Searching for the Best Cafes  

I’m on a mission to discover the best cafes in Australia. This time, I’m in beautiful Sydney, visiting fabulous cafes in Manly.  

After a really hard couple of years. Cafes are doing it tough. You can walk through any town in Australia and see cafes who’ve had to close their doors.

I want to help in any way I can. I’ve decided to dedicate my blog, to finding the best Cafes in Australia and shine a light on them. It’s time to get out and support these wonderful cafes.  I’ve already uncovered fabulous cafes in Surry Hills, amazing cafes in Paddington and brilliant cafes in Bondi. Now, I’m in picturesque Manly.

There’s nothing worse than having a bad breakfast or a cold coffee. So, I’ve done the hard yards. I’ve visited cafes all over Manly, from the lively spots to the hidden gems. After so many lattes, bacon and egg rolls, pastries and avo on toasts, I’ve narrowed it down to the 6 best cafes in Manly.

I’m so excited to share. Let’s get going.

Manly Cafes

ROLLERS BAKEHOUSE 

Located at 19 Rialto Lane Manly. Tucked away in a little alleyway. Rollers Bakehouse is a hidden gem which produces world class croissants and delicious coffee, only a few steps away from beautiful Manly beach. The space has a Palm Springs feel and centres around a large sun filled courtyard, dotted with cactus. There is a healthy collection of golden, flaky croissants in the window that you can’t miss. At Rollers Bakehouse, pastry is not an accessory to your coffee, it’s the main event.

The focus here is a no-rules approach to the humble croissant. They are definitely the best pastries I have eaten in Sydney. The pain au chocolate is a soft charcoal croissant with chocolate oozing from the centre. The cinnamon scroll is flaky, crispy and succulent. The classic twice-baked almond croissant is reinvented with a blackberry and pistachio filling. There’s also a list of savoury croissants, such as the Garlic Bread, which is made with garlic, rosemary and thyme croissant dough and gruyere cheese. There’s also a Sushi Roll croissant with salmon, ginger, nori and wasabi inside charcoal-dyed dough.

On the menu at Rollers, there are also vegan chocolate and coconut cookies, and maple-bacon snails made with smoked maple bacon, maple custard and roasted almonds.

There are so many creative choices on display. I could have eaten my way through everything.

In terms of coffee, there are batch brews, cold drip and classics from Okay Coffee.

THREE BEANS 

Located at 2a Darley Road Manly. Three Beans is a beachside favourite, loved by locals for its fresh, tasty sandwiches and wraps, and super friendly service. They are passionate about creating great tasting food with love. The Café only source organic foods and products that make a difference not only to taste, but the environment.

Three Beans serves up delicious organic coffee and a great selection of breakfast and lunch fare. On the breakfast menu there are all the classics including Toasted Muesli, Eggs Benedict, a Big Breakfast and French toast. For lunch you can have a delicious Salmon Bruschetta which is an open sandwich of smoked salmon, rocket, feta, Spanish onion and capers on sourdough. There is also a Club Sandwich with free range bacon, poached chicken, tomato, avocado, Swiss cheese, fried egg, mesculun and aioli, served with thick cut chips.

The coffee at three beans is fabulous. But if coffee is not your thing, there are plenty of other options including teas, shakes and delicious smoothies. I had the Coconut Berry which was amazing. It came loaded with berries, coconut water, coconut yoghurt and banana.

FIKA SWEDISH KITCHEN 

Located at 5B Market Lane Manly. Fika Swedish Kitchen is a compact, light-filled space with such a nice feel. There is untreated woodwork, industrial fixtures and yellow accents scattered all around the café.

On the menu there is a delicious bacon and egg roll loaded with crispy bacon, egg and their epic house-made beetroot relish. The Winter Porridge is great for those chilly mornings. It is Semolina porridge with berry jam, nut butter, granola, blueberries and freeze-dried raspberries. But my favourite dish at Fika Swedish Kitchen is Frida's Fritter. It is a rosemary, beetroot and potato fritter with pickled carrot and cabbage slaw, roasted asparagus, caramelised hazelnuts, feta and mint labne.

You can sample imported Swedish teas or enjoy their delicious Campos coffee blends. If you’re keen on something sweet, try a slice of mud cake, or one of the sugar-dusted cinnamon buns freshly baked in house.

BAREFOOT COFFEE TRADERS 

Located at 18 Whistler Street Manly. Barefoot Coffee Traders is a cute little café with timber décor and a small amount of seating. They serve speciality coffee and the most delicious Belgium waffles I’ve had outside of Belgium. Don’t be surprised, if there is a line out the door and snaking its way down the street. It’s probably because the coffee and waffles are the best in town.

In addition to the waffles, there are Scrambled Basil Eggs and an Eggplant and Chickpea Ragout. There is also “The Dave” which comes loaded with avocado, tomato, Meredith goats’ cheese and balsamic glaze on Barefoot paleo toast. You can even upgrade to the “Super Dave” which includes poached eggs.

But if you love a sweet breakfast, don’t go past the Belgium waffles. They are outstanding. Yes, you can add chocolate, salted caramel and ice cream because it’s so dam delicious.

STAPLE BREAD AND NECESSITIES 

Located at 1a/40 East Esplanade Manly. Staple Bread and Necessities, bake delicious hand-crafted sourdough breads, pastries and other baked goods using locally sourced organic and sustainable ingredients. This little whole-in-the-wall café is located in a thriving corner of Manly, known for great food and coffee.

Don’t be surprised if you see locals queuing up around the corner to get Staple’s fresh baked goods. Their selection includes flaky croissants, cinnamon scrolls and delicious vanilla slices, all made with rye and whole-wheat puff. There are also delicious cheese and oregano, and almond croissants.  

Delicious breads are also on the menu. Stable bakes the freshest sourdoughs, mountain loafs and Cubano rolls. If you’re like me, and love to bake your own goods, Staple’s hand-ground flour is available for wholesale purchase. They also run sourdough workshops to teach you how to bake like a pro.

PURE WHOLEFOODS 

Located at 5/10 Darley Rd Manly. Pure Wholefoods is a hidden gem in lovely Manly. It’s just far enough away from the tourist area to make it a hot spot with the locals. The cafe boasts a happy social atmosphere, serving incredible organic coffee, matcha, and vegan smoothies. Their menu is filled with breakfast favourites and healthy lunch choices. On the breakfast menu there are omelettes, acai bowls, grain porridge and delicious wraps.

For lunch there is a mouth-watering salad roll, the always popular Nasi Goreng, dahl and a Chicken Schnitzel.

They also have gluten-free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options as well as protein filled burgers and wraps.