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Food is great and waiters are excellent. We have taken friends to this restaurant and they enjoyed as well. read more

We are semi frequent visitors to Manera's restaurant in Manahawkin. The food is always consistent, the prices are reasonable and the portions are a good size. Last night we had a girl's night there and we had Dan as our waiter. He was wonderful. He explained the specials in detail and was very accommodating. One of the girls in our party is not always the easiest to please and he was very patient with her and her requests. Two of us had the special which was a chicken breast rollantini with angel hair in a pomodora sauce, it was fantastic. The other guest had the steak and instead of serving it with mashed potatoes she requested the potato croquette. She often goes out for steak but raved about this meal. The bus boy whose name I cannot remember was also fantastic, he had a cute sense of humor. I highly recommend trying it out as even the fussiest eater will not be disappointed. read more

Manera's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Stafford Township, New Jersey

We went for dinner after a long period of time not going here. It was really so good! I had the beet/goat cheese appetizer. Very good! Would highly recommend along with the cream of mushroom soup. It really was top shelf and home made! I had the large sea scallop with rice. Scallops were done perfectly and were so fresh and sweet. Had a tortoni for dessert, excellent. Waitress was very knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations. Definitely will be going back. Make reservations, it fills up fast! read more

Great food. Service can be iffy. They are really nice people with incredibly delicious dishes.

GO HERE! Get the fish taco appetizer! I know it's Italian but these are the best fish tacos ever! Also, the French onion soup is one of the best ever! Don't touch the handle, it's hot! The tuna tartar soo is amazing just needs a couple of crispy chips to top it off! Love this place very much! The food is banging and prices are reasonable. If I could get more reservations I'd go back more often on my LBI trips! read more

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Had an amazing evening at Manera's to celebrate my mother-in-laws 80th birthday. The staff went above and beyond to make the evening special for our party of 12. The food was amazing and everything was perfect. Thank you! read more

Manera's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Stafford Township, New Jersey

Very Highly The service and food are excellent go there regularly bring our friends every time we get together they say make reservations thank you armonkelectric@gmail.com read more

Consistent food, busy service but efficient, dine in the side room. White tablecloths and nice ambiance

IMO One of the better restaurants in the Shore area. Service- Excellent Food - Excellent CRABMEAT & AVOCADO COCKTAIL Onion Soup Salad SESAME ENCRUSTED TUNA Sushi grade tuna encrusted with sesame seeds, seared rare in a citrus soy sauce reduction, sautéed bok choy and shiitake mushrooms Eggplant parmigiana/ with angel hair pasta EXCELLENT!! read more

Very nice restaurant appeared high end with nice linen tablecloths and napkins. We were able to walk in without reservations but they did have some. The staff was friendly and attentive to customers and explained the menu and specials well. The food, if I lived here I would be back more often for sure everything we had was delicious my wife loved the shrimp bisque read more

My parents frequent Manera's in Manahawkin for lunch/dinner frequently. We used them to cater my father's 80th birthday party today. The food was fantastic. We had Gio as our server and, as usual, he was exceptional. Everyone raved about the food and service. Gio went above and beyond to make sure everyone's plates and glasses were full. Another excellent experience with Manera's. read more

All good was superb from appy-Herb whipped ricotta stuffed figs w balsamic glaze, Crabmeat & avocado, chocked full of chunks of crab, salads were fresh, crisp & dressed light , Chicken Franceses-tender & flavorful, Manera's Veal over mashed potato croquettes w mushroom Demi glaze also supreme, cut w fork tender, Dessert was exquisite-Over the moon chocolate cake was just as it is named! Service was spot on, from reservation to seating to friendly & knowledgeable staff. All this for very reasonable prices. Don't miss out on this top notch restaurant! Can't wait to return to try out her dishes. BYOB also make this a great go to! TY for a special dining experience. read more

Manera's Restaurant - Over the Moon chocolate cake - New American Near Me - Stafford Township, New Jersey

Excellent food and service. Also a byob! Nice atmosphere . I recommend this place. We had a large group and they didn't rush us.

Went here on Sunday June 9th 2024 with my parents as part of our long beach vacation. First off, very busy restaurant, and few parking too, as there was a small parking lot. We did have to wait for a bit, as the restaurant was busy, but it wasn't bad, and we looked over the menu while we waited anyways. Hostess sat us at a table. They have very nice tablecloths and napkins. We sat down, and was immediately greeted by our server Carson. Carson was excellent and explained all the specials, and side choices. We all started with waters, and 1 iced tea. We started with bread, and an appetizer of grilled vegetables and mozzarella. I didn't like the grilled veggies with mozzarella, but my parents did. For entrees, I got the seafood Medley which was scallops, mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, and cod with pasta, and it came with a soup or salad, and i choose the shrimp bisque soup. My dad ordered Chicken Sambrito with salad, and my mom ordered chicken franchise with salad as well. I enjoyed my shrimp bisque soup, and my entree meal. Actually took home the pasta, as i ate all the fish to get the pasta. my parents liked their meal too. We paid via credit card, and left a cash tip. Highly recommend to come here! read more

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After the Surflight theater On Golden Pond 12 ladies had reservations at Manera's. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted and served by the waiter GIO F. What a wonderful respectful, spot on waiter. He was there with ice, served water even when needed refills, steak knives before the meal was even brought out. One lady had a little problem with scallops and he was right there to take care of her and she had requested a different meal and it was out in less than 10 minutes. A friend and I had the steak and it was spectacular with fresh small green beans, fresh baked potatoes and just can't rave enough. I had a little leftover and told my husband, he ate my leftover and we are ready to go back. Kudos. if I could rate it at 10, I would. read more

Great tasty food, varied menu selections with good old fashion service in a warm up to date environment!

One of our to-go BYOB gems. Love the service, host, ambience, food and desserts. we never had a bad meal here and super reasonable priced. read more

Manera's Restaurant - Tuna - New American Near Me - Stafford Township, New Jersey

Always an excellent experience here. The food is always on point and the servers are excellent.

Food is good, atmosphere is pleasant and reservations are required if you want to get in as they seating reaches capacity fast.

Food was incredible..amazing. We had Pork dinner. Chicken Milanese dinner and the Ahi Tuna. All outstanding ... Our waiter Joey was so much fun and so personable.. we had a wonderful time and now we have a place to call home. Highly recommended Very warm at home place to eat Peggy &. Family read more

Came here with Mom for her birthday dinner on Friday night. Started with oysters, fried calamari and onion soups for apps. Then Mom got the double crabcakes over broccolini, my son got a hangar steak over roasted red pepper mashed potatoes and vegetables, dad got veal stiffed with prosciutto, mozzarella and spinach over caramelized onion mashed potatoes and i had a NY strip with greenbeans and a baked potato. Dessert , my son got a tartufo and a cappuccino and dad got peanut butter cheesecake and a cappuccino, mom skipped dessert and i had a double espresso. It was a very nice evening, she loved it read more

Manera's Restaurant - the name of the restaurant - New American Near Me - Stafford Township, New Jersey

Food was delicious large portions. Friendly staff. Very clean. Very busy make sure you have reservations!

One of the best restaurants in the area. Well worth a trip off the island. Wish they would permit online reservation . (Maybe just for me)

So it's been a year since my last visit, a lot of things have changed. There's a reason I haven't come unfortunately due to Covid there was a very big issue with finding staff, but it looks like they finally got over that. The restaurant is remodeled, it looks really nice and fresh the food is still outstanding and the service is much better the wait staff is extremely attentive and very knowledgeable glad they worked things read more

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