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

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

16 Manly cafes to start your day at