Manhatta

“I really want to go to that new hot spot in FiDi but it’s impossible to get a table” – said no one cool ever – until Manhatta came along! Teasing aside, before Danny Meyer opened his newest restaurant in the summer of 2018, Manhatta was just the name of a classic 1921 documentary, considered to be the first American avant-garde film to “capture the beauty and majesty of New York City in its streets, skyscrapers, bridges, rail yards and harbor”. Now I get why Union Square Hospitality Group chose the same name for its majestic downtown restaurant – I see what you did there Mr. Meyer!

Manhatta restaurant nyc cocktails with view

Binoculars by the window at your disposal!

Dinner service only

Manhatta is perched high atop an iconic midcentury skyscraper on Financial District’s Liberty street. An ear-clogging elevator ride up a whopping 60 floors takes you to a sleek bar and dining space surrounded by breathtaking New York City views. The setting is unprecedented, with a 38,000 sq ft area enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the most stunning views of Manhattan, its rivers, bridges and New Jersey. You can even spot Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty with the binoculars at your disposal – all very symbolic! The excellent use of the large dining and bar space allows you to appreciate the “dinner-in-the-sky” wherever you are. Even the kitchen staff gets to enjoy it with the awesome window-facing open kitchen.

Non-Tipping – Hospitality included

Their take on a Manhattan with The Manhatta: Rye, Carpano Antica, Demerara, Bitters ($18)

Closing down the dinner service

Croque Madame bar snack ($10)

Although Manhatta seems to be all about the scenery, the food is meant to be the main attraction. Danny Meyer’s goal was to make the view a “bonus”, i.e. secondary to the dining experience itself. Which is also why the dull decor of round-wooden tables is so minimalist – to not overshadow from what’s on your plate. He brought in Chef Jason Pfeifer from his Italian staple Maialino to now cook a French-inspired fare. No à-la-carte (except at the bar), but a 3-course $78 menu with a selection of soulful, refined dishes. To be completely honest, at first look the menu at Manhatta seemed like it was stuck in 1999 serving boring wedding food. But I was pleasantly surprised and happy to indulge in French comfort classics like a Lobster Quenelle or Veal “Blanquette”, with a New-American twist. No real novelty here though – the food is all pretty predictable and nothing truly stands out, but the flavors, execution, and plating are still very enjoyable. Along with the in-house cocktails (get their namesake version of The Manhattan of course), Manhatta serves a great selection of Burgundy wines.

parties of 6 or more must reserve the private room which seats up to 50 people.

1st courses top clockwise: Cavetelli & Clams, Scotch Snails, Lobster Quenelle

Amuse-bouche: tomato tart & radishes

Scotch Snails, Pork Sausage, Parsley & Garlic

Lobster Quenelle, Spring Onions & Trumpet Mushrooms

Cavetelli & Claims Tomato, Breadcrumbs & Sausage

Second courses top clockwise: Turbot, Veal Blanquette, Lamb and Zucchini & Squash Roulade

Zucchini & Squash Roulade, Okra, Eggplant & Vegetable Jus

Elysian Fields Lamb, Heirloom Beans, Cucumber & Eggplant

Turbot, Roasted Fennel & Sauce Mustarde

Veal “Blanquette”, Mushrooms & Sweetbreads

Super cool open kitchen and chef’s table seats

The flawless service and super friendly staff definitely were a big part of the pleasant dining experience (and it’s a non-tipping restaurant!). If there’s one thing Meyer knows, it’s hospitality. As in all of his establishments, the focus is on becoming a neighborhood staple. Each of his restaurant molds to the location and neighborhood in a very relaxed and comfortable way. Despite Manhatta‘s fancy downtown setting, it’s meant to feel warm and familiar, with hospitality group’s signature down-to-earth spirit. Chef Pfeifer adds “This is a restaurant for everyone. For all of New York and beyond”, where food service and prices are approachable (it still ain’t cheap though!). No doubt that Manhatta will become a FiDi staple, where suits and jeans-and-tshirts all feel welcome.

Blackberries Walnut Ice Cream & Sabayon dessert

Vanilla Soufflé Butterscotch Sauce dessert

The best dessert: Warm Date Cake 

60 stories, 360° sweep of the city, $78 prix fixe, and a million dollar view! Manhatta is a celebration of Downtown NYC, and a very welcome addition to the Financial District combining incredible sky-high views with the down-to-earth spirit of a neighborhood spot. For a cheaper alternative (and easier – since reservations are crazy tough), the large 40-foot bar is also a great way to enjoy the Manhatta experience.

Tough reservations! Book well in advance or check for same-day cancellations!

Bar and Dinner service:
Sunday – Wednesday: 5pm-9:30pm
Thursday – Saturday: 5pm-10pm

Connects to Bay Room, USHG’s first private event space