We visited Manuel’s restaurant for a special occasion yesterday night. The place is very nice, we sat outside and booked ahead of time. Food was outstanding, and the only reason why I am not giving 5 to this local gem, is because if food was 5 out of 5, service we received was very poor yesterday (I would give service 2 out of 5).

We waited 1.5 hours for our mains, as our order got lost and we got to eat at 10pm, one hour plus after receiving our starters. When eventually one waiter came to ask us what we were waiting for (as they wrapping up at that point) we very surprised and we told him we were waiting for the mains. Waiter left and never came back with information about how long that would take or what happened (as it was clear by then, that our mains were not being cooked after all that time). He pretty much avoided eye contact and stayed at the end of restaurant chatting with other staff. After waiting some more and as we are now ready to leave, another waiter comes to ask what we were waiting for, at which point we ask for the bill.

Soon after that, the chef and co-owner came to speak to us and he was very apologetic, explaining that for yesterday night in particular they did not use their usual experienced staff as they were on leave. This would explain also why other little things were a bit odd yesterday (considering the high review this place has and the mention of great customer service) such as when we sat, we waited for a menu for nearly 10 min, and we had to ask for one at the end. Or why we got asked us if we wanted butter but then never received it or why they let us order the specials and only told us after a while that they run out. Also a very confused young waiter was walking with plates and drink back and forward, trying to understand where they needed to go. Restaurant was not busy either.

Chef very kindly waived cost of both mains, and we got our food not long after. Food was again excellent, however at that point, we were not much hungry anymore and wine was finished after the long wait, which meant we did not enjoy them as much as we could have.

We will definitely come back because the food was truly incredible, fresh and so tasty. We had the scallops (capesante), king prawns, the lobster linguine and the seafood risotto with a bottle of Very cold Pinot Grigio. Chef/Co-owner was very honest in his explanation and it was clear that we have just been unlucky with the night. Offering the two plates free of charge was also very kind and we truly appreciated that. Lovely Italian waitress too, from my hometown.

Hope to come back soon