Wood and Stone Manly

LOCATION
Opposite Manly Wharf, on the corner of Belgrave Street and The Esplanade.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
It is more the smell of sizzling garlic than initial appearances that draw diners (and loads of them) to Wood and Stone. Well, maybe the view has something to do with it as well. Sitting on the corner of Belgrave Street and The Esplanade, the alfresco tables of this bustling restaurant enjoy first-hand views of the wharf side of Manly. Inside the restaurant is pleasant but not flashy in decor. Loads of simple, uncovered tables are courted by simple, un-cushioned chairs. Some of these sport views of the front bar and kitchen, others of The Esplanade, but all get a good look at the extensive pizza menu.

As the name suggests, this is a pizza place so entrees include staples like garlic pizza crusts and bruschetta, but don’t spend too much time on these – the pizzas are tasty, decently sized (24cm diameter) and have a world of toppings available. You might like to try the wood-fired meat lovers, which covers a lot of meat groups, or the barbecue chicken that tempts with marinated chicken, red onion, cheese and fresh coriander. But why go for the standards when you have selections like “nacho pizza” (corn chips, sour cream and all), “rare roast beef pizza” (a healthier option that comes with generous slivers of roast beef as well as fresh avocado and tomato pieces) and “bacon and potato pizza” (slivers of potato covered with a layer of bacon, caramelised onions and a dollop of sour cream). The last is not slimming, but it is absolutely delicious. Anybody who is health conscious can opt for one of the restaurant’s salads. Pair your meal with one of the reasonably-priced wines by the glass or bottle or stroll across the road to the bottle shop and BYO – pizza perfect.

Agnes Gajewska