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Manetta's Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Manetta's Ristorante
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running neighborhood Italian spot where wood-fired pizza and hearty pastas anchor the menu. It’s the kind of place locals return to for familiar favorites, a comfortable room, and an easy dinner rhythm that works for groups or low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Eggplant parmigiana, Gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizza and classic pastas in a true LIC local standby.
Who should go: Families, groups, and locals craving Italian comfort
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid the busiest stretch
What to order: Margherita pizza, eggplant parm, gnocchi
Insider tip: Go pizza-plus-pasta to cover the menu’s best strengths.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; usually manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 6:30pm. Nearby garages around Court Square are a safer bet for groups.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common, business-casual works well for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and classic eggplant-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — some pizzas and pastas can be modified, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free dishes and salads; ask the server about pasta options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a low-pressure first date. The setting is comfortable and familiar rather than flashy, which makes conversation easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly on weeknights or earlier in the evening. Weekends are busier, so reservations help for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The menu has crowd-pleasers like pizza and pasta, and the room is welcoming for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Italian comfort food, group-friendly seating, and a neighborhood feel that doesn’t rush you.
Skip if: You’re looking for a trend-driven, upscale Italian experience or a quiet, intimate fine-dining date night.
Manetta's Ristorante
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
An old-school Italian neighborhood anchor where the pizza plays best as part of a full meal rather than the only headline. Go with one thin-crust pie to share, then build the rest around a pasta or entrée so the table feels like a proper sit-down, not just a pizza run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Pizza Alle Diavola, House-made pasta (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic Italian dining with a strong thin-crust pizza option.
Who should go: Italian dinner crews who want pizza plus pasta
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Margherita, diavola pizza, a house-made pasta
Insider tip: Treat pizza as the shareable starter, then go pasta for the main.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hunters Point is possible but inconsistent; easier at lunch, tougher after 6pm. Most locals rely on short walks from nearby streets or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but business-casual or slightly polished fits the room better.
Noise level: Moderate – lively dining room but conversation is easy at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify some pasta or vegetable dishes, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited – no dedicated gluten-free pizza, but some gluten-free pasta options may be available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and traditional rather than trendy. It’s more comfortable and conversational than romantic-flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch or early dinner. For weekend nights or larger groups, a reservation makes things much smoother.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Pizza, pasta, and a forgiving atmosphere make it easy for families with elementary-school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian comfort, group meals, and business lunches where pizza is part of a broader, sit-down experience.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge pizza styles or a fast, slice-driven experience—this is a meal, not a quick hit.
Manetta's Ristorante
8.5
A long-running, family-run LIC trattoria where the kitchen’s comfort-food instincts shine brightest in baked, layered pastas. The lasagna is best treated as a centerpiece order—rich, steady, and built for people who want old-school Italian warmth without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Vegetable Lasagna, Brick-Oven Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Family-run Italian cooking with lasagna as a true house staple.
Who should go: Old-school Italian comfort seekers
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest pacing
What to order: Lasagna, vegetable lasagna, brick-oven pizza
Insider tip: Go baked-pasta heavy—skip over-ordering multiple sauced pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive after 6pm; plan a few extra minutes or use nearby paid garages along Vernon Blvd.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans and sweaters are common, but it also works for a slightly dressier family dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a full conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short one
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable lasagna, salads, and several meat-free pasta and pizza options.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with simple pasta, red sauce, and vegetable adjustments, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free pasta options may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, low-pressure first date than a sleek romantic one—comfort food, warm service, and a neighborhood feel set an easy tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights and for smaller parties; weekends and groups of four or more should book ahead to avoid waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very kid-friendly with familiar Italian dishes, flexible portions, and a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Old-school Italian comfort, baked pastas, and group-friendly meals where consistency matters more than trendiness.
Skip if: You’re looking for a modern, design-forward Italian spot or lighter, experimental takes on pasta.
Manetta's Ristorante
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
A warm, old-school Italian room that’s dependable for private dinners when you want comfort and crowd-pleasing execution over theatrics. The sweet spot is a paced meal of one antipasto spread, one pasta, and a shared main—simple structure that keeps large tables feeling organized.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne alla vodka, Chicken parmigiana, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Italian crowd-pleasers that stay consistent at scale.
Who should go: Families and groups planning a low-stress dinner
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest room
What to order: Antipasto, a pasta, chicken parm
Insider tip: Pre-pick two pastas for the table—ordering stays smoother.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the surrounding Hunters Point area; easier earlier in the evening, tighter after 6pm. No on-site valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are common, but groups celebrating often lean a bit dressier.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours, but conversation is still comfortable at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; private rooms should always be booked ahead.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides can anchor a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with advance notice and simple substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mains and salads work, but pasta options are restricted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established plans than first impressions — it’s warm and comfortable, but shines more with groups or celebratory dinners than intimate, buzzy dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and private dining setups are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — familiar Italian dishes, flexible pacing, and a relaxed room make it comfortable for kids and multi-generation family meals.
Best For
Better for: Organized group dinners, family celebrations, and private meals where consistency and comfort matter more than trend-driven menus.
Skip if: You’re looking for a high-energy, modern Italian spot or a romantic, design-forward date night experience.
Manetta's Ristorante
7.7
A long-running, family-run Italian dining room that’s about classic portions, brick-oven comfort, and a steady neighborhood rhythm. Gluten-free diners do best here by leaning on gluten-free pasta availability (when offered) and choosing simpler grilled or seafood-forward plates over anything breaded.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick-oven thin-crust pizza, Seafood special (ask what’s gluten-free), Gluten-free pasta (when available)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Old-school neighborhood Italian with a decades-long LIC presence.
Who should go: Families wanting a low-stress gluten-free Italian meal.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for a quieter room.
What to order: Seafood special, simple pasta, a salad starter.
Insider tip: Ask which sauces and pastas can be done gluten-free that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hunters Point is metered and can be tight after 6pm; a few nearby paid garages are a safer bet if you’re driving.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are common, but you won’t feel out of place dressing slightly nicer for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, salad, and vegetable-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — can be assembled with simple modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable — gluten-free pasta is sometimes available and grilled or seafood dishes are the safest bets; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, low-pressure date than a high-energy one — it’s comfortable and familiar, not flashy or scene-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening; weekends are possible but expect a short wait if you walk in during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are generous, and the staff is accommodating for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian comfort, generous portions, and a true neighborhood feel that’s easy for groups and families.
Skip if: You want a modern Italian menu, a buzzy date-night vibe, or a restaurant with extensive gluten-free or vegan accommodations.
Manetta's Ristorante
8.3
A long-running, family-run Italian dining room where the appeal is steady execution and a relaxed, neighborhood rhythm. It’s a strong family dinner option when you want a real sit-down meal with familiar pastas and classic mains, without a fussy vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick-oven pizza, Classic pasta (red-sauce staples), Seafood special (when available)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school, family-run Italian that stays reliable year after year.
Who should go: Families who want classic Italian in a calm room.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier pacing.
What to order: Pizza, a pasta, and one shared main.
Insider tip: Ask what’s best that day and order like a regular.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; easier earlier in the evening. Several paid garages within a few blocks if you want to avoid circling.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans, sweaters, and casual dresses all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy conversation even with kids at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, and vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta or vegetable plates can be adapted if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable — gluten-free pasta and simple grilled mains available; confirm preparation details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a comfortable, low-pressure first date than a flashy one. Conversation is easy and the food feels familiar rather than performative.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights and earlier evenings. On weekends, a reservation helps, especially for groups or prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — best for school-age kids and up. Familiar Italian dishes, flexible ordering, and a relaxed room make family dinners easy.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed, dependable family dinners and group meals where consistency matters more than trendiness.
Skip if: You’re looking for a buzzy scene, modern Italian experimentation, or a romantic, high-energy night out.
Manetta's Ristorante
8.7
A Long Island City staple with decades of consistent Italian favorites, Manetta’s impresses with generous portions and classic pasta dishes. Its steady review volume signals reliability for families and casual occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine with Clams, Chicken Parmigiana, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Old‑school Italian executed with consistency
Who should go: Families craving traditional pastas
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for best service
What to order: Linguine with clams, Chicken Parmigiana, Cannoli
Insider tip: Ask for extra garlic bread with entrees
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but gets tougher after 6pm. Many locals walk from nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with simple pasta or vegetable-based orders if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options and naturally gluten-free mains; confirm availability when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — it’s comfortable and familiar rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights or early evenings; weekends are busier, so a short wait is common without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — generous portions, familiar pastas, and a welcoming staff make it easy with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic Italian comfort food with generous portions and a neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian, small plates, or a trendy, design-forward dining experience.
Manetta's Ristorante
8.7
Manetta’s is a Long Island City staple with decades of serving traditional Italian dishes. It's a great spot for family-friendly meals, offering generous portions of classic pasta and pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine with Clams, Chicken Parmigiana, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Italian executed with consistency.
Who should go: Families craving traditional pastas.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for best service.
What to order: Linguine with clams, Chicken Parmigiana, Cannoli.
Insider tip: Ask for extra garlic bread with entrees.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; can be difficult after 6pm on weeknights and weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during dinner but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable-based dishes can be adapted, but few fully vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want something relaxed and low-pressure. The vibe is more neighborhood classic than romantic hotspot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on most weeknights or at lunch. Weekend dinners are busier, so reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — best for toddlers through teens. Large portions, familiar flavors, and a welcoming staff make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Consistent old-school Italian comfort food, generous portions, and stress-free family dining.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy pizza styles, modern Italian interpretations, or a quiet, intimate dining experience.