Manos Nouveau

This is an awesome place. We had amazing food and the price is all inclusive, so no need to pay tax and tip. It worked out to be similarly priced to Starbelly and way better. Service was excellent as were our entrees (Salmon and filet mignon). Scallops app was good but not as amazing as expected. Still I think the kitchen is inventive, the ambiance is great, and the overall experience was wonderful.

This might now be my favorite restaurant in the Castro. Quite the hidden gem among the so-​so food to be found in that neighborhood.
Pluses:
–I’ve been about 5 – 7 times or so and find the food consistently delicious and inventive. I highly recommend the scallops and the prawn appetizers and the salmon main.
— The wine selection rocks. Heavy on Spanish, tonight’s selection was amoung the best I’ve ever had at a restaurant. and very reasonably priced.
— always friendly and fast service
— a place that is calm enough that you can have a conversation with someone and hear each other without shouting
— the prices include tip and tax, making payment a snap. Especially helpful if you need to rush to a show across the street at the Castro. I wish more places did this.
— The food is very reasonablly priced for this level of cuisine.
I’ll be back often. Yum!

I had higher hopes based on the reviews so far. The food was pretty good, if a little pricey and somewhat underwhelming, but mostly my issue was service, and I hope it improves. I think the kitchen was short staffed, which could explain why we waited a long time between courses, but it doesn’t seem like it would explain things like one server asking if we wanted the check, then walking away and making no effort to get the check. At ever turn service seemed similarly uncoordinated — starting to bring one course and then realizing we did not yet have utensils, being asked «do you want desert?» as we were passing our 10^th minute waiting for dessert, etc. All that said, the pork chop was yummy, the shrimp were as well but I wish I had more than 3 for my $ 14, and the plantain mousse was more of a mash.

Slowest service I have ever experienced, despite almost completely empty restaurant on Saturday night. Greater than one hour from time of reservation to delivery of first food hitting table. Foreign body in my wine, had to talk to two staff members before they did anything about it. Shrimp was grey and translucent in the center. Took too long to see a staff member to do anything about it. Very fast at picking up a credit card (¹⁄₂₀ of time to take our food order). Next door table with similar issues. Dessert was NSFW in its appearance and taste.

We went here on the recommendation of a friend. All I can say is average… from service to food nothing blew me away. Just wasn’t what I had expected… there are other options that are far better in this neighborhood… like Frances or Beso.

Amazing food, amazing wine the place is cozy and very intimate, wine selection, if you like your wine this is the right place for good wines

Incredibly delicious and reasonably priced prix fixe menu. Prices are all inclusive (i.e., taxes and tip, drinks are separate). All items on the prix fixe menu were good! Done exquisitely — all the flavors were delicious and fun and elegant. Service was wonderful, and the view from the upstairs tables was really fun (of the F street cars). I have no idea why it was so easy to get a reservation (same day), and why the restaurant wasn’t full! This place is definitely 5 stars, and I will be back again very soon!

I waited a few days now to write this post as I struggled on how best to describe our experience at Manos.
We had been several times before so knew that it’s food was good. We made plans for the Christmas Eve special since we were planning to attend the Castro Theater later that night to see the SFGMC perform. We arrived on time and were seated within 10 mins. and thats when things started to go off kilter. Wth only one waitress and one hostess we expected a lot of movement.
Our drink order was taken (they don’t serve much in non alcoholic beverages other than sparkling waters (bottled) and some «soda» specials so I started off a bit annoyed that they didn’t have Iced tea for my meal as I don’t drink much in the way of sparkling beverages — nor did they offer to let me make my own). Since it was a limited adaption of the regular menu — we placed our orders pretty quickly — then waited. and waited… the appetizers arrived finally about 20 min later and as expected they tasted great… but 45 –50 min later we were still waiting for our meal to arrive (reminder timeline: Seated by 6:45, apps by 7:10, entrée finally by 8:00 pm).
There also seemed a lot of confusion — first we asked our hostess for some bread (they don’t serve any but do have crostini (bread toasted) since my app needed some crunch to be better enjoyed.
Then our waitress came to the table around 7:45 after a gentle side comment from me on the way to the restroom about our appreciating a status update. She explained that they were being plated now and would be up shortly. About 4 minutes later the Chef/​Owner (?) came table-​side to apologize and explain our ticket had been lost and that he would gladly comp us what we had eaten so far (apps) given we had a time line or he would go back and make our dishes himself.
I looked up and mentioned (in a rather casual was as I wasn’t yet annoyed either), that the waitress had just explained our meals were being plated less than 5 minutes ago and his response while not intending to be (perhaps) came out rather defensively dismissive, saying that he was the chef and knew best on what was up in the kitchen. We did a time check and agreed to let him prepare our plates, yet 5 min later — our meals arrived.
So obviously — it was a mixed-​bag night. The food was good — I can’t by any measure take that away. But the service seemed off. The Chef did reduce the cost of our bill some for the trouble which was appreciated.

A few times in one’s life you eat a dish that makes life worth living. Manos has more than a few. The pumpkin soup is incredible — sweet, herbal deliciousness. The classic chicken cordon bleu, a better than classic rendition. For the vegetarian, the stuffed pepper had full flavor, nutty. You will be very happy you are here.

Spent Christmas Eve at Manos for their delish Prix Fixe menu, and topped it off with a beautiful bottle of Cava recommended by Caitlin — everything she recommends is golden.
Enjoyed people watching from the upstairs window. There’s a great view of the F stop turnaround and the Gay Men’s Chorus was singing at the Castro Theater so there was ample people watching.
Started the meal off with the seasonal pumpkin soup which was great! It had a nice basil (?) drizzle with little pieces of fried cheese. I wish this was always on the menu because it was that good. Also enjoyed the albondigas which are seasoned and cooked perfectly.
Husband had the aged ribeye, and I had my usual favorite the Latin Chicken Cordan Bleu. Yum, as usual.
They now have a fried cheese dessert, it’s a little square of fried cheese with a fried plantain. It’s kind of the perfect ending a little savory and a little sweet at the same time.
A lovely way to spend Christmas Eve.

On our last night of an exquisite vacation to San Francisco and Napa, we were trying to find a place to eat for dinner and ended up wandering around a residential neighborhood (up many hills!) Finally, we found Manos Nouveau and we were pleasantly surprised. At this point, I would have eaten a hot dog from a street vendor, so I wasn’t expecting much. The service was impeccable, the atmosphere modern and romantic, and the food was delicious. We dropped quite a bit of cash, but, it was worth it.
Upon our arrival, we were seated promptly at a front table and the server explained the menu includes tax, gratuity and the new local tax that increases the minimum wage. So, what we were looking at were prices for the whole bill. The prices were alarming at first and I had to continually remind myself of the all-​inclusive price structure. Our server was so passionate and so knowledgable about the food and wine, and the pairing of them, and at one point referred to the menu as «my menu» so I had to follow-​up with questions about these things. He stated he was actually the head chef and one of his servers was on vacation, so he took over. No joke. He was exceptional.
The wine he suggested was perfectly paired with the red meat dishes we ordered. The food was perfectly seasoned, cooked and served (simple and clean presentation). I typically don’t love the very dark, clubby type places, but they nailed the atmosphere here: dark, but romantic, small and lively but not too loud. Would love to return some day.

Went back after a great first meal and was sorely disappointed. The restaurant was not crowded and the service was awful. Ended up with cold food after a long (½ hour wait between dishes) got irritated and sent it back. Then the chef came out with a bad attitude and told me I was unreasonable for not letting him make it up to me. What? So my dinner partners could sit there and watch me eat? Apologize and move on. Plus 20% tip included (not earned but included). No thanks. Won’t be back.

Tried this for a first time with a party of 3 after beings intrigued by a French Latin fusion restaurant.
Tuna ceviche –like others said more of a tartare than a ceviche
Scallops-​small but amazing flavor
Roasted pepper entrée-​great flavored
Filet mignon-​great flavor
Salmon-​good sauce but our least favorite of the 3
Wine pairings were really good, and we liked the fact that tax and tip was already included! Small and quaint little place pretty nice for a romantic or intimate evening for a date or with a small group of friends.

YAAAS! Five stars for two fab experiences.
I was about to write a Unilocal review when I found this spot for (one of ;0) my birthday dinners back in June :) First impression: This is one of those über-​cool hidden gems in my neighborhood that needs to stay hidden for my benefit… JUST KIDDING.
Fabulous food, wine and service. It doesn’t get better than that. First of all, I was so surprised to find yet another new spot that popped up in my ‘hood! The ambiance is dark and sultry. Spanish fusion (?) cuisine with full-​on dishes to die for — apps, entrees and sides.
Here’s what I had:
1. YUCA FRIES. They’re small and not too heavy so just go for it.
2. PUMPKIN SOUP. This was a special, but you must get this if it’s on the menu. Sweetened with honey and topped with these incredible croutons.
3. STUFFED BELL PEPPERS. Stuffed with quinoa, spices and a bit of cheese. Definitely substantial but nothing too heavy.
4. PLANTAIN MOUSE. Puhleeze do this dessert! It’s the holidays. And it’s good!
5. TWO GLASSES OF PINOT NOIR. The devil made me do it. And you can too.
— — — — — — -
TOTAL $ 86.00
***ONE THING TO MENTION: Those prices may look a little pricey, but they include TAX, TIP, HEALTHCARE and whatever else the restaurants usually charge when you get the bill. So that means, you just sign your check and walk away. No feeling guilty about not tipping or wondering how much to tip. I love it!
What can I say… I like to share the wealth :)

We had our dinner club here recently and we had an overall good experience. The appetizers were amazing and the main entrée was just ok. The staff was friendly and we talked with the owner/​chef and he was really nice. If I’d come back I’d stick with ordering a bunch of appetizers. We got the chicken croquetas, ahi tartare ceviche, prawns ala riviera and manos salad to start with. All were delicious! For my main I got the steak and I enjoyed it. The others got the salmon and were not impressed.
Friendly intimate restaurant in SF with good food.

The Good:
+ Ribeye. Holy wow. A tad bit overseasoned but besides that it was heavenly.
+ Tuna tartar ceviche was incredibly fresh and flavorful. Wish they included more than one plantain chip.
+ Day boat scallops had a perfect sear. Bordering undercooked, but incredibly tender and not rubbery.
The Not So Good:
— Butter lettuce manos salad was seasoned way too liberally. So much dressing that the lettuce ended up wilted and almost pickled.
Bottom Line:
Overall, very interesting combination of flavors. Perfect ambiance with a focus on art and wine. Classy upstairs seating and unobtrusive service. In my perspective the dishes were cooked perfectly but overseasoned consistently.

4.5 stars. I’m absolutely blown away by the quality of service and food here, which makes this a wonderful date place! It was difficult to tell whether or not Manos Nouveau was open because their windows seem tinted, but I suppose this keeps the crowds away. The restaurant has two floors and is wedged behind a Chevron gas station in the Castro District. Once you step through the door, you are instantly teleported to a Latin American/​French wonderland.
My boyfriend and I started our meal with two appetizers. One was the prawns ala riviera, which are prawns with a spicy white wine butter sauce, yuca, garnished with cilantro. The real treat was the special of the day, gazpacho with served with ceviche on a plaintain chip. You need to have some gazpacho, ceviche, and plaintain in every spoon to really experience this dish.
For our entrees, I got the filet mignon and my boyfriend got the fish and prawns consumme. The filet mignon was made with ratatouille sauce, asparagus, and chimichurri. Beautifully plated and perfectly filling. The consumme had prawns and fish marinaded in a white wine tomato pancaconsomme. I loved the spicy kick it had to it. The only sad part is that for both dishes, the meat and fish were super dry and starchy. Everything else was great.
For dessert, we shared something I cannot recall the name of. It had the shape of flan, the taste of banana pudding, made of rice and topped with mango bits. Best end to a meal I could have asked for.
My favorite part about Manos Nouveau is that their menu prices are all-​inclusive, meaning we can just sign the bill at the end and leave without having to calculate gratuity. Why don’t more places in America do this? Seriously. Anyways, the two staff members waiting our table were always attentive and helpful. They were very knowledge about the menu and wine recommendations. Would definitely come back here again and recommend it to others looking for a lovely dining experience!

Unassumingly behind a Chevron gas station is this little classy Lat Am bistro. They have really interesting takes on all the classic foods like Ahi Ceviche and Croquetas. The Day Boat Scallops were as delicious as they were filling.
The wine selection complemented the food really well and they had all the favs that you might enjoy in Buenos Aires or Lima like Rutini Malbecs.
Great ambience super friendly service and fantastic soundtrack made this a perfect get away in the Castro.

I had underestimated San Francisco’s ability to serve me yet again another intimate meal. This fairly new restaurant delivered in terms of quality of food, service, and atmosphere. We had a delicious red wine blend to enjoy throughout our meal. Each dish was more extravagant and tasty than the next. I highly recommend the scallops and salmon, which was served with a delicious cilantro rice. I love the Latin American flare Manos Nouveau had to offer.

Wow. A wonderful meal. I had the Day Boat Scallops and the Chicken Croquettas.
For both dishes there was a balanced and complex interplay of favors and textures. I found myself taking smaller bites so I could enjoy each dish longer.
Both dishes were also given a great presentation.
The Scallops were my favorite by a small margin.
Service was very good and the ambiance at 9 pm was a warm, quiet hubbub. Very comfortable and welcoming for a single diner.
For dessert I had a side of Asparagus and it too was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, wonderfully sauced, and beautifully presented.
Considering the quality the price was very good too: 3 small plates and a glass of Sangria for just under $ 50.
I left happy. As an out of towner I look forward to a return visit when I make it to SF again.

This i’s the Best Restaurant wao wao wao everiting delicios Chiken and filet and pato

Comtemporary meets cozy at the newly reopened Manos Nouveau in the Castro! They serve up Latin American fusion fare in a romantic and intimate space, complete with an open kitchen and an upstairs dining area. I loved the black and red accented walls, artwork, and pillows that surrounded us. It’s definitely a date spot!
Started off with the Ahi Tuna Ceviche which came with tender chunks of tuna, avocado, and a crispy plantain chip. The ceviche wasn’t too lemony or acidic and it was fresh and well-​balanced. My only complaint was that it only came with one plantain chip — what a tease!
For mains we got the filet mignon and seared duck. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked to a medium rare perfection on a bed of broccoli rabe. It was reasonably priced at $ 27. The side of ratatouille was just okay, but the chimichurri sauce for the meat (garlic and parsley) added the most wonderful flavor and kick to the dish. The duck wasn’t my favorite. It was a tad chewy for me, but I think that’s how duck naturally is anyway. The pumpkin sauce and turmeric rice went well together though.
Manos has no cocktail menu. It’s all about the wine here! And it’s an extensive collection at that. They’re happy to make suggestions and pairings for you.
Attentive and friendly service — we were checked on regularly, our waters stayed full, and there was always someone on the second floor ready to help. One of the downsides for me was the open kitchen in a small space with limited ventilation. It was warm upstairs and I could occasionally smell smokiness and gas from the kitchen. It wasn’t particularly unpleasant, but something that could potentially be bothersome. Overall, the food was pretty solid, although not as creative as I was hoping for.