Mano’s has been a fixture on Greenpoint main road for ages. I remember it fondly as being packed with friends of the area, hearing Italian chatter mixed with foreign accents. Nothing much has changed, it is as popular as it ever was and I am sure that the same people that were there were also there 15 years ago which makes it charming and nostalgic. We got there early and there was plenty of seating so we took a table outside so that we could face the sidewalk. The view isn’t amazing, you are facing a busy road, but there is something about the patio that is inviting and entertaining as you watch people walk by.
At first, our server seemed a bit overwhelmed because when we arrived there were several tables sat at once in her section. I was, for one split second, worried about the service. Not for long, Lara knows her stuff. We started with the calamari and it was very succulent and flavorful, even without the lemon butter that normally comes directly on the dish. It is a healthy portion, so you can definitely share. I was between three dishes so I naturally inquired. Lara described them perfectly with full knowledge of ingredients and flavor. She persuaded me to decide on the prawns, which she kindly modified (without me having to explain at all) to exclude dairy and they were delicious. Well done girl. Becca had pasta bolognaise which she also thoroughly enjoyed, okay, I had a bite of the meat and it was very good.
The restaurant is definitely worth checking out because it really is a Cape Town staple. Sit outside, people watch, enjoy the local fixture and regulars and have a simple but well-prepared meal.
On most summer nights it is impossible to get a table at Mano’s, especially one on the patio, without reserving well in advance. This Mediterranean restaurant right on Main Road in Green Point is that popular with locals, who flock here for wine and conversation over its carefully curated menu which is a fusion of Italian, French and British staples with some African flavorings – you’ll find everything from fried fish and chips to penne arrabiata to fillet bearnaise to prawn curry.
A friend and I dined here together (we came early and scored a table on the patio) and were impressed from the get-go with the attentiveness of the waitress. Since my friend can’t eat anything dairy or gluten related, dining with her can be a frustrating experience (she’ll have to send back dishes that aren’t prepared right). But at Mano’s the server got it right on the first try.
We began with the grilled calamari starter, which was perfectly blackened, and the sauce (which was a buttery deliciousness) was served on the side exactly as we requested. For a main I opted for the spaghetti Bolognese as I’m half-Italian and always in search of a meat sauce that is on par with the one my family makes. The Mano’s version, while not my father’s, was the best I had in Cape Town. The spaghetti was cooked al dente and they didn’t smother it in too much sauce. Although to be honest, if I dined here again, I would stick with the seafood, which is what the restaurant really excels at. My friend ordered the Mozambique prawns pictured here, and oh my goodness, were they good – juicy and flavorful and cooked just right.
Prices are reasonable, especially for pasta dishes, which start in the R65 range. My friend’s prawns were the most expensive dish on the menu at R140, but even these were good value as the portion was big enough to share.
The desserts here are also notable, especially the crème brulee.
Expert Review
Mano’s has been a fixture on Greenpoint main road for ages. I remember it fondly as being packed with friends of...
Mano’s has been a fixture on Greenpoint main road for ages. I remember it fondly as being packed with friends of the area, hearing Italian chatter mixed with foreign accents. Nothing much has changed, it is as popular as it ever was and I am sure that the same people that were there were also there 15 years ago which makes it charming and nostalgic. We got there early and there was plenty of seating so we took a table outside so that we could face the sidewalk. The view isn’t amazing, you are facing a busy road, but there is something about the patio that is inviting and entertaining as you watch people walk by.
At first, our server seemed a bit overwhelmed because when we arrived there were several tables sat at once in her section. I was, for one split second, worried about the service. Not for long, Lara knows her stuff. We started with the calamari and it was very succulent and flavorful, even without the lemon butter that normally comes directly on the dish. It is a healthy portion, so you can definitely share. I was between three dishes so I naturally inquired. Lara described them perfectly with full knowledge of ingredients and flavor. She persuaded me to decide on the prawns, which she kindly modified (without me having to explain at all) to exclude dairy and they were delicious. Well done girl. Becca had pasta bolognaise which she also thoroughly enjoyed, okay, I had a bite of the meat and it was very good.
The restaurant is definitely worth checking out because it really is a Cape Town staple. Sit outside, people watch, enjoy the local fixture and regulars and have a simple but well-prepared meal.
Expert Review
On most summer nights it is impossible to get a table at Mano's, especially one on the patio, without reserving...
On most summer nights it is impossible to get a table at Mano’s, especially one on the patio, without reserving well in advance. This Mediterranean restaurant right on Main Road in Green Point is that popular with locals, who flock here for wine and conversation over its carefully curated menu which is a fusion of Italian, French and British staples with some African flavorings – you’ll find everything from fried fish and chips to penne arrabiata to fillet bearnaise to prawn curry.
A friend and I dined here together (we came early and scored a table on the patio) and were impressed from the get-go with the attentiveness of the waitress. Since my friend can’t eat anything dairy or gluten related, dining with her can be a frustrating experience (she’ll have to send back dishes that aren’t prepared right). But at Mano’s the server got it right on the first try.
We began with the grilled calamari starter, which was perfectly blackened, and the sauce (which was a buttery deliciousness) was served on the side exactly as we requested. For a main I opted for the spaghetti Bolognese as I’m half-Italian and always in search of a meat sauce that is on par with the one my family makes. The Mano’s version, while not my father’s, was the best I had in Cape Town. The spaghetti was cooked al dente and they didn’t smother it in too much sauce. Although to be honest, if I dined here again, I would stick with the seafood, which is what the restaurant really excels at. My friend ordered the Mozambique prawns pictured here, and oh my goodness, were they good – juicy and flavorful and cooked just right.
Prices are reasonable, especially for pasta dishes, which start in the R65 range. My friend’s prawns were the most expensive dish on the menu at R140, but even these were good value as the portion was big enough to share.
The desserts here are also notable, especially the crème brulee.