Exploring Manly, Australia: Top Dining Destinations

where to eat in manly australia

If you're looking for a bite to eat in Manly, Australia, you're spoilt for choice. From funky Japanese spots to classic fish and chips, there's something for everyone. For a taste of modern Australian cuisine with a touch of Italian influence, head to The Pantry Manly, which offers stunning panoramic ocean views. If you're craving fresh seafood, Garfish Manly is the place to go, or for something a little different, try Banana Blossom for delicious Asian-style salads. For a fun night out, Sunset Sabi offers a unique take on Japanese food, while Mexican diner Chica Bonita is a long-time favourite for date nights. For a high-end Cantonese experience, Queen Chow Manly is a top choice, and if you're after something more low-key, there's always the new restaurant Cibaria, or the neighbourhood spot Busta, which is next door to a boutique wine shop.

Characteristics Values
Restaurants with a view Queen Chow Manly, The Pantry, Hugo's, Manly Pavilion
Restaurants with vegan options Waka, Saké Sydney, Norma's Deli
Restaurants with gluten-free options Waka, Saké Sydney
Japanese restaurants Sunset Sabi
Italian restaurants Pocket Pizza
Mexican restaurants Chica Bonita, Beaches Pizza Bar
Seafood restaurants Garfish, Fishmongers Manly
Greek-inspired restaurants Norma's Deli
Australian cuisine The Pantry
Chinese restaurants Top BBQ Chinese
Thai restaurants Belgrave Cartel
Cocktail bars The Cumberland

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Japanese, Mexican and Italian restaurants

If you're looking for Japanese food in Manly, Australia, you might want to try Sushi Waka, a casual Izakaya-style Japanese restaurant located near Manly Beach. The interior is decorated with white sand, paying tribute to the local lifestyle. For a unique take on Japanese-inspired food, try Sunset Sabi, which also receives praise for its atmosphere.

For Mexican food, check out Mex and Co, a restaurant that serves great food and has an open bar window so you can feel closer to the outside while remaining inside.

As for Italian restaurants, Cibaria Trattoria is an Italian eatery inspired by an Italian piazza. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the menu represents a collection of different 'ria's' to bring you an authentic Italian experience. Another Italian option is Waka, which serves a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options, as well as a good selection of drinks, especially sake.

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Bakeries and delis

If you're looking for a bakery in Manly, Australia, you're in luck! There are several great options to choose from. A Touch of Europe Bakehouse and Cafe is a small retail bakery located in the heart of Manly, offering delicious Turkish bread. Berkelo is another excellent choice, specialising in traditional sourdough bread and accompanying dishes. Fika is a local favourite, known for its breads, rolls, pies, cakes, and pastries.

For those who love their bread, Village Bakery Balgowlah Heights is also worth a visit. Located in Balgowlah, this bakery offers a range of Vietnamese delights. If you're looking for a cafe experience to go with your baked goods, Sonoma is a great option, with friendly service and outdoor seating.

When it comes to delis in Manly, Norma's Deli is a must-try. This Greek-inspired bakery, cafe, and grocer offers a unique dining experience. Moreish Foods is another popular choice, offering high-quality products to eat in or take away, including a range of meats, cheeses, prepared meals, and treats.

For a more traditional deli experience, Manly Deli on Sydney Road is a great option, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeaway options. With a variety of bakeries and delis to choose from, Manly, Australia, has something to satisfy any craving!

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Seafood and fish and chips

If you're looking for seafood and fish and chips in Manly, Australia, there are several great options to choose from. For a casual meal, you can grab fish and chips from a place like Fishmongers, which offers a range of seafood options, including tuna, barramundi, and zucchini flowers, or opt for a seaside picnic with fish and chips from a local chippery.

For a more upscale experience, Merivale's Queen Chow Manly is a high-end Cantonese restaurant located right on the water at Manly Wharf. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including prawn dumplings, roast duck, kung pao chicken, and fragrant, fresh seafood options. The dining room is sunlit, with opulent interiors and a faint coastal breeze, making it a perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch.

If you're looking for a funky night out, Sunset Sabi offers a unique take on Japanese cuisine, with dishes like cheeseburger gyozas and pimped-up sushi rolls. The set menu is a great way to sample a variety of their dishes at $65 per person. For a more traditional Italian experience, Pocket Pizza offers a vintage kitsch setting with check tablecloths and lacy curtains. Start with an antipasto spread of olives, burrata, and prosciutto before moving on to their famous pizzas.

Finally, for a quick bite, Norma's Deli is a Greek-inspired bakery, café, and grocer that offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Australian cuisine. With a variety of options, from salads to focaccia, you can enjoy your meal by the beach or on the wharf.

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Brunch spots

If you're looking for a great brunch spot in Manly, Australia, there are several options to choose from. Each offers a unique experience, from casual cafes to waterfront restaurants, ensuring there is something for everyone's taste and preference.

For a casual cafe experience, Barenaked Bowls is a popular choice. Located off the main street, it offers a village-like vibe and serves some of the best acai bowls in Sydney. Their signature bowl, The Hippie Bowl, is a must-try, made with macadamia milk. If you're a coffee connoisseur, Hemingway's in Manly is the place to be. Known for its quirky vibes and delicious food, it also boasts the best coffee in Manly, according to some locals. Hemingway's spills out onto the pavement, offering a great opportunity to soak up the beach vibes and enjoy the views across the beach.

When it comes to waterfront dining, Manly has several options. The Boathouse in Shelly Beach is an institution, renowned for its salads and fish & chips, and its beautiful location at the end of the Manly Beach to Shelly Beach walk. Another popular choice is Queen Chow, a buzzing waterfront restaurant that offers a unique blend of Cantonese and Chinese/Australian cuisine. Their dim sum menu, crafted by dim sum master Eric Koh, is a highlight, featuring steamed or fried dumplings and favourites like prawn siu mai and xiao long bao.

For a more elegant yet casual dining experience, Banco is a great choice. This Manly restaurant and bar offer tasty dishes like lobster rolls with miso mayo and grilled octopus with romesco, paired with a carefully curated selection of wines from female, couple, and family winemakers. If you're looking for a vibrant Japanese experience, Sunset Sabi is a fun Japanese izakaya on Pittwater Road. Their menu includes crowd-pleasers like karaage chicken, charcoal pork shoulder skewers, and a variety of raw and seared seafood selections.

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Restaurants with a view

If you're looking for a restaurant with a view in Manly, Australia, you're spoilt for choice. The Pantry Manly is a great option, offering modern Australian cuisine with a touch of Italian influence and stunning beachfront views. You can watch the waves, surfers, and even spot whales or dolphins while enjoying your meal.

For a high-end Cantonese dining experience, Queen Chow Manly is a popular choice, located right on the water at Manly Wharf. The food is exceptional, with a dim sum menu crafted by one of the world's greatest dim sum masters, Eric Koh. The sunlit dining room and opulent interiors make it perfect for a long, leisurely lunch.

Another waterfront restaurant worth considering is Hugos, which has been a Manly icon for almost two decades. Their menu features fresh Italian flavours that will transport you to a summer's day in Sicily. Enjoy dishes like yellowfin tuna carpaccio, surf and turf tasting plates, and a variety of pizzas and pastas.

If you're looking for a more casual vibe, Banco is an elegant yet relaxed restaurant and bar serving dishes like lobster rolls, grilled octopus, and Wagyu steaks. They offer a wide range of wines, showcasing low-intervention makers from Australia and Europe. Banco is located on the sand of Little Manly Beach, providing the perfect setting for a daytime or evening meal.

For those who enjoy Mexican cuisine, Chica Bonita is a fun and bustling restaurant serving up tasty tacos, burritos, and their famous carne fries. It's a great spot for date nights and offers stunning water views, making it a favourite among locals.

Frequently asked questions

The Pantry is located on the beachfront and offers panoramic ocean views. It serves modern Australian cuisine with fresh, local ingredients and a touch of Italian influence.

Sunset Sabi is a funky Japanese spot serving dishes like cheeseburger gyozas and pimped-up sushi rolls. For high-end Cantonese, try Queen Chow Manly, which is located right on the water at Manly Wharf. Hugo's and Manly Pavilion are also good options, with lovely views and decent food.

Banana Blossom serves Asian-style salads that are made fresh in front of you in their open kitchen. Mexican diner Chica Bonita is another solid choice for lunch, with tacos and margaritas on the menu.

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