Image via Concrete Playground
Here are their favourite spots to eat and drink up north – pay them a visit ASAP. Empty stomachs, rejoice:
Eatery and grocery Ruby Lane champions all things organic and local, served up in a clean and minimal space under a solar-powered roof. Their mentality stretches across the menu and into the kitchen, using fresh produce to create moreish meals with a healthy twist. You can chow down on burgers and pancakes without the guilt, and take something home for later from the grocer. Beware: We got addicted to their peanut cookies for a long, long time.
200 Pittwater Rd, Manly
Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: Mexican food on deck. Bathe in all the acidic, zesty and fresh flavours delivered at Chica Bonita, a rustic brick restaurant serving up Mexican faves in Manly. Ceviche is perfect for an elegant, light meal that packs a serious punch, while you could pretty much bury us forever in carne fries. Over half the menu is vegetarian, so all your friends are welcome – plus ‘pink bits’ watermelon margaritas to wash it all down.
9 The Corso, Manly
Remember how good Pizza Pockets were? Well, Pocket Pizza is even better. A tiny, bustling space in Manly’s eating district serves up some of the suburb’s best pizzas, with the institution paying homage to pizzerias in New York City’s Little Italy. Appropriately, the walls are littered with framed images, plus red and white tableclothes that give a comforting throwback feel. If you’re missing The Big Apple, get across the Harbour Bridge and have a slice or two.
2A Whistler St, Manly
“You don’t win friends with salad!” We all heard that infamous chant on Season 7 of The Simpsons, but we doubt that Homer, Jasper, Poochie, Lionel Hutz or any of the other characters from the animated series ever visited Dolce Terra. Taking inspiration from the irresistible flavours of Italy and the Mediterranean, Dolce Terra is all about elevating healthy food to the next level, with tasty (and very filling) salads that go far beyond mere leaves with a splash of dressing.
5-7 Raglan St, Manly
There are now four Fishbowl locations in the city, and it’s no wonder that the sashimi chain is proving a hit with Sydneysiders. The menu allows customers to create a bowl by choosing their raw fish of choice (or tofu, if you please) accompanied by a base, sauce, vegetables and vast array of accompaniments from wasabi peas to coriander. Splash out and get a generous scoop of guacamole plonked on top.
2C Darley Rd, Manly
Since opening their inaugural spot in Mona Vale a decade ago, Banana Blossom has expanded south, with their flagship store now located in the heart of Manly. Banana Blossom is all about salads with an Oriental twist, bringing all those fiery and familiar flavours of South-East Asia with plenty of chilli and herbs. They’re also fun as hell to eat – an absolute textural delight with the neat addition of crispy noodles, cashews, bean sprouts and more.
2/15 The Corso, Manly
We might visit Belgrave Cartel for the coffee, but the menu expands far beyond just our daily cuppa. Opening early in the morning and trading until late on weekends, the Euro-inspired Belgrave it an attractive option for all hours – from a lengthy list of breakfast jaffles to favourites like pasta, brushetta and arancini. Live music on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings helps the homely vibe of Belgrave.
6 Belgrave St, Manly