Manteca

• Where? Shoreditch, 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
• How much? ££
• Cuisine? Italian
• Booking ahead? Yes
• What? Nose-to-tail cooking
• Vegetarian options? Yes
• Vegan options? Limited
• Gluten free options? Yes

Renowned for delicious hand-rolled pasta, fresh focaccia and a tasty range of small plates, Manteca has become the latest London craze. An intimate and energetic restaurant located between Shoreditch and Liverpool street. Make sure to book ahead or prepare to face disappointment, this popular hotspot is consistently filled to capacity and there’s no wonder why…

The Food

…quick service, a vibrant atmosphere, unique flavours and a fantastic wine menu! For smaller parties, there is the option to get up close and personal, with bar seating right in the heat of the action. Watch chefs work their Manteca magic against a fiery backdrop and salivate as dreamy dishes come together right before your eyes!

1. Wildfarmed Focaccia

9/10 – One of the best Focaccia’s I’ve had…however prepare to get stuck in and oily, soaking up a salty olive pool with fluffy, firm cubes of joy! Would have been 10/10 if it was warm.

2. Fried Olive

5/10 – Was quite disappointed with this one, as I love nocellara olives. The olive flavour didn’t come through at all and the pork sausage seasoning was underwhelming.

3. Cornish Squid

7/10 – Really fresh, really light and perfectly tender. Flavours paired really well together.

4. Meatballs

8/10 – Incredibly tender and tasty. The marinara sauce is divine, I would have happily drank it! Make sure to save some focaccia just to soak up the left over sauce!

5. Tonnarelli, Brown Crab Cacio e Pepe

7/10 – Really tasty, but the textures were slightly off. The brown crab is rich, pungent, however the sauce almost has a gritty texture which I didn’t particularly enjoy.

6. Duck Ragu

8/10 – Creamy, crunchy, crisp, this dish is a beautiful collaboration between flavours and textures. We were recommended this dish by our waitress and are incredibly grateful for her input!

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