Brunch cafes aren't typically the domain of fine-dining chefs, but Manteiga — from Bentley, Est. and Dinner by Heston alum Justin Martins — is rewriting that script. This Portuguese-inspired spot brings elevated daytime fare to a sunny Darlinghurst corner, framed by large arched windows and an inviting, timber-accented fitout that sets the stage for Martins' playful menu. On it, you'll find signatures like the Manteiga Muffin — daily stone-baked bolo lêvedo made to Martins' grandfather's recipe, served with fluffy eggs, American cheese, house sauce and your choice of double-smoked bacon or a sausage beef patty. Other highlights include the Iberian baked eggs, with Portuguese-style chorizo, salsa verde, golden capsicum and a fresh herb salad; and the signature ricotta pancakes, a cloud-like stack topped with strawberry gum compote, tonka bean and puffed grains. Come midday, you can tuck into the likes of a tempura fish burger on a soft milk bun, or the Summer Manteiga Bowl, a fresh soba noodle salad loaded with a veritable rainbow of veg, finished with pistachio dukkah and a zesty nam jim dressing. Wash it all down with Single O coffee or a house-made iced tea, poured in a room that's as bright and breezy as the menu. And while Manteiga is a purely daytime affair for now, Martins has plans for special pop-ups and intimate degustation dinners that'll showcase even more of his fine-dining pedigree.
