Chez Manny

I recently tasked myself with arranging a surprise birthday dinner for my girlfriend, somewhere around Clapham.

With the guest list swelling, I chose Manny's because it is big enough to comfortably fit a large group without loosing a feeling of intimacy. Manny himself was also a great help as we worked out a shortened menu at a set price per head.

The food is tasty, uncomplicated and unpretensious yet prepared with a meticulous eye for detail. It was also delivered to the table fast and hot despite there being over 20 of us in the group.

Service was attentive yet discrete and the 4 1/2 hours that we spent over the meal passed all too quikly.

There are places with more contemporary design and more adventurous menus but what Manny's does it does very well and Manny homself would be an asset to any restaurant.
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Tom
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, November 16, 2006

I went here on Saturday for a romantic supper and it was a lovely experience. The restaurant was slightly lacking in atmosphere but Manny himself was very sweet and the food was nice (very good value for money). I would go back, but only with the toptable offer. I would recommend the lamb shank.
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Victoria
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Monday, November 13, 2006

What a great place! The food was lovely (The lamb shank amazing!) and the service was excellent. In London it is rare to find a place that can offer this kind of value for money. Thanks Manny!
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Kavan
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 15, 2006

I went to Chez Manny for a lunch time cappucino, whilst waiting for a friend who was running late. The owner and the chief were so friendly and warm that I ended up having lunch it was very good and very reasonably priced, i now frequent there at least once a week to eat with friends, and don't end up leaving till closing time. The restaurant features art work of up and coming artists, the lighting is spot on and the music fits the mood perfectly. We love it!
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Gina
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Having recently been to Chez Manny on the strength of these reviews I have to say -it was nice but not outstanding!!

First of all the location is poor and very difficult to find. The restaurant itself lacked in personality and needed a touch updating in its decor.

Next, the food - I had the scallops to start (a little flavourless but still nice) my partner had Foie Gras ,its about the 10th foie gras starter he has had in the last year and he commented how this one was 'nice but not memorable' but the lamb shank was fantastic it did just fall off the bone! The Creme Brulee was again 'nice' but not the best Ive had.

Overall it was a good meal, excellent prices but to be fair if it was anymore expensive I would have felt a little let down. Service was also a little slow!

For people that want to experience nice french cooking without paying sky high prices then Chez Manny is the place for you.

I would return but not in a hurry! I am going to le Club at Hush on Saturday lets see how that measures up!
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Sel, East Dulwich
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Monday, March 27, 2006

A hidden treasure of a restaurant, a place of tremendous value for money in an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.

The food was excellent, providing satisfaction for large appetites, and wine recommended by the host to suit the most particular of paletes.

I look forward to visiting London again and enjoying the hospitality again.
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David, Plymouth
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Chez Manny was fantastic, and the reviews to this point have been spot on. Chez Manny is unpretentious. The owner offers great and personal service. His help in choosing the wine from the already well-annotated list was very helpful.

The head chef is the owner’s brother and they both clearly have high standards, taking immense pride in their restaurant. The menu has something for everyone.

My rack of pork with Dijon mustard was fabulous, although not for the faint hearted. The sauce could not be criticised for being lacking in flavour! The roast duckling was perfectly cooked and delicious.

Despite not being a dessert person their rhubarb and apple crumble was delicious but was eclipsed by the irresistible chocolate brownie that was superb.

Since this was our valentine’s dinner we were not necessarily considering cost, but despite this the bill was very reasonable, and certainly the set menus appeared to be exceedingly good value.

I would very much recommend Chez Manny as a fantastic restaurant where you can enjoy and savour fine food in a relaxing environment.
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Toby - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 13, 2006

Just like being in France-though service far more welcoming! Our first time last night and Manny welcomed us in and gave us very good food recommendations.

The atmosphere was lovely - some people at the bar, some on the sofa and others eating, everyone chatting away (both French and English).

The food really is exceptional - both in ingredients, flavours and presentation. Sadly we didn't have time for pudding which means we'll have to go back soon-all very typically french puddings v tempting!

We ate A La Carte which was very good value - they have a set menu for lunch £8 for 3 courses which is a steal another 3 course set menu for supper which was also ridiculously cheap.

Wish we had longer to spend there - lovely place for a relaxed evening out.
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H White
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, February 08, 2006

This place is just on the way home for me and I discovered it with delight. Wonderful friendly french brothers run it, and are always ready to change things or do things the way you like at your request. A really nice place, very good french food at a very reasonable price, you should try it!
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Rowan Myron
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 06, 2006

Great restaurant for lovers of food, French cuisine and wine – but thankfully lacking in the French pomp and pretension so common in London restaurants. I took my French girlfriend and her mother there in the hope that it would meet up to particularly demanding expectations. My girlfriend told me that this is the best French restaurant that she has been to in London – well worth the trip over the river.

The food was good, and the main courses were also well sized. We ate a la carte (although the set menu looked good and was very cheap) and had the scallops, terrine and pate to start with – all very nice and well presented. We had the duck confit (2) and the lamb for a main course - which was very good, although be noted to request what sort of vegetables you want (nicely, these are included in the price). I would recommend asking the owner for advice on wine, as he found something superb and well priced (Paulliac?).

The best thing about the food had to be the desserts – I had the chocolate fondant with nougat glace and the girls had the profiteroles. The former was the best dessert I have ever had, and the latter looked superb. I will come back here just for this.

The tables were nicely spread out i.e. not all squashed together, and there wasn’t a sense that we had to rush to get out so that they could sit other diners (which I personally detest).

This is a good restaurant for people looking for decent food, particularly for chocoholics, and (thankfully) a good place to impress very demanding French friends (and probably very good for wine lovers). My two faults would be it is a bit of a pain to get to, and that because it lacks the pretence it doesn’t feel right – but the latter isn’t really a fault more something that I have gotten used to.
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Errol - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, December 12, 2005