Anna Mani Osteria and Bar

Reuniting with an Old Friend & Revisiting Mani Osteria and Bar – Ann Arbor’s Italian Gem Got Even Better! Caught up with an old pal recently, so we decided to revisit Mani Osteria and Bar—this spot’s always been a solid Italian option in Ann Arbor. Next time, I’m planning to swing by another Italian favorite, Palio, for a compare-and-contrast 😊! 🥂 My Big Takeaway: It’s Way Tastier Than 2–3 Years Ago! Let me be real—I was low-key hesitant at first. A few years back, I had a horrible experience here: the white sauce angel hair pasta was mushy (total “坨了” vibes 🥴), and the mushroom pizza was so salty it made my tongue tingle. I swore it off for ages… but wow, it’s stepped up its game! This visit was a total turnaround—most dishes were a hit, with only a tiny few flaws. 🦀 The Eats: Hits, Minor Misses, & Total Comfort Steak Tartare: Bright and tangy, perfect for whetting the appetite! The acidity cuts through any richness, but I did wish it had a touch more salt to balance things out. Still, way better than I expected 🥩. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: So oily… but so good 😂! Crispy on the edges, tender inside—sometimes you just gotta embrace the indulgence. We cleaned the plate in minutes. Snow Crab Legs (Cold Appetizer): Fresh, sweet, and easy to crack into. No fancy sauces needed—just pure crab flavor, which was exactly what we wanted for a light start 🦀. Squid Ink Seafood Pasta (with Shrimp & Clams): Creamy, fragrant, and loaded with seafood! The sauce was rich without being heavy, but the pasta itself was a little too soft (could’ve used a touch more al dente bite). Still, the shrimp and clams were fresh, so it’s a win overall 🍝. Mushroom Pizza: Same old story—still a bit too salty. But the crust was crispy, the cheese was melty, and the mushroom flavor was spot-on. If you don’t mind a little extra salt, it’s totally enjoyable 🍕. 🍰 Desserts & Drinks: Sweet Endings All Around Desserts: We stuck to the classics—my go-to cannoli and tiramisu. Both were perfect! The cannoli had a crispy shell and creamy filling, and the tiramisu was moist with just the right amount of coffee flavor. No complaints here 🥧! Fruity Cocktails: Two fruity drinks, both super sweet—tasted like juice soda more than alcohol! Great if you’re into light, refreshing sips, but don’t expect a strong kick 🍹. 💰 Price Tag: $150 for Two (We Ate a Lot!) For how much we ordered (apps, mains, desserts, drinks), $150 feels fair—especially since portions are generous. We left stuffed, which is always a good sign. If you’re in Ann Arbor craving Italian food, give Mani Osteria another shot (even if you had a bad experience before!). It’s come a long way—and I’m already looking forward to my next visit (and that cannoli… 👀). #AnnArbor #ItalianFood #AnnArborEats #AnnArborFoodie #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #Michigan #AnnArborLife #AnnArborDesserts #MichiganFood #UniversityOfMichigan