A Foodie's Guide To Manly
Not just a place for sun seekers and surfers, Manly is building its rep for Sydney foodies with new eateries chasing hungry tourists and locals alike. After a day of sun and sand, here are a few places to get good nosh to fill your bellies before the ferry ride home.
Step straight off the ferry and into Hugo’s Manly for cocktails and traditional Italian wood-fire pizzas on the water’s edge. This cosy bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the sunshine with friends.
Only a few more steps away will have you heading into smokehouse and grill, Papi Chulo, one of Merivale’s new offshoots in the Northern Beaches. Forget eating breakfast if you’re heading here as these guys will not leave you hungry. Try the BBQ meat platter with servings the size of a small child and hot smoked for at least six hours to get that true Deep South flavour.
When you find this little Mexican hideaway, you won’t want to share it. Arrive early to grab a table in this small cantina and order yourself one of their many flavoured margaritas, top shelf tequila and a round of tacos. Oh, and don’t miss ordering their Carne Asada Fries. You won’t regret their cheesy, cheesy goodness.
Part of the popular Fishmonger franchise also located in Bondi and Byron Bay, this seafood stalwart is a crowd-pleaser serving delicious fresh seafood (grilled or in light tempura) and hand-cut kumara chips to the masses. Hidden just one block back from beautiful Manly Beach in Rialto Square, Mongers is a great place to grab a takeaway and enjoy fish and chips by the seashore at nearby Manly Cove b[NC1] each.
For those who enjoy a meal with a view, this is the place to go. The Pantry holds prime position on Manly Beach. This popular café and restaurant isn’t very big, so book a table (outdoor seats are obviously best!) and settle in for the fresh foods - the onsite charcuterie are not to be missed[O2] ! [TG3]
If you’re seeking something more caffeinated then Hemingway’s, the cool café located directly opposite the beach, will have the hipster inside you jumping for joy. Pull up a stool and indulge with a barista-made coffee amongst the book lined shelves while watching the world pass by.
Hej! Like IKEA but on delicious Swedish steroids, head to Fika Swedish Kitchen in Market Lane for a good dose of Scandinavian cuisine such as Doris’ Dumplings or traditional Swedish meatballs. Fika means ‘taking a break for coffee and a bite to eat’, and this cosy café allows you to do so with a side of Knäckebröd or Silly Dilly (pickled herrings) with friends.
Boilerhouse Harbourside Restaurant at Q Station
Lastly, why not head to one of the country’s most haunted sites to enjoy a tasty meal at the Q Station. Located a little bit further from the crowds, this popular restaurant has views over Quarantine Beach and a menu crafted by world class chefs. Join a ghost tour afterwards – if you dare!
