The Best Restaurants in Manly

Pilu at Freshwater is an award-winning Italian restaurant set against the beautiful backdrop of Freshwater beach. The light and airy space, framed by big bay windows, allows patrons to enjoy the seaside views whilst tucking into the thrilling taste of Sardinia. The restaurant aesthetic has a laid-back beach vibe doused in baby blue hues, crisp white finishes, and rustic wooden floorboards. With views looking directly out onto the ocean, it is easy to be swept away by the majesty of the natural realm.

Cibaria Manly is a sunny Italian escape right by the beach, where bold flavours and laid-back vibes come to mingle. Warm timber, open-air energy and the smell of wood-fired pizza set the scene for delicious long lunches and lively dinners. The menu is filled with Italian classics, from fresh pasta, seafood and house-made focaccia to delectable sweets that land with a smile. Pair your meal with a wine list built for sharing and enjoy coastal charm with serious flavour and zero fuss.

Banco Manly is a cosy 32-seat restaurant and bar in Manly, NSW, specialising in British-inspired dishes paired with natural wines and creative cocktails. Popular menu items include the lemon-infused lobster roll, chargrilled octopus with miso glaze, and a Wagyu Madras pie blending British and Indian flavours. The drinks list features over 300 natural wines, craft beers, and inventive cocktails like the Davidson plum “Pew Pew Sour.” Open Wednesday to Sunday from late afternoon, Banco Manly offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere with a curated hip-hop and jazz soundtrack, making it a favourite local spot for food and drinks.

Overlooking Manly beach, Garfish offers the quintessential Sydney dining experience that combines the freshest Australian seafood with beautiful water views. Hide from the sea breeze in the elegant dining room or soak up the sun from the outdoor terrace. There is also a bar lounge to enjoy a pre-dinner drink while waiting for a table. Ambience aside, you came here for the award-winning seafood, so select a dish and enjoy.

Ripples Little Manly is delightfully located overlooking a picturesque beach and Sydney Harbour, around 1km from Manly Wharf or 2kms from The Corso. With this stunning location, licensed, offering BYO wine (corkage $16) and contemporary dining with seafood options, Ripples Little Manly won't stay one of the Northern Beaches best kept secrets for long. 

Pocket Pizza is a beloved Italian eatery located at 46 Pittwater Road, Manly, NSW. Inspired by New York's Little Italy, it offers a cosy atmosphere with exposed brick walls, red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and a curated hip-hop playlist. The menu features hand-tossed pizzas with punny names, such as the "Netflix & Chilli" and "Baraccoli Obama," alongside pasta dishes like veal and pork ragu pappardelle. For dessert, options include espresso tiramisu and negroni panna cotta.

Nikkita pulses with ocean energy, located on North Steyne across from Manly Beach. Chef Masahiko Yomoda fuses Peruvian spice and Japanese precision in each dish. Vibrant dishes include ceviche rojo with zesty citrus, to Angus beef rump cap draped in yuzu-kosho jus. Cocktails are inventive, the wine list is curated to perfection and the breeze from the beach creates an airiness to lighten the room. Terraces are cosy, interiors have a contemporary warmth that make you want to settle in. It’s a spot to enjoy big flavours, soak up immaculate vibes, receive friendly service - perfect for special occasions or to simply enjoy amazing food.

For an intimate, classic dining experience, head to The Herring room, in Sydney's balmy seaside suburb of Manly. Fans of traditional style meals and hospitality will be wowed with the seasonal, produce rich menu on offer. Focusing predominately on local produce, expect elegant dishes crafted with locally farmed meats and seafood. Exposed bricks, amber timbers and pots of ferns create a refined ambience that is both welcoming and relaxed.

Located on Pittwater Road, a short walk from Manly Beach, Sunset Sabi is a sushi bar, cocktail bar and experimental Japanese kitchen. The restaurant champions izakaya-style dining, so guests are encouraged to sample a range of small plates with a cocktail, sake, beer or wine. The kitchen isn't afraid to combine new ideas with traditional Japanese cooking techniques and flavours, which means the menu could involve anything from sushi to Japanese-inspired tacos.

Photography: Leigh Griffiths