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

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

16 Manly cafes to start your day at