Manna - Wilmington

The food was incredible, and while the service was good, it didn't quite match the excellence of the dishes.

The first dish that arrived was the cornbread, which is nothing short of magical. I'm not sure what kind of wizardry goes into making it, but it's truly exceptional. It comes with a whipped spread that has honey in it, and it's absolutely delightful—hands down the best cornbread and bread dish we've ever tasted. Next up were the roasted oysters, which were perfection. Following those, the short ribs were incredibly tender, falling off the bone and seasoned to absolute perfection. For our fourth dish, the Bolognese featured fresh homemade pasta that was cooked just right, with a sauce that struck the perfect balance and an ideal meat-to-sauce ratio. And then came the bread pudding—pure indulgence. The Old Fashioned was stellar, arguably one of the best in town, and the wine pairing was spot on. Each dish is a testament to precision; you can taste every ingredient, creating a symphony of flavors. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was inviting as always. If you want to be truly impressed, let Jeremy curate your meal and beverages—he's a phenomenal meal maestro, and the entire team at Manna is outstanding.

I've visited this restaurant three times with a friend, and each experience has been fantastic. Matt and Carmen were our bartenders and servers on both occasions, and they went above and beyond with their menu knowledge, customer service, and friendly banter. The food has been consistently excellent; we've enjoyed the oysters, half chicken, ricotta bread, and ribs, and I've never left disappointed. I took Matt's wine recommendation, while my friend ordered cocktails and found them perfect. I'm really looking forward to my next visit!

Manna is a passionate experience of libation and culinary expression. The staff is exceptional, welcoming and accommodating. They 'll put forth their best effort to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food, while bursting with flavor and inspiration, slightly missed the mark of sophistication that would elevate it to the next level. I 'll use the word passionate again, as that 's the less than subtle theme of your meal. Unbridled, the cuisine can leave a palate overwhelmed. There is nothing lacking in the execution of their excellence; I challenge the chef to elevate the dishes and to allow the flavors to tell a story. This restaurant is close to something exceptional.

Absolutely wonderful food. Every bite was an experience. Pork cheeks melted in your mouth. The plate pairings and sauces were apparently selected by the gods..