Food markets  

01. Held along the waterfront at Manly on the 3rd Saturday of every month, rise early to catch the freshest produce at Jan Powers Fresh Farmer’s & Fisherman’s Market. From healthy smoothies to French pastries and crispy dumplings, walk in with an empty stomach and an open mind.

Brunch

02. One of Balmoral’s hidden gems is Little Hideout Café, winner of Australia’s best avo toast (with a twist) in 2022. With a selection of locally sourced bites and a back deck seating area, it’s the ideal spot for a walk-in brunch. 

03. In the heart of Hawthorne with pastel peach walls and a menu to shout about is Sister Café. From crumpets and chai pudding to the ultimate breakfast burger or Ferrero Rocher waffles, you won’t be disappointed. 

04. Tucked away in the suburbs of Seven Hills is The Rabbit Hole Cafe, known for its outstanding menu with a friendly smile. From crispy chicken waffles and breaky bao buns to French toast and mimosas, there’s a brunch option for every taste.

05. Fancy taking a seat in a laneway café with excellent coffee and mouth-watering vegetarian specials? Pop into Cambridge Lane Espresso + Kitchen in Manly. 

06. Sometimes you’re craving a simple coffee and sweet treat and Darvella Patisserie in Bulimba is happy to help. With everything made in-house, take your pick of hand-crafted cakes, pastries, and selected delicatessen items inspired by the age-old patisseries of Europe.

Lunch

07. Searching for a special occasion lunch spot? Perched on the eastern tip of Manly with wraparound views of Moreton Bay is Manly Boathouse, a modern Australian and seafood restaurant. With several dining areas to choose from, sit back with sea views, the finest locally sourced produce, and an exquisite wine list. 

08. As Brisbane’s oldest fresh seafood market, you know the takeaway fish and chips at The Fish Factory in Morningside are going to be delicious. Choose your preferred fish either crumbed, battered, or grilled, and set up lunch at Bulimba Riverside Park.

09. Not your average local grocer, Hawthorne Garage has a gourmet selection of deli items and fresh produce, perfect for a pack-your-own picnic. Pick your own selection of treats and throw down a rug at nearby Vic Lucas Park for lunch on the river. 

10. Another option on Manly’s waterfront is the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, with seated or takeaway snack menus from the Bar and Café or tasty meals under the sails of The Boardwalk Bistro.

Dinner

12. Dine under the stars at Melrose, an Indonesian and Thai-inspired rooftop restaurant on Oxford Street. Expect plenty of chill vibes, flavour and heat.

13. Love Indian food? The Curryville Indian Restaurant in Morningside serves down-to-earth, homestyle dishes including its popular butter chicken curry and handmade samosas. 

14. When only Mexican street food will do, Cartel De Taco at Hawthorne offers it in spades. Bringing the authentic flavours of Mexico to Brisbane, share amongst you a mix of tacos, share plates, mains, desserts, tequila, and more.

15. Located on the riverfront Bulimba boardwalk, IL MOLO Italian Kitchen & Bars is a fun and casual Italian eatery, perfect for relaxed meals and sunset drinks on the deck looking over the Brisbane River.

16. For the ultimate seafood dinner feast, you can’t go past King Crab Co in Bulimba, Queensland’s best crab house. Put your bib on and embrace the mess as you tuck into crabs served ‘in a bag’ with your choice of sauce and grilled barbeque baguette.

Drinks

17. Passionate about great craft beer? The eastern suburbs of Brisbane have got you covered. Get down to BrewDog taproom in Murrarie, pull up a chair, and choose from a selection of 28 fresh taps brewed just metres away. The menu also rocks a full selection of burgers, wings and big bowl salads. Another craft beer favourite is multi-award-winning Revel Brewing Co on Oxford Street, known for its locally brewed beers bursting with flavour and wood-fire pizzas. Or The Oxford Taphouse is a cosy watering hole dedicated to the best beer and cider that Australia and New Zealand have to offer.

18. For a touch of Ireland, Celtic Corner Bar & Bistro in Manly is for you. Enjoy live music, a pint of Guinness, and a beef pie with mash and peas — all the essentials of a true Irish pub. 

19. To mingle with the locals, head into the beer garden at The Manly Hotel. Whether you’re stopping by for an after-work drink, catching the game with mates, or settling in for a session, everyone is welcome.