Manteca located in Shoreditch, London was always fashionable, it shines as a beacon of culinary innovation and sustainability. This Italian-inspired restaurant has evolved remarkably since its inception, from its pop-up in Mayfair and Soho in the early days to a permanent restaurant in Shoreditch. Since 2021, Manteca proudly holds a Bib Gourmand by Michelin Guide for its high-quality and good-value cooking.
When I enter Manteca, I am immediately enveloped in an ambience that strikes an effortless warmth. The interior with its soft lighting sets the stage for an intimate dining experience. While the open kitchen adds a dash of excitement, showcasing the heart of Manteca. Manteca boasts a hanging room downstairs and a pasta bench upstairs, where visitors can marvel at an impressive array of their house-made salami and pasta. It provides a visual feast of traditional Italian cuisine before the meal.
As for the food, Michelin Guide reviewers as proponents of “maximum sustainability, minimum waste.” Manteca embraces a nose-to-tail approach to cooking: unique offerings like stuffed pig snout or stuffed trotter, present an opportunity to venture beyond daily dining. The duck liver parfait served with black date jam and perfectly grilled bread, offers a sublime blend of rich, deep, and sweet flavours. The wild garlic chittara, a testament to craftsmanship, is handmade with meticulous care. It is served with an egg yolk and tossed with freshly grated parmesan. This dish is popular on social media because of its colour, green chittara with yellow egg yolk which is a celebration of spring. The house-made pasta with ox cheek ragu exemplifies Manteca’s approach: deeply flavourful and meticulously crafted. Among Manteca’s larger dishes, the slow-cooked pork blade, and Hereford beef are cooked over a fire, which encourages the joy of sharing food.
For dessert, tiramisu is an Italian dessert, and the espresso con zabaglione tastes like liquide tiramisu, it delivers a smooth flavour with its rich creamy layers and aromatic espresso. And you should try Manteca’s house-made amaro, a dessert digestif expertly crafted with a blend of chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and spice, alongside an herbaceous finish.
Service at Manteca mirrors the thoughtful consideration evident in its menu and ethos. Staff members are not only knowledgeable about the menu’s intricate details and the stories behind the dishes but are also eager to share the restaurant’s sustainability practices. It allows guests to appreciate the meal’s context and the effort that goes into each dish.
In summary, Manteca offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience in sustainability and excellent cooking. Its successful transition from pop-up to permanent restaurant, coupled with its recognition by the Michelin Guide, speaks volumes of its quality and offering something special. For those exploring the vibrant streets of East London, Manteca is not just a dining option but a destination, promising an experience that is as enriching as it is delicious.
The vibe: A warmth environment with friendly service