Set the scene.
Tucked along a sunny corner of SoHo’s historic cast iron district at Wooster and Prince stands Manuela–a beautifully orchestrated expression of hospitality, creativity, and purpose.
Drawing on the Artfarm legacy established by husband-and-wife duo Manuela and Iwan Wirth, the space is conceived as a seamless fusion of contemporary art and hospitality. Rooted in the Wirths’ experience restoring a farm in Somerset, England, Manuela carries forward a philosophy that unites land, culture, and connection.
Eight acclaimed artists were tapped to contribute custom, site-specific works, many of which are also functional components of the restaurant. Mary Heilmann’s striking ceramic tabletops appear throughout the space, while Rashid Johnson’s 23-foot dining table anchors the private dining area with bold creativity. Duro Olowu, a London-based fashion designer, provided a unique textile design, seemingly as a nod to Artfarms’ UK origins.
The bar is a standout creation by Mika Rottenberg, forming the restaurant’s luminous heart. Constructed from reclaimed plastic and bittersweet vines–an invasive species harvested in Upstate New York–the piece doubles as a scintillating work of environmental art and a fully functional bar. It glows with mushroom-shaped lights that cast an ethereal glow.
Murals from Lorna Simpson and Uman colorfully shape the environment, while iconic sculptures and paintings from artists like Louise Bourgeois, Philip Guston, Cindy Sherman, and Nicolas Party serve as a subtle homage to SoHo’s storied artist lineage.
Russell Sage Studio, renowned for their work on The Fife Arms and Fish Shop Ballater, led the interior design, ensuring that every element aligned with Manuela’s deep commitment to sustainability and artistic integrity.
Let’s break it down–wine, food, and everything in between.
Evident on each menu is the Wirths’ belief that generous, seasonal cooking is fundamental to a good life. Ingredients are sourced with extraordinary care from across the tri-state area and New England, ensuring that every dish is fresh and provenant.
The menu shifts with the seasons and is thoughtfully balanced, with half of the offerings focused on plants. Roasted turnips with royal corona beans and grilled brassicas share space with more inventive options like spiced monkfish skewers adorned with lovage and guindilla peppers.
Other standouts include rattlesnake beans with tomato vinaigrette and pecorino, and a Concord grape sorbet elevated by a drizzle of olive oil.
The kitchen–open for guests to see–relies on wood-fired ovens and a charcoal grill, bringing a rustic energy to the preparation of every plate.
Drinks mirror this attention to detail, with a selection that champions small-batch wines, classic cocktails reimagined with seasonal ingredients, and non-alcoholic sips that stand on their own.
Manuela also distinguishes itself with a pioneering approach to sustainability. It’s the only restaurant in Manhattan to operate its own in-house composter, known as “The Rocket,” which transforms food waste into nutrient-rich compost. This is then donated to Project EATS, a local nonprofit founded by artist Linda Goode Bryant, which uses it to nourish six urban gardens across New York City. Every diner contributes to this cause as well: a one-dollar donation added to each bill goes directly to Project EATS, closing the loop between dining and giving.
Final thoughts?
In all its intentionally and meticulously orchestrated layers–art, food, design, and community–Manuela offers a vibrant and heartfelt reminder that when creativity and care converge, the result is far greater than the sum of its parts.
Top Takeaways:
Location: SoHo, New York City
Address: 130 Prince St, New York, NY
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table New American
The vibe: Manuela is the type of spot your discerning art aficionado grandparent, aunt, or guncle would bring you for an elevated and cultural afternoon or evening affair.
Pricing: $$$
Takes reservations? Yes – SevenRooms
Our favorite dish on the menu: The dishes rotate based on seasonality; guests are in for a treat no matter the order.
The attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Manuela is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, dinner every day from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM, and brunch from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
