Even though beachside eating seems to attract a premium charge at many restaurants in and around Manly a little effort will reward you with more wallet friendly fare. There’s plenty of places to go where you can escape with change from $25 but as most of us know, what we get to eat often largely depends on what we have in our wallet. Fortunately, it’s still possible to find good eats around Manly for not much more than ten dollars. In some cases, you can walk out with a full stomach for even less than that. With that said, here are our top seven fave locations for cheap Manly dining.

 

1. Hemingway’s – 48 North Steyne

Hemingway’s has been serving up great food since 1980 but the recent change of ownership, putting Sonia Piantoni and Emmanuel Deleuze at the helm, has seen a few French inspired flavors migrating into the menu. Emmanuel developed a love for Australia and its food prior to owning Hemingway's, with regular visits to this country spanning over 20 years.

Zsolt Kovacs, their chef who hails from Hungary, has fine-tuned his culinary skills over the last 12 years, training beside many notable French chefs during his career. With such talent in the kitchen you might expect to see high prices on the menu, but be prepared for a pleasant surprise. Breakfast is a popular time at Hemingway’s, with the Bacon and Egg roll coming highly recommended.

Try: Hemingway’s Famous Chicken Nuggets $15.00
Entrees and Sides: $10 to $24
Mains: $22 to $32
Open: 7am until late Monday to Sunday

2. Bavarian Bier Cafe – Shop 2 2-5 West Esplanade

The perfect place to stop for a beer with a great view overlooking Manly Cove – especially if you are in the mood for a bit of traditional German sausage. The Bavarian Bier Café specializes in craft beers so if you also fancy yourself a bit of a connoisseur of fine ales you can enjoy your hobby with a reasonably priced selection.

The menu is deeply inspired by tastes straight out of Bavaria, using only the best ingredients, with every dish created in-haus (in house). It’s not just the food that is inspired by the Bavarian culture, but the décor is also decidedly rustic. And with appropriately attired serving staff you will feel like you have been transported to another continent.

Try: The Schinkengriller $10 (triple smoked pork & beef weiner, mustard seeds, slaw, onions, and horseradish)
Entrees and sides: $8 to $20
Mains: $10 to $25
Open: Monday – Friday: 11am – late
, Saturday & Sunday: 9am – late

3. Rope & Anchor Cafe – 42 North Steyne

The Rope & Anchor goes out of its way to create a seaside shanty vibe, with coffee table treasure chests, royalty themed spoons, and surfing themed art on the wall. Plus, you will be more than happy with the prices as you while away a pleasant afternoon.

Try: Salty Sea Dog $12.00
Entrees and sides: Not applicable to the style of menu, although you can get some tasty banana bread for $5.00
Mains: $7 to $12.00
Open: 6.30am – 3:00 pm Daily

4. Manly Thai Gourmet – Shop 6/ 4 Sydney Road

If your taste buds are tingling for some spicy Thai, then they are in for a treat at the Manly Thai Gourmet authentic Thai restaurant. The aromatic aromas will assault your senses with each meal also being a wallet friendly delight.

Try: Pad Thai $12.90
Entrees and sides: $1.50 to $11.90 (Fried Rice)
Mains: $12.90 to $19.90
Open: Sunday – Saturday 5.30pm – 9.30pm

5. Ironbark – 208 Pittwater Rd

Ironbark has been serving Italian inspired dishes for over two decades now so they have definitely racked up some experience points in knowing how to prepare and serve a delicious dinner. Wood fired pizzas are their specialty and are rolled out by hand fresh every day, cooked in a wood fired pizza oven, and topped with delicious toppings to create an authentic Italian experience.

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, then a homemade lasagna may be more your thing; or one of many other authentic Italian dishes expertly prepared in their kitchen, such as spaghetti barramundi, or chicken scaloppini.

Try: Ironbark pizza with Italian sausage, pepperoni, salami, roasted capsicum, onion, olives & chilli $24
Entrees and sides: $8 to $19
Mains: $18 to $28
Open: 7 days a week from 5pm

6. The Pantry – Ocean Promenade, North Steyne

The location of The Pantry was originally built in 1919 and known for many years as simply the “Beach House”. Originally a tea house and change room for both tourists and locals it was repurposed as an Information Kiosk in 1982. It wasn’t until 1997 that this fabulous location, with arguably the best views in Manly, found its true calling as a restaurant, the “Manly Ocean Beach House.”

Renamed in 2010 as “The Pantry” the restaurant has now earned its place as a national icon, partly because of the fantastic views, but mostly because of the fabulous food which comes out of its busy kitchens. Cured meats and terrines, fresh seafood and game, tangy cheeses, and delicious home baked desserts all promise to tantalise and delight the taste buds.

Try: Grilled Morcilla Sausage Tapas $10
Entrees and sides: $12 to $26
Mains: $23 to $52
Open: Breakfast 7.30am – 11.30am daily
, Lunch 12pm ‘til late daily

7. Jipang – 37-39 The Corso

First thing you need to know about Jipang is that it is cash only. Second thing is that it's a noodle house. If you're looking for sushi or sashimi this is not the best place in Manly to go, but if you are looking for a quick cheap bowl of ramen or udon then this is your new go-to place.

Not really in the mood for noodles, try the chicken katsu curry or the karaage curry or the cutlet don. Hungry? Then go for one of the combo menu items that includes a main or noodle choice plus miso and salad.

My husband wants me to make sure that I mention they also have good bento boxes and that Jipang is a BYO restaurant that serves beer and sake.

Try: Chicken Katsu Curry $16.00
Entrees and sides: $4.00 to $6.00
Mains: $14 to $24
Open: 11.30am to 9.00pm Monday to Sunday

What Are You Taking to Sydney When You Move? Do You Know Yet?

The truth is you don’t need to know right now, for sure, what’s going with you.

But you do have to get a shipping quote ASAP, especially now.

Why? Because international moving companies need to schedule your move to Australia far in advance, some ask for 6 months in advance. Yes, COVID has changed everything, including international shipping.

When filling out the form below…

  1. You don’t need a street address for where you’re moving to, only the city and country. What they really want to know is the main shipping port.
  2. Moving date is an estimate. You don’t need exact dates right now. Go with your best guess.
  3. Estimate volume is an estimate. Don’t bother with calculating your volume. Use one of the estimates below for your estimated volume.
    • Studio or 1 Bedroom —> 20 m3
    • 2 Bedroom —> 25 m3
    • 3 Bedroom —> 30 m3
    • 4 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom + Car —> 50 m3
  4. Use your “real” contact details for BOTH phone and email. Yes, the form is secure. If you don’t use your real contact details, then they can’t get in touch with you for your quote. Makes sense, right?