Let me share a little secret that most West Islanders know, but many others on the island haven't discovered: Resto Vieux Four Manago, an Italian restaurant on St. Charles in Kirkland, is our hidden gem. When my kids were younger, we used to bring them there for the kids' meal of pasta. For a while, it became our family's go-to spot. You know how kids are-picky eaters with ever-changing tastes-& eventually, they grew tired of pasta. But during that time, my wife & I stuck to one thing we loved: the'frutti di mare' pizza. As the name suggests, it's a seafood-inspired pizza, topped with shrimp, scallops, crab, & a rich seasoned tomato sauce to bring it all together.
Though the restaurant was a favorite, life & changing preferences led us away from it for several years. But Vieux Four Manago has always remained a family-driven place, with a welcoming ambiance, soft background music, & a bar area where you can catch a game if you're into sports. It's the kind of place that's perfect for celebrating life's milestones, from birthdays to anniversaries, or any event where you want to be surrounded by loved ones. The restaurant's heart has always been its family atmosphere, & the staff make you feel right at home, like part of their own family.
Now that our kids are much older, they still haven't developed the same love for pasta, but recently, my wife & I decided to take a nostalgic trip back to Vieux Four Manago & order our old favorite, the'frutti di mare' pizza. It felt like we were stepping back in time-the wood-fired brick oven was still there, tirelessly producing pizzas for both dine-in patrons & takeout orders. When our pizza finally arrived, it was just as we remembered it. The toppings were perfectly browned, exactly how I've always liked them, & the crust was golden, light, & deliciously crispy. We added a drizzle of chili oil with just the right amount of heat, giving each bite a subtle extra kick. As soon as I took that first bite, a flood of memories came rushing back. It tasted every bit as wonderful as it did in the past, reminding us of all the good times we'd shared at this spot.
Can you believe it? Resto Vieux Four Manago boasts an incredible selection with over 27 different pizzas & 16 pasta dishes! Whether you're craving a classic like Margherita or feeling adventurous & want to try something bold, there's a pizza to satisfy every taste. The variety is impressive, with something to suit everyone's preferences, all crafted with that signature, old-fashioned flavor that instantly makes you feel at home. From traditional favorites like pepperoni & mozzarella to more inventive combinations, this place has every pizza lover's dream covered. Plus, their menu offers a wide range of meals with chicken, beef, & seafood to satisfy all appetites beyond just pizza. With their focus on pizza & pasta, there's truly something for everyone, & the options fit various budgets, ensuring an excellent meal for every occasion. Whether you're dining in or taking out, they're sure to hit the mark!
If you're looking to dine out & enjoy a quiet evening, the atmosphere at Vieux Four Manago is refreshingly serene compared to many other restaurants. It's not too loud, allowing you to relax & let the background fade away. My wife & I had a wonderful evening there. With delicious food in my belly & mature love in the air, it was the perfect recipe for a satisfying end to the night. The digital candlelight setup created an intimate & romantic setting, with the soft glow of the virtual candles adding a warm touch to the experience. Light, soothing music played gently in the background, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the conversation.
If you haven't been, or if you're looking for a cozy, family-friendly restaurant, Resto Vieux Four Manago is that special, under-the-radar place that you'll fall in love with. It's our little secret, & one we're happy to keep going back to. @mtlrestorap
Yesterday evening we celebrated a friend's birthday in a party of 3, with a reservation. As always, since we enjoyed the terrasse here a few years ago, we enjoyed last night immensely, feeling treated, with cooking & quality of ingredients a cut above for generosity & freshness, & the considerate, timely service of Kevin. The wine list does not disappoint. On the Table d'hôte we enjoyed the crab cakes, as good as at any beach resort, with a thin crispy crust, & the thin-crust pizza made in a traditional wood-fired oven, with a request accommodated for using blue cheese instead of the goat cheese for my husband. (It was similar to my favorite Francesca pizza on the à la carte menu.) The house-made tiramisu is a very generous portion, & does not exclude any traditional ingredients like the liqueur. The mascarpone was smooth & rich, the lady finger cookies fresh & delicious. Our birthday guest received a festive sparkler & we sang happy birthday. If you'd like to celebrate, or simply feel too tired to cook dinner, or want a lunch treat, try Le Vieux Four. I am SO happy for this discovery, & was reluctant to share, in case reservation space disappeared! It is now our "go to" spot, & EVERY service person's genuine attentiveness is really rare today, with such good food, from savory veal, to pizza, crispy, hot calamari or the arancini, try everything, you won't be sorry!!!! Worth every $.
