Manolete's Cocina Gourmet - Winchester, Virginia

F S.

Everything was fresh and delicious! We ordered the shrimp tacos and skirt steak burrito. The shrimp were huge and filled the taco shell. The skirt steak was flavorful and tender. I can't get enough of their salsa! Sooo good!

Jeff W.

Hands down the best Mexican food I have EVER had! I had the Manolete’s Stuffed Chicken special. The stuffing was all fresh — nothing from a can. The sauces were terrific!
I inquired about whether there was a salad dressing that they made in-house. I’m so glad I did, because the mango salad dressing is out of this world!!! See video and pic. The garlic potatoes and the asparagus were excellent also and complimented the meal beautifully. The grilled chicken breast was so tasty!
The chips and salsa are $8, but that’s because they are served HOT— see video — the salsa comes in a large traditional crock and will stay hot during your entire meal.
Excellent wait staff and environment.
Great lighting and music.
The restaurant has original hand made art from southern Mexico.
An overall great experience.
Going back soon!

Susan G.

We were excited to see a real Mexican restaurant open up in the walking mall so we stopped in for lunch today. The restaurant itself is clean and well decorated. It has a more upscale vibe, which was beautifully done. The service was prompt and attentive, and the menu had a lot of great options and is very obviously a Mexican restaurant and not just tex-mex. I also appreciated that their sides offered had plenty of vegetable options. We both ordered off the lunch menu which was plenty of food. We also had the queso fundido, horchata, and a strawberry lemonade, which were all very good. I had the carne asada, which was well seasoned and tasty. I did ask for some salsa and the server brought an avocado salsa, which was delicious and had a little bit of heat. For once in my life I actually enjoyed the side of rice - very fluffy and tasty. The beans were just ok on their own, but were a nice accompaniment to the steak. I can't recall what my husband had but the ranchero sauce on top was tasty. I'm looking forward to coming back to try more!

Manuel B.

This is my initial impression from my first visit since they moved to old town Winchester. The ambience and staff are amazing. You guys have an amazing front end team. Now the food, it's a miss in my honest opinion with regards to mexican food. You guys have an amazing atmosphere and the renovations of the space are amazing but to see this establishment put out this quality of mexican food was a let down.

I ordered the Queso Birria Tacos during this visit and they were simply ok. Flavor and quality wise they didn't get me excited to come back for them since they are a guilty pleasure of mine. I would rather go to el habanero a few minutes away for my indulgence in Queso Birria tacos. Now their deserts, the bar tender told me they were all made in house so I ordered a chocolate tres leches cake. Tres leches cake is typically a soft moist cake. What they brought out was a simple dry bland chocolate cake. If this will be a guest's first introduction and inpression to a tres leches cake, your giving guests a poor introduction to this beautiful desert.

In summary, Manolete's has achieved opening an incredible spot with an amazing ambience. Don't squander it by being a poor ambassador to the beauty that is Mexican food. Invest or consult with trained mexcian chefs to bring your food to match the space and ambience you have created. Don't conform yourselves to the food mediocracy you are currently putting out.

Laura W.

Our server, Nancy was so warm and welcoming, she made us feel like the only thing happening in the whole place. She truly was so patient and accommodating, taking the time to really find out what our youngest diner (7), really wanted to eat. He had the birria tacos, and I think his head almost rolled off his shoulders in adoration! He really, really loved it. Adorable.

The food? I can't say I'm surprised that it was top notch, better than I expected, because it always has been. Had the volcano molcajete, and while it's definitely a meal for more than one person, I didn't want to share! Husband had the burritos Manoletes and ate the *whole* thing (size of a small pet, I think, lol).

We'll be back, and can't wait!

Joe G.

What a GEM in Winchester. From the moment that Pablo left the bar to greet me and find me a table, I felt welcomed. Vasty was a friendly and accommodating server (she talked the kitchen into making me eggs for dinner “huevos divorciados”). Jose, the manager, even stopped by to make sure all was well. I’ll definitely be stopping back on my next trip to Winchester. Gracias todos!

Bill R.

Great food, great staff, great place all around.

We go here fairly regularly, and pretty much order the same because it's always so good...the Nachos Manolo and a spicy margarita. The margarita is perfect, a hint of spice, not too hot, and great flavor. The nachos are perfect for two, combination of totopos, (chips), topped with carne asada, pollo asada, chorizo, grilled shrimp, melted cheese, pico, and sour cream...amazing! We have had other items on the menu, and are very happy with them all, just seem to go back to our usual outstanding Nachos Manolo.

The entire staff are all super friendly and greet you like family, stopping by to check of you need anything while you are there.

One of our favorite "go-to" places in Winchester.

Would I go there again...absolutely!
Would I recommend...most definitely!

B

Manolete’s was a delicious surprise! The espresso martini was silky smooth with a bold coffee kick—like dessert in a glass. The dulce de leche was warm and creamy with a dramatic flambéed touch, while the chocolate cake was rich and moist.

Even with a packed house, the staff stayed friendly and welcoming. Definitely a spot worth visiting!