Jonathan Bryer

Review of Manresa Restaurant

Meal was tasty, but compared to other California M...

Meal was tasty, but compared to other California Michelin three stars, you'll have a more memorable experience elsewhere.

The venue itself is classy, elegant and effortless in it's presentation. Color palette and furniture set the tone of calm and beauty without trying to hard, you feel ready for a well paced meal the moment you enter the venue. Staff is courteous, thoughtful, funny and more. They're good at what they do, but they're not amazing when you compare them to other venues for the same price or of the same caliber. They're just.... good. There should not be an expectation that a restaurant makes you feel "special" normally, but at this price point it would behoove them to do more than simple succinct greetings.

When it comes to the meal itself, again, everything is just... ok. The plating isn't overly creative and the plates themselves wax and wane between cheeky/creative things such as hands holding your salad to... simple boring white plates with protein in the center. There isn't a deep soul of the restaurant, it doesn't seem to separate itself from others with the textures or displays. If you don't care about these things, then raise this rating to a 4/5 since the food is delightful and tasty. Proteins seasoned with balance, sauces and creams tantalizing and on point. However, nothing is beyond that - nothing blows your mind, nothing makes you say "thats the best ______" i've ever had... or anywhere near that. It's all very good but to be honest I had to look at photos of what I ate to even remember. The snacks in the beginning and the deserts at the end were even more inviting.

The wine pairing was also fantastic, but at one point they paired a (well known brewers and rare) beer with one of the dishes that was horribly off. It threw me through a loop, leaving me to wonder why they pairing? Just to say they did it or maybe to tout they had this rare beer as a pairing? Overall, I'd love to see the raters notes on Manresa to understand why 3 stars instead of 2 or 1. Maybe the oyster on the bed of rocks really sold them for creativity? Either way, I'd recommend this behind other two stars in the bay area.