LOCATIONA short walk from the Manly Corso, opposite Manly beach.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAChina Beach is the vivacious sister to Woolloomooloo celebrity China Doll, with its flirtatious red accents splashed across brilliant white palette. Looking as though the mystique and intricate art of Oriental porcelain has enchanted this bright-white restaurant, China Beach has infused the Manly Beach front with pan-Asian flavour. Mosaic tiled floors contrast blue and red with the stark white cocoon whose red and white gingham cushions and halo of glowing lanterns complete the Oriental haven.
Take its bright white cocoon as a fresh canvas to be defined by the contemporary pan-Asian flavours of Mai Busayarat from Jimmy Liks and China Doll. Her style favours her Thai roots and is well worth the fuss.
Brilliant red chopsticks descend on silky soft slices of kingfish and ocean trout sashimi that are layered on a bed of pickled Granny Smith matchsticks and drizzled with blackened chilli dressing. A crispy, five-spice powder coating clings to juicy butterflied prawns that have been flash fried and clustered together on the plate, garnished with tiny rings of red, orange and yellow chilli. The twice-cooked free range duck dish boasts addictively elegant flavours. Legs and breast of the rich meat are served in a sweet sauce of tamarind, ginger and crispy eschalot - the dish embellished with red lychee jewels split open to reveal their delicate white flesh. The Ginger Cat of raw ginger and blood orange tangled between aperol and ginger beer complement the beachfront restaurant for lazy afternoons, while the short but strong wine list supports the menu with subtle selections.
With dishes that are large enough to share, but that you will want to keep to yourself, China Beach is a refreshing change to the beachfront seafood restaurants in Manly served in an oriental haven.
Edwina Storie
FUNCTIONSChina Beach are able to cater for large tables of up to 16 people with share style banquet menu