The Italian Art of Mantecare
Manteca in Shoreditch is proof that pasta still has a few plot twists up its sleeve, that salumi can be pure poetry, and that even the humble potato can steal the entire show.
This is food with personality—big flavours, clever combinations, and that magical something that makes you stop mid-bite just to say, “Wow.”
Every plate lingers in your mind like a great holiday memory, and it’s the kind of dinner that makes you want to cancel tomorrow’s plans just so you can come back and do it all over again.
Atmosphere:
We got booked a table downstairs, and it was buzzing in the best way—busy, lively, and full of energy. You can spot plenty of business dinners in progress, but the mood is far from stuffy. Think Shoreditch cool meets Italian family feast.
The open kitchen puts on a great show, with a chef making handmade pasta, while rows of glorious cured hams hang overhead like edible art.
Service:
The service here hits the sweet spot—friendly without being pushy, attentive without hovering. When we ordered the last bottle of a rare red wine, they celebrated our choice with genuine excitement. Everything was timed perfectly—plates arrived at a steady, unhurried pace that made the evening feel effortless.
Drinks:
The wine list here is a beauty—thoughtful, exciting, and heavy on Italian gems—plus a line-up of cocktails that could tempt even the most loyal wine drinker.
Not in the mood for alcohol tonight? No problem. Their non-alcoholic options are just as fun and full of flavour, the kind that make you feel a little giddy purely from how good they taste.
Price: £££
For the quality of food, the generosity of portions, and the overall experience, it’s worth every penny. Think of it as treating yourself to an evening where everything—from the bread to the wine—feels considered and well-crafted.
What I Ordered:
Salumi selection
Look at these beautifully pink thin, silky slices of cured meat, each with its own whisper of spice or smokiness. Perfect for sharing… or not.
Wildfarmed focaccia, rosemary
Light yet satisfyingly fluffy bread, with a rosemary aroma that hits you before the bread even lands on the table.
House-made ricotta
Creamy, fresh, and drizzled in olive oil so good it could start arguments over who gets the last scoop.
*Grilled aubergine
Smoky, rich, and perfectly charred, balanced by just the right touch of acidity from the sourbread.
*Lumache, kale sauce, chilli
Hands down the best pasta I’ve had in ages, and I honestly don’t know when—or if—I’ll ever forget it. Vibrant green from the kale, earthy with a little chilli heat to keep things lively, and cooked to that perfect al dente bite. Just… wow.
Pork chop
Juicy, tender, with a beautifully crisp edge of fat.
*Pink fir potatoes, salumi brown butte
These potatoes could win awards. The salumi brown butter was pure magic. Definitely not a level of side dish.
Braised peas
Sweet, herby, and more interesting than peas have any right to be.
Conlusion:
Manteca is one of those rare restaurants that feels like it’s always been part of London’s dining DNA—confident, consistent, and quietly brilliant. It’s Italian cooking with real heart, dressed up with a bit of Shoreditch swagger, where every dish feels personal and every bite makes you start planning your next visit.
Go with anyone you like, but go hungry. And if you spot a rare bottle of wine on the list—trust me, grab it before someone else does.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best Italian meals I’ve had in London. Oh, I love a Bib Gourmand.
Tips:
- Gluten-free pasta and bread options are available.
- You can check menu here>> https://www.mantecarestaurant.co.uk/menu-2
- As for dress code? Keep it simple and comfortable—just come as you are!
