For a small suburb, Manly has a great selection of bars and restaurants. Over the years that I’ve lived here, some have come and gone, but many of my favourite Manly restaurants are going strong, delivering delicious eats to residents and day-trippers. Whether you’re after a laid-back brekkie, a fancy seafood dinner, or a few cocktails by the beach, you’ll find it in Manly. The best part? You’re always just a stone’s throw from the water. So, if you’re visiting (or lucky enough to live here like me), here’s where you should be eating and drinking in Manly.
Quality check: I have eaten at all of these establishments on multiple occasions, so I am confident in my recommendations and hope you will be too.
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Cafés, Casual Eats & Coffee
These are perfect for a post-swim coffee, leisurely brunch or a takeaway treat.
Calibrate
In my opinion, they make the best coffee in Manly. There are a few seats and tables inside and stools outside in the sunshine, but I usually opt for takeaway and go and sit at West Esplanade on the sand.
What to order: chilli folded eggs and a flat white
Ripples Little Manly
Ripples is set right by the beach on Little Manly Beach. The main Ripples restaurant is lovely for lunch or dinner. And as a bonus, it’s BYO. There is also a little kiosk serving coffee and breakfast, as well as takeaway fish and chips.
What to order: coffee in the morning or takeaway fish and chips to enjoy on the beach
Read about the best beaches in Sydney
Salumerie
There are a few places in Manly selling focaccia (Norma’s and Bottega too), but Salumerie is my no.1 (and my Italian husband agrees). The sandwiches are so good, made with traditional Italian ingredients. The staff are also really friendly and nice, and they also sell the best pistachio croissant I have ever tasted. My only complaint is that they aren’t open earlier and for longer!
What to order: The diavola focaccia or the Mortadella focaccia
Fishbowl
This is my go-to for lunch: delicious and fresh poke bowls located on Manly Corso. They have seats, but the best option is to get takeaway and go and sit on the grass near the Wharf or the tables by Manly Beach.
What to order: Salmon O.G.
Vini’s
Run by a lovely guy called Vini, this café offers tasty breakfast and brunch options, empanadas, and delicious Prato Feito (a Brazilian dish of rice, fries, rump cap (picanha), and beans) served at lunchtime on weekends. There is outdoor seating in a sunny spot by the roundabout on Victoria Parade.
What to order: bacon and egg roll (always add a hash brown)
Rollers Bakehouse
Rollers has a bit of a cult following due to its unusual pastries. You can still get the classic pan au chocolat, but you can also get a selection of unique treats like hazelnut praline brioche or pistachio and frangipane danish. These change monthly, so there is always something new and delicious to try. The coffee is really good, too.
What to order: Honey, ham and cheese croissant
Boté
On the harbourside, along the start of the Manly to Spit walk, is Boté (aka Manly Boatshed). It’s a lovely location, right on the water’s edge and serves great coffee and pastries.
What to order: Flat White
Read about the best things to do in Manly
The Pantry
The Pantry has the best waterside location on the Oceanside in Manly. It does delicious brunch, tapas, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Book in advance as there aren’t many tables and it’s a prime spot, especially on weekends.
What to order: The breakfast board (San Daniele Prosciutto, Duroc Jamon Serrano and truffled salami with/ chorizo sausage, chargrilled capsicum & almond sauce, toasted sourdough & poached eggs)
Market Lane Café
Market Lane is a great spot within a pedestrian area of Manly, with public seating and occasional pop-ups. Surrounding it are some lovely cafés and restaurants, including Market Lane Café. They serve All Press coffee (my fave) and really great brunch items, with indoor and outdoor seating.
What to order: Halloumi eggs?
The Pocket
Though technically in Freshwater, not Manly, the Pocket deserves a mention. It’s a casual café just behind the beach and is ideal if you have young kids, as there is lots of space for them to run around and a nearby playground. The food and coffee are great, and it has a lovely atmosphere with a jumble of furniture outside.
What to order: Bacon and egg roll with a hash brown
The Bower
The Bower Café has the most incredible location, right on the walkway overlooking Fairy Bower, on the path to Shelly Beach. It’s always busy with ocean goers popping in for a post-swim coffee, or for people watching while brunching by the water. They also serve early evening drinks with a view.
What to order: Corn & Zucchini Fritters
Restaurants
For long lunches or dinners in Manly, these are the best spots to check out:
Manly Pavilion
A stunning waterfront restaurant with stylish interiors, serving modern Australian share plates with a seafood focus. The best seats are out on the terrace, and there is a happy hour 4-6pm each day.
What to order: Anything with the buttery kipfler potatoes
Wock Bar
A casual eatery offering a mix of Asian street food favourites. Think steaming bowls of laksa, crispy spring rolls, and flavour-packed noodle dishes. We often get takeaway laksa from here and eat it overlooking the water at East Esplanade.
What to order: Prawn or chicken laksa
Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club
This laid-back club offers classic pub fare with an emphasis on fresh seafood and steaks. Their famous steak night is a favourite among locals – we visit frequently – and the informal setting is perfect for all ages. It’s also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, with some of the most affordable drinks in Manly. (ID is required to enter the Skiff Club).
What to order: Steak and chips on a Monday
Garfish
A seafood lover’s paradise, Garfish serves up some of the freshest fish in Manly, expertly prepared and paired with delicious sides. Located just across from East Esplanade, you have harbour views, and the adjoining bar (Sugarfish) is an excellent spot to start or end the night.
What to order: Snapper pie and potato mash
Hugo’s
A Manly Institution serving modern Australian dishes with an unbeatable waterfront setting. Though their pizzas are popular, it’s their pasta and seafood dishes that are worth visiting for. Ask for an outdoor table and time your visit with the sunset for the best experience.
What to order: Crispy skin barramundi, sweet potato & ginger mash with coconut, chilli & lime sauce
Belgrave Cartel
This is a popular spot for brunch, but I love it in the evening when it offers delicious Italian cuisine in a cosy setting. It reminds me of the bars I used to go to in London and is great for a date night.
What to order: Grilled king prawns and Osso buco ragu
Sunset Sabi
A trendy Japanese eatery known for its modern, innovative dishes and creative cocktails. Their sushi rolls, gyoza, and tempura dishes make for a perfect sharing-style meal with friends.
What to order: Double Double Kinoko Gyozo
Cibaria
A stylish, all-day Italian restaurant inside the Manly Pacific Hotel, offering everything from wood-fired pizzetta and handmade pasta to gelato and cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with Mediterranean-inspired interiors featuring warm terracotta tones, arches and ocean views.
What to order: Eggplant parmigiana fritters and squid ink spaghetti aglio e olio
Where to Stay in Manly:
- Luxury: The Sebel or Little Manly Apartment
- Budget: Stoke Beach House
Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know in the comments below.
