This is a review of Manifesto Restaurant in Rathmines. I wanted to email them first with my concerns, but there is no email address on their site so I have no alternative but to review this generally online. First off, Manifesto Rathmines; new menu is pretentious and certainly does not translate to the elements of the dishes! I had Fagottino Di Carpaccio Con Champignons E Tartufo for Entree. It was nothing like the English description of this dish on the menu and I was only given 2 measly pieces of carpaccio. I don't speak/read Italian, but I know enough to presume Fagottino is a derivative of the English word Faggot (or vice versa), which is an English dish made from offal! I sincerely hope this was not the case! I have had Carpaccio many times - and although the presentation was delicate - it was deceiving by the fact that the centre piece ended up being a flat mushroom only. My friend had the Tagliere Del Buongustaio for Entree but was disappointed that the supposed Italian cured meat tasted like luncheon meat! Also, there were black grapes and not black olives! Who replaces black olives with black grapes! My friend's main course was Pollo Manifesto which showed on the menu with an asterisk stating "One Side Order of your choice is included with these main courses" - she was not offered this when ordering. My main course was Spaghetti Alla Chitarra All'astice. It was supposed to be half a lobster - in actuality, I got a few slivers of lobster and a piece of cartilage which, luckily I checked first because if I'd thought it was a piece of lobster and tried to eat it, I may have broken a tooth/teeth or choked! The wine waiter asked if we would like another bottle of wine. We said yes, please. He was about to take away the wine cooler, which still had the remains of the first bottle (probably at least a glassful) and when we said to leave that and bring another bottle, he seemed confused and couldn't seem to understand that we were happy to have the second bottle sitting in the cooler. Dessert: We were undecided and asked the waitress if we could have Panna Cotta. We were told - quite curtly - there was no Panna Cotta! In short, we both found this experience in your restaurant to be disappointing and a total rip-off as opposed to the wonderful experience we had approx a year ago. Never again! read more

Still great food but convinved they've brought new plates and made the portions smaller?

As you may know, I lived in Italy for four years so I consider myself to be a bit choosy when it comes to Italian food, particularly pizza. In my five years back in Dublin I have only been able to find a handful of really good pizza places in the city. Manifesto is one of them. I ordered the award winning 'Mamy' pizza, Parma ham with grilled aubergine and mozzarella. YUM. No wonder it won awards! I tried to savour every moment and prolong its end by talking while my dinner companion devoured her pizza. But alas, all good things really do come to an end. And not only was the pizza nice, light and delicious, but the servers were friendly and attentive. The last time I was there this wasn't the case but last night I was impressed by the friendliness and the great service, hence the full five stars. I'm delighted that this is in my hood and will definitely go back, especially since I'll be working again in the new year and I can start to have not-so-cheap meals out. Yes, the pizza is a bit dear, and in today's economy full of cheap meals and deals you can get great pizza for a few euro less, but once in a while it's just so nice to go to my local and have a really classy one. read more

Manifesto is sometimes known as the best pizzeria in Dublin. At least, this is supposed to justify the stupid complications for booking a table, as the restaurant is really tiny. Well, after much struggle me and 6 friends were able to book just two weeks in advance. Lucky us. Once we got "exclusive" access, what did we get? Mediocre pizzas. Tiny, not particularly tasty, ridiculously expensive. Do you have any idea how cheap it is to make any pizza? Think again. Were ingredients fresh? Probably. Were pizzas tasty? Not much. Were they better than Pizza Hut and Domino's? Well, it's pizza, duh. Were they at the level of an Italian pizza? Well, of course. Any Italian pizza: not the best one, not the "original" one, not the very very secret unique pure receipt only known to a couple of pizzaioli in Naples. No, just pizza. A 17 euros pizza. Are there alternatives in Dublin? Of course. Are they as good? Probably. Are they friendlier and easier to access? For sure. short version: don't believe the hype, there's plenty of pizza in the ocean. read more

A trend is emerging in my restaurant reviews...the Italians seem to win hands down every time! Another fabulously authentic italian restaurant...love the decor (dark and atmospheric), you get a little basket of garlic bread bites on the house on your arrival (which is awesome by the way), the house red is great, the staff are friendly, and the food is stellar. I notice every time I go in, the Italian customers tend to order the Parmigianna...I have Italian friends who go bananas for this dish, and I can see why...it's like an Aubergine married a tomato and gave birth to a little piece of food heaven... When you walk in there's a striking pizza oven/pizza prep area, and I've heard that the guy who makes the pizzas does a little show with the pizza dough every now and again. I can't really fault this place, although I have been dissapointed the last two times I went and couldn't get a table (if you're going at the weekend - better book in advance). Also, it's a tad bit on the expensive side, but I guess you get what you pay for. read more

Visiting Dublin from the US, consulted yelp for gluten-free dining options. Made the trip from city center based on the reviews here and was not disappointed. BEST gluten-free pizza on either side of the Atlantic. Definitely a step up from the nice gf pizza we had in Boston's North End the day before. The texture and flavor of the crust, the golden color of the melted cheeses, the flavor, the speed of delivery - stellar. Had a starter of gnocchi with creamy provolone sauce nestled in a crispy basket of Parmesan cheese. Amazing. The staff was super - sensitive to the gluten allergy (the gf pizza is baked in a designated oven) and the restaurant was a warm and cozy retreat in a late afternoon rainstorm. Thanks for a great experience! read more

The Kakfa owners closed this down a few years ago. The new owners have been operating since late 2009. I wouldn't exactly call it reasonably priced (10 euro for a starter), but the food is good. Not a fan of the pizza tossing show in the evenings, but maybe that's because I'm out of touch with my inner child. read more

One of the best Italian food in town, no doubt. The pizza is just amazing, although no much choices for vegetarian. Starters are a bit dear for the quantity/pleasure you get, but the mains are appropriately priced. I have been coming back to this restaurant for more than a year now. However, I hate what this restaurant turned into. The food is still great, but the comfort has progressively degraded. Space between tables is amazingly thin, and the staff is too busy moving plates around that sometimes they forget you are paying for the food. I can understand that a restaurant has to optimize space to survive, but I think Manifesto has gone a bit too far there. You literally feel like you are eating in a foodcourt. I would have no problems paying 20% more for Manifesto's food for a little bit more comfort. Again the food is great, but nobody should compromise comfort for good food, especially in a city like Dublin where good alternatives abounds. I wouldn't recommend Manifesto, unless you are going for an early bird so that you can get attention from the staff and hopefully some space between you and your neighbor (or some privacy with your friends). There are so many great restaurants around Dublin with great service and decent value. I have seen many great restaurants turn into catering factories like Manifesto. But there are still fantastic options out there!!!!! read more

When you see Manifesto from a distance, you might be off put by the giant Coca Cola sign next to it's sign and be confused into thinking it's your standard bog takeaway, but you'd be very mistaken. Manifesto is a venture by the same owners as Kafka and their warmth and enthusiasm comes through in the restaurant. It's a cozy venue that's filled with conversation and families and the warmth coming off the brick oven stove stave out the Irish cold. The food is delicious with a tantalizing array of specials. They serve your standard Italian fare of pizzas and pastas and massive calzones. The ingredients they use are fresh and authentic. The service was delightful and very helpful. The prices aren't over the top and you walk away thoroughly satisfied. I have to say I much preferred the atmosphere and food in Manifesto, to the more uptight Kafka. read more

I had a very good experience with my girlfriend at Manifesto! We came here with the idea to have a pizza but we changed our mind once we had a look at the menu. We had parmigiana with basil ice cream as appetizer. Then we ordered two primi piatti: spaghetti with tomato sauce, burrata cheese, prawns and bacon flakes and ravioli filled with bufala mozzarella with pistacchio pesto and prawns. We then finished this great dinner with a chocolate souffle with ice cream and two espresso coffee. In general, the experience was great and we can definitely say that this is at the moment the best Italian place in town. Looking forward to come back to try the pizza! read more

Great pizza but if you need to make a reservation you're out of luck. They never seem to pick up the phone and they don't do any better with email either. Tried to book Valentine's day evening well in advance, they came back and told me the set menu wasn't decided just yet and I could only have that, so I should call back closer to the date. Told them to save me a table anyway, got no response. I emailed to confirm a few days before the date, got a reply saying they're fully booked. Honestly it feels like they don't care at all about my business, I was seriously displeased with the whole experience. Oh yes and I've been there a few times and the place smells like a sewer, especially if you sit closer to the restrooms. read more

As a veggie who is gluten free I was in heaven here. The food is really tasty and the gluten free pizza base is gorgeous (unlike my own home made cardboard attempts). I had the bruschetta and a margarita. I was keeping it simple, all about the base! They give you lovely little garlic foccacia bites while you wait for the food. The menu and the wine list are extensive and the staff were LOVELY. Its quite small so the neighbouring tables were quite close but I was in such a happy place it didn't bother me. It was buzzing last night at 6 on a Monday evening so booking would be a good idea. I will be back and back and back. read more

I was a big fan of this place but I had really bad bad experiences in the last months and I am not comfortable anymore in suggesting this place. read more

There's nothing too amazing about Manifesto's interior or the atmosphere in the restaurant but they compensate with damn good pizza! Definitely one of the best pizza's I've had in Dublin. read more

I went here on Saturday with my mother for an impromptu lunch and having seen the 'gluten free' ad in the window we ventured to Manifesto. I was shocked when I was told that gluten free options had to be ordered 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. How is this acceptable? As a coeliac, I find it laughable that you advertise the restaurant as coeliac-friendly but can't fulfill this promise without a day's notice. Won't be going back and recommend you make it clear that coeliacs aren't catered for. read more

Well, being a lovely pizza, this time we haven't been served any good and also we went for a dessert which was honestly a holy joke which costed us another 8€ to the bill. Really, won't come back for sure. read more

Really good pizza! Fresh ingredients and really tasty; autentich Italian pastry and flavours

I have visited this restaurant on several occasions over the past 5 years, and i cannot say any bad comments about their food as it is always very nice. But one thing i can say is their customer service is appauling! When trying to make a reservation over the phone the staff are very rude, short and cold! I made an online reservation and when i called to confirm it i was told that they hadnt looked at it yet and that they were booked out so no point to come. Shocking response. read more

Have been there few times with group of friend but after last week any of us wont be back there...I was the last to join the group. Any of the member staff didn't take the order for drink from me after 10min got some tap water, after another 15min my order was taken.All of us ordered Rib of Beef...horrible!!!That was swimming in balsamic sauce, served whit some "sponge" pieces ...was really hard to find out what that sauce was covering and food was cold...spinach covered in butter, or actually I should say we were served malted butter whit pieces of spinach.... Can't say anything nice about service as well...Not paying attention to anything and anyone.....Had to keep asking for everything couple of time, not nice , not polite, not smiling...As I presume "menager" waking around the place chewing gum....That was the worst dinner which I ever had!! I need to say that I m really dissapointed...Use to love that lil place... read more

Amazing culinary experience! Whether is for pizza or pasta or dessert you're going to experience the best of the italian cuisine. Staff is very professional and makes you feel like in Italy. read more

Delicious Italian food, the pizza was so tasty and really filling, delicious red wine. There was a great atmosphere in the busy and authentic restaurant. The staff are all Italian, they are so friendly and nice. They offer a complimentary shot of Limoncella after your meal. Great night here, would highly recommend it. read more

That was my happy discovery of the day, yesterday. Afer nice drinks at Copan, down the road, we were starving and desperately seaching for something decent. Champion pizzaiolo (yeap, his medal is even framed in there) working on display at the entrance, that was the winning factor...The place was packed ...on a wednesday night...so we thought "shit..are they THAT good that they ask people to wait to be sitted on a wednesday night , in prime recession time ? well, ok then !" and it was worth the 10 min wait, really delicious and fresh starters (the aubergines+tomatoe+mozzarella was my fave of my trials but be sure you've got the stomach to eat your full 12" pizza after!) and then the award winning 12" Mamy ohh heaven ! Now -a friend of mine disagreed with me in the fact that it was great to have such a thin crust, because it does get super thin at the centre, which I love. But that's unusual so potentially not everybody's taste. Price wise not the cheapest but worth it for the freshness and quality of the food. Oh, and they accept to give doggy bag... read more

Very tasty pizza, but I wouldn't trust them for gluten free options. I went there back in January, and the pizza base tasted vaguely stale, and I was extremely sick afterwards. As that was the only thing I'd eaten that day that I hadn't made myself, the pizza was the only possible cause. However, my mam and my brother (both non coeliacs) absolutely loved it, and would definitely recommend it to non-coeliac patrons read more

I've been to Il Manifesto at least three times so far and it never disappointed me: I love their range of pizze and, as a neapolitan myself, I truly find it good as one of the "original" ones! I brought my family once too, and they were very well surprised about the thickness and softness of their pizza. At the end of the meal, they offered us an espresso that, just like the pizza, tastes just as it's supposed to. read more

We went there a couple of times... I wasn't so fan of the fish and pasta meal I've taken the first but their pizzas are good for sure. If you go there go for a pizza, they are probably the best you can have in Dublin. This place has been recommended to us by an actual Italian guy so I think that's a proof their pizzas are good. read more

Authentic italian pizza, the best in Dublin! Very good deal of 10 euro for 1 pizza + soft drink on saturday and sunday lunch

Pizza at Manifesto is definitely the best in Dublin, I go there since many years and never been disappointed by the pizza or by the service, in particular the waitress, Cristina, is very nice. A+++. Claudia read more

Worth going too. Delicious pizza and we had some amazing cholcolate dessert. Definitely worth returning to.

Passed this place on my walk to the bus and saw the awards. Convinced three friends to join me for dinner on a Friday night--be warned, make a reservation ahead of time! Since we were there at 6pm (relatively early) we secured their only non-reserved table. We split three pizzas between the four of us and it was perfectly portioned. We got the Mamy, Don Corleone, and one of the vegetarian pizzas that had a pesto base. The pesto pizza was hands down the best of the three, so delicious! The other two were delicious as well, though I was a bit disappointed by the Don Corleone. Quiet, romantic atmosphere, nice service, and we got our food within 10 minutes of ordering. My only complaint is that it's a bit overpriced, as well as the wine. We would have loved to enjoy a bottle of wine with the pizza but the cheapest bottle was 30 euros and each pizza was over 15 euros, and since we're broke graduate students, we decided to pass on paying for wine. But overall, we all enjoyed the ambiance and the pizza! Would definitely recommend, great for a date night. read more