Best & Cool Bars in Manly

"Back in the day, a visit to Sydney wasn't complete without a visit to the family-friendly nooks and picture-perfect crannies of the Grounds. You'd know it was a long wait to get in, but it was an honour you'd queue for. While the brand of prettily plated café fare popularised by places like the Grounds has filtered out to eateries around the city, it's still a lovely spot to wander around, pet the pigs and grab a fresh brewed takeaway coffee to sit in the sun with."

"This cafe is constantly rated one of Sydney’s best for a very good reason. The Grounds of Alexandra is a cornucopia of whimsical delights. From the farm animals (meeting the famous pig, “Kevin Bacon” is a must) to the play area, fountain and rambling paths leading through gardens and lanes bursting with flowers, statues and tiny creative details, the external grounds at The Grounds is, in itself, worth a visit alone."

"From ex-pollies enjoying an espresso over the paper to couples in need of a late-night bowl of scampi spaghetti, this café-turned-trattoria is woven into many a local's weekly routine. There might be a wait. A glass of Tuscan sangiovese from the mostly Italian, largely natural wine list might take a while to arrive."

"Something of a city institution, Fratelli Paradiso is bringing authentic food and homemade pasta to Potts Point. Hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney, the Challis Avenue kitchen is keeping you fed on spuntini platters, Caprese salads, seafood-laden spaghetti and more."

"Restaurants Potts Point"

"Customs HouseLocated on the rooftop of the Customs House are Cafe Sydney, another dining institution with spectacular harbour views, an outdoor terrace, cocktail lounge, and delicious food. The a la carte menu highlights the best of Australian produce including grilled prawn and salt cod croquette, black Angus beef carpaccio, crustacean platter, and Humpty Doo barramundi for main. The award-winning wine list proudly showcases Australian tipples, but also has a few international favourites, particularly in the champagne region."

"Café Sydney’s rooftop position, chic interiors and sweeping harbour views make this an essential dining spot, especially during Vivid. Unlike the other venues, Café Sydney sits atop the popular Vivid projection at heritage-listed Customs House, so diners are right at the heart of the action. Book a seat on the balcony so you can enjoy the sunset and watch the lights turn on."

"Located at the top of Customers House, the cafe guarantees you a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor as you sip on Australian-grown and brewed coffee. Address: 5 Sydney Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Phone Number: (02) 9251 8683"

"The hike to Old Mate's entrance is another big climb, but the trip is rewarded with some of Sydney's smartest stirring, mixing and shaking. High above Clarence Street, a Pandan Airways house creation seems like the right idea, starring coconut flesh, wild strawberries, pandan gin and verjuice. The rooftop can be found past Old Mate's leather booths and bookshelves, but night-cap-seekers should note the outdoor terrace shuts at 11pm."

"If cocktails and charcuterie are the name of your date night game, then Old Mate's Place should be on your radar. The romantic Sydney CBD bar and restaurant offers artisanal sips and local fare by the bucketload, with a gorgeous outdoor terrace for those gushy sunset moments."

"One of the most romantic bars in Sydney CBD has to be Old Mate's Place. Fronting foliage-adorned interiors, dark furnishings and an underground location, this hidden haunt tops everything off with artisanal cocktails that'll certainly score you a second date."

"Continental Delicatessen promises to be one of the most fun restaurants in Sydney, with stiff drinks, cold cuts and canned goods – but not the kind of non-perishable food items you might expect. Their fresh produce includes tinned Mediterranean-inspired delicacies such as anchovies from the Bay of Biscay and French sardines to create a deli and bistro that is straight out of a European laneway. Plus you can even find their famed cocktails in tins: the Mar-tinny and Can-hatten are batched and canned onsite and offer a new way to enjoy a cocktail."

"Led by Elvis Abrahanowicz and Sarah Doyle (co-owners of Porteno and Bodega), the team here has delved into the lost art of preserving and are putting everything in tins. Not just the usual canned suspects though like seafood, pears, and peas: With your platter of sliced charcuterie and cheeses, you could also attempt tinned okra, tinned crème caramel with a side of potato chips, or — wait for it — a martini in a tin. Fans of vintage aesthetics are going to flip over the Continental branded tins."

"One of the newest venues to open at The Cannery, Frenchies Bistro & Brewery is a small upscale French bistro come microbrewery. Showcasing the best of French cuisine, the bistro-style menu complements their range of craft beers. For the full experience, book a seat at the Thursday night bottomless beer feast with a shared menu and paired beers."

"Tucked away in the inner-city suburb of Glebe, on the banks of Blackwattle Bay, this Sydney seafood institution is a must-visit. Panoramic views sweeping across the Anzac Bridge to the Sydney fish market are worth the visit alone, but combined with executive chef Colin Barker’s seasonal menu and long-time favourites such as the snapper pie, The Boathouse is one for the bucket list. 123 Ferry Rd, Glebe, boathouse.net.au"

"Designed by Harry Seidler for his parents and built between 1948 to 1950, Rose Seidler House provides panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is one of the finest examples of mid 20th-century modern domestic architecture in Australia. A visit to the Rose Seidler House provides visitors with an opportunity to view the furniture and fittings form one of the most complete and intact post World War II design collections in public ownership. Opening Times: Open Sundays only | 10.00 am – 4.00 pmTicket Prices: Family $38.00Address: 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga NSW Website: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/rose-seidler-house"

"Located on what was once the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Cadman’s Cottage is the second-oldest surviving residential building in the city. Built in 1815 as the home of the government coxswain. They named the building after its first resident John Cadman, a convict transported for life for stealing a horse."

"Built to be “the Empire’s Greatest Theatre” at the peak of the Jazz Age, the State Theatre combines Gothic facades with a neoclassical interior and baroque auditorium, giving visitors a glimpse of the show business of yesteryear. The theatre is referred to as the “Palace of dreams”. Seating 2,034 people and filled with an impressive collection of classic art, including work by William Dobell, sculptures and stunning chandeliers, if you want to learn more amount this amazing property, book one of their guided tours."

"An important part of Sydney’s cultural fabric, the State Theatre has seen a lot since it opened in 1929. It has played host to red carpet premieres, traditional English pantomimes, and famous musical acts. The magnificent building includes elements of gothic, Italian and art deco styles."

"The State Theatre hosts loads of shows throughout the year ranging from musicals to comedies to burlesque so there’s something for everyone. As you’ll just be passing by, for now, make sure you take a look in at the beautiful art deco foyer."

"Cafe Vizio Caffe e Cucina is laden with old-world charm and customers are treated like family. For a unique breakfast experience, order your cup of robust, specially-curated beans and bring a few friends along to enjoy a breakfast fit for royalty. Pair it with a traditional Italian pastry, or fill yourself up with some bacon and eggs."

"Share the pleasures of life with friends and family at Vizio Caffe e Cucina on William Street in Woolloomooloo. With a name that has two meanings – family and home – catch up over a good dose of caffe..."

"Whether in Walsh Bay to satisfy your cultural side or just to hang out by the harbour, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t find time for dumplings. Tucked in an old warehouse across the road from Sydney Dance Company, this polished diner serves some of the city’s best dim sum. Once you’ve worked your way through the squirty soup dumplings and translucent prawn parcels, there’s also a number of knock-out wok dishes to try, from the kung pao chicken to crispy eggplant in honey."

"Lotus Dumpling Bar has you covered when the dumpling cravings hit. The restaurant has an open kitchen so you can watch on as the chefs create pure dumpling magic. Our favourite dishes are the crisp fried eggplant with honey and chilli and the pan-fried chicken and kimchi dumplings."

"Customs HouseLocated on the rooftop of the Customs House are Cafe Sydney, another dining institution with spectacular harbour views, an outdoor terrace, cocktail lounge, and delicious food. The a la carte menu highlights the best of Australian produce including grilled prawn and salt cod croquette, black Angus beef carpaccio, crustacean platter, and Humpty Doo barramundi for main. The award-winning wine list proudly showcases Australian tipples, but also has a few international favourites, particularly in the champagne region."

"Café Sydney’s rooftop position, chic interiors and sweeping harbour views make this an essential dining spot, especially during Vivid. Unlike the other venues, Café Sydney sits atop the popular Vivid projection at heritage-listed Customs House, so diners are right at the heart of the action. Book a seat on the balcony so you can enjoy the sunset and watch the lights turn on."

"Located at the top of Customers House, the cafe guarantees you a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor as you sip on Australian-grown and brewed coffee. Address: 5 Sydney Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Phone Number: (02) 9251 8683"

"Far less popular than the touristy Bondi to Coogee hike, the Spit to Manly Walk is a quieter alternative with more natural busy and varied views. A stunning day hike along the North Sydney harbor coastline that weaves its way through a mix of lush bushland and scenic harbourside trails with secluded beaches, indigenous rock carvings, and panoramic lookouts along the way. You can hike the 10km (6.2 miles) trail in 3.5 hours in a hurry, but I recommend you take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds."

"If you fancy stretching your legs, the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge is a pleasant 2-3 hour coastal walk with amazing views over the ocean. Catch the ferry to Manly harbour and head round the coast – make sure not to miss the ancient aboriginal carvings along the way. When it comes to free things to do in Sydney, this is one of the most popular for good reason."