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

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

16 Manly cafes to start your day at