Manetta's Ristorante: A Taste of Authentic Italian Cuisine in Long Island City

We came without a reservation, but we were seated right away. The inside is charming. The only issue was the noise. The acoustics are bad, as it was hard to talk with one another. The service was excellent. They were very friendly and attentive. The food was also excellent. I had a steak and a seafood appetizer. I didn't think the prices were too high for the product. We will likely return, although maybe for a lunch. They have a wood fired brick pizza oven that smelled delicious.

Food was solid, good service and good portions. Family friendly and well rounded Italian restaurant that is well established in LIC. If you have gluten sensitivities, this might not be the best place tho.

Amazing service, amazing food, super friendly and one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had... it was the Tuesday night special, pasta with Lobster Clams and Mussels in a spicy red sauce w/ garlic. Calamari was INCREDIBLE!!!

Manetta’s Ristorante is one of those places that immediately feels comforting from the moment you walk in. The cozy atmosphere, warm lighting and classic decor give it a timeless charm that makes you want to take your time and settle in. It really does feel like a neighborhood favorite in every sense, and it is easy to understand why people keep coming back. The pasta here is genuinely delicious. Every plate I have tried has been cooked perfectly, with that ideal balance of texture and flavor that makes Italian food so satisfying. The sauces taste rich and thoughtful without feeling heavy, and each dish feels like it was made with care. I had one of the penne dishes on my most recent visit and it was so flavorful and comforting that I found myself slowing down just to appreciate it more. It is the kind of pasta that makes you smile as soon as you take the first bite. It is simply yummy and really well done. The staff also deserves a lot of appreciation. Everyone I interacted with was warm, patient and attentive. You can tell they care about creating a pleasant dining experience. They check in without hovering and they move with an easy confidence that comes from knowing the restaurant well. It adds to the relaxed feeling of the entire place. Even small gestures, like offering suggestions or making sure water glasses are filled, stand out because they are done with genuine kindness. Manetta’s is exactly the kind of Italian restaurant you want in your area. Cozy environment, consistently great pasta and a staff that treats you well from the moment you walk in. If you are in Long Island City and want a comforting, well made meal, this spot will make you very happy.

Manetta is a delight! Neighborhood spot of 30 years and feels so homey. Outstanding service…Habib gave great recommendations! The house salad is something special. I can’t wait to have it again. And also the Mona Lisa pizza is out of this world. Arugula, mushrooms, truffle, parm…sooooo good! Ideal combo. Also loved the vodka pasta. We will definitely be back!! Such a gem of a spot!

The pictures I’ve posted are across two different visits to this restaurant. Both times I’ve been here the experience is extraordinary. The flavors of each dish were incredible, the ingredients they use are quality, they use a brick oven for their pizzas, and the prices are very reasonable. Every pasta I’ve had was cooked perfectly with the right balance of flavors, and every pizza I’ve had was wonderfully crispy with a slight taste of wood in the charred bits. If you’re ever in Long Island City, this place is a must if you love Italian food.

I love Manettas! Always delicious. Met one of the owners and learned about how her family built this amazing place from the ground up. If you’re looking for a great Italian dinner with a welcoming atmosphere in LIC, look no further!

This restaurant is the perfect balance between upscale and comfortable. It feels fancy without being intimidating—there’s no dress code, so you can enjoy a nice night out without feeling overdressed or underdressed. We had a reservation for 8:30 PM for a party of eight, and even though the restaurant was pretty busy, everything ran smoothly. Appetizers and drinks came out in a timely manner, and what really stood out was the service—each time we finished an appetizer, our table was completely cleared and fresh plates were brought out before the next one arrived. When we ordered our entrées, they didn’t take long at all, and every dish was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. Our waitress was incredibly friendly, patient, and attentive, which made the experience even better. If you’re planning a birthday celebration, just note there is a $10 cake-holding fee. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant for a great Italian meal and excellent service. Just keep in mind that the menu isn’t very large, so it may not be the best choice for extremely picky eaters