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Manzi’s is somewhere that Poseidon would come to cut loose. At the seafood spot in Soho, human-sized mermaids prop up the bar, booths curve like waves, and weighty salt and pepper shakers are shaped like crabs. Waiters in bow ties stop to linger and gossip with their favourite tables and well-dressed couples swirl glasses beneath ornate ceiling murals worthy of the Sistine Chapel—or, at least a very fancy church. It’s decadent, fun, and over the top, plus the food is tasty and just as theatrical. A monkfish wellington for two comes with sauce américaine—sweet with brandy and tomatoes—delivered in a little silver jug. Buttery, soft scallops come in pristine white shells and tiramisu with ruler-straight edges is served with a jug of warm cream. Get a seat upstairs by the bar where the glamorous under-the-sea vibes really shine. Downstairs is sleek, but without velvet booths to spread out in, it’s much less entertaining. This isn’t the best seafood in London, but that’s OK because you should come here for a blowout, to take lots of pictures, and be politely asked to leave at 11pm because they want to close.
photo credit: Tim Winter
photo credit: Tim Winter
photo credit: David Cleveland
