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Cafe Belen

4.8 (565 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Cafe Belen Reservations

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CAFE BELEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - Cafe Belen

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Sarah R.

I cannot. I can't. I won't ever stop raving about Cafe Belen. Dropped in again for an early dinner and had a little bit of everything, including breakfast ;) First time having the Southwest Salad (they were able to switch out chicken for tofu) OMGGG it was flawless. Also had some of the egg white omelet with potatoes and surprise surprise - perfection. My bf loves the belen breakfast sandwich so he gets that almost every time. If you like egg sandwiches, highly recommend. Topped it off with the purple haze smoothie. Lawwwd everything is so great. Can't wait til next time! Staff 5/5. Food & drinks 5/5. Atmosphere 5/5. Parking 5/5.

Belen Breakfast Sandwich
Kathy T.

Came here for Sunday brunch before heading to airport. A hole in the wall sort of place with the friendliest service and delicious food. Made a good cappuccino too! Breakfast sandwich had the extra Parmesan frico on the bread-yum! And the Shortrib bowl had generous pot of Shortrib, veggies and 2 eggs. Great spot!

Ribeye Chilaquiles $39 (6/21/26)
Anna L.

I was looking for a good brunch place that accepts reservation and Cafe Belen showed up. I was impressed with the reviews so I decided to take my fam here. Food: We ordered 2 Steak and Eggs ($25 each) and the Ribeye Chilaquiles ($39 each) from the Brunch special. The portion was perfect, not too big and too small. The steak was nicely prepared the way we wanted it (medium). It was very tender and flavorful - we enjoyed every bite we had especially my kids. Service: Staff are very friendly and welcoming, they were very sweet, nice and attentive. Their customer service is great! Ambiance: It is located in a plaza at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd & Brockton - they have free parking on the lot. The restaurant itself is not as big as I imagined from the pictures here in yelp - I think rough estimate is for 30-36 people max? But they do have a small cute outdoor seating area as well. We will definitely go back to this place next time we visit the area!

Steak & eggs
Sanny C.

I can see why this place held its 5 stars rating. Well deserved. Upon entering, I could feel the warm welcome. We got seated and took our time looking at the menu. Friendly waitress came by to take our orders. She made sure that our orders were placed correctly. We got the steak & eggs w/sunny side up eggs. We got it medium rare w/sourdough toast. We also ordered the salmon Benedict w/potatoes. I rarely order salmon when eating out because I don't trust the quality. However, people tend to order the salmon Benedict here so I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed the salmon Benedict more than the steak & eggs. I liked how they went easy on the egg like how it should be. The sauce was delicious. Potatoes were seasoned well. It was a perfect brunch plate. Steak was not seasoned at all. It was a plain steak. Didn't think it was that juicy. However, it was good. It was tender and not chewy chewy. Will return when in the area

Elizabeth L.

We love Café Belen. They have the best salads. They also have a full menu which is great, but we really go for the salads. Their Chicken Quinoa Salad, which is grilled free range chicken, organic baby arugula, endives, red organic quinoa, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese all tossed with champagne vinaigrette is ever so great. We also get the Chopped Cobb Salad which has chopped hearths of romaine, avocado, bacon, hard boiled eggs, blue cheese, red onions, chopped tomatoes, and ranch dressing. I hate ranch dressing and they are very nice to give me the dressing I like. The service there is great and the place is just beautiful. The prices are fair and they will take very good care of you. Besides their salads try their burgers, they are great, especially their bacon cheese burger. They even have a kid's menu and they are kid friendly. There is nothing not to love here.

Ribeye Rib Eye Steak Chilaquiles
Salvador G.

Service was amazing ! Food Was fulfilling and appetizing ! We sat outside because the fresh air gave us life but the energy was amazing great staff even the cook had a second to come check on our table to ensure that the food was made to our liking ! They had many different items on their menu i didn't snap a photo but this is a must try spot !

Short Rib Protein Bowl
Robert D.

I really couldn't believe how wonderful this restaurant was! It was such an easy place to show up without a reservation, be seated immediately, and then have delicious drinks and food show up within minutes. And it's not like it was just any food, it was really high-quality, and very aesthetically pleasing too. The staff were very nice and checked in on us often. I would say this is one of the best hidden gem brunch pots in Santa Monica.

Breakfast 04/26
Joy C.

Parking is a nightmare. The restaurant is in a corner strip mall and it is smaller than I imagined. They have outdoor seating, which is in the parking lot but has shade. The food and service though were really good. Other patrons seemed to be locals and frequented the restaurant. The server we had was very friendly. I had the lomo saltado, which was a special, while my friends had the mango salad and salmon bowl.

Guava Lemonade
Ale M.

This review is for a delivery order - for reference Cafe Belen is about 1 mile away from the delivery point. Delivery was about 35-40 minutes. Of the two items ordered, I'd have to say the guava lemonade was my favorite. It was perfectly sweetened and tart. Very refreshing. The Cuban bowl was also great in flavor but a bit too soggy. Perhaps it collected too much condensation before it got to its destination? The thin cuts of chicken were flavorful, not dry, and well seasoned. The plantains were sweet and well cooked as well. The bed of rice and beans were unfortunately too wet to be enjoyable, but overall great flavor all around.

Very good foods, very good friendly service

Very good foods, very good friendly service Located In a business center. Good service good people :)

Watermelon Lemonade
Damion T.

Went here for breakfast 3 days ago and it was pretty good. The place looks clean inside and the seating was rather quick. I was offered the customary water as soon as I sat down. Food: Short Rib Burrito ($25) - The burrito was filled to max capacity. There was plenty of meat and it was really filling. The flavor could have been a bit stronger but that's just a personal preference as the meat was really tender. The egg also complemented the dish. Watermelon Lemonade ($6) - The lemonade tasted really fresh and was on the sweeter side. Definitely would buy this again.

Salmon eggs Benedict's with roasted potatoes; protein bowl (roasted veggies, rice, beans, avocado, eggs, roasted chicken breast)
Samantha J.

Stumbled upon this little eatery while moving our daughter into her apartment the day before. After a good night's rest we decided to try out Cafe Belen the next morning before we hit the long road trip for home. Ordered: protein bowl, breakfast sandwich and salmon eggs Benedict. Everything was delicious with high quality ingredients - professionally /chef-made food. Coffee also was very good! Service was extremely attentive and friendly. We will certainly come back to this charming and delightful cafe the next time we travel to west LA.

Protein Breakfast Bowl
Jessie W.

Great brunch spot! The food and drinks were delicious and the menu had a lot of variety. The service was attentive, polite, and efficient. The ambiance was nice and there was parking available in the lot. Can't wait to come back!

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Reviews are largely positive. People praise the fresh, flavorful food, delicious drinks, friendly, attentive service, and cozy, welcoming ambiance.

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6 months ago

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13 days ago

Their buttermilk is SO good! Great service, very attentive. The food came out quick and the atmosphere was nice.

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9 months ago

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10 months ago

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23 days ago

Food was delicious and the service was great! Easy going, casual and cozy place with an option to sit outside. Highly recommend Cafe Belen!

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11 months ago

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Cafe Belen Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Cafe Belen

Do you have seating for a table for 8? We are all older and retired so need easy seating. Thanks…

Hello Marie when are you planning to come in? Yes we can do a table for 8 Let me know when snd what time.

Breakfast all day?

Hi Nathalie Yes, we serve breakfast from 8 am to 5 pm every day.

View All 3 Questions

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4.4(2.5k reviews)
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Overall was a very good experience! Service was friendly and attentive from the beginning and all…read morethroughout dinner, so that set the tone for the night. We were a party of 6, but 2 were lagging soooo hard for our reservation, and we weren't allowed to be seated until everyone showed up. I think the servers felt bad for us lol so they seated us after 25 minutes or so. By that time, I ordered their Espresso Martini which was delicious! They described it as "smoky and not too sweet." The restaurant itself has a very industrial warehouse kinda vibe to it, which was cool. Very laidback but upscale environment, dress up or dress down, it's totally up to you. My group ordered family style. We ordered... - Appetizers: 'spicy handroll' dip, goat empanadas, goat liver mousse - Veggies: roasted carrots, wood-fired sprouted cauliflower, sautéed green beans, grilled corn - Salad: shrimp & crispy greens salad, - Fish: pan roasted salmon, roasted oysters, - Meat: grilled kalbi-style short ribs, lamb curry - Dessert: matcha tres leches, mango sticky rice Honestly, if I were to do the same family style again, I would make sure I got a good taste of everything again. If I were to choose one of each category though, I'd go with spicy handroll dip as my favorite appetizer, sauteed green beans, I'll try the other salad option (the shrimp & crispy greens salad was really lemon-ey, almost too much), salmon was fantastic and cooked perfectly, the kalbi-style good was impressive and fall off the bone, andddd I can't really complain about either of the desserts. Everyone ended up splitting, it was maybe....$175 per person? Not too bad.

I've been to the Girl & the Goat multiple times for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not have a great…read moreexperience last night. The food lagged and the dishes were not as delicious as they used to be. Green beans: this dish used to be my favorite dish and I always order for the table. Unfortunately, the dish was super salty and did not taste like is has previously. I let the waiter and waitress know but they didn't offer anything besides an apology Grilled Dorade and Naan with dip: these were the highlights of the show and items I also always order for the table. S'mores dessert: we ordered a s'mores dessert and it was a super small deconstructed s'more with one marshmallow. The graham cracker was almost a thin pretzel and had overwhelming cinnamon flavor. This dish was disappointing and the size for a child. The restaurant is beautiful, but the food and service were not up to the same caliber as usual during yesterday's dinner.

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4.0(2.3k reviews)
13.1 mi•Arts District, Downtown
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Full bar
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The Bottom Line 3.5 stars: Good option when in the area, with some concerns as noted below…read more Location 3 stars: Downtown Los Angeles Arts District, northeast corner of Matteo Street and Whittier Blvd, across the Matteo complex. Coming from the San Fernando Valley, nearest Freeways are the 101 (Exit 2A - Alameda Street/Union Station) and the 5 (Exit 135A - 4th Street). There is limited street parking. We self-parked in a paid ($10 after 6 PM) structure attached to the complex. Venue 4 stars: Huge venue with indoor seating, a large bar area, and a nice rustic and relaxing patio area. Service 3.5 stars: Friendly and helpful but not very attentive. Food 3 stars: We stopped by for lunch on a weekday. They were serving their Brunch menu at that time. It featured a large assortment of offerings including soups, salads, specialty items such as Avocvado Toast and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, burgers, sandwiches and egg dishes such as Eggs Benedict, omelets, wraps and sandwiches and chillaquiles. We had the Zinc Benedict (Salmon), the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the Avocado Toast. All were just OK but unfortunately lacked in plating/presentation and taste and were rather small for the price. Also their "poached" eggs are not really poached... they were steamed in molds, giving them more of a rubbery texture compared to a true poached egg. Drinks 3.5 stars: Full bar, specialty cocktails and mocktails, specialty coffee/tea/matcha and juices. I had the Iced White Mocha, which was ok.

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4.2(184 reviews)
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I went there for a friend's birthday party. The food was pretty decent. The decor was great, and…read morethey had an in-house barbershop. I ordered the Steak Nachos for $32. $22 (Nachos) + $10 (Steak). It was a generous portion. I checked the bill, and it was straight up. I gave our waitress a generous cash tip. The waiters and waitresses were great. What irked me was that, when I looked at my credit card statement, they overcharged me. It was probably because I clicked NO TIP, yet I tipped the waitress. Wow! That's disappointing. I'm never gonna take my friends here. Parking sucked, but not impossible. But you gotta walk the ladies on the darker areas of the street.

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Bike Shed Moto Co - Los Angeles - Top shelf spirits on display.

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Sampa - Crab fried rice

Sampa

4.4(733 reviews)
12.9 mi•Arts District, Downtown
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Amazing experience. My wife and I decided to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary at Sampa. Peter…read moreand his staff were super gracious and friendly hosts for the evening. The food was incredible too. The duck and crab rice blew us away. They take a lot of pride in their craft cocktails which also stole the show. Ube clarified drink was 1 of a kind. 10/10 must try!

The daughter mentioned Sampa during one of our planning conversations. I then recalled seeing it…read morefeatured on a Food Network show highlighting Filipino cuisine. After checking out their menu and reviews, we made reservations. Parking was tough on a Saturday night in the LA Arts District. We opted for a lot just a short walk away for $10. We arrived to an empty host stand so we walked in. We stood awkwardly by the door waiting to be acknowledged. The bar staff glanced at us but didn't say anything. It wasn't until a couple came in behind us, that one finally said, "the hostess will be with you". The hostess arrived a few minutes later. We were then seated at a nice quiet table by the bar. Matthew A. was our server. He was polite and friendly, but not attentive. Iceless, lukewarm "house water" was served in small drinking glasses and refilled only when he delivered parts of our order and noticed them empty. It would have been better to leave a cold bottle of water at the table, as other restaurants often do. We ordered the Kare-Kare Tamales, Manila Mais, Lamb Shank Kaldereta and Bicol Express Mezzelune. The Kare-Kare Tamales were our favorite. The moist masa was filled with tender braised oxtail and covered with the subtle, perfectly balanced peanut butter velouté. The bagoong dust provided just enough salty shrimp notes. A must try! The Manila Mais brought me back to the night markets of Pampanga where vendors would fan flames as rows of corn are grilled to a beautiful char. Sampa brought it another level with the bagoong butter and coconut cream. The Lamb Shank Kaldereta unfortunately was underwhelming. Aside from the super tender, fall off the bone lamb shank, the jus did not have much flavor. The crispy confit potatoes were not crispy at all and looked off (gray and wrinkled). The sliced carrots were better. We didn't get to try the Bicol Express Mezzelune. Our server came mid-course to tell us it was no longer available. He offered to sub for the Filipino Bucatini, which we accepted. This was our second favorite. The longanisa XO sauce was well executed, craveable and super tasty! For dessert, they only had the Ube Cheesecake left so we went with it. That took quite a while to arrive. It was ok. My last gripe of this experience is that most of the greens scattered over our dishes were wilted, which took away from the overall presentation. Even the garnish of mint leaves on the dessert was sadly limp. I'm not sure if these were just old or not stored properly. For the price point, this detail should matter. Plates are all shareable, just enough for two. The Sampa menu is creative and nostalgic. We talked about possibly giving them another try. If we do, hopefully service improves.

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4.4(131 reviews)
11.7 mi•Downtown
•$$
25 years in business
Free WiFi

After a late night out, the hubs and I needed something reasonably close and yummy for breakfast…read more We were staying at the Hotel Per La so I sent my hubs to grab and our food to bring it back to our hotel room. My breakfast burrito was good. My husband's breakfast sandwich was better so halfway through we traded. Service was great. Ambiance was nice.

Never heard of Sandcouch Cafe before, but I definitely won't forget it. Tucked in the bustling…read moreFinancial District, this place is the definition of cozy and bright. A breath of fresh air for anyone needing a spot for coffee, food, and good vibes all day. Came here for a co-working lunch meeting with two co-workers, and we were instantly impressed by the spacious layout. Tons of seating options, big family-style table along with several other table to choose from, and huge windows that let in so much natural light. It's perfect for working, eating, or just chilling out. We all grabbed iced coffee drinks and lunch. I went for the Chinese chicken salad (not something you see everywhere) and was happily surprised by both the portion size and the flavor. I've heard the breads are delicious, but the salad was too tempting to pass up this time. (Next time: breakfast menu, for sure!) Staff interactions were brief. Mainly at the counter and food delivery, but everyone was genuinely friendly and patient, which goes a long way. Parking in DTLA is as you'd expect: some metered street spots if you're lucky, but there are paid structures on every block. Already looking forward to my next visit to try more from the menu. Highly recommended for anyone needing a bright spot to work, meet, or just enjoy a good meal!

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Sandcouch Cafe - Try out Johnny's Breakfast Sandwich; the swiss cheese and chipotle aioli make this no ordinary ham+egg+cheese sandwich.

Try out Johnny's Breakfast Sandwich; the swiss cheese and chipotle aioli make this no ordinary ham+egg+cheese sandwich.

Sandcouch Cafe
Sandcouch Cafe

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Prank - Prank's Build-A-Burger...just wow!

Prank

4.1(1.1k reviews)
11.3 mi•Downtown
•$$
Private events
Family-owned & operated

This is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends for a casual get together when in the…read moreDowntown LA area! It's conveniently located to the LA Convention Center, Crytpo.com arena, and LA Live which makes it a must visit before or after an event! I am obsessed with their happy hour, which offers healthy items at discounted prices with generous portions! I have been here so many times throughout the years but most recently found myself here during a busy World Cup match! Regardless, the service and quality of food was not sacrificed! I was greeted as soon as I got there and the bartenders were overwhelmed but still friendly and helpful. I was so tempted to get a margarita, since theirs are amazing, but decided to keep it dry and just get their vegan nachos. I was able to score a table outside on their lovely patio, which felt secluded enough from the main street. My food was brought out quicker than I thought and I was delighted, as I was famished! The vegan nachos here are fantastic and the happy price is only $10, which is a steal for what you get! They are costed in the most magical concoction of a bean puree, cashew cheese sauce, and guacamole which all have the most creamy, luscious and savory flavors. It's so hearty and well seasoned and not only filling, but you feel great after. Parking is pretty easy, as there are usually ample meters available nearby. I cannot wait to return again soon the next time I'm in Downtown LA! I am hoping to try more of their vegan options and next time I will for sure get a drink to go along with their delicious food!

Prank has a fun atmosphere and a great location in DTLA, but my experience was a bit mixed. The…read morecocktails didn't quite live up to expectations. I ordered the Espresso Martini, and it tasted pretty watered down and lacked the bold coffee flavor I was hoping for. On the bright side, the food was definitely the highlight. The mussels were flavorful, the calamari was crispy and cooked well, and the fries were delicious. Those dishes really saved the experience . Overall, I'd come back for the food, but I'd probably steer clear from cocktails and order a real drink. Prank is a convenient place for dtla residents in surrounding apartments to come get some quick bites and drinks and catch a live game

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Prank - Prank Signage and Hope Street Entrance

Prank Signage and Hope Street Entrance

Prank - Blue Corn Taco Trio, a must have, with filet mignon, fried cod or vegan selections

Blue Corn Taco Trio, a must have, with filet mignon, fried cod or vegan selections

Prank - Prank has Live Music and Dj's multiple nights a week

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Prank has Live Music and Dj's multiple nights a week

Distrito Catorce

Distrito Catorce

4.2(46 reviews)
13.9 mi•Boyle Heights

Distrito Catorce is a gem in Boyle Heights that delivers on all fronts. The food was outstanding!…read moreFresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared, with authentic flavors and quality ingredients that stood out from the first bite to the last. The ambiance was welcoming and the art was tasteful. What truly elevated the experience was the service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the meal. They were quick to offer recommendations and ensured everything was perfect without being intrusive. We ordered the tostaditas de atún agua chile negro, beet salad, carne asada taco and Al pastor taco and watched the World Cup game. Distrito Catorce combines exceptional food, a great atmosphere, and top-notch service. It's the kind of place that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. Definitely plan on coming back to watch more World Cup games.

I knew heading into Distrito Catorce that I wanted to see three things . The closing art exhibit,…read morehear the live band, and finally try Chef Jonathan's menu. It was basically a grand slam. To be honest, I was already biased because his Smorgasburg pop-ups were consistently good. But Distrito Catorce is different , it's like art. My favorite dish was the tacos de papa with salsa macha. The crunch of the potato taco riding into the salsa macha and crema felt like home, but with some extra pop. His salsa game is on point. The scallion salsa on the ribeye taco was also gas. Lastly, I really dug the tostadita de atún. It hit perfectly on these hot summer days. Low-key, I still want to try the El Rey de Noche. Tacos de beef trompo are starting to hit LA, and dude was ahead of the curve making picanha-brisket tacos de trompo. Service is smooth too. The servers are helpful, and solid at the bar. Overall, it's a cool spot with a menu that feels unique to LA.

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Distrito Catorce - Art counter entrance a safe space   Paint & Brunch at Distrito Catorce  Facilitated by Liliflor Art

Art counter entrance a safe space Paint & Brunch at Distrito Catorce Facilitated by Liliflor Art

Distrito Catorce
Distrito Catorce - LA city line

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LA city line

Manuela - Manuela now open for curbside pick up and delivery via Tock.

Manuela

4.2(2.4k reviews)
13.0 mi•Arts District, Downtown
•$$

Absolutely beautiful spot to take brunch with lots of shopping and activities close by. We were…read morehelped promptly and by very knowledgeable staff who kindly answered our every question. I cannot recommend the tomato cocktail enough! I forget the name, but it was just wonderful and I thought it to be very unique. The cornbread was of course great, as well as the heirloom tomato salad. The heirloom tomato salad was absolutely delicious, and their croutons somehow soaked up all the dressing while remaining super crispy!! I highly recommend!

We enjoyed a solid Friday night at Manuela in the Downtown LA Arts District, with a 7:30 PM…read morereservation, before heading to a concert just down the street at the Moroccan Lounge. This is a GREAT launching point for an evening in the area. Dinner, drinks, live music... what's not to like? First, parking. There's plenty of parking in the surrounding area, but finding a spot on a busy Friday night might require some patience. Fortunately, Manuela offers valet parking for $22, which instantly solves that problem! Finding the restaurant is part of the adventure. Tucked away within the Hauser & Wirth art gallery complex, you make your way through what feels like a little alley before discovering this hidden gem. The atmosphere is idellic! Manuela has a cool industrial-meets-rustic vibe, with exposed brick, interesting artwork, warm lighting, and plenty of greenery. The open kitchen adds energy, while the beautiful outdoor courtyard offers a more relaxed setting. A terrific combination of art, architecture, and dining! Our waiter, Luke, did a great job shepherding us through the evening. Truth be told, I never even looked at the menu! I put my trust in Luke, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong. The chicken was OUTSTANDING! Beautifully roasted, exceptionally moist, tender, and loaded with flavor. The accompanying sauces added just enough kick, and the portion was GENEROUS! My wife and I split the chicken, and there was plenty for both of us. We paired it with a delicious arugula salad featuring fresh pears, creamy goat cheese, spiced pecans, and aged balsamic. A wonderful combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. The pecans were particularly good! To wash it all down, I enjoyed their refreshing white sangria. Light, fruity, and VERY tasty. I could have easily enjoyed another! Now, a couple of observations. The atmosphere can get LOUD. We had a long table for six, and those seated at either end occasionally had to strain to hear the conversation. Of course, maybe I'm just getting old? LOL! Either way, it's a lively restaurant, so don't expect a quiet, intimate evening when the place is hopping. Another interesting twist: the restrooms aren't directly connected to the restaurant. You'll need to step outside and head across the way. Not a big deal, just something worth knowing. Speaking of the restrooms, ladies, apparently there's some rather unusual wall art awaiting you. Keep your eyes open for what looks like a chocolate-colored garden gnome crossed with Chewbacca. And take a CLOSE look at the interesting adult toy he appears to have discovered in the garden. Let's just say it's definitely NOT a carrot! LOL! Apparently, even the bathroom art has a sense of humor. Bottom line: We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Manuela. Excellent food, terrific service from Luke, a unique atmosphere, and an ideal location for a night out in the Arts District. The chicken alone is worth coming back for! Great food, good friends, live music afterward, and apparently a naughty garden gnome. I'd call that a successful Friday night!

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Manuela - Now offering Wine & Beer for takeaway and delivery.  Visit our website for more details.  manuela-la.com

Now offering Wine & Beer for takeaway and delivery. Visit our website for more details. manuela-la.com

Manuela - Cast Iron Cornbread, Steen's Butter

Cast Iron Cornbread, Steen's Butter

Manuela - Black Beans Chilaquiles, Crema, Fried Egg, Radish, Cilantro, Queso FrescoChilaquiles

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Black Beans Chilaquiles, Crema, Fried Egg, Radish, Cilantro, Queso FrescoChilaquiles

Cafe Belen - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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