Seemor
Manna's RestaurantB-Worth Trying
320 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10027
· Soul food restaurant, Buffet restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1816 reviews)
Takeout
Hearty Harlem buffet priced by weight with lots of crowd-pleasers; value depends on plate size and freshness timing, and quality can vary.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Manna's Restaurant delivers authentic soul food comfort with flavorful classics like jerk chicken and oxtails and efficient counter service, earning solid neighborhood standing. However, quality varies noticeably by time of day, with reports of lukewarm food during later visits, and occasional safety issues including foreign objects create reliability concerns that prevent a higher grade. Best experienced during peak hours when pans are fresh.
Restaurant Summary
This Harlem stalwart runs on a bustling, priced-by-weight buffet where diners build plates loaded with ribs, greens, and sticky-sweet fish. The room feels casual and lively, staff are often warm, and regulars mix with visitors. One guest summed it up: "I filled a box, paid at the counter, and found a comfy seat." Do note some reports of lukewarm food later in the evening and occasional curt interactions. The cooking leans classic soul food with Caribbean edges—think jerk chicken, oxtails, plantains, mac and cheese, and plenty of vegetables. It is hearty, flavor-forward, and best when the pans are fresh. This is not about precision plating; it is about comfort and variety. Your final bill rides on plate weight, so stroll the line before scooping. Families do well here. Kids can pick familiar sides like mac and cheese, rice, fried chicken, corn, and fruit. Seating is informal with space to spread out, plus a covered patio mentioned by diners. If a child prefers simple flavors, start at the vegetable and salad sections and add mild proteins.
At a Glance
- Broad, tasty buffet of soul food staples with Caribbean touches
- Fast and easy counter service with plenty of seating
- Prices can spike fast due to weight-based pricing
- Food temperature and freshness vary by time of day
- Occasional quality complaints including foreign objects or off items
What Sets It Apart
- weight-based buffet with wide soul food variety
- longstanding Harlem institution
- fast, flexible self-serve format
What People Love
- Comforting jerk chicken and oxtails
- Honey fish and sweet yams for a treat
- Greens, beans, and plantains with bold seasoning
- The ease of loading a box and sitting down quickly
- Community feel with welcoming staff on good days
Points of Concern
- Pricing surprises when plates get heavy; scan the line before scooping
- Late-evening visits more likely to find lukewarm or drier items
- Service tone varies; some report brusque cashiers or confusion over seating
- Review patterns show isolated but serious cleanliness complaints; weigh against many clean and fresh reports
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-$42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Seafood fans: Fish Dinner with two sides at $9.99 is good value if sides are fresh
- Budget play: Build mostly from vegetables and one protein to limit weight
- Kids: Pair white rice with baked chicken and corn for mild flavors
Perfect For
- Casual group meals where everyone wants different dishes
- A quick, satisfying lunch in Harlem
- Families seeking familiar comfort foods
- Catering for community or memorial events
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Harlem corridor with locals and visitors; casual everyday stops and community hubs.
Safety: Generally active, well-trafficked blocks; typical NYC urban safety with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Near 125th Street retail, transit lines, and cultural venues; mix of shops and eateries.
Central HarlemCentral Harlem offers a dynamic dining scene featuring soul food, Caribbean, and contemporary American cuisines. The area is socially vibrant with a strong sense of community, attracting both locals and visitors interested in culture and history. Dining venues range from casual eateries to trendy spots reflecting the neighborhood's ongoing revitalization.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–21:00
Tuesday08:00–21:00
Wednesday08:00–22:00
Thursday08:00–22:00
Friday08:00–22:00
Saturday09:00–22:00
Sunday09:00–21:00
Available: Takeout
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