Manna's Restaurant — Restaurant in New York

Buffet style restaurant that really shouldn't be. Very tight space for a buffet. If there are more than 5 -7 persons perusing the buffet it's going to be uncomfortable. Everything is close contact. My 3- star rating has more to do with the service I received from the "made to order" seafood section in the back of the restaurant. I was one of 4 persons in the place and I waited over thirty minutes for someone to come to the service window to assist me despite ringing the bell several times, despite seeing at least five guys behind the swinging doors who were standing around talking, despite the efforts of two other staff members who came from the front end to make them aware I was waiting. One of the staff advised it would be just a moment and 20 minutes later I was still waiting and he was standing in the back with the others discussing who knows what! Not only was my bell ringing dismissed, the staff behind the counter didn't even acknowledge that I was there. Two of the guys looked at me and proceeded to act like I wasn't standing there. They just kept working and others kept chatting away. Had I not traveled from Mount Vernon to Harlem, and not been hungry and pressed to get food home for my family, I would have walked out. The spot I normally frequent was several blocks away and I had groceries otherwise I would have walked out. The only saving grace for this place and why I didn't rate lower was the cook who eventually assisted me. He was pleasant, apologetic and made up my order as quickly as possible considering it was made to order steamed fish and vegetables. The food was delicious and if there's an option of ordering by phone, that will be the ONLY way they get my business again. Customer service should be...

Overall, it was a positive experience.

We visited our son, who lives in the neighborhood and his new lady friend and he recommended Manna's very highly. After having our meal there, I also rate it high on my good food-o-meter.

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We found a tremendous spread of traditional soul food (fried chicken, oxtails, BBQ ribs, mac and cheese) with an ample array of lighter America fare (fresh salads, salmon, baked chicken, melon, mashed potatoes). It's not cheap - cheap, but I think you get value for your dollar in the form of tasty, well cooked, appetizing food. It can be as healthy or as self indulgent as you choose.

It's an eat-in or take out buffet. You box your own food then take it up front to get it weighed and paid.

Cold food nearest the bagging area and cashier station on the left as you enter the front door, where you bring your plastic takeout container(s) to be weighed. Steam tables of good looking, wonderful smelling, tasty dishes line each side of the buffet area.

A plastic partition separates the limited dining area from the steam tables on the left where a row of singles tables is sandwiched between the cold food and the left wall.

The one-at-a-time, unisex restroom was clean looking and smelling but doesn't lock from the inside and lacked what to dry your hands with.

It's a colorful neighborhood (street vendors - probably unlicensed, locals milling around) where, on this sunny July Sunday afternoon this seventy something, former New Jersey couple (now 2 years in Delaware) felt relatively safe. Parking is a 'cruise and pray', hit or miss situation.

In fact, if we still lived in Jersey, we would definitely make Manna's a regular stop in our restaurant...

Good soul food eats! This place is hopping & pretty busy with locals. We were at a matinee event on Saturday at the Apollo theatre in Harlem and Manna's was one block away around the corner. We parked in a lot a couple of blocks away and I noticed this place on our way to the theatre. One of the ushers recommended Manna's, so we tried it after the show.

There are two ways to get food here.

There is an open food buffet in the front of the restaurant with selections ranging from African American, to Caribbean, to Latino, and also Chinese. I was happy to also see very fresh looking green salads and freah cut fruit salads. Once you go through and select your meal, then bring it back to the cashier to be weighed. The cashier also has pre cut assorted sweet baked goods & breads. You can then go to the open seating in the back of the restaurant, or take your food out. My friend had ox tails, mac & cheese, rice & peas, & string beans and xorn bread. She is stillbtalking about the ox tails. I had black eyed peas, steamed cabbage, fried king fish, green salad, & fruit salad. My food was good too!

In the back of the restaurant, there is a made to order seafood carry out (or stay and eat it in). You pay fir your seafood order in the back. I was tired by the time I discovered the seafood, but I promised to try it next time. There was a constant line & they were filling every order.

If you're looking for white glove service, this is not the place. Good food with a carryout...