Manly Boathouse

Wander along Manly’s Trafalgar Street towards the water, past the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club and the Coast Guard and the Darling Point Sailing Squadron digs, and you’ll hit the Manly Boathouse. Once the home of the Brisbane 18 Footers Sailing Club, it’s now a popular multi-purpose venue comprising a restaurant, cafe and al fresco fish ‘n’ chipper.

The coastal-inspired fit-out includes white light shades, section curtains, and exposed ceiling beams. The dining room is dotted with low-set timber tables and rattan furniture, and lined with French doors that offer brilliant views of Manly Boat Harbour and Moreton Bay.

From the restaurant's seafood-heavy menu, you might start with kingfish sashimi served with ponzu, shellfish crema and radish; barbequed Tasmanian scallops with miso mayo; or grilled ocean king prawns with cafe de Paris butter and lemon. Larger dishes might include grilled barramundi fillet with broccoli puree, fermented chilli and ginger shallot dressing; a sand crab linguine finished with abalone broth; and share plates such as slow cooked lamb shoulder.

The generous wine list favours classic Australian drops, but you’ll also find cocktails and a range of beer and cider on tap.

Outside on The Patio, there’s a patisserie serving espresso, French pastries and a short menu of breakfast brioche buns. From the fish and chippery; you’ll also find fresh prawns and oysters to enjoy at the shaded picnic tables on the grassy side of the building.