RESTAURANTS

One of my favourite Japanese restaurants in the area. It’s got a great vibe, really tasty food, and nice Japanese inspired cocktails. Perfect to go with a few people and grab a bunch of small share plates. The dank roll is a must order and edamame is also really good! If you’re hungry enough for dessert also order the sweet burger.

One of the best views for a restaurant in Manly and the food and drinks are excellent. Pricier than other Japanese options but perfect for a special occassion or simply a night where you feel like treating yourself. MUST orders include: spicy tuna roll, hiramasa kingfish, popcorn shrimp, and the spicy brussel sprouts. If you can stomach a dessert you need to try the Dragon egg. My favourite cocktail is also the Miss Wednesday (if you like lychees in drinks you’ll love it too).

If you’re after something a bit more low-key, look no further than Waka. It’s right around the corner on Pittwater Road and perfect for takeaway or dine-in. They’ve got a great selection of traditional japanese food from donburi to sushi rolls for mains and plenty of entree options too. Their miso soup is really yummy and my favourite sushi roll to order is the Spicy Waka Roll.

Pocket Pizza has the best pizza in Manly. Usually a booking is required so I suggest planning ahead but if you’re out of luck yu can always get takeaway.If you’re able to dine in you can also choose from some of their pastas. I’d recommend the vodka sauce pasta and adding burrata. My favourite pizza is the Netflix and Chilli and if you’ve got room after they do a killer tiramisu. They also have a great aperitivo hour on Fridays and weekends from 4-5:30pm!

A great Italian spot for going with a few people and sharing a few small plates. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays they operate as BYO, meaning you can bring your own bottles of wine. On Thursdays they have a pasta + wine special for $30 and on weekends they have a great Aperitivo Hour from 4-5pm with $10 spritzes and $5 snacks.

One of my favourite restaurants in Manly and a great spot for a special dinner or lunch. A little on the pricier side but worth it as the food and drinks are great and the atmosphere is excellent. Usually weekends are just walk in so it’s best to get there a little earlier and pop your name on a waitlist. Great sunset views and if you’re able to nab a table outside all the better. The Lychee Mee is my favourite cocktail but the daiquiris are a close second. Pretty much all of the food here is great but don’t leave without ordering the avocado salad.

A great local Italian spot with amazing pastas and wines. Perfect for a lunch or dinner. On Tuesdays from 5pm they do $20 pastas and on Sundays they’re BYO from 5pm. They also have a great happy hour most days from 3-5pm.

One of my favourite restaurants – Chica Bonita is your go-to spot for Mexican in Manly! If you’re going for dinner the carne fries are an essential order and usually enough to fill you up, but if you’ve still got room you can always top up with a couple of tacos (my favourites are the cheeseburger and KFC tacos). Their margaritas are also fantastic and come in different flavours (my favourite is the watermelon). On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4-5pm they have a happy hour with $10 margs and $5 tacos. If you’re popping by at lunch time try one of their burritos!

Kazzi’s a great Greek place just up the road from the hostel and along North Steyne beach. They’ve got a great range or really tasty traditional greek platters and perfect for going with a small group and sharing a few things. If you’re sharing things my top recommendations would be the grilled octopus, kazzi fries and stix & greek salad. If you’re just going solo their souvlaki wraps are perfect. I typically avoid going on weekends as they surcharge 15% on both days – so it’s best to go during the week!

More of an upscale Chinese restaurant on The Wharf with a great vibe and nice views too! Food is more expensive than your usual Chinese restaurant but for a special occassion or nice night out it’s worth it. The steamed dim sum platter, prawn toast, peking duck pancakes, and honey prawns are must-orders. The fried ice-cream is also really yummy if you’re craving a dessert.

If you’re after more of a local feed and cheaper, succulent Chinese meal then look no further than Manly Eat Well. A great option for takeaway or dine in. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays they have a 1/2 priced dish of the day available for dine-in only. My favourite is the sweet and sour pork is my favourite.