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Manuela
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Manuela
8.7
Inside Hauser & Wirth, Manuela pairs farm-driven Southern-leaning American cooking with an airy, plant-filled gallery setting. Seasonal produce and live-fire touches keep the menu bright and textured, while brunch remains a neighborhood ritual. It’s an Arts District staple that balances craft with comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cream biscuits, Wood-grilled vegetables, Rotating market-driven mains
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Farm-to-table American cooking in a gallery-garden setting.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and art-district wanderers.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner.
What to order: Cream biscuits, seasonal veg, market mains.
Insider tip: Walk the galleries before/after for a full Hauser & Wirth day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Hauser & Wirth complex has a paid on-site lot that fills quickly; nearby street parking is limited after 6pm and can require a short walk. Ride-share is common for brunch and dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual with an Arts District edge — relaxed but polished. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for brunch and gallery visits.
Noise level: Moderate — indoor tables carry a lively hum but you can hold a normal conversation. Courtyard seating is slightly quieter depending on events.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak gallery traffic or nice-weather evenings.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, though courtyard tables may take a few minutes during peak art-campus hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — the menu leans produce-forward with several vegetable-driven starters and mains.
Vegan options: Moderate — typically 2–3 dishes can be made vegan or are naturally vegan, though not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted; staff is proactive about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the courtyard, greenery, and gallery adjacency create an easy, conversational setting. It’s stylish without being pretentious, ideal for a relaxed but thoughtful first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — brunch and weekend evenings fill fast, but weekday lunch and early dinners often have walk-in availability. Arrive early for courtyard tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with young kids who enjoy open spaces. The courtyard layout and casual daytime energy help, though it’s not designed around children’s menus or stroller-heavy setups.
Best For
Better for: Brunch and produce-forward plates in a garden-gallery setting. It outshines competitors on ambience, daytime dining, and ingredient freshness.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast service, a quiet dinner, or late-night hours — the art-campus setting makes it livelier and more daytime-focused than destination dinner spots.
Manuela
8.6
Set inside the Hauser & Wirth arts complex, Manuela serves a Southern-leaning, farm-driven brunch that matches its gallery surroundings. Seasonal produce, house-made charcuterie, and a courtyard setting make it a go-to when you want a sit-down brunch that still feels very Arts District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken and biscuits, Shrimp and grits, Seasonal farmer’s market salad
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Art-filled, courtyard restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide with a seasonal, Southern-accented brunch.
Who should go: Design-minded diners pairing brunch with a gallery visit.
When to visit: Weekend late morning for best courtyard light and energy.
What to order: Fried chicken and biscuits, shrimp and grits, a seasonal salad.
Insider tip: Plan extra time to wander the galleries before or after your reservation—same complex, separate entrance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking is available within the Hauser & Wirth complex; limited metered street parking nearby. Weekends can fill early due to gallery traffic.
Dress code: Smart casual with an artsy edge; jeans are fine but most diners lean polished and gallery-ready.
Noise level: Moderate—courtyard seating is lively but conversational, indoor tables slightly quieter.
Weekend wait: Brunch-focused spot—weekend late-morning waits can run 30–45 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Generally a short wait or seated immediately, especially outside peak gallery events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—seasonal salads, vegetable-driven plates, and Southern sides make it accommodating.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified, but fully vegan entrées are few.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free options like shrimp and grits; staff is well-versed in modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the courtyard setting, art-gallery backdrop, and elevated brunch dishes create an effortlessly stylish first-date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed on weekends. Walk-ins often wait 20–40 minutes; weekday brunch is much easier for spontaneous seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—families do come, and the courtyard helps with stroller space, but the menu and vibe skew more adult and arts-focused.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward brunch in a cultural setting—perfect when you want high-quality Southern-leaning dishes alongside an arts-district experience.
Skip if: You want fast, casual brunch or a budget-friendly meal; Manuela is slower-paced, refined, and priced accordingly.
Manuela
8.4
Manuela weaves Southern-accented Californian cooking into the gallery courtyards of Hauser & Wirth, giving Arts District dates a built-in art walk before or after dinner. The combination of twinkling patios, wood-fired mains, and a strong bar program makes it an easy romantic standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skillet Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter, Seasonal Farmers’ Market Vegetables
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Art-filled patios and wood-fired Southern-Cal plates inside a working gallery campus.
Who should go: Couples who want dinner plus a built-in gallery stroll.
When to visit: Golden-hour reservations to catch courtyard light before dark.
What to order: Fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, whatever vegetables are most seasonal.
Insider tip: Arrive early to wander the Hauser & Wirth galleries before you sit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking garage under Hauser & Wirth is the most reliable option; limited street parking available but fills quickly on evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished due to the gallery setting.
Noise level: Moderate; courtyard tables are conversational, while indoor rooms can get lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though patio tables may see brief delays in good weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—seasonal vegetables and salads are standouts, and several mains can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—usually 1–2 composed dishes plus modifiable vegetable plates.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes; staff is knowledgeable about modifications but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic courtyards, gallery access, and shareable plates create an easy-flowing first-date backdrop without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays, but weekend nights are tough; walk-ins for patio seating are hit-or-miss, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can sit through a full meal; the gallery environment is calm, but the menu skews adult and there are no kid-specific offerings.
Best For
Better for: Couples who want a full Arts District experience—dinner, drinks, and a gallery stroll—wrapped into one evening.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dining room or have strict dietary needs requiring dedicated prep areas.
Manuela
8.3
Set inside the Hauser & Wirth gallery complex, Manuela serves Southern-accented Californian cooking alongside rotating contemporary art and a courtyard patio. It functions as a flexible fine-dining anchor in the Arts District, working equally well for date nights, gallery dinners, and special-occasion brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk fried chicken with biscuits and sides, Heirloom Mary’s half chicken with white BBQ sauce, Seasonal seafood or yellowtail from the wood grill
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Art-lined dining rooms and patios that pair gallery visits with Southern-leaning California menus.
Who should go: Guests wanting dinner with built-in gallery wandering before or after.
When to visit: Golden hour for courtyard light, then linger through dinner.
What to order: Fried chicken, seasonal vegetables, a grilled fish or seafood plate.
Insider tip: Arrive early to explore the galleries and courtyard before your reservation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking lots are available within the Hauser & Wirth complex; limited metered street parking nearby. Evenings fill quickly, so plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished due to the gallery setting.
Noise level: Moderate. The courtyard is conversational; indoor rooms can pick up buzz during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, longer during major gallery events.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal or no wait, especially for outdoor seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward plates and seasonal sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — you’ll find 1–2 adaptable dishes, but the menu leans on dairy and animal fats.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many mains and sides are naturally gluten-free, and the staff is used to guiding guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The art galleries and courtyard create built-in talking points, and the patio offers a relaxed but elevated backdrop for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Walk-ins are more feasible for brunch and weekday lunches; weekend dinners and gallery nights almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately. The courtyard has space for strollers, but the vibe skews adult. It works best for older kids who are comfortable in quieter, art-focused environments.
Best For
Better for: Art-and-dinner nights, relaxed fine dining with outdoor seating, and groups wanting a flexible menu within a cultural campus.
Skip if: You want ultra-formal service, highly experimental tasting menus, or a strictly vegan dinner — there are better fits elsewhere in the Arts District.
Manuela
8.3
Manuela sits inside the Hauser & Wirth arts complex, serving Southern-accented Californian cooking in leafy courtyards lined with contemporary art. It works especially well for special occasions that start with a gallery walk and end with cocktails, fried chicken, and seasonal plates under twinkling lights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cream biscuits with seasonal jam or apple butter, Skillet cornbread or seasonal vegetable plates, Fried chicken with Southern sides
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Art-filled courtyards and Southern-leaning California menus inside a working gallery campus.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting art plus a celebratory meal.
When to visit: Golden-hour brunch or early dinner to enjoy the courtyard light.
What to order: Cream biscuits, a seasonal vegetable spread, fried chicken to share.
Insider tip: Arrive early to wander the galleries, then ask for a courtyard table if weather is good.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available around 3rd St. and Traction Ave., plus a paid lot adjacent to the Hauser & Wirth complex. Street spots fill quickly on weekends and during gallery events.
Dress code: Smart casual; guests often lean artsy or polished. Jeans are fine, but most diners dress slightly elevated for photos and special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate. The courtyard stays comfortably conversational, while indoor tables can get livelier during peak gallery nights.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes for walk-ins depending on gallery traffic; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though the courtyard can fill during popular exhibitions.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — seasonal vegetable dishes, salads, and sides make it easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — a few dishes can be modified; servers are accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Several items are naturally gluten-free, and many mains can be adapted with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The gallery setting, courtyard lighting, and relaxed Southern-Californian menu create a naturally romantic and conversation-friendly environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Walk-ins are more successful at brunch or weekday lunch; for dinner, especially weekends, you’ll want a reservation to secure a courtyard table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy exploring the gallery; less ideal for toddlers due to breakable art installations and a slower-paced dining style.
Best For
Better for: Art-forward ambiance, courtyard dining, and seasonal Southern-Californian plates that pair well with special occasions or gallery outings.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal away from crowds, or you prefer tasting-menu–style fine dining. Peak times can feel busy due to gallery visitors.
Manuela
8.3
Manuela sits inside the Hauser & Wirth arts complex, pairing Southern-accented California cooking with an expansive courtyard that feels like a leafy town square. Open since 2016, it’s a go-to for long outdoor lunches and brunches surrounded by gallery installations, a kitchen garden, and one of the most photogenic patios in the Arts District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cream biscuits with honey butter, Fried chicken, Seasonal vegetable plates
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Art-filled courtyards and garden-side patios serving seasonal Southern-leaning menus.
Who should go: Diners wanting gallery time plus leisurely courtyard meals.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or golden hour for best courtyard atmosphere.
What to order: Cream biscuits, fried chicken, seasonal vegetable dishes.
Insider tip: Walk the galleries first, then linger over drinks outside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lot parking is available within the Hauser & Wirth complex; limited metered street parking nearby but competitive during peak gallery hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; artsy, relaxed outfits fit the setting. Sundresses, light layers, and polished casual wear work well for the courtyard.
Noise level: Moderate; the outdoor courtyard is lively but still comfortable for conversation, especially earlier in the day.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially if the patio is full.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins are usually accommodated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including seasonal vegetable plates, salads, and biscuit-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited; a couple of vegetable-forward plates can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-friendly mains and sides; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the courtyard is beautiful and relaxed, offering plenty to talk about, especially if you pair the meal with a gallery wander beforehand.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for weekday lunches; weekends and brunch hours fill up fast, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for an outdoor table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the spacious courtyard and art installations offer visual interest, though the menu and atmosphere skew more adult during busy brunch and dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: A picturesque outdoor courtyard and built-in gallery experience that blends food with culture—ideal for relaxed meals with scenery.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or need expansive vegan options; the energy is lively and the menu leans Southern-Californian rather than fully plant-based.
Manuela
8.2
Manuela sits inside the Hauser & Wirth arts complex, pairing Southern-leaning California cooking with a courtyard setting dotted with gallery pieces and a kitchen garden. Brunch, lunch, and dinner lean on shareable plates, house charcuterie, and produce-driven sides in a setting that feels equal parts restaurant and art space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk fried chicken, Cast-iron cornbread with honey butter, Seasonal vegetable sides from the on-site garden
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Gallery-side dining with Southern-accented menus and a working garden patio.
Who should go: Brunch groups and art lovers making a day of the complex.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or golden hour for courtyard atmosphere.
What to order: Fried chicken, cornbread, seasonal veggie sides.
Insider tip: Reserve patio seating and arrive early to walk the galleries first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Hauser & Wirth complex has a small paid lot that fills quickly; nearby street parking is metered and competitive on weekends. Several paid lots on Traction Ave and 3rd St usually have space.
Dress code: Smart casual. Arts District chic is the norm—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for brunch or dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. The courtyard stays lively but still allows comfortable conversation at most tables, especially outdoors.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; often seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—seasonal vegetable dishes and salads anchor much of the menu.
Vegan options: Limited but doable; usually 1–2 dishes can be made vegan with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The courtyard setting, gallery surroundings, and shared-plate style make it relaxed yet impressive without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Walk-ins are accepted, but expect a wait during brunch and weekend dinner. Patio seating almost always requires a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Fairly. The open courtyard gives families some flexibility, but the menu and atmosphere skew more adult; best for kids 8+ who are comfortable in a gallery-like environment.
Best For
Better for: Long, leisurely courtyard meals surrounded by art—ideal for groups who want ambiance and shareable Southern-Californian dishes.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, very quiet dining room, or a menu with extensive vegan or gluten-free specialization.
Manuela
8.6
Manuela is a farm-to-table Arts District dining room inside Hauser & Wirth, where Southern-leaning California cooking meets a lush courtyard and art-lined interiors. Lunch leans on fried chicken sandwiches, grain bowls, and seasonal salads, making it a strong choice for relaxed but polished business meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, Cream biscuits with seasonal jam, Seasonal grain bowl
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Gallery-adjacent farm-to-table cooking served in a leafy courtyard setting.
Who should go: Teams wanting polished, creative Californian plates over lunch.
When to visit: Tuesday–Friday lunch for easier reservations and daytime light.
What to order: Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, seasonal grain bowl, cream biscuits.
Insider tip: Request courtyard seating for easier conversation and a quieter table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Hauser & Wirth complex has its own paid lot next door, and street parking on 3rd/Traction can be possible before noon. Meters fill quickly; rideshare is the most reliable option for tight schedules.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most business lunch guests wear elevated basics—button-downs, blouses, or clean denim with a jacket. No need for formal wear.
Noise level: Moderate. The courtyard is breezier and quieter, while the indoor dining room can get lively during peak lunch hours.
Weekend wait: Dinner is not the primary service here, but weekend brunch can see 30–45 minute waits without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal waits if you book ahead; walk-ins can expect 5–15 minutes depending on gallery traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—salads, grain bowls, vegetable sides, and seasonal specials are reliably available.
Vegan options: Moderate options—typically a couple of dishes can be made vegan with simple modifications; staff is comfortable advising.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can accommodate adjustments. No dedicated GF fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime or early-evening dates. The courtyard is calm, the art gallery next door gives you something to explore, and the food is accessible but polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes during weekday lunch. Arrive early or slightly after the rush (around 1:15–1:30pm) for your best chances. Weekends require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the courtyard offers space to move around and the menu has approachable dishes. Very young children may find the gallery environment less forgiving.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor business lunches, creative California cooking, and meetings where ambiance matters as much as food. The art complex setting sets it apart from typical downtown lunch spots.
Skip if: You need a rapid, under-30-minute lunch, require very quiet indoor seating, or prefer more traditional Southern cooking without California twists.
Manuela
8.7
Inside the Hauser & Wirth complex, Manuela blends Southern-influenced, farm-to-table cooking with an art-filled courtyard and bar that runs a strong weekday happy hour. Discounted cocktails, wines, and snacky plates like cornbread and fried chicken sandwiches make the bar area a go-to pre-gallery or pre-show stop in the Arts District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cast Iron Cornbread with Honey Butter, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Louisiana Shrimp Aguachile
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Gallery-adjacent Southern cooking with a bar-driven happy hour inside a major Arts District art complex.
Who should go: Art lovers and couples wanting cocktails with refined snacks
When to visit: Weekdays mid-afternoon to early evening at the bar
What to order: Cast iron cornbread, fried chicken sandwich, seasonal crudo or aguachile
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat, order happy hour cocktails, then wander the galleries between plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: There is a paid lot connected to Hauser & Wirth (usually $8–$15 depending on events). Street parking is limited and fills quickly after 5pm, especially on gallery nights.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished given the gallery setting.
Noise level: Moderate. The bar can hum during happy hour, but courtyard tables and indoor dining remain comfortably conversational.
Weekend wait: 45–70 minutes without a reservation, especially if there are openings or exhibit events happening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with easy seating at the bar or patio.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, vegetable plates, and sides like cornbread and seasonal produce dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can usually be made vegan, but selections rotate with the seasonal menu.
Gluten-free options: Several options, including proteins and vegetable dishes; staff can flag modifications, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The art campus setting, courtyard seating, and craft cocktails create a relaxed but elevated backdrop that works well for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Bar seats during happy hour are your best bet; patio and indoor tables can be available on weekdays, but weekends and exhibit nights typically require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The courtyard is spacious and stroller-friendly, but the menu leans adult and the vibe is more suited to couples and groups than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: A polished happy hour within a cultural hub — ideal for drinks and small plates before exploring galleries or heading to Arts District nightlife.
Skip if: You want fast, budget-friendly food, or you need a kid-focused restaurant with simple menus and minimal waiting.