REVIEW: Easy Bayside Lunch at Manly Fish Co.

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If you want a casual, seaside lunch venue that truly works for families, then Manly Fish Co. is a standout choice for your next outing or holiday feed. This relaxed fish and chips spot ticks all the boxes for kids, teens and adults, with fresh seafood, generous portions and a vibe that feels right at home by the water.

My sister, her husband and my two teens (14 and 16) visited for lunch during the school holidays and honestly, not a single person complained. For a family lunch with teens, that is pretty much a home run.

And here’s something cool. Manly Fish Co. is part of the same hospitality family behind Olivera in Manly, so it has that same sense of thoughtful operation and chef-led confidence but in a much more casual, family-friendly setting. It is also the only licensed fish and chip shop in Manly which means you can enjoy your fish and chips with a wine or beer if you want to.

I’ve also embedded my Instagram reel below so you can see exactly what we ordered.

Where is Manly Fish Co?

Address: 1 Cambridge Parade, Manly QLD 4179
Phone: 07 3893 0195
Email: [email protected]

  • Seating: Outdoor patio dining
  • Style: Casual dine-in or takeaway
  • Parking: Street parking and nearby public parking
  • Dog friendly: Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome.

Setting & Atmosphere

Manly Fish Co. has a relaxed seaside feel that suits a quick lunch or dinner, a family catch up, or a casual meal after a beach visit. We visited on a weekday lunchtime and it was quiet, which made everything feel even more calm and enjoyable.

You sit outdoors on the patio and the setting feels very “bayside lunch” with gentle breezes, outdoor seating and plenty of space for kids and prams. It is all easy, casual and really kid friendly. Teens loved it. Families with younger kids would find it stress free. The friendly staff and straightforward menu make ordering simple.

Atmosphere rating: 5/5

Food That Pleases Every Palate

We literally ordered the entire menu so we could give you a full picture of what’s on offer. Yes, everything. No regrets.

The menu here is uncomplicated with clear favourites that kids and adults alike will enjoy. You can choose your fish grilled, crumbed or battered, which is a big plus because everyone can have it their way.

What we ordered and loved:

  • Gold Band Snapper (grilled was my fave)
  • Crumbed calamari
  • Seafood sticks
  • Chips (small and large)
  • Potato scallops
  • Dim sims
  • Fish and chip packs
  • Greek salad
  • Rocket and pear salad
  • Tomato, tartare and vinegar sauces

The snapper was fresh and well cooked, the chips were piping hot and chunky, not soggy, and everything came out fresh and ready to share. The salads were a perfect balance to all the fried favourites, especially the Greek salad, which was crisp and flavourful.

The ability to choose how you want your fish kept everyone happy and satisfied. Portion sizes were generous and definitely teen approved.

You might spot the famous $2 oysters on the menu. They are wildly popular with locals and visitors alike although oysters aren’t our thing, we included them in our reel so you can see them.

Food quality: 5/5
Portion sizes: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5

Service & Ordering

Ordering is simple. You order at the counter and meals are brought to your table by friendly staff. The team we experienced were efficient, well organised and genuinely friendly. Nothing felt rushed but everything came out quickly, which is always a win when kids are involved.

Service rating: 5/5

Event Space

Manly Fish and Co patio
Manly Fish and Co patio

Manly Fish Co. can host your next function and seat up to 50 guests. The casual vibe makes it perfect for laid back celebrations, 18th birthday parties or family get togethers. The venue is fully licensed and can work with a range of budgets, so it is worth asking about for your next event by the bay.

Things Families Want to Know

Manly Fish Co.

This place is easy to share food. We literally passed dishes around the table and everything worked well that way. The outdoor patio seating makes it mess friendly and comfortable for kids of all ages. High chairs are available and prams fit with no trouble. Toilets are nearby too.

Whether you want to dine in or take away and eat by the beach, this venue makes it easy. It is ideal for beach days, after sport celebrations or a quick family lunch when you are out and about.

Kid-friendliness rating: 5/5

Staff friendliness: 5/5

Get Out with Kids Tip

ancora bistro
Scooting along the Manly waterfront working up an appetite

Take your order down to the foreshore and eat by the beach for a classic Manly experience. If the kids want grilled fish and you fancy crumbed or battered, mix and match so everyone is happy. Don’t skip the salads to balance the feast.

We love that families can bring their dogs – so a day out with your family means you can eat in or takeaway with your doggo in tow.

Manly Fish & Co is dog friendly
Manly Fish & Co is dog friendly

Highlights

  • Fresh fish with grilled, crumbed or battered options
  • Great salads to balance classics
  • Generous portion sizes for hungry teens
  • Outdoor patio, dog friendly and pram friendly
  • Licensed so you can enjoy a drink with your meal
  • Simple, family friendly ordering
  • Function space for casual events

Best For

  • Families with kids of all ages
  • Teens who love fish and chips
  • Beach days and after sport meals
  • Casual celebrations and gatherings
  • Easy dine-in or takeaway meals

Overall Rating: 5/5

Manly Fish Co. serves up classic seaside lunches with fresh flavours and generous portions. It is relaxed, friendly and perfect for families. Whether you eat by the water, on the patio or take your order to the beach, this is one place you will want to save for your next bayside feed.

If you want to see everything we ordered, check out our Instagram reel below.

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children. Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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