Manchego — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Been hearing great things about this place, and looooove Spanish tapas, so went to Manchego with a RESERVATION made at 9:30 on Friday. Arrived right on time to meet the host who said that they were running behind, so we had to wait for outside until the table that we reserved became available. We waited 25 minutes outside on the street (theres no bar to lay up at inside while you wait) until almost 10pm.

By the time we got to sit down, and before waters came out, the waitress explained to us that kitchen closes at 10:30 we had 30 minutes to order everything for our meal, including our dessert, even though we had been there half an hour earlier and waiting. No wiggle room, no acknowledgement of the error from the manager, the host, or even the waitress, no comp drink to smooth it over, and no apology from anyone.

The food was good, tasty, and good range of tapas, but by the time we were finally relaxing and getting into it the meal, desert was out and the lights came on, waterfall was turned off, and chairs were being flipped over. Basically we had to get everything into a bag and haul out. Zero flexibility. I’ve been to Spanish restaurants in Spain and in other countries, and the culture is 100% the opposite - food is meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere with time and the patrons are NEVER rushed, especially when its the fault of the restaurant that they have had less time to eat.

The food here at manchego is good, and the vibe of the restaurant is nice - but I don’t think this restaurant has a handle on what it is to be a Spanish restaurant, or even a decent American one with good standards for their patrons. Definitely disappointed, would not return until management makes major changes to their policy, reservation system was improved, or better management was put...

It’s the worst Spanish restaurant I’ve been in my life. The manager (not Spanish, of course) is such a rude person. He doesn’t know anything about Spanish food and running a business. We had yesterday a reservation for 10 people, in this small and dirty place, and at the last moment 3 people canceled, and this rude manager changed our table for a table for 5 people, but when the 7 people came, this rude manager told us that we have to leave because we are in a table for 5!!!! What are you talking about “manager”???? What happen in your mind? We were uncomfortable and you order that we have to leave??? But, no worries. We never come back to your restaurant. I hope the owner can read this review. And I hope my friends write their reviews too. PD: We went last week and the food is nothing special, they don’t know what is a good Spanish menu (I’m from Spain).

Es el peor trato recibido en un restaurante en Santa Monica. Llevo aquí 1 año y nunca nadie nos ha tratado con esa falta de respeto. Tienen camareros agradables, pero su Manager (un tipo con gafas, no muy agraciado) es un total maleducado que no sabe lo que es hacer negocio y mucho menos tiene claro el significado de atención al cliente. El otro día nos echó de su restaurante, una vez ya sentados, con una reserva para 10 personas que se cambió a última hora a 7 y que cuando llegamos solo teniamos una mesa para 5. Nosotros nos conformamos y nos quedamos sentados dispuestos a cenar. Pero el manager vino y nos dijo que teníamos que marcharnos porque así no podíamos estar. Ante este hecho, nos levantamos y por supuesto no volveremos mientras sepamos que este individuo sigue trabajando ahí. Esperemos que el propietario del local se de cuenta de a quién tiene dirigiendo su...

This is the spot for Tapas in Santa Monica!!! The food here is absolutely incredible. The ambiance is intimate with an outdoor patio as well as inside seating. It's the perfect place for a date night or even a larger birthday or group outing. Just make sure to book a reservation ahead of time (I highly recommend the outdoor space)! If you are not familiar with tapas, these are Spanish small plates that are meant to be shared. Be prepared to share and order several things to try. Everything is amazing!

Some Covid updates: the outdoor and indoor spaces are closed as of now due to restrictions in California, but they have set up some space in front of the restaurant that is in the parking spaces. We came here for dinner and although it wasn't the most ideal setting, the service was great and the food was incredible as usual!

For food: -- You must get a cheese plate!! I mean the restaurant is called Manchego. Usually my boyfriend and I get the 3 cheeses and its the perfect amount for 2 people. It comes with almonds, olives, pickles, jam, and bread. SOOO yummy! -- The Beet & Burrata salad is so fresh and delicious. It comes with watercress, pistachio dust, and fresh herbs. Again, the cheese is incredible. The burrata melts in your mouth. -- Spinach croquetas are delicious. -- Patatas are a MUST. The garlic aioli and roasted red pepper aioli is so freaking good. -- Manchego Mac & Cheese another MUST. Wow this is possibly the most delicious mac n cheese. It is made with a white truffle oil and the shells are always perfectly cooked. -- Gambas Al Ajillo is my favorite! The garlic sauce is incredible and the shrimps are cooked to perfection.

Wine: -- Everything is amazing!

Cannot wait...