Manhattan Steak and Seafood

202 S. Main St.
Orange, CA 92868
PH: (714)978-6162
WEBSITE

I would like to thank the power of social media for introducing me to Manhattan OC restaurant. I had the pleasure of having lunch there during a recent weekday and I’m anxious to go back! My dining experience started off with being greeted by the lovely hostess- Rosa. Since my reservation was at 11:30 and I was somewhat early, she showed me to the lounge, where I was offered a table and something to drink while I waited until I got sat in the main room. The lounge was dimly lit, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere for socializing, watching the game or catching the jazz bands that usually play on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. When the time came, Rosa showed me to my table in the bright main room. After I sat in the high-backed plush chair, she set a cloth napkin in my lap and proceeded to hand me their leather-bound menu. The menu featured a nice variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, main entrees, wild game, steak and seafood. The waiter who was taking care of me that afternoon was Steve and ever-so-polite. Need an explanation of any of the dishes on the menu? Done! What if I’m vegetarian? There wasn’t a big selection of veggie-friendly dishes, BUT he said that they could tweak most dishes on the menu for those of those with special dietary needs. Sold! I ended up choosing the Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli ($12) as an appetizer and the Grilled Vegtable Sandwich ($11) with fries as my main course. As I waited for the appetizer, a bread basket was brought out. The bread was served fresh and warm, under the cover of one of the cloth napkins and a separate small plate with two balls of butter. After a while, the butternut squash ravioli was brought out… There were three gigantic raviolis with the squash filling that sat in yummy brown butter sauce. It was garnished with parmesean cheese, honey-roasted pecans and sage. The raviolis were tender and just slid down the throat, bursting with flavor after. This could easily be a meal in itself, with maybe a side salad as well…depending on how hungry you are. But, I HIGHLY recommend this dish! When the main course arrived, I was thoroughly impressed on the portion. The sandwich was massive and the shoestring fries were garnished with basil. There was a side of ketchup in a small dish conveniently on the plate as well. I took a bite out of the sandwich and my tastebuds were overjoyed by the yummy grilled onions, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers and gooey brie that rested in between the grilled ciabatta bread. After boxing up the other half of the sandwich and some of the fries, I was offered the dessert menu. I was indeed full from the last two courses, but I somehow managed to find room for a little (recommended) Bananas Foster ($12). It came out warm…full of sliced bananas swimming in creme de banana and brandy sauce and topped with vanilla bean gelato. This could easily be enjoyed by two people. It. Was. Amazing! Like a party in my mouth. It was sweet, but not overpowering; and full of rich flavor. Even though I had told myself only a couple bites, then take the rest home…I just couldn’t put down my spoon. Each bite left me wanting more and more. So- are you guys anxious to check this place out yet?

Here are some other fun tidbits about the restaurant. Reservations are recommended. Come with a hearty appetite! There are six different themed rooms, I sat in the bright ‘Main Room’. There’s the ‘Lounge’ and ‘Window Room’- ideal for listening to the live entertainment and watching the game. Upstairs is the vibrant ‘Red Room’, with a hidden round plush booth and other table options decorated in red. I got a glimpse of the ‘Wine Cellar’ room, reminiscent to an old stone wine cellar deep in the heart of Tuscany… For all you Vodka fans, ManhattanOC boasts one of the largest selections of vodka in the OC. Interested in having your favorite wines handy when you come to the restaurant? Why not join the Wine Locker Club! In town for an event? ManhattanOC also offers FREE shuttle service anywhere in OC. Definitely check out the website for more information and to make reservations.

I want to thank the co-owners-Armond Khosrovian and Tom Gregory, manager-Michelle Ambrosio, Rosa, Steve and the rest of the staff for your impeccable hospitality!

Please Note: In exchange for reviewing the restaurant, my meal was on the house.