From waterfront wine bars to flavourful Mexican cantinas, discover the best restaurants in Manly.
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly feels like stepping into a coastal oasis (without leaving Sydney). With plenty of spots to swim, snorkel and lap up the sun, Manly is one of our favourite weekend destinations boasting some of the best waterfront dining spots Sydney has to offer. No matter what cuisine you’re craving, discover the best restaurants in Manly below!
Banco Manly
Nestled down an unassuming back alleyway, this 32 seater restaurant is giving popular city wine bars a run for their money! The venue boasts booth and bar seating, brass lighting, white mosaic tiles and neutral tones throughout. Executive Chef Dan Webb is at the helm of the kitchen bringing modern British cuisine to the table. Find out more here.
The Cumberland
Get ready for 1920s sophistication hidden behind a seemingly inconspicuous fridge door with The Cumberland, Manly’s favourite speakeasy bar. If you love Whisky, you’ll be pleased to know there are 300+ varieties to choose from, spanning Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Australia, America & India. As for the food menu, The Cumberland draws inspiration from native ingredients found around Manly to form a shared-style tapas offering. Find out more here.
The Boathouse, Shelly Beach
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect beachside spot for a leisurely long lunch, you can’t go past The Boathouse at Shelly Beach. Step off the sand and grab a seat in this lofty dining room, serving a simple all-day brunch-style menu (walk-ins always welcome). Find out more here.
Hugos
Located right by the water, Hugos offers an unforgettable dining experience (with the waterfront view being a bonus). Italian food is at the forefront at the restaurant, where you can choose from crusty pizza, fresh seafood and pasta. The wine list focuses on Australian and French producers, with cocktails like Watermelon Smash and Hugo’s signature frose being crowd favourites. Find out more here.
Chica Bonita
A quick stroll down this hidden back alley in Manly and you’ll find the taco-slinging cantina and bar, Chica Bonita. Whether you’re in the mood for lunch or dinner, you’ll always find a flavourful selection of affordable Mexican eats on this menu, ranging from loaded burritos to guac and chips and an epic selection of tacos. Find out more here.
Little Pearl
Hawker style food and a beach front view? Say no more! Little Pearl is an all-day dining destination with share plates, Asian-fusion brunch dishes and bold cocktails that rotate seasonally. Choose between popcorn bug sliders and slow-cooked beef cheek, or oysters with nahm jim dressing if you’re in the mood for fresh. For cocktails, of course they have to have an Asian twist too – like Lychee Spritz and Smoky Mango Caprioska. Find out more here.
The Herring Room
Finding its home in a landmark 1920s-inspired space, The Herring Room is a quintessentially Manly restaurant. This family-run spot is located just off Manly Beach, delivering a contemporary Australian menu celebrating the best local, seasonal and sustainably sourced produce from nearby fisheries and farms. Find out more here.
Pocket Pizza
Bringing a slice of New York’s Little Italy to the heart of the Northern Beaches, Pocket Pizza is one of the best spots to score delicious Italo-American Pizza in Manly. Swing by for pizza, antipasto, pasta, cocktails in a can, vino and so much more. Find out more here.
Queen Chow Manly Wharf
Enjoy the best of Cantonese cuisine at Queen Chow Manly Wharf. Bringing the best of Hong Kong eats to the heart of Manly, this neighbourhood restaurant is relaxed yet refined and the perfect spot to dig into plates of roast duck, Peking beef, Australia’s best seafood and so much more. Find out more here.
Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly
For contemporary Japanese eats at their best, don’t miss Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly. Whether you take a seat at Sake’s interactive sushi counter, pull up a chair in the sleek bar or head outdoors to the venue’s alfresco terrace, expect exceptional nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls and fresh local seafood. Find out more here.
Sunset Sabi
For a playful spin on izakaya-style dining, head to Sunset Sabi. This local favourite (run by the team from Chica Bonita) adds a unique touch to modern Japanese eats, with clean, fresh dishes such as salmon sashimi, seared tuna and a reimagined version of the classic karaage staples on this menu. Find out more here.
Already tackled these restaurants in Manly? Head south and discover the best restaurants in Cronulla!