Superb seafood & grill dining – waterfront on Sydney’s famous Woolloomooloo Wharf
November 8th, 2014
One of Sydney’s iconic and most fashionable dining destinations, the historic Woolloomoolloo Wharf on Sydney Harbour houses an impressive assemblage of restaurants, high-end residential apartments and luxury boutique hotel. Among the upscale restaurants arrayed along the western promenade of the wharf, Manta Restaurant & Bar has, over the past decade, become one of the most highly rated and popular choices, enticing diners with its consummate seafood and grill cuisine. Deftly combining a clean, contemporary decor across both indoor and outdoor spaces, together with the delightful harbourside outlook, Manta exudes an understated sophistication conducive to relaxed long lunches and elegant evening dining. Much acclaimed, Manta features consistently on critics’ lists of Sydney’s best restaurants, and has been the recipient of numerous media restaurant awards.
Designed to take full advantage of its waterfront setting, the open, uncluttered design of Manta provides rewarding harbour views from the indoor dining tables, and especially from the outdoor tables – unhindered views down the wharf promenade and across the marina berths to the city skyline. Large awnings protect outdoor tables from direct sun and inclement weather, and with gas outdoor heaters deployed for the winter months, comfortable year-round dining is ensured. In addition to indoor and outdoor promenade dining, Manta also offers an intimate bar and lounge space where guests can enjoy all day refreshing cocktails and wines, accompanied by an appetizing menu of bar snacks.
Diners at Manta can select from a comprehensive menu of fresh seafood and prime beef grill dishes. Under the direction of Head Chef Daniel Hughes, fresh seafood is sourced exclusively from sustainable fisheries and growers, while premium grades of Australian grass-fed and grain-fed beef are directly farm-sourced for traceable provenance. The cooking style, straightforward and honest, is firmly grounded in classic technique, ensuring the natural flavours of the prime quality seafood and meats are accentuated. Standout dishes that exemplify this approach include the King George Whiting – pan-fried sourdough crumbed fillets, kipfler potatoes, preserved lemon, aioli, and cornichons; and from the charcoal grill – 250g Eye Fillet – premium Angus steer, pasture fed at Cape Grim, Tasmania – served with garlic, parsley and primo extra virgin olive oil. Shellfish lovers are well catered for with selections of fresh Oysters; Whole King Prawns; live Northern Territory Mud Crabs; and live Tasmanian Lobsters.
Complementing the fine cuisine, Manta sommelier Lyndon Stenning has assembled an excellent list of premium Australian and international wines, from both well known and boutique labels. Supplementing the wines and champagne, a concise list of well-executed Manta Signature and A Twist on the Classics cocktails entice for pre-dining drinks – or all-day refreshments at the bar and lounge.
Manta Restaurant & Bar is open daily from 12 pm, serving lunch util 3 pm, and dinner between 6 pm and 10 pm. At the bar and lounge, beverage and bar menu service is continuous all day from 12 pm until closing. Manta is a popular venue for private events, weddings and parties, with various sized spaces available for exclusive use. Table reservations for both lunch and dinner are highly recommended. Seasonal menu specialties and special events are highlighted on the Manta Facebook Page
