Manna
| Address: | 123 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA |
| Phone: | +1 910-763-5252 |
| Site: | mannaavenue.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | Closed 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–11PM 5–11PM 5–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Mappisson Mappisson
If we were talking about just the ambiance of the place ALONE, Id give the place 5 stars: Low (not bright) lighting, nice decor, cool during the hot Summer, and its relaxing in a way that most of the restaurants in downtown Wilmington arent. I especially dig the bar area. However, this isnt really the kind of place you go unless you have *THAT* kind of money to burn. I had the duck breast - the "Fowl Play" they call it (puns...tee-hee) - and it was EXCELLENT. Except, the entree portion sizes are small. Appetizer-sized small. At most, their portions are half of the size of the entrees at most other restaurants, including fine-dining places; their duck breast ran me about $30 (shouldve taken a picture to show you the size of their entree size portions...missed opportunities, I guess). I go to a place like Mortons Steakhouse (they dont have any locations in Wilmington) or Flemings, or the Ruth Chris Steakhouse, I pay $50 for a steak, but it satisfies, and I feel like Im getting my moneys worth. Not so here. The bartender I had was cool (again, sat at the bar counter). But I felt condescended to by the rest of the waitstaff, as if they were saying under their breath, "What are YOU doing here?" (I dressed in some of the best dress clothes that a man can - my shirt alone cost $80 - whats your problem?) I got a few empty "His" from a couple waitresses, and a fellow I assumed was the manager/owner, because he was also giving instructions to the bartenders. Oh yeah, and that door for the mens restroom? That could probably stand to be fixed. The door doesnt seem to lock, but then the door seems to get stuck in the frame, anyway. Clearly, the place has the style down, but now its time to focus on the substance. Would I ever come back here? Maybe if they offered heartier portions. There are plenty of other restaurants just in downtown Wilmington area alone for me to check out.
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Beth White
manna is truly a bite from Heaven. Their predominately locally obtained ingredients are the finest money can buy, prepared lovingly by their talented chef, and displayed as fine art - splendidly beautiful to both the palate and the eye! The ambiance is unrivaled and you feel whisked far away as the lovely French inspired cuisine tempts. And yet, the fare is offered at sensible price where you leave with only the lovely taste in your mouth, not a bitter taste from an exorbitant bill often associated with such a lavish meal. Mr. Mellon is exquisite as the proprietor and your gracious host. There is honestly not a kinder, more intelligent, generous man in the restaurant world - perhaps at all. He remembers every detail of your last visit and leaves you feeling that he is truly honored that you chose to dine at his lovely manna. I have been privileged to attend a very special event at manna, for a very special cause, close to Mr. Mellons heart. I can honestly attest that there has never been a lovelier event. Everything about the evening was a dream. Thank you, Mr. Mellon, for sharing your dream of manna - I know what Heaven will be like!
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E Long
Last night was our 5th visit to Manna and it was spot on as always. I truly believe it is Wilmingtons best restaurant. The food is amazing and the mains are paired perfectly with the vegetables and starch. The bartenders are exceptionally talented and knowledgeable and Ive always been thrilled by the cocktails...last night they made 2 beautiful moctails for me that went far beyond the usual soda, simple syrup and garnish. The service has always been great but last night was by far the best service weve recieved in any restaurant anywhere weve been....Josh did an outstanding job and the meal became more about an experience than just a dinner. I am looking forward to our next visit! Thank you Manna for the raising the bar in dining for our small town
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Drew Richard
Their normal menu may be pricey, but on Sundays they do a Beggars Cant Be Choosers menu in the bar area where you choose a type of plate or a type of drink and its the chefs or bartenders choice as to what you get. The food plates are about the size of most tapas plates, so order at least a couple per person. Everything we got was delicious and the price was great. Weve already recommended it to a bunch of our friends. You can also make reservations for the bar area on Sundays, which I recommend because it gets pretty busy around dinner time.
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Ragnar Lothbrook
One of the only places to get an adult drink in this town. Bartenders are some of the best in town and super knowledgeable. I have eaten here many times and love it but I would like to see some new menu items. The old standbys are great but I am ready to see some new menu items start coming out of that kitchen. I am not worried because Mr Billy Mellon knows his buisness and I expect that we will be seeing some new food this summer!!!!! Also get that Redbreast 21 at the bar already its time!!!!
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Sharon Pool
Cocktails were great but I was charged $10.00 at the bar and $8.00 at our table for the exact same at our table. The food is over priced and portions are small for what you pay. The salad was ok but every one at our table ordered their special for the night which was Squirrelfish. We all sent it back. The manager was kind enough to not charge us for the entrée and explained that it was the first time they had prepared this kind of fish. It was TERRIBLE! None of us will ever go back.
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Currie Carpenter
Manna is definitely worth trying once if you live in Wilmington. Our grilled octopus appetizer was amazing and my duck was was perfectly cooked. Service was somewhat slow. The restaurant was not crowded when we went but we waited about 45 minutes for food. They then brought us the wrong check and were very slow checking us out. The flavors in my dish were somewhat underwhelming. The meat of the duck and the wild mushrooms were very tasty but the two sauces on my dish were somewhat bland.
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A Private User
Manna is one of those places where you can take just about anyone and be assured they will have a great experience. The food is creative, but still approachable, and reasonably priced for the quality of ingredients and the presentation. The menu changes all the time and they sometimes have special one night only, theme menus. The wine and cocktail list is creative and features some real nice finds. This is big city quality dining and certainly a must-try restaurant in Wilmington.
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Dave Allison
Wow. A really nice little restaurant - flavor profiles are awesome. We shared four entrees and 4 appetizers, they were all spot on perfect. Anita waited on us, she was very good. They have others wondering around to fill water, clear plates, just a very great experience. Id recommend the duck (the menu changes do the duck this week) the flavors around the mushrooms, nuts and rare breasts were awesome. Fun to watch the people walk by out the window so try for a window view.
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Kar Ker Ell
The girls and I stopped in here for a drink before visiting the Thalian Hall for some theater. We were completely surprised and pleased with the atmosphere, special care and expertise of the staff! The barkeep made us **fresh** berry margueritas (no mix or syrups) with a sugared rim - yum! The place is beautifully appointed with classy details and all of the food going out looked and smelled amazing! Well be back for dinner sometime soon... sooo nice ;)
