Let me share a little secret that most West Islanders know, but many others on the island haven’t discovered: Resto Vieux Four Manago, an Italian restaurant on St. Charles in Kirkland, is our hidden gem. When my kids were younger, we used to bring them there for the kids’ meal of pasta. For a while, it became our family’s go-to spot. You know how kids are—picky eaters with ever-changing tastes—and eventually, they grew tired of pasta. But during that time, my wife and I stuck to one thing we loved: the “frutti di mare” pizza. As the name suggests, it’s a seafood-inspired pizza, topped with shrimp, scallops, crab, and a rich seasoned tomato sauce to bring it all together.
Though the restaurant was a favorite, life and changing preferences led us away from it for several years. But Vieux Four Manago has always remained a family-driven place, with a welcoming ambiance, soft background music, and a bar area where you can catch a game if you’re into sports. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for celebrating life’s milestones, from birthdays to anniversaries, or any event where you want to be surrounded by loved ones. The restaurant’s heart has always been its family atmosphere, and the staff make you feel right at home, like part of their own family.
Now that our kids are much older, they still haven’t developed the same love for pasta, but recently, my wife and I decided to take a nostalgic trip back to Vieux Four Manago and order our old favorite, the "frutti di mare" pizza. It felt like we were stepping back in time—the wood-fired brick oven was still there, tirelessly producing pizzas for both dine-in patrons and takeout orders. When our pizza finally arrived, it was just as we remembered it. The toppings were perfectly browned, exactly how I’ve always liked them, and the crust was golden, light, and deliciously crispy. We added a drizzle of chili oil with just the right amount of heat, giving each bite a subtle extra kick. As soon as I took that first bite, a flood of memories came rushing back. It tasted every bit as wonderful as it did in the past, reminding us of all the good times we’d shared at this spot.
Can you believe it? Resto Vieux Four Manago boasts an incredible selection with over 27 different pizzas and 16 pasta dishes! Whether you’re craving a classic like Margherita or feeling adventurous and want to try something bold, there’s a pizza to satisfy every taste. The variety is impressive, with something to suit everyone’s preferences, all crafted with that signature, old-fashioned flavor that instantly makes you feel at home. From traditional favorites like pepperoni and mozzarella to more inventive combinations, this place has every pizza lover’s dream covered. Plus, their menu offers a wide range of meals with chicken, beef, and seafood to satisfy all appetites beyond just pizza. With their focus on pizza and pasta, there’s truly something for everyone, and the options fit various budgets, ensuring an excellent meal for every occasion. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, they’re sure to hit the mark!
If you’re looking to dine out and enjoy a quiet evening, the atmosphere at Vieux Four Manago is refreshingly serene compared to many other restaurants. It’s not too loud, allowing you to relax and let the background fade away. My wife and I had a wonderful evening there. With delicious food in my belly and mature love in the air, it was the perfect recipe for a satisfying end to the night. The digital candlelight setup created an intimate and romantic setting, with the soft glow of the virtual candles adding a warm touch to the experience. Light, soothing music played gently in the background, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the conversation.
If you haven’t been, or if you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly restaurant, Resto Vieux Four Manago is that special, under-the-radar place that you’ll fall in love with. It’s our little secret, and one we’re happy to keep going back to. -mtlrestorap.com...
Read moreMy family and I have been going to Manago for several years and are always pleased with the quality of the food and the caliber of the service. However yesterday evening’s experience was awful. We arrived for our reservation on time and were placed in the back of the restaurant next to the kitchen. Worst table in the house. I stared at a wall for the duration of the meal. I had to ask twice for candles because the candles on our table were burnt out and it was pitch black. The group that came after us were placed in the corner of the restaurant at a round table (best seat in the house). Ours was the only table in the entire restaurant without a tablecloth (don’t ask me why) and the cutlery and glasses looked like they were just thrown on top. We couldn’t figure out which cutlery and glasses belonged to whom. The waiter got my daughter’s order wrong twice (third time was a charm) and served her pepperoni in her pizza (she doesn’t eat pork products). We weren’t served any bread until we asked for it twice and had to wait around 20 minutes. The adjacent table, also a party of 5 or 6, were served their main course before we were served our appetizers. They had left by the time we received our main courses. When our food finally arrived, the french fries we ordered were served cold and the meals were served at different times so everyone was eating separately for at least part of the meal.
The waiter, cognizant of the disastrous service offered us free deserts but I refused. I did speak with the manager afterwards and she offered us a $50 gift card which we ended up accepting even though I felt they should have paid for the meal. The food was good (more or less) but not up to their usual standard. I understand that the restaurant was extremely busy and it is difficult to manage the demands of that many customers. But the meal cost me over $160 (I still gave the waiter a 10% tip because I felt bad that I had raised my voice at him) and we left with a really bad feeling. Our...
Read moreThis restaurant never disappoints you. The food is fresh and delicious and the service impeccable. I love their pizza. It's hard to find vegetarian meals that are worth the outing but this is just amazing food for any diet. Their meal salad is truly a meal. Yes it's a little pricey but you don't leave here feeling like you could have done better elsewhere. My husband and I shared a half seafood half vegetarian pizza and the baby spinach salad and it was all awesome!
Update: I usually enjoy the food here but I think something has changed. The quality of the food and then portions just aren't the same. The plates used to be so grand and the presentation and ingredients so good but last night, a very busy Tuesday because of the golf tournament nearby left me so disappointed I'm not sure I'll go back even after all of the previous good experiences I had. We had an escargot entree and it was watery. My husband suspects that they were frozen and that was melted ice in the dish. I told the waitress that it tasted like water that had diluted all of the garlic butter and she said she would tell the kitchen but never came back with any follow-up. I had the eggplant parmigiana and I agree with another reviewer's description, it was a blob of cheese with some sauce and a few thin bits of eggplant. Something a deli would serve not an Italian restaurant let alone this one! I really think they're cheaping out on ingredients and it's just a matter of time before the regulars catch on and stop going like me. Fyi for an amazing eggplant parmigiana go to Piazza Romana.
Note to the owner, you've lost your once loyal customer who referred everyone to you. I hope you fix the problem before it puts you out...
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