If you are looking for a relaxed but elegant spot on the bayside for a date day or night, the newest addition to the Manly dining scene is absolutely worth putting on your radar. Olivera blends Mediterranean coastal flavours with breezy bayside charm, creating a dining experience that manages to feel refined and comforting at the same time.
And there is a lovely local story behind it too. Two of the bayside’s most iconic restaurant spaces have been brought back to life by hospitality duo Joel Walker and Mikaela D’Arienzo, who have officially relaunched both Olivera and their neighbouring venue Manly Fish Co. right on the corner of Royal Esplanade and Cambridge Parade.
Olivera leans into the couple’s Italian heritage with warm, modern dining from breakfast through to dinner. Meanwhile, Manly Fish Co. delivers relaxed alfresco seafood, takeaway favourites and the already famous $2 all day oyster special. We will be heading back soon to review Manly Fish Co. as a Get Out with Kids option, but today was all about our Olivera date day.
I visited with my 18 year old son, Alex, for a mother and son date day. We filmed an Instagram reel (see below) of our experience and enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch with waterfront views, exceptional service and a menu that absolutely delivers on flavour.
As always, this review reflects exactly what we experienced. I have linked our reel at the bottom so you can see the dishes for yourself.
Where is Olivera?
- Address: Corner of Cambridge Parade and The Esplanade, Manly QLD
- Facebook page: Follow them here
- Instagram page: Follow them here
- Website: Check them out here
- Parking: Public carpark directly across the road, plus ample street parking nearby.
Olivera sits in one of the most enviable spots in Manly, right near the marina. From inside, large windows frame the boats floating in the harbour which creates a dreamy coastal backdrop for your meal.
Get Out with(out) Kids tip: Request a window table when you book so you can enjoy the gorgeous view of the moored boats.
Atmosphere at Olivera
The vibe at Olivera is relaxed, refined and calming. It is elegant without being the slightest bit pretentious, the kind of place where you can enjoy a beautiful meal while still feeling comfortable and welcome.
We dined at lunchtime soon after they opened for the day, so the restaurant was quiet. Soft ambient music played in the background which made it easy for conversation to flow. Most tables were couples or friends enjoying long lunches.
The fitout is airy and Mediterranean coastal with warm natural tones, soft curves and touches that make you feel like you have slipped onto the sunlit shores of the Mediterranean. Even in the daytime, delicate fairy lights on the terrace hinted at how magical the space would look at night.
- Atmosphere rating: 5/5
Food at Olivera
Olivera proudly says they grill with intention, garnish with love and plate with poise. Based on what we tasted, they mean it.
The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavours with a modern coastal Queensland twist. Every dish we ordered arrived beautifully plated, fragrant and full of personality.
What we enjoyed:
- Bruschetta with straciatella, nduja oil and parsley sauce
- Bruschetta with vine tomato, oregano and smoked garlic
- Burrata with tomato tartare, genovese pesto and grilled pane
- Risotto di Funghi with chantrelle, porcini, swiss brown mushrooms, truffle and grana padano
- Cassata semi freddo with grappa and fresh fruits
- Cafe Catalana with sable crumb, XO Patron, savoiardi and mascarpone
The standout
The biggest surprise of the day was the fish and chips. It was absolutely not what I expected, and all the better for it. This is not your standard battered market fish and fries. Instead, Olivera presents a clever reinterpretation using jamon, potato, garlic, herbs and brussels sprouts. The flavours were layered, rich and incredibly moreish.
Check out the photo above – that is my fish and chips! It was a delicious surprise. A real catch (pun intended)!
Portion sizes were reasonable and the focus is clearly on flavour quality rather than quantity. We left perfectly satisfied but not weighed down.
- Food quality: 5/5
- Presentation: 5/5
- Value for money: 4.8/5
Drinks
You cannot talk about Olivera without mentioning their (soon to be famous) $12 spritzers, available from 10am every day. Both were refreshing, light and ideal for a bayside lunch.
- Drinks rating: 5/5
Service at Olivera
Service during our visit was exceptional. Staff were warm, friendly and genuinely attentive without hovering. Our booking was ready the moment we arrived and our water glasses were always filled.
Even though the restaurant was still new, the team already operated with professionalism and confidence. Of course, I do wonder what service will be like once they become even more popular and busier at peak times, but based on our experience, they are off to an impressive start.
- Staff friendliness: 5/5
- Efficiency: 5/5
- Attentiveness: 5/5
Facilities and Setting
Olivera has embraced the Mediterranean spirit through its layout and design. Soft natural colours, warm timber, gentle lighting and coastal touches give the whole space a serene feel. Seating was comfortable and well spaced, making the venue ideal for conversation.
The outdoor terrace with fairy lights looks like the perfect place for a sunset drink or a relaxed date night. Although it was quiet when we visited, the space feels like it will settle beautifully into the neighbourhood as locals discover it.
Highlights
- The creative reinterpretation of classic dishes, particularly the fish and chips
- Warm, polished and friendly service
- Coastal Mediterranean fitout
- Water views from the window tables
- $12 spritzers all day
- A calm and unhurried atmosphere ideal for meaningful conversations
Best For
- Date days and date nights
- Long lunches with friends
- Adults wanting a relaxed bayside dining experience without noise or crowds
- Celebrations that call for good food and a lovely setting
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Olivera is a beautiful new addition to the Manly dining scene. It is elegant, warm and inviting, with food that showcases thoughtful technique and flavour. Whether you visit for lunch with someone special or a long overdue evening date, it is absolutely worth adding to your list.
If you want to see the dishes for yourself, check out our Instagram reel we created during our visit.
