Manary Gastronomia & Arte — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata de Natal

UPDATED REVIEW I know...I said I wouldn’t come back here, but the place is so beautiful and I was in the area, so…it was much better than last time. First, let me say thank you to our 2 waiters, Ezekiel and Marlon. They both provided excellent service and were very integral in my positive review and experience. The atmosphere here continues to be romantic and idyllic: with a view of the beautiful Ponta Negra Beach in Natal and the famous Morro do Careca (“Bald Hill”) in the distance. The food is very nicely plated, and while the seasoning was okay this time, it was still a little unbalanced. I really enjoyed the Sorrentinos (Argentinian version of ravioli) the last time, and while the presentation was very attractive, the sauce had too much lime. I ordered the commemorative dish (Prato da Boa Lembrança) because I collect these plates. It consisted of shredded dried beef with fried curd cheese (queijo coalho) served on a bed of refried black-eyed peas (which had a very bitter taste). Visually, it was striking, but the taste missed the mark. I was happy to have celebrated my birthday having lunch here, but, while the food is not as good as they think it is, it is still worth a visit.

ORIGINAL REVIEW This is my second time dining here, and I have to say I won’t be making that mistake a 3rd time. It seems that the kitchen cannot get the seasoning right—either over seasoning or under seasoning (my dish was completely without salt & my wife’s was so salty that it was almost inedible. Maybe if I mixed them together, they would’ve been palatable). While at first blush the ambience and décor are appealing, it hardly rises to the level of “art” (more like “arts & crafts”). The dining area is poorly lit; several patrons needed to use cell phone flashlights to read the menu. The price for the quality of the food is exorbitant. The service here is excellent. Wait staff are attentive, helpful and available, but this is not reason enough to dine here. Overall, this restaurant is overpriced and pretentious and I cannot recommend...

Amazing food, perfect service, peaceful and beautiful setting. Walked in for lunch, went back for dinner. Every bite is bursting with flavor, ingredients are all cooked perfectly, waiters attentive & trained. I've eaten at many 1-star Michelin and some 2-star that have nowhere near the appeal of this place. Absolutely fantastic! Worth a detour to Natal just for the meal. Looking at some of the other reviews is frightening, I found it super cheap for the value, but it is more of an upscale setting, so don't come looking for a giant family style pot of rice and beans, this is subtle food for those who enjoy careful...

The service was bad, they told us “fique a vontade” and then kicked us out of the table. They wanted us to sit outside in the rainfall, and after we said no they let us stay inside. The food was not good either, the caju risotto was watery and had raw caju, it was not edible (photo). The sorrentino were overpowered by the lemon flavour. The cocada was raw and not caramelized. When we mentioned that to the service they did not do anything. Forgettable experience...