Art Restaurant Manezinho — Restaurant in Velas

Manezinho opened less than a year ago under the present ownership. Therefore, I am baffled with the reviews that are older and do not reflect the fantastic people who serve, cook, and host guests, nor the welcoming ambiance and decor.

As soon as Manezinho opened, I booked a birthday event for about 40 people for early July 2022. We wanted a traditional menu for the event from appetizers to entrees to libations, but with a contemporary twist. The event turned out beyond our dreams or expectations. Pieter and his staff were FANTASTIC to work with. Their joy, care, and hospitality before and during the event was palpable. And, Ewout and Pieter's music had everyone up dancing, including our 82-year-old friend with her walking cane!

Whether our guests traveled to the event from either side of the pond or locally, we have constantly received kudos for the outcome of the event. On our part, it was incredibly easy. Pieter and his staff interpreted our desires and attended to the details. We and our guests merely showed up and had a memorable time. I would highly, highly recommend Art Restuarant Manezinho for a meal or an event,...

The food was ok but the service here was not acceptable. First, it took a long time to even get an order in and the restaurant wasn’t that busy. Second, my steak was really under cooked. There was hardly any color on the outside and the inside was raw. It definitely wasn’t medium rare. Finally, I ordered dessert and it never came. After about 15 minutes, I looked inside the kitchen just to see all the servers chit chatting. I gave it another 10 minutes and still nothing. When I go to pay they tried to charge me for the dessert which I let them know I never received. Their response? “Do you still want it?” No apology or nothing. The service here needs to improve.

I think it would be best to just come here for a drink and to watch the sunset. Then have dinner...

Literally eating here right now. Cocktails were fantastic, Dry Martini and a cocktail made with local passion fruit liquor, tuna steak was the size of a fist and absolutely tender, juicy and came with delicious garlic and lime infused oil and a bed of unbelievably creamy rice. Iberian pork was buttery, perfectly salty and unbelievably tender and the rice was also fantastic. Sautéed vegetables were delicious, garlicky, buttery and so flavourful. Service is excellent, wait time for food is well paced, much shorter than some other restaurants on the island but not just...