Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut
  4. Hartford
  5. Manchester
A beautiful dining atmosphere at Cafe Aura - Cafe Aura, Manchester, CT

Cafe Aura

4.7
4.7
614 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 17 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
  • Charming
CT Magazine's pick for Best Italian Restaurant, Cafe Aura brings authentic Italian cuisine to your table in a beautifully redesigned restaurant. An award-winning wine list paired with Executive Chef Erminio Conte's signature specials create a dining experience that rivals the most well-known restaurants throughout Connecticut. From brunch to Happy Hour, to date night and private events...Cafe Aura brings a versatility that covers a wide customer base. Owner and Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma has created an atmosphere that combines dishes from the old country with a modern but understated decor. Don't miss the opportunity to come enjoy all that Cafe Aura has to offer.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Steak, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Sun 11:00–14:00 Sun 15:00–20:00
  • Phone number
    (860) 643-2751
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Erminio Conte
  • Private party facilities
    Cafe Aura offers three beautiful private dining spaces to cover a variety of events. Our Cavey's Room is perfect for events from 10-20 people. Our Garden Room, which has a street view, located in the front of our dining room holds 20-30 people. Our downstairs banquet room has the capacity to hold an event up to 75 people.
  • Area
    Manchester
  • Cross Street
    South Main Street
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 614 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Hartford

    Great for brunch

  • Hartford

    Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Aura in Manchester, CT is celebrated for its attentive service and inviting atmosphere, making it a local gem. Diners rave about the "authentic Italian food" and "prompt and efficient service," with standout dishes like the veal chop and tiramisu. An ideal spot for special occasions or relaxed gatherings.
614 Reviews
  1. John Walker

    New York City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful dining experience at Cafe Aura. Frank the Soumalier was a fantastic host with a great knowledge of his wines, and he made our dining experience very special. We came up to UCONN for a home game of the UCONN Ladies Basketball Team. Leaving Cafe Aura , we were treated to seeing the Legend himself Gino Auriemmo enter his restaurant and warmly greet patrons. Great evening! Johnny Walker 😃

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kathy

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was incredible! We have spent a lot of time in Italy, this was comparable. The staff was amazing- but the noise level was a bit too loud. But we will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Raymond

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated my Mom's 95th birthday and was pleasantly surprised with restaurant and food. We were seated at a secluded table and enjoyed the atmosphere. We had an unexpected visit with Coach who graciously acknowledged my mothers' birthday - she's an an avid UConn basketball fan - truly made the night extra-special!!!! Grazie Mille Coach Auriemma . . . .

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kathy

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We started with the calamari and the meatballs. Both were very good! The branzino entree was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Thomas

    New York City

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 9 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great time and meals! Service was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Michael

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 1 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our favorite restaurant in the Manchester, CT area. The food is always very good. We appreciate the attentive servers; they know when to check in. Prices are reasonable for nice dining. It was crowded (NYE) but the experience was quite good.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Karin

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 1 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cafe Aura never disappoints! Enjoyed our New Year’s Eve dinner downstairs as usual. We continue to be amazed by the staff’s prompt and efficient service no matter how large the crowd. Best Italian food east of the river!

    Is this helpful?

  8. JenniferS

    VIP

    New York City

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 1 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve been to Aura several times and always had great experiences. We chose Aura for our “special” New Years Eve dinner this year but felt a little disappointed this time. It was advertised they would have their regular menu as well as specials and each person would get a glass of champagne for a toast. I looked ahead at the regular menu on their website and picked out lobster ravioli if they didn’t have a special I was interested in. We had a 745 reservation because all the earlier times had been taken by the time I got around to booking. We were sat promptly in the smaller back room. There was a sea bass special that sounded unique and absolutely amazing had me drooling, until our server informed us they ran out. Well, as frustrating as that is, it happens. I was going to order my pre planned out lobster ravioli but after reviewing the menu given to us, I realized it was not the same as what was posted online so no lobster ravioli. I ended up just getting chicken, something I could have made at home because not much else appealed to me. At the end of dinner as we were ordering dessert we realized we didn’t get the champagne that was advertised, apparently you had to ask for it which is a little tacky since it was advertised on facebook. There was a gentleman who came over to a table in the area we were in and asked them how their meal was and I was going to mention my disappointment to him but he never came to our table. Anyway, the food we did order was delicious and our server was excellent. I don’t want to scare anyone off from visiting this restaurant but at the very least they should make sure their online menu is accurate.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Janet

    Connecticut

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We arrived on time for our reservation. We were seated right away. Waitstaff attentive since very busy on News Year’s f Eve. Excellent food. Great experience. Would recommend. Great atmosphere, staff, food. What could be better.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Audrey

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, ambience and wonderful staff. Co- workers helped each other out.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Aura offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (860) 643-2751.

Cafe Aura is rated 4.7 stars by 614 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Aura

45 E Center St, Manchester, CT 06040-5201

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    South Main Street
  • Area
    Manchester
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Sun 11:00–14:00 Sun 15:00–20:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Steak, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Erminio Conte
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (860) 643-2751
  • Private party facilities
    Cafe Aura offers three beautiful private dining spaces to cover a variety of events. Our Cavey's Room is perfect for events from 10-20 people. Our Garden Room, which has a street view, located in the front of our dining room holds 20-30 people. Our downstairs banquet room has the capacity to hold an event up to 75 people.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo