Highlighting the theatre of Italian cooking and feasting, Cibaria Manly melds the buzzing communal sentiment of piazzas dotted with enotecas, trattorias and gelaterias and the rustic charisma of Italy’s southern coastal villages with the relaxed air of Sydney beachfront entertaining.

Located at the base of the Manly Pacific Hotel, it features a mash-up of pigment pairings incorporating assorted stone, patterned tiling and printed fabrics, complementing the bold flavour profile of its modern Mediterranean menu. As indicated on the signage on Cibaria’s striped awnings, it offers something for everyone: Spaghetteria, Bisteccheria, Friggitoria, Salumeria, Gelateria…

Cibaria is sympathetic to the hotel’s recently refurbished adjoining lobby and bar designed for the Manly Pacific Hotel, yet is energised by a more kinetic rhythm.

The large oceanfront space is formally planned with hubs to perch within the Gelateria, settle in to a banquet of pasta, frutti di mare and bistecca within two conjoined spaces overlooking the ocean, or linger over an aperitivo on high banquettes enabling waterfront views across the heads of seated diners. To create a dose of theatre and expedite service, conjoined areas feature two open kitchens inspired by Puglia’s masserias, while two private dining rooms cater to larger gatherings.

Photography: Steven Woodburn