The Best Cafes in Manly for a Beachside Bite

Correct us if we’re wrong, but there are few things better than a weekend feed by the beach. And Manly‘s slew of laid-back, buzzy cafes makes for the perfect pit stop for breakfast or a coffee-fuelled lunch.

From wholesome açai bowls of goodness to Greek feasts, there’s something here for every type of brunch-goer. So next time you’re in Manly, maximise your sun-drenched adventure, knowing that these cafes are just a short stroll away.

Keep reading as we round up the best cafes in Manly!

Cibaria Manly

An all-day Italian dining destination Cibaria Manly takes guests from their morning espresso at the caffetteria to gelato at the champagneria and all the way to a pasta feast at the spaghetteria. And behind it all? None other than celebrated restauranteurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni of a’Mare and Ormeggio at the Spit. 

This multi-venue Italian ‘piazza’ hosts a number of different spaces including a spaghetteria, a bisteccheria (where dishes are cooked over coals and embers) and a pasticceria full of Italian desserts. Other highlights include a gorgonzola trolley, lobster rolls and Nutella bombolone.

To really level up your visit, grab a spot under the umbrellas outside with a coffee (or spritz) in hand, soak up the fresh sea breeze and watch the world go by.

Manly Pacific Hotel, Manly

Salumerie 

Italian deli and sandwich masters Salumerie has arrived in the Northern Beaches! Expect house-made focaccia loaded with fresh deli goodness ranging from prosciutto di parma to porchetta, grilled eggplant and vodka polpette.

Grab a coffee, chai or fresh OJ to round out tour sanga sesh. There will even be an aperitivo hour from 5pm, Thursdays to Sundays, should you like to get your Italian fix of an evening. 

40 East Esplanade, Manly

Effie’s Boatshed

One of our favourite Balgowlah cafes, Effie’s has opened up a charming little kiosk on the water in Farlight. Stroll down from the picturesque Fairlight walk or paddle up in your kayak and grab a coffee and a baked treat.

1B Bolingbroke Parade, Fairlight

Noon

The newest kid on the Manly cafe block is Noon, brought to you by the Good Good Company – the same folk behind Manly faves Chica Bonita, Sunset Sabi and Busta. With a simple yet chic fit-out and a prime sunlit corner just a block back from the Beach Noon is fuelling locals and visitors alike with classic coffees, iced matches or a shaken tahini latte.

For food, think elevated B&Es with house barbecue sauce, scrambled eggs with black lime za’atar crisp, sourdough and cultured butter or Rosti with cured ocean trout, fennel and herb salad, lemon myrtle, crème fraiche.

Shop 1/18 Raglan Street, Manly 

Norma’s Deli

From the team behind Roller’s Bakehouse and Butterboy, Norma’s Deli is a natural delight. 

Walking down the stairs into Norma’s, you’re immediately transported to a charming and busy Greek deli. If you can peel yourself away from watching the bakers work their magic in the open-planned kitchen, it will take you a while to choose just one or two delights from behind the glass window of glorious treats.

Honestly, between the buttery croissants, baklava, drool-worthy creations and a standout breakfast and lunch menu, it’s like picking a favourite child.

74-78 The Corso, Manly

Barrel One Coffee Roasters

Looking for the best coffee in Manly? Make a beeline to Barrel One Coffee Roasters. With a dedicated team of coffee merchants and roasters, these guys take their coffee game seriously. The shelves of their six Sydney cafes are stacked with their single origins and blends and their delicious house blend, Solera.

Aside from the amazing coffee, they serve up mouthwatering New York-style bagels, with standouts including the pastrami bagel with pastrami, pickles, cheddar, and breakfast sauce, and the pimento grilled cheese with jalapeño cheddar, roasted red peppers, and cornichons. Coffee plus bagel, name a more iconic duo. 

40 East Esplanade, Manly 

Rollers Bakehouse

When it comes to their delicious flaky croissants, the genius bakers at Rollers never mess around.

For breakfast, try the Coconut and Banana croissant with spiced coconut and strawberry jam – it’s so worth getting out of bed for.

The space is cosy with communal tables, a cute courtyard and succulents aplenty. Oh, it’s also millennial pink and oozing with California-cool vibes, the stuff Insta-dreams are made of. 

19 Rialto Lane, Manly

Skittle Lane

Calling all caffeine lovers! This sun-soaked spot is one of the absolute best cafes in Manly, with a laidback beachy feel and a prime location along busy Pittwater Road.

The delicious Skittle Lane coffee has already earned its stripes with coffee lovers and can be paired with delicious Tuga pastries served on Hasami Porcelain plates.

83 Pittwater Road, Manly

The Boathouse Shelly Beach

Fitting perfectly into its idyllic Shelly Beach surroundings, The Boathouse Shelly Beach is a kiosk, cafe and restaurant all-in-one, serving up delicious breakfast classics in a rustic-chic setting.

With indoor and outdoor dining options, they’re open for breakfast and lunch but they don’t take reservations, so get in quick to score a waterside table.

1 Marine Parade, Manly

Wilburs.

This quaint deli has a carefully curated menu that’s hard to resist. After you’ve stopped by Wilburs. you’ll find there’s no better way to start your day than with a piece of perfectly sliced bread topped with San Dan prosciutto, stracciatella and Quinby’s hot honey.

If you skip the breakfast rush, win your lunch hour with deli sandwiches packed with roasted pumpkin, ricotta and jalapeno served with a side of crisps.

89 Pittwater Road, Manly

Ruby Lane

A licensed organic grocery and cafe, Manly’s Ruby Lane has a wholefood and sustainable approach to dining, offering a range of nourishing, dietary-friendly bites.

A local hangout during the week, and a popular weekend brunch spot – just be sure to get in early over the weekend to grab a table!

200 Pittwater Road, Manly

The Pantry

As far as the ‘wow’ factor goes, it doesn’t get more better than The Pantry, situated smack-bang on the iconic Manly Beach. The perfect spot for your morning coffee and big brekky, or swing by for brunch, lunch, or dinner. 

Watch as the waves crash right before your eyes as you feast on their delectable offering, which focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal produce.

The Pantry is good at any hour, but for locals, it’s an unbeatable breakfast location.

Ocean Promenade, North Steyne, Manly

Bella Vista

Perched atop North Head, Bella Vista in Manly is a must-visit cafe if you like your brunch with a side of breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. Tuck into breakfast faves like smashed avocado on sourdough, the hearty oat bowl, or the hemp and coconut banana bread. 

For lunch, enjoy homemade gnocchi with blue swimmer crab, crispy fritto misto, or slow-roasted porchetta. A local hidden gem, it’s the perfect place within the North Head Sanctuary to stop for a scenic refuel mid-walk. 

203/33 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly 

Fika’s Bakery & Cafe

What do Swedes bake? A step inside Fika’s bakery or their flagship cafe around the corner, and you’ll soon find out their repertoire includes everything from cardamom buns, strawberry cake, Swedish rye bread, saffron buns and so much more.

The bakery location was previously used for Fika’s production space but they’ve decided to open their doors and share their sweet treats with the world in not one, but two locations.

Get there early to grab your fresh buns, Swedish breads and brew coffee and experience the simple joy of freshly baked goods at one of the best cafés in Manly.

Bakery: 5a Raglan Street, Manly

Cafe: 5b Market Lane, Manly

Ripples Little Manly

Tucked away on the harbour side of town, Ripples Little Manly is the suburb’s best-kept secret… until now.

Positioned on Little Manly beach (Manly’s most underrated watering hole, in our humble option), Ripples is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is all about affordable beachfront dining with contemporary cuisine.

Don’t forget to pack your swimmers because, after a delish feed, the sparkling water right in front of you will be too hard to resist. 

Little Manly Beach, Stuart Street, Manly

Vini’s

Dog-friendly, kid-friendly and serving up delicious coffee from boutique roaster Salvador Coffee, Vini’s is a local favourite. The cosy and welcoming eatery does everything from nourishing salads, veggie rolls, halloumi bowls, pesto eggs and açai bowls.

Keep an eye on the specials too (think hearty roasts and soul-warming soups) as the team are always cooking up tasty, seasonal meals.  If you can snag a table in the morning, you’ll be tucking into your brekkie in the pristine Manly sunshine.

Shop 1a/13 Victoria Parade, Manly

Finished feasting at the best cafes in Manly and want to keep exploring this Northern Beaches gem? Have a read of our round-up of the best restaurants in Manly. Then, why not take a squiz at our edit of the best homewares boutiques on the Northern Beaches?

Writer

Bella Brennan

4 February 2025

Bella Brennan is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in women's media. A lifelong local and a word nerd at heart, she’s got her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s happening in the Emerald City, with a special interest in sniffing out the best gig or festival and, of course, planning exactly what she will wear. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her at the beach, having a sneaky nap, or on a sweaty dance floor.