It is in an unusual location for a place like this. The best restaurant in north Jersey. Every time I go there I am impressed

Manolo's is a famous local spot found in the Elizabethport section of E-town, near the start of Elizabeth Avenue. Open for 30 years, Manolo's has served as the meeting place of many business lunches, political functions, and catered events. Their menu reflects that of Spanish, Portuguese and Mediterranean influence. Street parking is free in this part of town, but no need to worry as Manolo's has their own private parking lot. Upon entering you pass through the bar area to the narrow, but spacious dining room. The restaurant is well decorated and has a very a rustic interior and style. The restaurant was even seen in the first episode of The Sopranos. Manolo's changes their menu seasonally and is open for both lunch and dinner. Their bread is fresh, served warm with a bruschetta (tomato, garlic, mixed vegetables) that is to die for. Their garlic shrimp appetizer is very rich, with a mild spice to it and of great portion. Manolo's excels the most in their sauces that they cook with, and that many plates come with. Off their seasonal lunch menu I ordered their chicken breast, stuffed with goat cheese, with roasted corn and peppers on the side. It was served in a parisienne-esque brown sauce that was exquisite. I skipped dessert, but they have several great options and I've heard that their lemon cake is amazing.

What an experience! The food is amazing. Especially the appetizer-octopus with arugula salad. Octopus wasn't overlooked, crisp to perfection. They even slightly cool it down before using delicate green leaves of arugula for base of the salad. And dressing came with pretty expensive olive oil mixed w/ balsamic vinegar. Impressive! Honestly I truly don't understand why people complaining that a Spanish waiter speaks poor English here... don't we all in one way or another?

We had a wonderful evening meal at Manolo's on Saturday. I found the atmosphere relaxing, real world, down to earth, and charming. The service was very good and friendly. Their menu is great and contains a fair portion of fish. My fiancee and I have added them to our list of restaurants we will return too on a regular basis. We arrived there just after 6 PM and found two other tables occupied. During the course of our meal we noticed that the dinning room steadily began to fill up. We took our leave at about 7:30 PM and made note for future visits to arrive at the same time we did in this visit. My recommendation is that you visit them before 8 PM, and call to either make a reservation or check their table availability.

I was in Elizabeth Thursday night for a meeting the next day. I used Yelp to find a local restaurant and picked Manolo's for dinner. It is in a nice neighborhood at 1st and Elizabeth Avenue on a corner, easy to find. I had called to ask if I needed reservations but they told me to come on over, they had room. When we got there the dining room had three or four tables occupied, but they were pretty far along in their dinners at 7:15 or so. Great service after we were seated. The server brought water and a moment later toasted bruschetta with a lovely ratatouille to start. My buddy and I wanted an appetizer, so we ordered the Cajun flavored Calimari. We settled on a bottle of Rioja because we were planning to try Manolo's paella. It wasn't on the menu, but I read here that they will serve it to anyone that orders it. That was right and the waiter took our order for it about the same time that the Calamari arrived, on a very large platter mixed with fresh spinach leaves. It was outstanding and plenty to share between two people. A few minutes later the Paella arrived and it was lovely looking. It had a full half a lobster tail, a large claw and plenty of mixed seafood, clams, shrimps, scallops, some vegetables and perfectly cooked rice. We dug in, and after a few minutes finished dinner and were ready for dessert. I had a nice light piece of lemon cake with a coffee and we were ready for the bill. When it came, we were both shocked. It was just over $90 with wine, an appetizer and dessert. We were thrilled because I had not expected we would be within our per diem for such a great meal. I may have to go back to Elizabeth and every time I do, I know where my go-to dining spot will be.

We decided to try it for our 65th,celebration. Fabulous food and the service is prompt. Food is delicious and the cost is not going to break your bank. If you like fabulous food, go to Manolo's

Amazing! Hoboken and Jersey City foodies should be flocking here. The best secret in North New Jersey is the paella that's *not* on the menu, but they'll make it if you ask. Just had an extraordinary meal. Rich, seafood packed paella with lobster, scallops, clams, shrimps, sausage and crispy fried chicken -- a great salad comes with it. We got a pitcher of red sangria and the whole meal was $39!! Get the "Valencia" -- it's enough for two. The staff is sweet and courteous, too.

Worth the trip and the reviews are spot on. Was here on a Thursday night with some friends. The host Manny was great, as was the staff. Shrimp and Chorizo app was very good, and lobster ravioli app special was the best. Main courses--special rack of lamb was raved about even the day after, the the tenderloin of beef was incredible. Somewhat of a language issue where the side dish with the tenderloin read "potato risotto" but was actually breakfast brown potatoes--very good though! Bringing the wives back--great food, don't expect the surroundings to be modern--part of its charm.