While not as famous as its beachy New South Wales namesake, the Queensland coastal town of Manly has become a boating hotspot, home to a number of clubs and the largest boat harbour facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
Manly Kitchen, just off the coast, incorporates the town’s boating history into its interior with a set of oars proudly adorned on its walls below the café’s name. A blue and white colour scheme, wooden tables and seating, and a colourful espresso bar combine to create a friendly, modern, and fun atmosphere.
Owner Martin Tang says this was the goal when he opened the café in 2017.
“I had over 20 years of experience as a chef in hotels, clubs, catering, and multi-star restaurants and was looking for a change and a challenge,” Martin says.
“We’ve seen a lot of local support, especially with the market down the road. It brings in customers while giving us access to local produce and suppliers.”
Manly Kitchen runs Mocopan Coffee’s Pasquale as its house blend through a custom-built black and gold Victoria Arduino Black Eagle espresso machine.
“I was looking to change our roaster and was introduced to Mocopan Coffee by one of our baristas. Since then, they’ve provided us with great service, training, and even equipment,” Martin says.
“The customers love the coffee and we’ve found it more stable, consistent, and easier for our baristas to handle.”
The food menu contains many Australian brunch and café standards, from house-made granola to the ever-popular smashed avo, though Martin says Manly Kitchen has slowly sprinkled in specials with an Asian influence.
“We recently offered a sweet vinegar braised pork belly bao and a kimchi omelette. Soon, we’ll be serving a waffle with red bean paste, green tea ice cream, mochi, and passionfruit caviar,” Martin says.
“It’s been good to offer these creative dishes. I love seeing people eating and enjoying our food and coffee.”
Manly Kitchen
50 Cambridge Parade, Manly, Queensland, 4179
Open seven days 7am to 4pm
(07) 3191 1841
