Manly Greenhouse

If good things come to those who wait, then three-storey beachfront haunt Manly Greenhouse must be destined for greatness. The multi-faceted waterfront venue has space for a whopping 400, boasting a foliage-heavy coastal-style fit-out by award-winning studio Luchetti Krelle. It boasts a super lush setting befitting the name, including some pretty special collaborative efforts from illustrator Beci Orpin and the greenery experts at The Plant Room.

Downstairs, The Greenhouse is your go-to for casual eats at any time of day. The menu's got a modern Italian bent, starring pizzas done in the woodfire oven, and pasta dishes like pappardelle with slow-cooked brisket. Other bites might include the likes of crab bruschetta, a bone-in grass-fed Riverina sirloin, and mushroom and provolone arancini served with garlic aioli.

The cocktail lineup's another nod to Italy, starring classics like the negroni, an Aperol spritz and the Cafe Frizzante, a blend of sparkling water, cold brew, vermouth and Campari. A sprawling selection of Aussie wines sits alongside a few key Italian varietals, and two Hope Brewhouse collaborations headline a crafty list of beers.

One level up, The Grill's food offering will be guided by the kitchen's charcoal grill, matched with a largely natural wine lineup curated by Lo-Fi Wines co-founder James Audas.

And the icing on this cake is the rooftop, where panoramic ocean views and a healthy dose of greenery prove a breezy backdrop for signature cocktails, toasted sandwiches and an edit of bar snacks from the menu downstairs. Looks like the Steyne has some competition.