THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mani's On Maple

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mani's On Maple Restaurant Review:

When previously situated on Fairfax, Mani’s was one of the neighborhood’s favorite health-conscious bakeries, known for its popular vegan, wheat, gluten and dairy-free desserts. The bakery has expanded, moving to dappled, tree-lined Maple Drive in Beverly Hills and evolved into a full-service restaurant dishing up classic American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A casual, upscale crowd lounges against a wall of windows framing the sophisticated, spacious modern dining room; a chic bar near the entrance buzzes with a lively happy hour on weekdays. Indeed, we thought the handcrafted signature cocktails were something to buzz about. Mixed artfully with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables you could consider them liquid appetizers---especially refreshing is the "southpaw," mixed with Jameson, cucumbers and mint. Dishes are fairly priced and portions are generous here. Fish is best avoided; instead choose a fresh arugula salad with flavorful beef tenderloin and warm feta, or woodsy faro risotto with trumpet mushrooms. A brightly flavored polenta lasagna is a standout, and savory barbecue short rib is long on flavor. Breakfasts range from a farmers market frittata to tofu scramble hash, and lunch spans various California-inspired salads, sandwiches and burgers. The bakery’s ubiquitous cookies, cupcakes, pies and brownies---most of which can be ordered vegan---remain a dessert and take-out staple.