Located at 49-51 Curtain Road in the heart of London's vibrant Shoreditch district, Manteca is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking authentic yet inventive Italian dining. This establishment’s unique approach combines fire-cooked nose-to-tail cuts of meat with hand-rolled pasta, creating a memorable gastronomic experience that highlights both tradition and bold flavors.
Step inside Manteca and you immediately feel the energy of the open kitchen, where chefs expertly prepare dishes right before your eyes. The lively vibe, paired with the aroma of fire-cooked meats and freshly rolled pasta, makes every visit an engaging sensory experience. While the seating is cozy and tables are closely set, this intimacy adds to the communal, bustling charm that defines this trendy corner of Shoreditch.
The menu primarily celebrates meat, featuring expertly prepared cuts that showcase the nose-to-tail philosophy. Their pasta dishes are handmade, fresh, and perfectly portioned for sharing, creating a convivial dining style. Vegetarian guests will find thoughtful options like puntarelle alla Romana and select pastas, ensuring a satisfying experience for all palates. Cocktails and a curated wine list complement the food, offering classic drinks crafted to enhance every bite.
- Signature dishes including fire-cooked steaks, house-made pasta, and innovative small plates.
- Vibrant bar area serving classic cocktails and an assorted wine selection to suit every taste.
- Family and group friendly with accommodating seating and a welcoming environment for children and pets.
Manteca enjoys a strong reputation for its inventive Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere. Guests appreciate the open kitchen concept that adds theatrical excitement to dining. Many praise the house-made pasta and the flavorful meat dishes, though some note that service may vary during busy periods. The intimate seating arrangement fosters a cozy vibe, ideal for social dining but something to be mindful of if you prefer more space.
- Does Manteca offer gluten-free options? Yes, Manteca provides gluten-free bread and pasta choices for guests with dietary needs.
- Is Manteca suitable for vegetarians? Yes, they offer vegetarian dishes such as puntarelle alla Romana and select pasta options.
- Can I make a reservation at Manteca? Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended during peak times.
- Does Manteca have a bar area? Yes, guests can enjoy cocktails and a fine selection of wines at the bar.
- Is Manteca pet-friendly? Yes, well-behaved pets are welcome at Manteca.
Nestled in the vibrant Shoreditch neighborhood of London, Manteca offers a compelling story of culinary passion and innovation. This Italian-inspired restaurant champions nose-to-tail dining with a spotlight on house-made salumi and hand-rolled pasta, capturing the essence of authentic Italian flavors paired with a modern twist.
Manteca's journey began in 2019 as a four-month pop-up in the upscale Mayfair district of London. This initial phase allowed co-founders Chris Leach and David Carter to experiment with their vision, drawing from their extensive backgrounds at Petersham Nurseries and Smokestak respectively. The pop-up's success and enthusiastic reception paved the way for a permanent establishment.
In January 2022, Manteca officially opened its permanent doors at 49-51 Curtain Road in Shoreditch, a district famed for its edgy creativity and dynamic food scene. This location has since become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts eager to experience bold Italian flavors in a lively, contemporary setting.
Co-founders Chris Leach and David Carter combine their rich culinary experiences to bring a unique approach to Italian dining. Chris Leach, with his roots at Petersham Nurseries, brings a refined appreciation for quality and sustainability, while David Carter's background at Smokestak adds expertise in open-flame cooking and meat preparation.
Together, they emphasize a nose-to-tail philosophy, focusing on utilizing every part of the animal with creativity and respect. The dedication to hand-rolling fresh pasta daily further accentuates their commitment to craftsmanship, ensuring an authentic taste experience that distinguishes Manteca from conventional Italian eateries.
- Innovative nose-to-tail Italian cuisine: a bold approach that maximizes flavor and minimizes waste.
- House-made salumi and fresh pasta: crafted daily for an authentic dining experience.
- Dynamic Shoreditch location: perfectly situated in a hotspot for London’s trend-conscious food lovers.
- Experienced founders: bringing expertise from respected London establishments.
Located at 49-51 Curtain Rd, London, Manteca is a vibrant Italian-inspired diner that specializes in innovative Italian-British fusion cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its fire-cooked nose-to-tail cuts of meat and hand-rolled pasta, offering a unique dining experience that highlights sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
• Innovative Italian-British fusion cuisine
• House-made charcuterie and hand-rolled pastas
• Nose-to-tail cooking philosophy
• Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients
• Contemporary and welcoming ambiance
• Attentive and knowledgeable service
• Open kitchen and glass-walled curing room
• Fire-cooked meats
• Seasonal specials highlighting fresh ingredients
• Reasonable pricing for high-quality dishes
• Busy and noisy dining room
• Service can feel rushed during peak times
• Some dishes may be considered unconventional for traditionalists
• Limited vegetarian options
• Food enthusiasts seeking innovative dishes
• Casual dining with friends or family
• Celebrating special occasions
• Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
• The kitchen closes at 15:30, so plan accordingly.
• Expect a lively atmosphere, which may be noisy at times.
Manteca offers a unique dining experience that combines innovative cuisine with a lively atmosphere. While the service may feel rushed during peak times, the attentive staff and high-quality dishes make it a worthwhile visit. Ideal for food enthusiasts and special occasions, Manteca stands out as a must-try destination in London.
