Mani Italiane

3.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  2      Service  3      Value  3     

We went in February with 2 friends, solely on Eatbility reviews. It concerned us that, for a restaurant with such rave reviews, that the place was almost empty at lunchtime.

Ambience was almost non-existent, a cold plastic tablecloth on the table was not exactly warm and inviting.

Food was inconsistent, some items good, some dreadful. With so many good eating places nearby, we would not give this another try. We truly wished we had just got up when we all first arrived and gone elsewhere, it would have had to be better than our experience here.

May 20, 2012 

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  2     

What a Huge disappointment! You would expect Mothers Day to be a big day, so why did the owners only have 2 waitress serving the whole restaurant. Under the circumstances the waitress didn't stop and they are not to blame.

Imagine how you feel when you take your mum out for a special lunch and its a disaster. I'm sure she knew we were upset but being our mum she kept telling us she was fine!

We went next door for coffee and dessert and were glad to finish the day on a positive.

May 15, 2012 

4 Below Average

Food  8      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  2     

Wow, what a disaster that was. Don't ever go on a big day like Mothers Day.
Staff tried hard, but they were understaffed, 2 hours to get food, no glassess on table and no clean crockery after first course. It was the worst experience for my mother as her mothers day present and embarrassing for our family.
Couldn't get out of there quick enough.

May 14, 2012 

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  3     

In all of the years That I have spent eating in restaurants both here and abroad I have to say that this restaurant is by far the worst I have ever been to. Two and a half hours in there and I left in desperation and disgusted and I still didn't get any food. What I like to know is how do this people stay in business.

Here is what happened: couldn't get a cocktail as per their menu because the cocktail maker didn't come to work. We waited 45 minutes just to have someone take our order and a little longer to get some glasses on the table. Everyone ate at different times depending on when they decided to bring their order and then They forgot me all together!

The senior staffs attitude was simply "we have enough staff (2 waitresses for 140 people) and we are busy so you just have to be patient. Finally after some serious complaining I did get the Calzone that I and two others ordered but they were at best just warmed up in the oven and certainly not cooked! This restaurant is a disgrace to the italian community. I could do better getting a supermarket Pizza.

My opinion, avoid this place like the plague!

May 13, 2012 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  9     

My husband and I actually had our first date at La Grotta a few years back, and recently we went back for a Sunday lunch with a group of 12 for our sons baptism.

After reading the reviews for Mani Italiane, I cancelled our existing lunch booking that we had elsewhere in Haberfield, a restaurant we knew was popular but didn't have the best reviews. It wasn't overly busy so it was nice in that regard. Our waiter was extremely attentive, I couldn't fault him at all.

The food was delicious on all counts, I had the salmon special which was cooked to perfection, my husband had the lamb rack which he said was faultless. Others in the group had a few different pizzas and pastas and chicken parmigiana, all were really good.

The price of the food was great value for money as the servings were very generous. We'll definitely be going back there soon!

Nov 22, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  8     

Yum! Mani Italiane is a good addition to the Haberfield scene. We couldn't help comparing our meal and the decor with 'La Grotta', which was the restaurant Mani Italiane has replaced. The new paint job and colour scheme work wonders for the large eating area, decreasing the feeling of being in a cavernous space if the place isn't packed out.

We had the calabrese pizza and the risotto pollo. The pizza was gorgeous, the base beautiful and thin with a thicker, fluffy crust. Boy has rated it up with the best pizza he has eaten, and I had to steal a piece despite it's chilli-heat because it looked (and tasted) so appetising. The risotto was good also, and better than I've had at other Italian eateries, but the pizza was the real standout.

I'm really hoping Mani Italiane will take off, they definitely deserve it. The service staff are attentive and friendly, the value is great, and the food is outstanding.

Update August '11: We've been back a couple of times, and while all the dishes are pretty solid performers, it's the pizza that we'll go back for again and again. Mmmmm.

Read more on my blog

Aug 12, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

This place deserves more customers! We went for Friday lunch and they have a great special price of $15 for Bruschetta and a simple Pizza or Pasta main that comes in a very generous serve using delicious ingredients. Their complimentary bread and oil included truly tasty bread (so I suppose you know you're in Haberfield!).

We also enjoyed their antipasto plate, dessert and espressos, all great and obviously benefiting from the keen "Italian Hand" attention of the staff. These guys are underworked at the moment so get in there and give them something to do! (Don't be put off by the old un-repainted "Grotta" awning, the restaurant inside is fresh and new).

Jun 17, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

I recently visited Mani Italiane and found the staff to be very attentive to our needs. We enjoyed the stuffed zucchini with prawns and also the pizza I must add was one of the best I have tried to date. The crust was light and thin with great toppings especially the italian suasage. Actually I am heading there tonight with a group of friends to enjoy the food, wine and friendly atmosphere.

May 11, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

We visited last night. It was an effort in the pouring rain but well worth it. This is a family restaurant, lovingly decorated with red table cloths and immediately oozed atmosphere with a friendly musician playing away. We were immediately impressed with the service, the attentiveness and friendliness of everyone. It was great. We started with some zucchini florets stuffed with prawns. Then I enjoyed the spaghetti marinara & my wife some nocci. All good serves. My calamari maybe a little chewy. All accompanied by a couple of glasses of Italian red. We finished with a trio of Gelatos. When we left the friendly wave from the kitchen staff was very much noticed and appreciated. What a great place we will be back.

Apr 17, 2011