Explore Dining Hotspots in Brisbane's Bayside Suburbs
Brisbane’s bayside suburbs of Sandgate, Brighton and Shorncliffe to the north, and Wynnum and Manly to the south are growing nicely – as are their food scenes. We've done the legwork and wrapped up the cafes, restaurants and bars you need to check out.
Northern bayside: where to eat in Sandgate, Brighton & Shorncliffe
Sandgate is 22km from the Brisbane CBD and is steadily transforming from a retiree escape to a busy bayside hub for young families. The weekend crowds flock to the waterfront parks and the recently renewed Shorncliffe pier, and the array of food options range from hipster hideouts to family-friendly fare.
Sandgate Fishmonger
For fish and chips on the Sandgate waterfront, both the Sandgate Fishmonger and Doug’s Seafood Café won’t leave you wanting. The Fishmonger dishes up amazing calamari and the chef’s choice salad changes daily, while you can’t go past Doug’s for huge portions and bang for your buck.
On Third Avenue is Ilforno Pizzeria, which Quest Newspapers named as having the best pizza in north Brisbane in 2015. The wood-fired pizzas (try the L’Anatra – shredded duck, hoisin sauce and mozzarella topped with fresh spring onions and cucumber) are crisp and delish, and the beer fridge is heaving with the best European and craft brews around.
Cardigan Bar
From here, it’s a quick stroll to either of Sandgate’s cute laneway bars, Mr Henderson and the Cardigan Bar. Both offer great brews, wine and packed cheese platters, and locals line up to take advantage of the food trucks that often pull in on weekends.
Satori Organics
If breakfast and a caffeine hit or three are on your mind, Three Blind Mice, Satori Organics (grab a coconut bowl and time your visit for its Sunday organic markets) and Be Bold are your go to spots in Sandgate. Towards Shorncliffe, Matthew Thomas cafe is housed in the historic Masonic Hall on Eagle Terrace and has a view spanning most of Bramble Bay, while The Wired Owl Coffee Co. are your coffee experts.
In neighbouring Brighton, EclecTea Vintage Café is all about fair-trade food and coffee, and you can drop in for a craft beer and a burger on Friday nights. For probably the best breakfast options around, Blume has a great value menu (try the sweet potato waffle) and a massively loyal following for its Pablo & Rusty's coffee.
Those seeking a family-friendly pub option should head to the Full Moon Hotel. The menu goes above and beyond for a suburban pub and the kids’ room will keep the littlies entertained for hours. In the heart of Sandgate at the historic post office building, the Sandgate Post Office Hotel serves solid pub food that’s easy on the wallet.
Southern bayside: where to eat in Wynnum & Manly
Cedar & Pine
Just a 30-minute drive south of Brisbane the Manly Harbour Village foreshore is home to many restaurants, cafes, bars and a massive marina full of magnificent yachts. The largest man-made marina on Australia's east coast, many establishments overlook the 1500 boats catching a breeze on Moreton Bay.
There is no shortage of restaurants for the discerning diner, cafes to kick back in and cool bars to enjoy. For drinks of the caffeinated kind head to hip laneway cafe Cambridge Lane Espresso; sit on the deck of Café La Mer for long lunches; Keiths on Cambridge for brunch or seafood lunch, or perch yourself at the end of the William Gun Jetty at Cafe Bullfrog for the views.
Trendy tapas bar Cedar + Pine is the perfect spot to start or finish an evening. Its menu is available for dinner from Thursday to Sunday, and is the best spot in the bay for creative cocktails. Nearby Sea Vibes Kitchen & Bar is the prime spot for fancy fish & chips by the bay.
Manly Village Pizzeria let's you take a bottle of vino to enjoy its full range of Italian food; Manly Deck Bar & Restaurant has a modern, relaxed atmosphere; Celtic Corner offers a taste of Ireland; Little & Oliver’s occupies a prime spot near the marina; and The Manly Boathouse mixes great views with delicious seafood.
Shucks Bar
Over in Wynnum, local coffee roaster Dramanti Cafe is the spot for coffee and free wi-fi; Frenchies Cafe is a dog-friendly establishment for fur babies and their owners; slip away at The Rabbit Hole Cafe with its all-day breakfast menu; or combine coffee and books at Little Gnome.
For later in the day, pop by the historic Waterloo Bay Hotel for a classic pub bistro vibe; go for something more refined at Sylvia's; or head over to Shucks Bar for a cheeky vino and seafood share plates.
