Marking the start of the Northern Beaches at the southernmost point, and with a plethora of sensational spots to swim, surf, snorkel, relax or just soak up the sun, Manly is an oasis all of its own making. With a laid-back attitude and being only a short trip from the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD, the suburb is home to over 40,000 residents and boasts over 7 million visitors annually, (the popularity of day tripping amongst Sydney-siders and the iconic Manly ferry trip definitely attribute to this), the suburb boasts an enviable lifestyle with plenty of activities available from the most extreme to the most relaxing with the night life being as good as the daytime life.

One characteristic of Manly that is often overlooked however and should not be forgotten is the high quality, eclectic, vibrant and innovative dining experiences that inhabit the more popular areas of Manly such as the famous Corso strip and Manly Wharf. Whether you’re on a day trip over to Manly to check out the beaches or harbour or perhaps scoping out a new Northern Beaches home or investment property, Manly has some of the best and most diverse lunchtime dining experiences that Sydney has to offer with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a five-star meal with a view over the beach or a quick coffee and sandwich to help you recharge, Manly has it all, so let’s explore some of the best lunchtime dining options that Manly has to offer.

Pizza

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned cheesy slice of pizza for lunch from time to time? Pocket Pizza is a small pizza restaurant that comfortably seats 36 patrons within its cosy four metre ceilinged surrounds. With a multitude of pizzas to choose from with names such as “Gordan Hamsey” and “Netflix & Chilli” and a topping selection that is more on the creative side of things as opposed to traditional such as triple pork and salami there is something for everyone to try. With a rotating selection of cocktails on tap and the house “Pocket Pizza Draught” there is no shortage of options to wash your pizza down with. Being open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Pocket Pizza is the perfect place to enjoy a lunchtime pizza. For the best experience, we recommend grabbing a slice or two and heading down to the beach and sitting on the sand while you savour your slice. Pizza and the beach...life doesn’t get much better!

If you’re looking for a more premium pizza experience and want to try not only the best pizza in Manly, however, an awarded “Best Pizza in NSW” look no further than Hugos. Located on Manly Wharf and boasting an array of contemporary Italian cuisine such as pumpkin gnocchi with roasted jerusalem artichoke puree to more traditional offerings such as flathead fillets in a light beer batter and house-made tomato and tartare sauce, there is something to suit all taste buds. Open daily from 12pm, Hugos offers a dining experience that is unforgettable to say the least.

Mexican

If your tastebuds are screaming for a bit of Mexican flare such as tacos, tortillas and burritos and naturally with a shot of Mexican tequila or a Margarita to compliment, Manly has the ultimate Mexican experience to satisfy your taste buds and sombrero alike. Located on the Manly Wharf rooftop and backed by the famous Rockpool Dining Group, El Camino Cantina Manly is about as Mexican as you can get on the Northern Beaches. Unlimited free tortilla chips and salsa? Yes please. Offering seating for 365 patrons with harbour views from an outdoor terrace that is decorated with cacti, intricate tiling designs, exposed bricks and stone finishes, where else in the world can you enjoy an authentic Mexican feast overlooking views of the best harbour in the world? Some menu highlights include: a range of over 100 tequilas and mezcals, a weekly “fajita fiesta” of bottomless tacos, 10 cent chicken wings every Thursday and on the weekends there is even a $19 Margarita and brunch deal.

Manly Wharf Hotel

If you’re looking for a more traditional pub style lunch with traditional pub fair, look no further than the Manly Wharf Hotel which is child-friendly and perfect for family lunches. Situated on the water’s edge and with stunning 180 degree views of the harbour this is the perfect location to enjoy a harbourside lunch and linger later in the afternoon with a drink or two. There is an extensive menu range that caters to all types of flavours from burgers and pizzas to succulent grilled meats and seafood platters, and of course let’s not forget those with a sweet tooth with a delicious range of desserts including eclairs, macaroons and tarts. If you’re more of a brunch person, you can enjoy a “boozy brunch” available every Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm with a set course of bubbles accompanied by a banquet menu of seafood and breakfast pizza to finish off.

The Boathouse Shelly Beach

If you’re looking for a slightly quieter lunch location by the beachside, look no further than the Boathouse at Shelly Beach for a relaxing and leisurely long lunch amongst a surrounding of fresh flowers and white floors with an open plan design encouraging guests to walk in straight from the beach, this is a place that you cannot walk past. The menu covers a diverse array of edible treats and caters for a variety of tastes, with a menu that includes selections of seafoods such as the ever popular and staple go to fish and chips or a house made spaghetti with scampi and pippies, to take away coffees and juices and a selection of baked goods and flatbreads. Open from 7am daily and catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner you can enjoy a whole day at the beach and only need to take a few steps from the sand to have your three square meals.

The Best Cafes in Manly

With so many cafes in and around Manly it is hard to choose a favourite to grab that perfect early or mid-morning cappuccino or latte, delicious treat or tasty pie from, so we thought we would list some worthy of notable mention.

Rollers Bakehouse boasts a delicious range of golden, flaky croissants with a number of delicious sweet and savoury fillings such as a double chocolate and crumble and a more experimental “garlic bread” croissant and even a “sushi roll” croissant with salmon, ginger, nori and wasabi. Apart from the croissants, the coffee is also great too!

Opening in early 2014, and including coffee roasts sources from the likes of Reuben Hills, Marvel Street Hoping and Mecca, Showbox Cafe is not your typical cafe, and caters for a small range of just over a dozen dishes which have a fresh and health conscious theme. Inspired by 1990’s Seattle this is a must stop for Manly locals and visitors alike.

Barefoot Coffee Traders are a no-fuss focused cafe where passion and expertise drive a culture of quality over quantity. The cafe possesses a wide selection of homemade waffles with melted chocolate or ice cream accompanying your sweet treat and to match is a delicious range of organic and fairtrade coffee blends from Toby's Estate.

4 Pines

A local favourite, 4 Pines Brew Pub in Manly is all about handcrafted beer with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, natural ingredients and time honoured techniques, with this in mind it is no wonder that 4 Pines has become one of Australia’s more popular and well known breweries since its beginnings in 2008. With a good selection of craft beers on tap and beer tasting paddles available so you can sample all the best brews, and with a wide selection of menu options available to complement your brew including organic, gluten free and vegan options, 4 Pines is the perfect place to enjoy a cheeky lunchtime beer and burger.

Takeaways (pun intended)

Manly is more famously known for its beach and other lifestyle activities though the food culture of Manly is an often underrated and not as thought about aspect of the area and is second to none with such a mix of premium and quality dining options for those looking to grab a quick lunch or linger for a longer lunch. Whether you have come across on the ferry for a day trip, are spending a few days scouting out your Manly property purchase or have just moved into the area and are looking for the best places to dine, contact us as Clarke & Humel and we will be happy to help you find your appetite.