Eat like a local: Manly

The flight attendant is used to travelling the world but loves being back in Sydney. Here she enjoys life on the Northern Beaches and spends time indulging her interests and passions which include gardening, yoga, walking, styling and eating out. This week Carolynne is taking us for a walk through her beautiful neighbourhood, with a few well planned stops at some of the best spots in Manly and surrounds.

Where do you go for your morning coffee?

“If I go walking to Manly I choose Barrel One Coffee which is roasted in the Northern Beaches. For a hole-in-the-wall coffee place I go to Staple. As well as great coffee they also have the best almond croissants!”

What’s your favourite place for a fast lunch?

“I would go to Bluewater Cafe (which is now under new management) for good consistent meals and a nice view. I’ve been taking my boys here for years. It’s always going to be good and it’s not expensive. I also love Kazzi Beach Greek Manly at North Steyn. It’s like a Greek taverna and looks out over the ocean. Another favourite is Tarboosh Lebanese Kitchen: great banquets and share plates. The staff are courteous and it’s great for vegetarians and carnivores.”

Best takeaway?

“It’s one of so many great options but I would say Sushi Izakaya Waka on Pittwater Road. The Waka salad is one to try.”

What’s your bakery of choice?

“It would have to be Staple – the food is baked in Seaforth and they are now in partnership with great cafes and corner stores in the area (like Aggy’s Corner which serves bread and pastries from Staple). There’s a free community bus from Manly up to Seaforth and Fairlight, so that’s another way to get to the bakery.”

I’d take someone to dinner at…

“…Garfish – an “occasion restaurant” for lunch or dinner. They do a great snapper pie: beautiful! Hugo’s on the Wharf is also great and has an outdoor area. Garfish is popular with the “older set”, while Hugo’s is for the younger crowd. I’m confused as to which one I like the most! Hugo’s has the view, is nice for pizza and does big share plates. The Sunset geisha is the signature cocktail – you have to try it.”

Manly’s secret gem is…

“… the Boat House Pavilion on Manly Cove. It’s the old Spanish Mission pavilion building by the Boathouse Group. It’s a beautiful iconic building with beautiful views: it’s sublime watching ferries come and go in Manly Cove. The food is beautiful. I love the seafood risotto and the flatbreads are great. It’s new and lovely and my favourite at the moment. It’s a feast for the eyes and for the belly: intimate and opulent!”

Manly is a great place to eat because…

“… there are so many choices: Italian, Asian, Mexican and other cuisines. There are high end to low end options, lots of options for any wallet. The Corso at Manly is mainly for tourists but it is behind the Corso and the side streets and lanes where you will find some of the best places (like Market Lane). There is a young vibe in Manly, and so many choices: bars, restaurants, gelato, nice little cafes, cocktails, pubs … (for gelato you can go to Anita’s: it’s new and beautifully renovated). I love Donny’s Bar  for cocktails and also Chica Bonita for their margaritas. The laneways are linked to the local markets held on weekends.”

Your Manly address book:

Barrel One Coffee: 40 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Staple: 1A 40 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095 (and locations in Seaforth and Cromer)

Bluewater Cafe: 28 South Steyne, Manly NSW 2095

Kazzi Beach Greek Manly: Shop 4/93-95 North Steyne, Manly NSW 2095

Tarboosh Lebanese Kitchen: Shop 6/93-95 North Steyne, Manly NSW 2095

Sushi Izakaya Waka: 155 Pittwater Road, Manly NSW 2095

Aggy’s Corner: Shop 1/94 West Street, Balgowlah NSW 2093

Garfish: 1/39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Hugo’s Manly: Manly Wharf, 1 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Boat House Pavilion: West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Anita Gelato: 46-48 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

Donny’s Bar: 7 Market Place, Manly NSW 2095

Chica Bonita: 9 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

Want to explore another part of Sydney? Check out our eat like a local guide to Alexandria or head on over to Asian food haven Kingsford.