Manalù Italian Restaurant
| Address: | 5227 Presidents Ct, Frederick, MD 21703, USA |
| Phone: | +1 240-578-4831 |
| Site: | manaluitalianrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.8 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 17
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Eric Stepp
Overall it was good, but it has a chance for greatness. Everything just seemed too safe. I ordered the gnocchi sorrento for dinner and tiramisu for dessert. My mom ordered calamari appetizer and a Greek chicken salad for dinner. The calamari itself was very good, but the marinara it was served with lacked flavor. My gnocchi tasted great, and was close to one of the better ones Ive had. It was drowned in excess sauce. It tasted well enough that I would have dipped a breadstick in it to clean the plate a little better. The chicken on the Greek chicken salad had a very distinct pepper taste that didnt sit well with me. I did not eat any of the rest of the salad so it might have mended better with the vegetables. The tiramisu had just the slightest bitterness to it, which made it very lackluster to me. The atmosphere of the place was nice. Classical Italian music mixed with a few Frank Sinatra covers. The hostess greeted us with a smile. There was a gentlemen who seemed like the owner/head chef/manager who came out multiple times from the kitchen being nice to various tables. Our server seemed like an amateur. It is very possible he got in the weeds. I noticed he had five tables by the time we left, for a total of twelve guests. But he failed to make multiple stops as simple as picking up our bill for ten minutes. If it was possible, Id give this place a 3.5. My mom leaned closer to a 3. As it stands, Ill leave it as a 4/5.
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Gideon Weiss
We had a romantic dinner there Fri but this place is awesome for family as well as singles, as they have a contemporary bar people dine at. The moment you walk in, you are in Italy, including the music and an accordion player who walks between the tables. This place is CLEAN, warm and inviting, service is not only excellent, its personal, including attention to every table by chef and owner Marco, his wife who manages the place and their daughter who supervises the seating and service. The food is awesome!!! We had Vegetarian dishes: fried zucchini for starters and eggplant with veggies, Gnocchi al Pesto. They have a fire brick oven and offer gluten free pizza. We should come back with the kids. Thank you Marco!!!
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Karl Snyder
To put it simply, this is the best Italian Restaurant I have ever eaten at. It is rare when a family goes to a new restaurant and leaves with a new favorite for everyone. My family was talking about the meal the entire trip home. Manalu is a very pleasant experience. The food is excellent. The atmosphere is friendly, comfortable and easy going. The owner is top notch, friendly and he works the restaurant. Marco wants happy guests. I want to say it again, the food is excellent. Olive Garden doesnt come close in comparison, and we even spend more money at Olive Garden. We may never eat at Olive Garden again. We will be eating here once a month.
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Jay Ningen
What can I say? First off, this was one of our favorite dining experiences ... ever! They make you feel like family when youre there. Enrico (our server) is a absolute pleasure, a true professional. The chef even came by our table to welcome us. Now, the food! We had an appetizer that we could not pronounce, little dough puffs and marinara, which were great. My significant other had the Della Nonna, and the meatballs were fantastic! I had the special that night, which was a shrimp and mushroom ravioli in a cream sauce, which was, of course, delicious. We will certainly be back to our new favorite spot!
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sean chaffman
Went for Mothers Day 2017 (Saturday, not Sunday). Had never been. Great food. Prices are reasonable to a little high. 4 stars simply because they were under staffed. There were 4 servers for approximately 40 people. I felt bad for them but they should have known Mothers Day weekend (lunch & dinner) would be a zoo. Id go back, but only if they were properly staffed. Side note: didnt sit at the bar but walked by it: very nice looking!
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Theodore Plucinski
Marco, the owner & chef is real Italian! He reminded me of many great meals I had visiting Italy last year. His menu, personality, wine selections and home made lemoncella all add up to a wonderful evening out. Dont be surprised if he stops by your table to talk with you about your meal or offer you a fresh appetizer. Ask him for a recommendation for your meal or a wine to pair with it.
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Phil Hargreaves
Cold calamari is never acceptable. When the owner asked how it was and I said cold and rubbery, dont then argue that it never happens, it did! Accepted it, make it right and move on. I wasnt looking for it to be taken off the bill, guess that was good cause it wasnt. Oh well, I never have to came back here anyway.
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Christopher Duffy
The room has a very comfortable feel, accentuated by the brick oven in the corner. The food is absolutely delicious every time! The owners and staff are always so very nice and helpful when you need help to decide on one of thier many specialties. We LOVE this place and visit every chance we get! Eat Here.
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Russell Pelan
My first time to restaurant and I will blown away by the quality of food and service. The owners where so personable and made sure we where alway happy and satisfied. I felt like I was has having diner at thier home! My new favorite place to visit in Frederick!
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Do Yunkyung
The best Italian restaurant in Frederick! The bread was excellent, salad was fresh & crunchy, and main dishes were superb!! Lots of seafood & seafood pasta menu (for me, thats a good enough indicator that this is a great restaurant) Definitely recommend :)
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Atticus Billington
I was surprised by how excellent the food was the first time I dropped in. Freakin wow this restaurant is tasty. The margherita pizza, the bracciole on Sundays, the gnocchi - it is all yummy. Have always had friendly service, barkeep makes a mean martini.
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Doug Harris
Absolutely Love Manalu! Food is authentic and absolutely delicious! Best Italian food Ive ever had. Portion sizes are good and prices are reasonable for the quality of food you get. Serving staff & the owners are always incredibly friendly and attentive.
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Paul Varga
Great atmosphere. Really attentive and friendly staff including owners. Family friendly, and a wide price range to meet budget. Highchairs and boosters available. Not sure if Mens room has a changing table but womens room does. Make reservations!
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Ivan Domenech
Buonissimo! An authentic Italian experience at great value. Family atmosphere, great, friendly and attentive owners. The food is well prepared and presented, the service is magnificent. All their dishes are very good. Hidden gem, highly recommend.
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Cynthia Dorsey
The restaurant was clean and beautiful, the chef/owner was very nice he came out to check on us, he found out that my husband spoke a little Italian during conversation, so, later, on in the evening he gifted us with a dish of calamari balls.
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Michael Procario
This is a current favorite of my family. I like the traditional dishes like chicken piccata, chicken marsala, and the many varieties of pasta. They have wood oven pizza which I keep meaning to try but I always end up ordering something else.
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Richard Filippetti
Some of the best Italian food Ive ever had. The staff was incredibly friendly. The decor and atmosphere are great. I enjoy the brick oven in the corner. We got a free appetizer that wasnt on the menu too, from the chef. Highly recommend!
