Neighbor's Italian Bistro, Mankato

We had the spicy chicken penne and it was to die for good -- brought the leftovers home, which our son ate, and now he wants me to call to get the recipe! Service was also very good. We live out of town, but will go back when we visit Mankato.

My husband and I have eaten at Neighbors several times. Overall we have never had a bad experience there - consistently excellent food, prompt courteous service and delicious wine. My husband says they have the best salmon and my favorite is the chicken gorgonzola pasta - absolutely TO DIE FOR. If you want a bland environment with cookie-cutter style food go to the new Olive Garden in town. If you want a lively, unique, interesting atmosphere - go to Neighbors. The serving size has always been more than adequate, the bread and salad are amazing. For wine I'd suggest something from their list of pinot noirs, and the house red and chardonnay are tasty. We'd go more often if it wasn't a bit pricey for us, but that is not really a complaint. If you want higher quality, you expect to pay a higher price.

We had been hearing such wonderful things about this place and decided to finally go. Should have just went to the Olive Garden (we had to go there anyway). We are from out of town so we made this a special trip. Had read the reviews, alot of good ones seemed to be the only thing was the service. Boy were they right on that one. We were set in a corner so I couldn't give a review about the ambiance. My hushand was constantly bumped by the staff trying to squeez threw the tight spot between his chair and the other table. They couldn't even say excuse me. Have I mentioned yet that I had a piece of Brillo Pad in my dinner? Actually it was my husbands dinner that they set in front of me. They did say that the dinner was on them. Gee Thanks. Would I like a new one? Uh No! After being sat in the naughty corner, the waitress constantly asking if we're ready to order (wouldn't you think that if someone is still looking at the menu they're not ready). By the way she had the personality of a rock! Sorry we were paying customers that interrupted her work day!!! If you like Olive Garden salad go there at least their greens are not wilty! The salad dressing is the same thing. They must train their staff to reach in front of the customer while they are eating, take a glass right out of their hand and take away their plates so the customer can sit there holding food wondering what to set it down on until they decide to bring a plate. Do not waste your hard earned money to go there.

I thought I would check out the reviews for the Neighbor's Italian Bistro in Mankato. I found them to be very helpful, but was very disappointed with all the misspelled words. I think if you are going to write/post anything where others will read, it is important to check your spelling. Misspelled words: "Vegitible"(Vegetable), "Supurb" (Superb), "Whine" (Wine), "Knoe"(Know), "Statis"(Status), "Talking"(Taking), etc. These are not typos either, this is everyday spelling. Let us begin to use the Dictionary once again and go over our vocabulary. Thank you and watch your SPELLING! My review will be posted shortly! :)

My wife and I have been to Neighbors Restaurant several times over the past year. Yesterday, November 7th was our daughters 14th birthday and she wanted to go to the Olive Garden to celebrate. We talked her into going to Neighbors because we had been so impressed in the past. What a dissapointment! The prices have gone up and the portions got much smaller. I have no problem paying $80 for the 3 of us to eat but we all did a double take at how small the portions were and we all left a little hungry. Pasta is so inexpensive anyway so why would they cut back the portions? We usually take the left overs home for later but we had to ask for more bread just to get full. I had the spicy chicken penne again which has always been outstanding. This time it could have fit in the palms of my hands. It was good, not as good as before and certainly not as much to enjoy. I don't think we will be back. Sorry.

It is so nice to have a place togo in Mankato that makes things from scratch. They have a real chef, the night we were in she even came out to our table to check on the food. That has never happened to me at a chain. We talked to Laci for about 10 min. I found out they make their own sauces, desserts and dressings. She told us how they use fresh Ingredients. I had the Fresh seafood choice. That night it was Blue Marlin.(Fantastic) Italian,Steaks or Seafood I think the Neighbor's is Mankato's Best

Our most recent visit to the Neighbors was a bit unsatisfying. Our hostess seemed slightly rude in accomodating us when we walked in the front door. We were then seated and placed an order shortly after. Although our server seemed to be a little too distracted with a booth in front of us, and left us with empty beverages. The food came out a bit slow, but was enjoyed by all as usual. I think we just deserved a little more attention from the staff.

Lacy Leuth is easily the best Chef in the lower part of the state hands down. the best time to go is sun nights for a quiet evening or sat night for the beginning of a night on the town.

Everything was wonderful, especially the homemade bread, salad, and grilled salmon. I have eaten there three times and everything has been of superior quality. I recommend it very highly.

I can't believe the whining on the last few posts. They must be Olive Garden employees! The food is excellent and not cookie-cutter approach that Olive Garden manufactures. Neighbors has its own style and panache that should be savored by the locals. I've had service in NYC, LA, Chicago and abroad that didn't even approach the quality of service at Neighbors. But then I guess if you are used to Burger King's drive up window what would you expect. For a special time, I would pick Neighbors as a reflection of the good things Mankato has to offer. Relaxing environment, good food and none of the commercialism of some other "Italian" restaurants.