What's not to love here. Breakfast, check! They offer breakfast, as well as a delicious selection of fresh baked pastries and barista coffee. Take away fish and chips, check! I didn't try the take away, but that just gives me a reason to come back. And the final check, a more sophisticated dining experience for lunch and dinner at the restaurant with beautiful views over the marina. We were lucky to be served by the amazing Ella, who suggested the Goldband Snapper, which was super fresh and delicious. The prawn toast entree was crispy and carefully curated, while the chilli chips were so nice literally everyone had a bowl on their table. The prices are actually reasonable for the size and quantity of the food. Very grateful we stopped in here, can't wait to come back.
Overview
The Manly Boathouse, located at 4 Trafalgar St, Manly QLD 4179, Australia, is a quintessential spot for those who enjoy a relaxed dining experience with breathtaking views of Moreton Bay. Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the ambiance of this place, combined with its fresh, modern menu, offers something for everyone. Located near the iconic Manly Harbour, it’s not just the food that will leave you impressed, but the picturesque setting that adds a special touch to your meal.
When you walk into the Manly Boathouse, you’re immediately greeted with a welcoming vibe. The design of the restaurant strikes a balance between contemporary and coastal, with nautical accents and large windows that provide expansive views of the water. The space is bright and airy, creating a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual meal or a special celebration. The outdoor seating area, which overlooks the bay, is particularly popular during the warmer months, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while dining.
The menu at Manly Boathouse is another highlight. It features a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, from fresh seafood to classic Australian comfort food. For those who enjoy a light bite, the house-made fish tacos and prawn linguine are standout options. The seafood is always fresh, a reflection of the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients. In addition to seafood, the menu also includes hearty dishes like the grilled steaks and the signature burgers that are sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. The roasted vegetable salad with quinoa and the gluten-free lemon meringue tart are highly recommended for those seeking lighter, yet flavorful, choices. The extensive drink menu, featuring a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, pairs perfectly with the diverse offerings, making the dining experience complete.
One of the restaurant's key selling points is the exceptional service. The friendly and attentive staff go above and beyond to make sure that every guest feels welcome. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the staff will ensure that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. The knowledge they have about the menu, paired with their promptness, is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to providing a top-notch experience.
What sets the Manly Boathouse apart from other restaurants in the area is its ability to cater to both locals and tourists alike. Its location near the water means that diners often enjoy beautiful sunsets as they dine. The location has also become a popular choice for those looking to host events or special occasions, thanks to its spacious layout and stunning views. The peaceful, seaside atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for weddings, birthday parties, or corporate events.
Customer reviews consistently praise the restaurant’s relaxed vibe, high-quality food, and excellent service. Many guests highlight the fresh seafood, especially the signature fish and chips, as a must-try. In addition, the restaurant’s ability to offer a range of options to suit different preferences is often mentioned, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or an evening meal, Manly Boathouse is a spot that should be on your radar. The combination of fresh, quality food, fantastic service, and an unbeatable location makes it a stand-out choice in the area. With its welcoming atmosphere and consistently high standards, it’s no wonder that the Manly Boathouse has earned a loyal following. Whether you're local to Manly or visiting the area, it's a dining experience that promises both relaxation and satisfaction.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Great wine list âś“ Live musicPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Counter service âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Brunch reservations recommended âś“ Lunch reservations recommended âś“ Reservations required âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPets
âś“ Dogs allowed âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
The highlight of my visit to Manly Boathouse was without a doubt the amazing service and the miso scallops—perfectly cooked and bursting with beautiful flavour. Honestly, I could eat those all day! The cocktails were exceptional and the whole place had a gorgeous, relaxing atmosphere that made for a memorable experience. The only downside was the main dish of pork; while it was cooked well, unfortunately the cut of meat given to us was much too fatty, which let down an otherwise wonderful meal. Still, I’d happily return for the scallops, drinks, and stellar hospitality. IG @mealsbymons
A Perfect Sunday spot!! The ambience and atmosphere feels unreal.. You'd wana seat here for hours!! Especially when there's a live singer.. The tunes put you at ease! It's a very busy spot and that speaks volumes in itself!
Dinner at Manly Boathouse was such a beautiful experience. The waterfront views in the evening are absolutely stunning, and the atmosphere feels both elegant and relaxed. The food was fresh, flavourful, and perfectly prepared — the seafood especially stood out. The service was warm and attentive, making the whole evening feel special. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a celebration by the water. Definitely a spot I’d love to come back to again.
The only thing I didn't like about this place is the parking..There is not enough disabled spots and the parking is public so it's shared with people going for walks etc..We had to park quite a bit down the road and walk..At the front of the premises is the fish and chippery..Nice seating with bay views..I ordered the Crumbed cod,sea scallop,Prawn and potato scallop.. I literally sqealed when I saw my fish,it was huge and thick..Very tasty too.The sea scallop was delicious too..Pricing was very good..Around the side there is a patisserie and restaurant..There was even a guy singing in the corner..it was Wednesday morning..There is seating outside for breakfast at the patisserie while restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating which overlooks boat harbour..After lunch I ordered a nice scroll from patisserie and we went to watch the sailing boats..Very nice day at Manly..
Oh my goodness, The Manly Boathouse! It was time to trade my fancy-dinner-self (from a previous lovely evening) for my I-just-need-a-caffeine-fix-self. The hype for their cafe was calling my name like a seagull to an unattended chip. The location? Absolutely gorgeous! It’s like the ocean itself decided to plop a fabulous cafe right on its doorstep. They've got a wonderful, open-plan seating situation, perfect for soaking up the coastal vibes. And what's this? A live musician serenading us! I'm pretty sure I saw a dolphin tap its foot. Now for the crucial moment: the coffee. I asked for a proper mug, ready for a sophisticated sip, but received my brew in a takeaway cup. A little part of me died, but like a true Australian, just kidding I’m American, I shrugged it off and kept my good spirits (the sea air helps with that). Let's be honest, the coffee itself isn't going to win any "Best Brew to Sail the Seven Seas For" awards, but that's okay! The real star here is the vibe and, frankly, the wind. You will absolutely, positively, get the salty ocean wind whipping through your hair like a tiny, enthusiastic, non-stop hairdresser. If you cherish your perfectly styled locks, you have been warned! It’s an absolute ripper out there. If you want to leave with the same hair you came with, I strongly recommend a strategic indoor table reservation. In summary: Come for the stunning location, the lively atmosphere, and a little light wind-based mischief. Stay for a solid, if not spectacular, cup of coffee. I left feeling utterly ocean-drenched and completely charmed. Just bring a hair tie!