Sip natty wines, nibble on British-inspired share plates and slip into weekend mode with good beats at Banco Manly.

Intimate, bar-style restaurants are having a moment in Sydney. We’ve scored La Salut from the crew behind Ragazzi and Dear Sainte Eloise, Mille Vini which took over MV Bistro & Wine Bar in Surry Hills, Little Red Robin which had a makeover in Lane Cove and we can add Banco Manly to that stellar list. Nestled down an unassuming back alleyway in Manly, the 32-seater restaurant is giving these popular city venues a run for their money.

Owner Kurtis Bosley from CBK Hospitality Group is a force to be reckoned with in the hospitality industry. At the age of just 30, he’s already owned and operated the European-inspired restaurant, Corretto in Dee Why, and his can-do attitude drew him to renovate the empty building on Whistler Street. Bosley knew the space had potential and called in his friends from Tom Mark Henry to do the design and interior job. The venue now boasts booth and bar seating, brass lighting, white mosaic tiles and neutral tones throughout. The attention to detail is to be noted, especially the neon bottle signage that lours you in from the street.

Executive Chef Dan Webb is at the helm of the kitchen bringing modern British cuisine to the table. As with all good menus, it changes with the seasons and depending on what produce can be sourced from the local markets. Current menu highlights include Ham Hock Terrine with apricot chutney and soft quail egg, Lamb Shoulder Croquettes with peas and mint, Confit Duck & Foie Gras Pie and for dessert, Dark Chocolate Mousse with blood orange. Oh, and the Lobster Rolls available on Sundays are worth noting.

Bosley and Jacopo Montis are behind the bar bringing their mixologist skills and banter from working together at Correttos. Perch up at the bar and let them find you a minimal intervention wine to suit your palate or shake you a playful cocktail. Highlights include the She’sssss Alright with gin, sparkling passionfruit, peach manzanilla, elderflower and citrus, and the Pew-Pew Sour with Davidson Plum pisco, salted cucumber, fresh mint tea, chamomile and citrus.

Banco Manly is the perfect venue for date night, a post-work tipple, or catching up with friends. Venue Manager Rhys Masterson will make you feel welcome and help you slip into weekend mode with his hip-hop dominated playlist.

Banco Manly is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm and Sundays for lobster rolls, caviar and natural wine from 3pm!
Find out more here