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

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

16 Manly cafes to start your day at