Manhatta Restaurant: Lower Manhattan’s Dinner with a Million-Dollar View

The view of Midtown at dusk from Manhatta’s dining room

You might think One World Trade Center’s restaurant One Dine was the best (and maybe the only) spot to get dinner with a view in the Financial District — the region is infamously lacking in rooftops and views save for a few. But Lower Manhattan’s relatively recent restaurant addition, Manhatta, has got those jaw-dropping views along with everything else you want on a night out — cool, classy, infinitely chic and sleek, and serving creative food, cocktails, and spirit-free drinks. Not only that, but the views we’re talking about are 360 degree views, floor-to-ceiling window style.

Chef’s counter with one of Manhatta’s signature creative cocktails

We’ve had the opportunity to try Manhatta on a number of occasions — at their dining room for their chef’s counter, their bar for after-work cocktails and snacks, and at a private event hosted in their stunning Roebling Room. Every experience was unique but reliably top-tier, and a testament to their consistently stellar service, mouthwatering food, and premium drink options.

Manhatta’s main entrance on Liberty Street

From the moment we stepped off Liberty Street into the restaurant’s entrance space, we could see that every detail was thought out - the ground-floor waiting area is stacked with couches and seating, a coat check, and a hostess to check you in. Once we were ready to head up, the elevators whisked us up 60 floors to the penthouse-level restaurant and venue space. On one side was the restaurant and dining room, and on the other was the venue and event space. We loved the modern decor and woodsy tones throughout the interior spaces, as well as the friendly staff and service.

A starter of “oeuf en gelée” (gelatinized quail eggs topped with caviar) at Manhatta’s Chef’s Counter Experience

If you’re looking to impress your dinnermates, the chef’s counter will not disappoint. A set twelve-course tasting menu, the meals were creative and a surprise with each bite. From spring tartelette to lobster accompanied by flavors of mango, peanut and basil, to foie gras, there was not a boring moment. The experience took about three hours, and we enjoyed starting our evening off with bright and clear views up to Midtown. As the sun set and the city transformed into its sparkling glory, we ate our way through dessert — mojito-flavored mochi (which was outstanding), rhubarb with goat cheese, and a matcha souffle with freeze dried strawberry.

The final course: matcha souffle topped with freeze dried strawberry

And if your goal is something more lowkey, make reservations for dinner in their dining room or drinks and try their innovative Neighborhood Cocktail Menu. Our favorites, the Brooklyn and the Manhatta(n) looked just as good as they tasted. If you plan to head in, don’t miss making a reservation on Resy — walk-ins are very difficult and the restaurant tends to get packed.

Manhatta’s Roebling Room view of the Hudson and 40 Wall Street

On our list of favorite spots in New York City Manhatta is definitely up there, and certainly provides a much-needed and welcome addition to the Financial District’s restaurant scene.