Manalu Italian Restaurant - Authentic Italian Dining in Frederick, MD

The atmosphere is very authentic and traditional—comfortable, welcoming, and great for conversation without feeling stuffy. Even during lunch, they added such a cool personal touch when the (very nice and good-looking!) manager pulled out an accordion and played while everyone sang Happy Birthday. Totally unexpected and very memorable. The food was excellent. I had the bolognese, which was rich and satisfying without being too heavy for midday. Clint ordered the spaghetti and meatballs—classic and done right. Devin had the seafood special, which looked incredible and tasted just as amazing. We also shared the calamari appetizer, and it was perfectly cooked—crispy and tender. Great food, authentic atmosphere, and thoughtful touches make Manalu an easy recommendation for both lunch meetings, casual dining and I would bet that dinner fine dining is a great experience.

Delicious and authentic Italian food. So glad we found this place. Highly recommend. We ordered meatballs with the spicy diablo sauce and crostini de mare for appetizers. Both were incredible. It's important to note that this place has really great quality seafood. We had a caesar salad, lobster bisque soup, and their house made bread. The soup and bread were both outstanding. For our entrees, my husband ordered a daily special which included sea bass, mussels, clams, and other seafood served over pasta and a light red sauce. Delicious and quality seafood dish. The fish was so buttery, 10/10. I ordered the Ravioli Mare E Monti. This is one of the best pasta dishes I've had. Really creamy and rich. Also a 10/10. We ordered the creme brulee for dessert and it was delicious. The restaurant had the cutest holiday decor. We made our reservation for their outdoor area and it was perfect. Very festive and warm. We also arrived 45 minutes early for our reservation, and our table was already ready. Great service and overall experience. When we're in Frederick again, this will be our go-to spot.

We all loved it! The food is excellent, very good drinks and deserts. I had what I think was the best cannoli I've ever had. Certainly the freshest. I had the vegetable baked zitti and it was awesome. Can't wait to return to try other dishes. The berrytini was very yummy, too.

A friend recommended this place and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Friendly staffs from the moment we entered. Very family friendly. Then the food came and wow. Yum! We ordered the spaghetti vongole, risotto del pescatore (I requested for spaghetti in place of the rice and the staff happily complied, and the abruzzi. Will definitely return to sample more dishes! Thank you for a wonderful evening!

Fantastic experience. The food was excellent — the pizza and chicken parm were especially good, and the appetizers were great too. Service was friendly and attentive the whole time, and they even surprised us with calamari on the house. This place actually has some history for me. The first time I came here back in March 2024, I ended up being taken out by ambulance after my heart rate and blood pressure went wild. Later I was diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction. Coming back now, feeling better and actually able to enjoy the meal, meant a lot. Same great restaurant, just a much better chapter. Easy 5 stars.

Evening date nice, well priced, good atmosphere and great service! Marcello, our server, was on point every time! Even though it was busy in there, he was always near by to help. The food was authentic and flavorful. Italian cuisine with an amazing wine selection. Desserts made from scratch. One of the best restaurants in the Frederick area in my opinion. Will definitely return to try other dishes.

I had to come leave a review because I am just BLOWN AWAY by this place!! 3 of us came here for a birthday dinner. We made sure to book a reservation a week in advance because it was a saturday night and I know this place gets busy. We only waited 5 minutes for a table and then were promptly greeted by our amazing waiter Marcello. He was so knowledgeable of the menu and gave great recommendations. We got the bruschetta and the crostini di mare. OMG it was so delicious. for entrees I got the Aurora with linguine and added veal and let me tell you it blew my socks off. The plating was beautiful on all the dishes and everything was so flavorful. Of course we had to try their desert menu so we got the chocolate tartufo, the cappuccino tartufo and the crème brûlée. AMAZING. We will definitely be coming back very soon. We have decided this is officially going to be a regular spot for us. The food the service and the atmosphere are exquisite. You must try this place. you won’t find anywhere else like it in the area i promise!

The BEST Italian restaurant around DC. We stumbled upon this place and were so surprised at how great the food was! The portions were big, food was authentic and homemade, and the prices were reasonable. Plus they have a great selection of deserts to choose from. This is one of our favorite places now!