LOCATIONOn Manly’s Belgrave Street, opposite the tennis courts. Walking distance from Manly Wharf, Beach, and ferry and bus terminals.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAWith a seductive Spanish accent that runs throughout the restaurant, Miss Marley’s is a flirtatious favourite with diners who enjoy exotic flavours. Miss Marley’s is an intimate den in Manly with dim lighting, tangy tequila cocktails, and both dishes and lounges made for sharing. The bar is lined with over 90 different types of tequila which are the inspiration for the cocktail list; a tequila expert even shakes up customised creations for daring tastebuds.
Glossy lips sip on La Bomba cocktails served in long stemmed martini glasses. The sunny hue of El Jimador tequila is balanced with Grand Marnier, shaken with fresh passion fruit, and enlivened with the zest of pressed limes. South American tapas plates for two include baked mushrooms stuffed with semi dried tomatoes, goats curd and basil. The conversation of a nearby couple flows like the sweetness of the kumquat marmalade and vanilla sugar in the Mexi-can’t cocktails. The Mexi-can’t is shaken with El Jimador and leaves a finish of lemongrass on the palate. With four female friends in tow, we are presented with the kingfish and tuna ceviche, which is served with mixed grapes and a shot of pisco sour. The aji de gallina chicken curry is spiced with chilli and turmeric and kindly served with wild rice and black bean to neutralise the spice. The one dish not willingly shared is the warm double chocolate and walnut brownie with rum chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream which everyone insists on ordering individually!
Edwina Storie
DETAILSA warm glow emanates from Miss Marley’s oh-so private interiors, as soft lighting and a moody ambience dominate the small yet luxurious space. Liqueurs and spirits of all shapes and sizes undulate across bar shelves against an embellished backdrop, reflecting sultry light off an expansive metallic feature wall. Ochre banquette seating and dark timber dining tables exude vintage 50’s décor, while a handful of barside cocktails stools let patrons peer over bartenders’ tempting works in the making.
FOOD & BEVERAGEPan-American dining celebrates vibrant flavours of Central and South American and Caribbean flavours. Empanadas, a popular snack amongst latinos throughout the world, comes piping hot with a delicious stuffing of pebre (chopped coriander, onion, garlic and ground spicy peppers), beef and olives, or corn and manchego cheese. Heartier meals for two take the form of Navajo braised pork with red bean quesadilla, sour cream and guacamole. Fruity, fresh cocktails take the heat off spicy numbers with the likes of the Tequito, a tall drink of tequila, lime juice, mint and sweet agave cactus nectar. A selection of wines and beers dominated by exotic imports is also available.