Nothing quite beats a bowl of freshly made pasta, and Busta knows this well. With it's intimate atmosphere and open kitchen, the vibe is laid-back and familial, and the food focuses on sharing in equal measure. Small plates of fresh bruschetta and anchovies on oily bread, saucy pastas and a curated wine list to pair, it is high-quality and crafted with care - just like your nonna used to make it. 

Named after the traditional Swedish fika - taking a break over coffee with friends and family - Fika in Manly is Australia's first Swedish eatery. Tucked into a narrow lane just off the beach, this bustling cafe offers a taste of Sweden with everything made in-house, from their signature homemade skagen toast with prawns, cured gravalax to the cakes, cookies and jams. And of course, great coffee. 

Sunset Sabi is a Manly staple, loved by the trendy set escaping Bondi crowds. Inside, the glass-fronted restaurant is lined with raw timber tables and chairs and framed by neon Japanese signage. The food is Japanese fusion, famously the crab-based Dank rolls and Double Double gyozas (inspired by the Big Mac) are a must-order. The bartenders shake eccentric cocktails at the counter, and sake is flowing by the bottle. Sunset Sabi is the kind of place you will leave well fed and very well watered. 

Hidden just off the Corso, Jipang is Manly’s low-key Japanese favourite where the focus is firmly on flavour over fuss. The menu is tight, authentic and cooked with the kind of care that makes regulars fiercely loyal. Start with a light prawn tempura or karage chicken with the house-made teriyaki sauce before diving into steaming bowls of ramen or a rice curry. The sake selection is extensive too.