Bayside Suburbs Restaurants (Brisbane)

Brisbane’s Bayside suburbs – including Wynnum, Manly, Cleveland, Redland Bay, and surrounding areas – are a true foodie’s dream. With a perfect blend of waterfront dining, relaxed family-friendly cafes, and vibrant fresh produce markets, the Bayside offers a culinary experience as stunning as its ocean views. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favourite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic coastal meal, this guide will help you discover the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the flavours of the region.

Beachfront Dining in Brisbane’s Bayside

• The Lighthouse Restaurant & Café – Cleveland

  • Specialties: Fresh seafood platters piled high with local catches, and modern Australian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

  • Highlights: The restaurant’s prime location offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of Moreton Bay. Its iconic setting next to the historic Cleveland Lighthouse makes for a memorable dining experience, especially at sunset.

  • Website: thelighthouse.com.au

• Manly Boathouse – Manly

  • Specialties: Renowned for its fresh oysters shucked to order, premium steaks cooked to perfection, and an extensive menu of local seafood and seasonal dishes.

  • Highlights: This venue features a stylish, multi-level waterfront setting with various dining areas, including a popular Oyster Bar and a sophisticated main restaurant. It’s the perfect spot for a long lunch or an elegant sunset dinner overlooking the marina.

  • Website: manlyboathouse.com.au

• Tide on the Jetty – Manly

  • Specialties: Mediterranean-inspired tapas designed for sharing, creative cocktails, and a selection of fresh, local seafood.

  • Highlights: Tide offers a unique, over-water dining experience on a historic jetty. The relaxed, breezy atmosphere and spectacular views of the boats in the marina make it an ideal place for a casual meal or a celebratory drink.

  • Website: tideonthejetty.com.au

Family-Friendly Bayside Restaurants

• Pelican’s Nest Café – Wynnum

  • Specialties: A classic Aussie menu featuring delicious breakfast options, gourmet coffee, and generously sized seafood baskets perfect for sharing.

  • Highlights: Located directly opposite the Wynnum Esplanade, this casual and colourful café is a favourite with families. It’s the perfect spot for a post-walk or post-swim feed, with a laid-back, kid-friendly vibe.

• Fish on Fire – Manly

  • Specialties: Famous for its classic fish & chips, juicy burgers, and a range of fresh seafood grilled or fried to order.

  • Highlights: With large outdoor seating, it’s a great choice for a relaxed family meal. The fast and friendly service makes it a go-to for a quick, delicious takeaway to enjoy by the water.

• Fishes at the Point – Point Lookout (Day Trip Option)

  • Specialties: Serving some of the freshest fish on the coast, caught locally on North Stradbroke Island. Don’t miss their famous seafood chowder or fresh prawns.

  • Highlights: Offering stunning coastal views, this iconic eatery is a must-do for anyone on a day trip to “Straddie.” You can either grab a takeaway to enjoy on the beach or sit down for a casual meal.

Fine Dining Experiences in the Bayside

• The Arsonist – Manly

  • Specialties: This restaurant elevates wood-fired cooking to an art form. The menu focuses on premium, locally sourced meats and vegetables cooked over an open flame, giving each dish a distinct, smoky flavour.

  • Highlights: Step into a moody, sophisticated atmosphere with an open kitchen that showcases the mesmerising fire at the heart of their cooking. It’s an immersive dining experience perfect for a special occasion.

  • Website: thearsonist.au

• Mamas Italian – Cleveland

  • Specialties: A modern Italian restaurant celebrated for its handmade pasta and authentic, woodfired pizzas. Each dish is crafted with a local twist, using the best produce from the surrounding area.

  • Highlights: Mamas offers a warm and inviting ambience, ideal for a romantic dinner or a small group celebration. The extensive wine list complements the delicious Italian fare.

Bayside Markets & Fresh Produce

• Manly Creative Markets: Held every Sunday along the Esplanade, these markets are a great place to find local art, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious food stalls.

• Cleveland Markets: Also on Sundays, this market has a strong focus on fresh local growers, artisan baked goods, and a variety of handmade products. It has a real community feel and is a great place to pick up your weekly produce.

• Wynnum Central Park Markets: A monthly market that brings together gourmet food, coffee, handmade crafts, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Wynnum.

• Tips for Market Shopping:

  • Arrive early to get the best selection of fresh produce and avoid the crowds.

  • Bring your own reusable bags to carry your goods.

  • Support local growers, makers, and small businesses by chatting to them about their products.

  • Have some cash on hand, as some smaller stalls may not have card facilities.

Bayside Breweries & Drinks

• Bacchus Brewing Co. – Capalaba

  • Specialties: Known for its innovative and experimental craft beers, Bacchus has a constantly rotating tap list that includes everything from classic lagers to unique, dessert-inspired brews.

  • Highlights: It’s the perfect spot for beer lovers to explore new flavours and enjoy a tasting paddle with friends.

• Hound Dog Brewing Co. – Redland Bay

  • Specialties: This small-batch brewery focuses on crafting quality lagers, ales, and IPAs using local ingredients where possible.

  • Highlights: Hound Dog offers a welcoming, local taproom environment where you can enjoy a fresh, cold beer straight from the source.

• Ballistic Beer Co. – Salisbury

  • Specialties: While a short drive from the Bayside, Ballistic is a popular spot with locals. It’s famous for its signature Pale Ales and diverse range of seasonal releases and limited editions.

Tips for Dining Out in Bayside Brisbane

• Book ahead: It’s highly recommended to book a table for dinner on Friday or Saturday nights, especially if you want a prime waterfront spot at one of the more popular venues.

• Try local seafood: Don’t leave the Bayside without sampling the local seafood. Fresh prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, and shucked-to-order oysters are regional specialities that you’ll find on most menus.

• Dress code: The Bayside has a relaxed coastal vibe. Most venues are casual, so shorts and a t-shirt are fine. However, fine dining spots like The Arsonist are better suited to smart-casual attire.

• Explore beyond restaurants: Grab takeaway fish and chips and eat them by the water, pack a picnic for the Wynnum Esplanade, or visit the local fish markets for the freshest catch.

Explore the Bayside and Beyond with a Hire Car

While the Bayside suburbs are beautiful to explore on foot, a car gives you the freedom to discover all the hidden gems scattered across the region. A hire car is the perfect way to get from Wynnum to Redland Bay with ease, and to explore the surrounding suburbs and attractions. If you’re flying into Brisbane Airport (BNE), Alpha Car Hire offers a convenient shuttle service to their nearby branch, so you can pick up your vehicle and start your Bayside foodie adventure without delay.

Ready to hit the road and explore all the Bayside has to offer? Book your car with Alpha Car Hire today!