Discovering the Essence of Coastal Dining at Garfish Manly
Situated along the picturesque waterfront of Manly, Garfish has established itself as a cornerstone of the local culinary landscape. Located at 1/39 E Esplanade, this establishment offers more than just a meal; it provides a quintessential Sydney dining experience that harmonizes the relaxed atmosphere of the Northern Beaches with a commitment to culinary excellence. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor taking the ferry across the harbor, the restaurant serves as a welcoming destination where the rhythm of the ocean meets the art of fine cooking.
The philosophy behind Garfish is rooted in the belief that great food begins with the integrity of the ingredients. By focusing on the natural flavors of the sea and the land, the kitchen team crafts dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable. The dining room is designed to reflect its coastal surroundings, offering an environment that is equally suited for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, or a casual afternoon escape from the bustling city life. It is a place where the connection between the producer, the chef, and the diner is celebrated through every plate served.
What Sets the Garfish Experience Apart
Commitment to Freshness: The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight the best seasonal produce available. By prioritizing local sourcing and sustainable practices, the restaurant ensures that every ingredient reflects the quality and character of the region.
Prime Waterfront Location: Positioned on the Esplanade, the restaurant offers guests a unique vantage point to enjoy the beauty of Manly Cove. The interplay of natural light and the gentle sound of the harbor creates a serene backdrop that enhances the overall dining atmosphere.
Versatile Culinary Approach: The kitchen prides itself on a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of palates. From classic preparations that honor traditional techniques to innovative flavor combinations, there is a deliberate effort to provide a balanced and memorable experience for every guest.
Professional and Welcoming Service: A hallmark of the Garfish experience is the dedication of its staff. The team is committed to providing attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly service, ensuring that every visitor feels comfortable and well-cared for from the moment they arrive until the end of their meal.
A Destination for Every Occasion
The enduring appeal of Garfish lies in its ability to remain relevant while staying true to its core values. In an era where dining trends often shift rapidly, this restaurant maintains a steady focus on quality, consistency, and the simple pleasure of sharing a well-prepared meal with others. The space is intentionally crafted to be flexible, allowing it to transition seamlessly from a bright, airy lunch spot to an elegant evening venue as the sun sets over the water.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the Manly community, visiting this location offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle. It is a space where conversations flow as easily as the tides, and where the focus remains firmly on the enjoyment of good food and good company. Whether you are planning a special event or simply looking for a reliable spot to enjoy the best of what the coast has to offer, Garfish remains a standout choice. We invite you to experience the thoughtful hospitality and refined flavors that have made this venue a cherished part of the Manly waterfront for years to come.
Amenities and More
Menus
Extras
Tartare Sauce$2.00
House Chilli Jam$2.00
Aioli$2.00
Sides
Plain Mash$10.00
Mash With Silvebeet & Kaffir Lime Beurre Blanc$13.00
Chips With Tartare Sauce$9.00
Spinach & Beetroot Salad$14.00
Entrées
Salt & Pepper Squid With House Chilli Jam (Small)$25.00
King Prawn Soft Shell Tacos (2 Pieces)$25.00
Mains
Aged Beer Batter Fish & Chips$30.00
Grilled Barramundi$35.00
Snapper Pie$34.00
Sri Lankan Fish & Prawn Curry$40.00
Grilled Salmon$35.00
Salt & Pepper Squid With House Chilli Jam (Large)$35.00
Moreton Bay Bugs (400 G)$60.00
Photos
Reviews Garfish
Ann Burns
17-04-2026
Went for a special lunch to remember an old friend and family members passing. He was a regular diner at Garfish. The food was amazing. Special mention to the chef who prepared our chocolate dome which was so much fun to eat. Exceptional … More
Johnny Lohr
01-04-2026
A must-visit if you’re ever in Manly. Garfish has been around for some time now, and it’s clearly doing something right — it has truly stood the test of time, and it’s no wonder why. The food selection is amazing, the staff are super … More
Trent McVey
27-02-2026
Absolutely awesome on every level. We approached the team with a special request to offer something a little different for our senior management crew get together and they certainly didn't disappoint. The first ever Garfish cocktail … More
Alan CW
23-01-2026
Specifically planned to visit Garfish on a relaxing Sunday time out at Manly. Though there are quite a few food places in the area, none match the atmosphere and quality of Garfish. … More
Vic C
06-01-2026
Great food, friendly staff and a wonderful atmosphere.
Meal type
Dinner…
More
Ernie Kim
18-12-2025
Let's talk food first. We went for the classic Fish and Chips, and they were... well, just okay. Nothing to write home about at $36, but they did the job. What really hit the spot though was the Snapper Pie ($45). Now that was good! … More
Tricia Vermuyten
17-12-2025
Garfish Manly was excellent. We shared the Fruits de Mer platter and loved the variety — fresh oysters, salt & pepper squid, sashimi, king prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, trout and more. Everything was beautifully done. The coconut parfait … More
Jessica
08-11-2025
Oysters had shell bits in them. Shrimp didn't have much taste. I don't get the reviews. The inside was dated and only got to see the wharf, not the beach. Service was alright. I should've gone elsewhere. More
Chi Ling
07-11-2025
We had the seafood platter. Comes with entrees and the mains. Entree was scallop, squid, king fish sashimi and mains was king prawns , moreton bay bug and a small grilled snapper. Bonus was it came with a beetroot salad. … More
Goi Susa
24-09-2025
Three of us walked in for dinner and were fortunate to get a great table. The food was delicious, and we had a wonderful time. However, there was a bit of confusion regarding our order. When we ordered the mussels, the waiter mentioned that … More
ThatSquidlyGuy
23-09-2025
While a natural oyster is almost always the best, what they do here with the fried oyster with wakame salad and ponzu sauce as well as the Bloody Mary shot is a breath of fresh air. … More
JT
21-09-2025
Really amazing fish & chips, perfectly cooked and lightly breaded. Cocktails were fabulous (recommend the storm breaker, odd botanicals or salted caramel espresso martini). They were also surprisingly very kid-friendly with coloring pages, … More
Andrew “How good is food !!!” McBride
18-09-2025
I stopped in at Garfish Manly for lunch with a craving for classic battered fish and chips. With a high star rating and a stack of reviews, it looked like a sure thing. … More
Sherry Rice
14-09-2025
A must try when in Manly! We didn't have reservations, but the staff was so helpful to squeeze us in for lunch! We had amazing oysters which were recommended by our waitress. Also first time trying Moreton Bay Bugs, and they were delicious! … More
Lizzie Teo
09-09-2025
Really great food and in particular great service that night for a group of 6 people under reservation Lizzie. Love the salmon sashimi, grill seafood, fish and chips, sri lankan curry and especially fried calamari. … More
Ada Chan
07-09-2025
Garfish Manly. You are officially my favourite restaurant in Sydney!
Food is amazing. Service is impeccable. Staff members are welcoming, warm and … More
Fiona Tempany
26-08-2025
I avoided this restaurant for years as it didn't take bookings on a Saturday night but I'm so glad that's changed (probably some time ago) as it's my new favourite classy restaurant. The staff are very friendly and professional, the … More
Vic C
27-07-2025
Great food, friendly staff and a wonderful atmosphere.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
Adrian W
16-07-2025
I came to Manly to find prawns for lunch and selected Garfish. Whilst they didnt give me a table in the main restaurant, i still enjoyed good service, food and wine in the small bar area. 250g prawn meal was fresh, delicious and reasonably priced. Give it a try. More
Lena Ang
13-05-2025
We had different kinds of seafood to share and they were all cooked beautifully and flavoursome. My main dish was grilled swordfish with spices, mash potato and boiled spinach. The fish was cooked perfectly, rub with spices. It was smooth … More
Brett Baxendale
01-05-2025
Food is OK,
Toilets are dirty at the beginning of the day???
Being surcharged for card payment is really uncool, I wish that businesses like … More
Reviews Garfish