FOODIE 101**Manly Greenhouse

Behind the highly anticipated new opening is Greg Anderson and Patricia Nunes, whose combined ambition is to restore the neglected venue (formerly the Shore Club) to new glory. Taking its name and cues from the free-spirited culture and natural beauty of the coastal suburb, Manly Greenhouse will provide a revived social hub for locals and visitors alike. With sweeping views of the Manly beachfront, the venue comprises three distinct levels; at street level, the Greenhouse, offering casual, all-day dining, the mid-level Grill restaurant, and the Rooftop will complete the space.

The Greenhouse will feature a menu of contemporary Italian dishes and pizzas, hand rolled and cooked in a woodfired oven. Start with snacks of crab bruschetta or arancini with mushroom, provolone & garlic aioli followed by small plates like Ortiz sardines, served in the tin, alongside Spanish onion, parsley and grilled local Berkelo bakery bread. Generous mains include a whole line-caught snapper, baked in the wood oven with truss cherry tomatoes or grass-fed Riverina sirloin, served on the bone with salsa verde and fat chips. Pastas of pappardelle with slow-cooked brisket and seafood squid ink spaghetti round out the Mediterranean offering, alongside pizzas such as the Hangover, a white base with potato, sausage, pancetta, rosemary and soft egg. For something sweet, expect favourites such as tiramisu or lemon tart with crème fraiche, and offering a touch of seaside nostalgia, soft serve ice cream will be served as part of a salted caramel sundae with butterscotch popcorn.

Cocktails will carry over the theme, with highlights on tap including an Aperol Spritz and Bulletproof Espresso Martini. There will also be pre-batched classics such as a Negroni or Café Frizzante, made with vermouth, Campari, sparkling water and cold brew. Wines will also be available via tap, including a chilled Dolcetto, alongside an extensive list championing Australian vineyards and a selection of Italian varieties. Greenhouse Pale Ale and Bitter, a collaboration with the Hunter Valley’s Hope Brewhouse, will be available on tap, as well as a selection of tinnies, including local 4 Pines IPA.

Situated on the Manly Greenhouse top floor is the impressive Rooftop, complete with panoramic views of the beachfront and Manly’s signature pines. The bar, framed by hanging plants and an indoor cloud tree, will deliver bespoke cocktails, and an edit of the downstairs menu, designed to be enjoyed by the sea. Bar snacks might include salt & pepper school prawns with garlic aioli, a selection of cured meats including LP’s mortadella and Blackmore Wagyu beef bresaola or polenta bites with soured cream and chives. For something more substantial, there will be a selection of toasted sandwiches.

In the coming months, the middle level will welcome the Grill restaurant, promising casual elegance. The menu, centred around a charcoal grill, is set to feature highlights of Cape Grim sirloin and wood-fired Skull Island prawns. Lo-Fi Wines co-founder James Audas (Noma, Tetsuya’s) is working up a unique wine list, led by natural varieties.