A local’s guide to the best breakfast places in Manly.
Breakfast is an institution in Sydney and here I explore the best breakfast places in Manly. Nowhere else in the world has it quite this right. Well, that’s my opinion anyway. Whether its avo on toast, banana bread or sweetcorn fritters the Aussies seem to have nailed it.
Aussies have a tendency to shorten any word they can and ‘Brekkie’ is an event in itself. Families, friends and business people congregate in cafes across the city. Cafes and restaurants battle to serve the best coffee and compete for the first meal of the day.
Unfortunately, over the years large chains have become commonplace in Manly. Especially on the Corso and along the seafront. But, if you know the place well, there are still many independently-run local options. Here your Aussie dollar will stay local and positively impact the community. Below are the best breakfast places in Manly that are locally owned.
If you’re in Manly for breakfast, why not hang around, there’s lots to do. Click here for some inspiration on how to holiday in Manly like a local.
Hakan’s, the best coffee in Manly.
Location – 22 Victoria Parade
Residing in Manly Lodge Boutique Hotel Hakan’s serves the best coffee on Manly Beach (in my opinion). Owned by Hakan Cinar this is a little bit of Turkey nestled on one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. The Turkish / Nepalese influenced menu is a welcome addition to the Manly breakfast scene. Hakan himself is at the heart of the place. Always whistling, always happy and always chatty, his hospitality is unbeatable.
Whilst soft rock plays over the speakers, pick up the local newspaper and take time to relax. Choose a table outside or sit snug in an armchair under the arches. It’s hard to choose between Hakan’s Avo Smash and the Menemen Istanbul Street Style Eggs. Each dish explodes with flavour. Be ready for a mouth-watering journey taking you far from Manly Beach. This is definitely one of the best breakfast places in Manly.
Insitu, the best breakfast cocktails in Manly.
Location – 1/18 Sydney Road
By night it’s a buzzy cocktail bar. Come weekend mornings Insitu staff are up early to welcome you for breakfast. The cute alfresco courtyard offers a cool and shaded Mediterranean style option.
Having operated for over 19 years Insitu has a traditional Australian breakfast menu. Please don’t leave Manly Beach without trying their eggs benedict at least once. Known by locals as ‘Eggs Insitu’ they are a Manly favourite and famous worldwide. Fresh free-range eggs, creamy hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon and wilted spinach. The breakfast of champions!
Ruby Lane, the best healthy breakfast place in Manly.
Location – 200 Pittwater Road
Further out of town along Pittwater Road towards Queenscliff is Ruby Lane. This organic option is well worth the 20 minutes walk from the ferry. Using only local produce their vision is to make a healthy lifestyle fun, social, available and inspirational. Owned by Manly Beach local Phil Dawson this place is the epitome of sustainable. Solar power panels on the roof. Bio-energy generated by food waste and all unused food at the end of the day donated to Oz Harvest.
Heavily involved in the local community, this place is a hub of activity in the mornings. Take a seat on their covered veranda. Feel cleansed by your surroundings with the knowledge you will be clean eating. The acai protein bowl is my favourite. Fresh, delicious and vegan topped with seasonal fruit, home-made granola and mint. It’s also so pretty!
The Bower, the best breakfast in Manly with a view
Location – Fairy Bower
This gem is halfway around Marine Parade between Shelley and Manly Beaches. Run by husband and wife team Harmut and Linda Shacker ‘The Bower’ has a million-dollar view. Find a sun-drenched table and relax whilst looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Feel the pace slow. Take in the atmosphere. On a sunny day, the clear turquoise water of Cabbage Tree Bay sparkles, you may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin. Breakfast views don’t come much better.
The menu has a Japanese influence and thus my recommendation is the Okonomiyaki. A Japanese pancake with salmon and wasabi mayo. The flavours burst with anticipation for the day ahead. With a savoury breakfast and the fact that you only live once I’d suggest pairing it with a Seaside Spritz. The Bower does a selection of breakfast cocktails. The Seaside Spritz is a take on Aperol Spritz but with some OJ thrown in – it is breakfast time after all!
Belgrave Cartel, the best breakfast ambiance in Manly.
Location – 6 Belgrave Street
A huge number of locals disagree with my taste in coffee and vote Belgrave Cartel’s coffee as the best in Manly. These guys also have a cart opposite the Ferry Wharf. So if it’s only take-out coffee and a croissant you’re after this is a perfect option (don’t forget your keep cup).
Owned by three local brothers this community institution opens its doors early. Also a perfect lunch spot it turns into a funky bar and restaurant by night with frequent live music or DJs. This place is a local favourite hangout whatever time of day. A full-on family affair the boys Mum Rita cooks.
Inspired by the cafes of Paris Belgrave Cartel has a boho hipster vibe. It’s a welcoming alternative from the clinical chain options elsewhere in Manly. Choose to sit in the laneway garden on a high table to catch some sunshine. Or if you want a cosier option take a seat in what feels like your Great Aunts’ front room. Full of retro furniture and random artwork this is like a step back in time.
Not one for a sweet breakfast, here I find it hard to resist the Cartel French Toast if it’s on the. menu. The decadence of this dish makes it feel like such a treat. Fruit & nut toast eggy bread style served with lemon and cinnamon ricotta. Fresh berries add a bit of health but it’s the sauce that makes it, poached apple maple syrup!
Sketch, the best breakfast beer in Manly.
Location – 19 Pittwater Road
With only a handful of tables, bare brick walls and funky chill-out tunes playing this is another favourite of mine. A humble and relaxing spot on Pittwater Road there’s the option of sitting outside and watching the world go by. Inside has a Melbourne style feel, informal and friendly.
The breakfast menu is a fusion of traditional Aussie and Asian. Avo on toast, brekky tacos and masala benedict all have their place. All cooked in front of you behind the small bar you won’t be disappointed with any choice you make.
Passionate about their beer, once breakfast is over Sketch turns into a bar. Nip back for Craft ‘o’Clock every day 12-2 PM and 5-6.30 PM Thursday through to Sunday when tinnies are $5.
Rollers Bakery, the best breakfast place in Manly for croissant lovers
Location – 19 Rialto Lane
If you enjoy a morning croissant then this place should be at the top of your bucket list. First, let me warn you, a traditional French flaky buttery croissant is not on the menu. But black croissant dough made with charcoal is! Garlic and rosemary swirls are. Croissants filled with bacon and maple custard are too. There’s even a sushi croissant. Sweet and savoury this is croissant heaven.
Hidden out the back of Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski, Rollers Bakery is one of those breakfast spots that you could miss. The tilled minimalist like courtyard dotted with cacti has a Californian desert feel. A far cry from Paris! Drag up a breeze block and relax. Breath in the mouth-watering bakehouse smell of sweet croissant dough cooking. Rollers is the brainchild of Aussie’s James Sideris and Bo Hinzack. Have breakfast here knowing your dollar will stay local.
