Manhattan Cafe

I have frequently lamented that's it's nearly impossible to find a restaurant based on how good their salads are and WOW this place must have heard me complaining because that's the best salad I've had in a long time. Yeah it's a "salad bar" but it's behind glass and the servers make it and toss it for you based on your selections. They have a beautiful variety (no iceberg to be seen!) with plenty of meat and vegetarian protein options, good cheeses, and colorful mixins.

You can walk there from the convention center, too.

The food was good but it is a bit cramped indoors. Probably better for outdoor eating.

Place was recommended by my sister. She was a frequent customer prior to the pandemic.

The pick two was a popular item and that's what my son choose. He ordered the Buffalo chicken wrap with a side salad. He got to customize the salad with 3 toppings. He said it was the best wrap he ever had. I order the salad and customized it with chicken and other toppings. The Buffalo ranch was a great dressing. I also ordered the Cajun chicken panini. I with it was more toppings due to the dryness but the sauce they provided really help and was delicious. We both recommend the salad!!! Ingredients were so fresh and picking your toppers made it even better. We love great salads.

The place was smaller on the inside and it was busy so we decided to take the food to go. However, the staff was very nice and brought the food right to us. They also have tv in there if you dine in.

I ordered ahead during lunchtime rush hour midweek and my order was ready on time. Nice service and the salad was fresh and delicious. The place is on the smaller side with some tables outside. Very cool art inside.

Great downtown location and New York / "Hole in the wall" vibes. I've conducted casual interviews here and frequently eat here on my lunch breaks.

The ranch sauce is amazing and the Buffalo Chicken Casadia & Wrap are my go to!!

I have been a huge fan of Manhattan Cafe since I first tried it from an Offline Perk in 2019. Their food is amazing and so affordable. I am a huge fan of the buffalo chicken wrap- don't forget the side of crack sauce, it is one of my favorite condiments ever. I love a good salad bar since they are so rare these days and this one is amazing and has so many options. I love that they make it for you and toss it up before putting it in the container. I recently took some coworkers who had never been before, and they all loved it. In 2019 they used to have Saturday hours so I wish they would add those back in. Or extend into Durham because I would be there every week.
I did take off one star since when I went this week none of the employees had masks on, and there is still a mask mandate in Wake County at this time.

First time in Raleigh. Family and I were walking to find a place to eat a quick lunch. Came across Manhattan Cafe and when walking in, saw that their cases were empty and they were in the process of closing. The staff was gracious and said they had been waiting for us and patiently waited for us to order our food. Everyone was so friendly and kind.
Sandwiches were great, service was EXCELLENT! As we sat outside eating they left the door open in case we needed the restroom, refills or anything. 5 star service!

Was in Raleigh for a work trip and I was craving some type of wrap. So I search the city and found this hidden gem. I ordered a build your own salad and half of a buffalo chicken wrap. First when I see that a restaurant is only open Monday thru Friday from 11am-3pm I was a bit skeptical but then I had the food, saw the customer
Service from the workers, and now I can see why this place is jumping and it's only open 4 hours a day!!!! This place is a great lunch spot right in the heart of the city I definitely will be back!

Grab lunch during the work week often and it's all been good. Recently tried the Philly cheesesteak special and it was soooo good! Also love getting to customize my salad using the salad bar. And the staff are great, especially the owners who are there regularly!

Quick fast and very delicious chicken Philly sandwich. Staff is very nice and respectful. Luckily I visited this place on Philly Friday where you get free fries