16 Manly Cafes To Start Your Day At

Deciding to kickstart your day with breakfast at Manly is always a great idea. The tricky part, however, is deciding which of the many excellent cafes to begin with.

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Sydney’s North Head, Manly beckons breakfast enthusiasts with its sun-kissed beaches, laid-back charm and promise of excellent coffee. You’ll find breakfast spots perched right on the water with incredible coastal views, while others are best for taking in the bustle and liveliness of the Corso. The best part about cafes in Manly? The many beaches to visit afterwards. Here, find a selection of our top picks.

1. Belgrave Cartel

Best for: Italian food in an intimate, European setting.
Price: $-$$

Breakfast dish at Belgrave in Manly — Expect a delicious range of hearty Italian food at Belgrave.

Stepping into Manly’s Belgrave Cartel is like stepping into Europe, just without the long flights to get there. You’ll find walls adorned with mirrors, mismatched frames and fairy lights, giving it splashes of Paris and southern Italy. A cafe by day and restaurant by night, Belgrave Cartel has the intimate feel of a family home. There’s a delicious range of hearty Italian food to choose from, to have with coffee, fresh juices and even an alcoholic beverage or two.

Address: Belgrave Cartel, 6 Belgrave St, Manly

2. Rollers Bakehouse

Best for: adventurous pastries tucked in a quiet laneway.
Price: $$

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main Manly drag, you’ll find the breezy, Californian vibes of Rollers Bakehouse . James Sideris opened Rollers in 2018 and has been tempting Manly with croissants ever since. You can sink your teeth into a delicious classic croissant or choose another of their sweet and savoury adventurously flaky options – they’ve got signature treats as well as specials on the menu.

pastries at the Rollers Bakehouse, Manly — Pick from signature treats on the menu at Rollers Bakehouse.

If you come by on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll find the lemon meringue cruffin and pistachio blackberry twice-bake. There’s a vegan and gluten-free granola on offer for breakfast too, for an alternative option.

a close-up shot of croissants at the Rollers Bakehouse, Manly — Sink your teeth into a delicious classic croissant at Rollers Bakehouse.

Address: Rollers Bakehouse, 19 Rialto Ln, Manly

3. Skittle lane

Best for: consistently excellent coffee.
Price: $

Skittle Lane coffee being served in Manly — Expect nothing but excellence from Skittle Lane.

Skittle Lane is a specialty coffee roastery and lifestyle store that is passionate about coffee excellence, sourcing ethically produced beans from around the globe. There are some light pastries on offer too. Sit inside the stylish, light-filled, minimalist space, or grab a coffee to takeaway. Want more Skittle Lane coffee? Head to the flagship venue in Sydney’s CBD, or over to Bondi.

Address: Skittle Lane, 83/87 Pittwater Rd, Manly

4. Normas Deli

Best for: mouthwatering Greek deli foods in a bustling all-day eatery.
Price: $$

Make your way down the Corso in Manly and you’ll discover Normas Deli , a Mediterranean cafe, bakery and deli. Named after owner James Sideris’ (of Rollers Bakehouse fame) grandmother, the selection of fresh treats, meats and sandwiches will have mouths watering.

The mantra, ‘come for the food and stay for the theater’, nods to the cacophony of options to choose from: there’s a cafe serving delicious breakfast and lunch which embodies Greek cuisine, a bar to perch at for a cheeky drink or three, a bakery to grab bread fresh baked on site, and a grocer to take home a range of deli wares.

a spread of food on the table at Norma's Deli, Manly — Try the Mediterranean dishes on offer at Norma’s Deli.

Address: Normas Deli, 74/78 The Corso, Manly

5. The Roast Office

Best for: a menu with the brunch classics that should have something for everyone.
Price: $-$$

If you head over to the site of the former Manly post office, you’re in for a treat – the Roast Office cafe has replaced letters and envelopes with coffee and all day breakfast. There’s a warmth to the cafe’s interior, with floorboards, exposed brick walls and vintage pieces scattered throughout. The menu offers brunch favourites that should keep everyone happy, and also nods to the site’s history, with the postie toastie (ham, Italian provolone, cheddar and honey) and the postie parcel (wrap with bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach). There’s a display of cakes and baked treats if you’re after something smaller for morning tea.

Address: The Roast Office, 37 Darley Rd, Manly

6. Ruby Lane

Best for: sustainable and organic meals with an extensive healthy drinks selection.
Price: $$

Pancakes at Ruby Lane Manly — Treat yourself to a delightful pancake stack at Ruby Lane.

Locals rave about Ruby Lane in Manly , and their commitment to sustainable, healthy and organic menu offerings. Ruby Lane is committed to using ethically sourced and fresh ingredients, and there’s plenty to choose from at the cafe, or to pick up from their wholefoods grocery section.

Eggs and coffee at Ruby Lane in Manly — Ruby Lane’s all-day brunch menu means you can start your day early or late.

They do an all-day brunch with an impressive range of super smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Dietary requirements are well looked after here, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and nut allergies catered for. Creating a sense of community is important, and Ruby Lane regularly offers events and workshops that focus on health and wellbeing.

Address: Ruby Lane, 2 Pittwater Rd, Manly

7. The Bower

Best for: alfresco dining with panoramic ocean views.
Price: $$

Overhead shot of the food on the menu at The Bower Manly — Find The Bower perched on the path at the water’s edge at Shelly Beach.

Follow the path around to Manly’s Shelly Beach, and you’ll come across The Bower , perched on the path at the water’s edge. Enjoy great coffee to the sounds of the gentle lapping of the ocean, and gaze out and take in the relaxed beauty of Cabbage Tree Bay. There’s an all-day breakfast and lunch menu that changes regularly to reflect seasonal produce, serving the classics like corn and zucchini fritters, green goodness bowl, vegan granola, and burgers. The views make the walk to get here well worth it.

Address: The Bower, 7 Marine Parade, Manly

8. Calibrate Coffee Manly

Best for: excellent coffee in a friendly, intimate space.
Price: $-$$

Calibrate only joined Manly’s cafe scene in 2023, and its bright light-filled space and breezy hospitality has certainly made it a cafe destination to visit. The crispy chilli eggs are popular, and the mandarin compote with pawpaw, buts and lemon balm makes the Cali granola bowl pop. The coffee blend is a bespoke creation by the team at Gabriel Coffee, or they have an extensive menu or hot and cold drinks.

Address: Calibrate, 5 Whistler St, Manly

9. The Pantry

Best for: delicious breakfast with sweeping vistas of Manly Beach.
Price: $$-$$$

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, or want to have your breakfast in style, head to the Pantry and be amazed at the incredible panoramic ocean views right outside the window. There’s something unique about having a soundtrack of rhythmic waves lapping on the shoreline as you enjoy your meal. The Pantry’s breakfast menu serves contemporary dishes like breakfast boards and buttermilk pancakes. The extensive lunch menu features tapas, fresh seafood, and dishes ‘from the farm’ like herb crusted rack of Junee lamb.

Address: The Pantry, Ocean Promenade North Steyne, Manly

10. Vini’s

Best for: cosy and welcoming meals outside while people-watching.
Price: $-$$

Vini’s brings the good times and good vibes, and it’s where the locals like to stop for a coffee or two, slightly down from Manly’s main tourist spot. The menu covers all the favourites, from healthy options like granola and acai bowls, to breakfast rolls and pastries, and sandwiches and wraps at lunch. There’s outdoor seating and they’re dog-friendly, so remember to bring your pup along with you, too.

Address: Vini’s, 1a/13 Victoria Parade, Manly

11. Ripples

Best for: beach-front alfresco contemporary meals.
Price: $$-$$$

View of the beach from the dining room at Ripples Manly — Beachfront dining doesn’t get much better than Ripples Manly.

Stumbling across Ripples in Little Manly feels a bit like discovering a best-kept secret, there’s a mixture of amazement and smugness that the knowledge is now yours. While lunch is on offer all week, breakfast hours are different: there’s a takeaway kiosk every morning, but if you want to eat inside the modern dining room, you’ll have to come on the weekend.

Waffles and fruit at Ripples Manly — Maple waffles are always a good idea at Ripples.

The breakfast menu isn’t as extensive as the lunch menu, although you’ll find favourites like avo smash, maple waffles and Mediterranean bruschetta. The coffee beans are sourced from the Little Marionette and a selection of teas by Tippity Tea. Remember to pack your swimmers for a dip afterwards.

Address: Ripples, Stuart St, Little Manly Beach

12. Fika Swedish

Best for: authentic Swedish food and culture tucked off the main drag.
Price: $-$$

Cafe worker selects Fika Swedish pastries — Start your day inside Australia’s first Swedish eatery.

‘Fika’ is Swedish for the tradition of taking a coffee break, and the team at Fika Swedish in Manly have taken this tradition seriously since opening their cafe and bakery in 2013. Step inside Australia’s first Swedish eatery and you’ll find the hallmarks of Scandinavian interior design and the delectable aroma of freshly baked treats and bread.

Coffee and breakfast dish on a table at Fika in Manly — Embrace Scandinavian cuisine for breakfast.

You’ll find Scandi food on the menu, and they also have an online shop where you can buy your favourite Scandinavian food, and they bake traditional Swedish cakes to order.

Friendly service and goods on sale at Fika in Manly — Stock up on Scandinavian goods from the shopfront.

Address: Fika Swedish, 5B Market Pl, Manly

13. The Boathouse Shelly Beach

Best for: sunny brunch spot with picturesque, uninterrupted views of Shelly Beach.
Price: $$-$$$

Shelly Beach’s crystal blue waters and golden sands make it one of Manly’s absolute highlights, and the Boathouse Shelly Beach is the perfect location to relax and take all that beauty in. With a kiosk, cafe and restaurant all in one, the light-filled, breezy coastal chic decor is similar to other venues that make up the Boathouse Group. The breakfast menu serves classics like avocado toast and seasonal fruit salads, while on the lunch menu you’ll find small and large plates, flatbreads and salads.

Shelly Beach Manly — It’s the perfect location to take in the sights and a post-breakfast swim.

Address: The Boathouse Shelly Beach, 1 Marine Parade, Manly

14. Berkelo

Best for: freshly baked sourdough and an assortment of baked treats.
Price: $

Step into Berkelo Bakery in Manly and be tempted by the same delicious fresh sourdough loaves that you can spot in their Brookvale, Terrey Hills and Mosman locations. You’ll also find an assortment of other delicious baked treats, like artisanal baguettes, tarts, danishes, croissants, cookies and freshly made sandwiches on a range of breads. Grab yourself a cup of Single O coffee to fully savour the moment.

Address: Berkelo, 7 Whistler St, Manly

15. Girdlers

Best for: healthy and nourishing food options, with the choice of indoor or outdoor seating.
Price: $$

Girdlers Manly — Find a range of nourishing options on the menu for breakfast.

Girdlers in Manly is one of four Northern Beaches locations, with other spots found in Dee Why, Brookvale and Avalon. This health-conscious community hub supports local suppliers, embraces sustainability and offers a menu that prioritises fresh, wholesome, nourishing food.

Chai being brewed at Girdlers Manly — Chai lovers are well looked after at Girdlers.

Girdlers serves its own organic signature full-bodied coffee blend, ‘The ALL Good’, or there’s an extensive range of juices and smoothies to choose from.

Address: Girdlers, Short St Plaza, Manly

16. Showbox Coffee

Best for: brunch classics in a modern setting.
Price: $-$$

At Showbox Coffee you’ll find great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. Settle into the urban, industrial space for a brunch menu that is healthy and fresh with a pop of colour, featuring the classics. Expect premium, rotating coffee beans and friendly, knowledgeable baristas who take pride in what they do.

Address: Showbox Coffee, 19 Whistler Street, Manly

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

16 Manly cafes to start your day at