Looking for the perfect place to kick back with good food and even better company? These eight dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and pubs in and around Manly Beach have you covered.
Swedish stars at Fika Cafe
This bright and welcoming Swedish-inspired Cafe brings a taste of Sweden to Sydney, and is one of the best dog-friendly spots in Manly. Fika is a Swedish word meaning ‘taking a break for coffee and a bit to eat’, and this philosophy is built into the cafe’s friendly atmosphere.
Producing most items in house, Fika offers up a range of different pastries, sweet buns, hearty brunch options, Swedish-style meatballs, and excellent coffee and tea. Tradition is baked into everything it does, from the Dalahäst (or ‘Dala Horse’, a symbol of the historical province of Dalarna) printed on every coffee, to the famous Semla Bun eaten 40 million times in Sweden each year.
Located just a three-minute walk from Manly Beach, Fika has become a local favourite thanks to the friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and unique European flavours. At the online shop, you’ll find Scando snacks, Fika’s coffee roast, merch, and princess cakes that can be ordered for special occasions.
Whether you’re stopping in for a morning coffee, a relaxed brunch, or a casual lunch, outdoor seating means your pup can join you for a proper Fika break too.
Coffee and croissants at Rollers Bakehouse
Hidden away in a laneway just moments from Manly Beach, Rollers Bakehouse offers amazing coffee and some seriously good croissants.
The venue is inspired by modernist California architecture, with a relaxed vibe and outdoor seating available for your furry friends. The team combine classic French pastry techniques with experimental flavours, resulting in unique options including a hash brown chorizo croissant and a pineapple coconut pain suisse. Of course, you’ll also find all your favourites done to perfection, as well as house-made granola for a hearty breakfast option.
Rollers is an easy choice when you want to grab something sweet or savoury without leaving your pup behind.
The Boathouse Shelly Beach is a sandy oasis
If you decide to take the 2.4km walk from Manly to Shelly Beach, you’ll find The Boathouse Shelly waiting at the end. Set right on the shore, The Boathouse is a go-to for relaxed beachside dining and unbeatable views of the water at the only west facing beach on the east coast of Australia.
Breakfast includes all your favourites with coastal twists, including crab scrambled eggs and blueberry pancakes, while lunch ranges from tacos and burgers to salads and pizzas. On hot days, there’s nothing better than stopping by The Boathouse between 2-4pm for happy hour cocktails with friends.
With outdoor seating along the footpath, well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you at the tables, making it an easy stop for both you and your pup. Plus, you can plan special events including weddings, engagements and corporate functions with a beautiful beachside backdrop.
Pour a pint at The Espy Manly
Run by the team behind The Boathouse, The Espy is a classic Manly pub known for good food, cold drinks, and easy-going vibes. It’s located at the old aquarium site, with spacious outdoor seating where you can watch the ferries pass while dining on seaside classics. Make sure to try a wood fired pizza with chilli prawns or Italian sausage, tuck into a poke bowl, and bring your kids for the dedicated kids menu.
The Espy runs regular events and specials, including Locals Night with half price pizzas and $10 pints, or speed dating with 2-for-1 drinks. Dogs are very welcome in the spacious outdoor areas, where they can lounge by your side and enjoy the ocean breeze. The Espy is definitely one of the best dog-friendly spots in Manly.
Las Palmas is perfect for Mexican-inspired fare
This vibrant Mexican-inspired garden bar and taqueria brings tacos, toastadas, nachos and a full cocktail list to Manly.
Located right by Manly Cove, just a ten-minute walk from Manly Beach, Las Palmas is the perfect place to relax. Set among palm trees and luscious gardens, the pop-up bar offers wonderful views of the beach and relaxed outdoor seating perfect for bringing your pup along with you. Menu highlights include beef short rib barbacoa tacos, blackened swordfish tostadas and Bunuelo ice-cream sandwiches. Plus, the drinks menu features every variation of margarita you can imagine, as well as unique themed cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Bring your dog along to relax in the outdoor dining area, and prepare for an evening of good music and even better vibes.
Cheers over beers at Felons Brewing Co. Manly
Set right on Manly Wharf, Felons Brewing Co. is a lively waterfront brewery, restaurant, and bar that pairs craft beers and casual dining with a peaceful beach vibe. The main menu is inspired by Mediterranean flavours, and the chefs work closely with sustainable local farmers and fishermen to ensure top quality ingredients. From burgers and salads to wood fired pizzas, there’s truly something for everyone.
The venue also offers different weekly events. Every Sunday is community day, where families are encouraged to come for free kids face painting, live music, and a meat tray raffle. You can also expect live music, meet the brewer talks, and trivia every Tuesday.
With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to bring your pup to chill beside you while you enjoy a cold drink.
4 Pines Brew Pub Manly is a beer-lover’s dream
Home to the original 4 pines Brewing Company, this lively brewpub pairs fresh craft beers straight from the taps with delicious eats such as burgers and fish and chips, all complimented by a nice view of the water from the balcony. Beer-lovers should check out the resident brewers’ workshop, where more than 80 beers are created each year, while food-lovers can head downstairs to dine at the Izakaya Japanese restaurant, designed to echo Shinjuku’s Golden Gai alleys and bars.
Those visiting with well-behaved furry friends head to the outdoor seating, where you can enjoy 13 taps of beer including the traditional English hand pump, seasonal cocktails, and lunch and dinner menus. Regular events also bring the space to life, including Jugs & Jam nights every Thursday, where live music is paired with discounted beer jugs. Yappy Hour is another favourite, where regulars can bring their pup in on Sundays for free pints.
Go behind-the-scenes at 4 Pines Truckbar Brookvale
A little out of the way but well worth the visit, this laid back brewery bar is tucked inside the 4 Pines Brewing Co HQ in Brookvale. Here, it’s all about fresh craft beer straight from the source, poured from an iconic 1960s Dodge truck. Drinks can be paired with food such as burgers, wings, and other casual eats, or just simply enjoyed on their own. Bring your friends and family for a round of shuffle board, or watch your favourite games on the big screen with other screaming fans. There’s even brewery tours every Saturday for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the world of beer-making.
With weekly specials and events including live music from Fridays to Sundays, the 4 Pines Truckbar is a place where everyone can enjoy themselves. Dogs are welcome in the open areas, with plenty of outdoor seating for hours of relaxed fun.
Love this story on dog-friendly spots in Manly? Check out our other story on dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.
Rex flies to Sydney. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
