Paolo's Cafe and Aperitivo Bar

59 Birkley Rd, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
$$$ Cafe
(140 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Paolo's Cafe and Aperitivo Bar is a cozy corner spot in suburban Manly where locals come for strong, reliable coffee and a laid-back atmosphere away from the busier beachside crowds. The small space offers a choice between indoor seating and a casual outdoor area, making it a nice stop for morning catch-ups or a mid-afternoon break when the sunlight filters through the trees along Birkley Road.

The coffee here stands out as the main reason to visit — Paolo and his team have built a reputation for consistently excellent brews, with smooth espressos and a notably refreshing iced coffee that suits the warm local climate. Beyond the coffee, you’ll find a thoughtfully pared-back menu featuring simple yet satisfying snacks like the Mortadella Toast and occasional specials such as Roman bread with egg and bacon, perfect for a light bite. In the evenings, the bar side comes alive with a modest selection of Italian wines, classic cocktails like Aperol Spritz and Negroni, and a surprisingly good Espresso Martini for those looking to unwind.

The cafe’s vibe is notably friendly without feeling overly polished—staff are warm and approachable, encouraging a neighborhood feel rather than tourist bustle. This makes it a natural spot for locals who want to pause their day with a well-made coffee or enjoy aperitivo-style drinks paired with some fresh pasta, a recent addition that has added a touch more variety to the offerings.

Paolo's works well for anyone seeking a quality coffee experience combined with approachable Italian-inspired bar snacks, especially on quiet mornings or early evenings when you can settle into conversation or watch the slow rhythm of this residential pocket of Manly. Whether you're a regular who appreciates the steady craft behind every cup, or a visitor wanting a break from the usual beach cafes, Paolo’s offers an authentic local rhythm grounded in great hospitality and uncomplicated enjoyment.

Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Best for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

140 Reviews
Marcel Zammit

31 Dec 2025

First off, the coffee is the BEST. The Team is fabulous and Paolo the main character in the theatre of hospitality. Aperitivo, now with pasta courtesy of Manuel, has gone up several notches. Excellent flavours. A wonderful local asset. May they never go….

Peter S.

29 Dec 2025

A small, but friendly little cafe in suburban Manly. It’s away from the beach crowds, and you can sip your excellent coffee sitting inside or out. It has a limited menu, but well worth a visit.

Marcelo Schmidt

26 Dec 2025

Great coffee, beautiful staff, super friendly atmosphere. Worth going.

Bridget Armstrong

08 Dec 2025

My partner and I absolutely love coming to Paolo’s Café — it’s our go-to spot in Manly! Whether it’s for a perfectly brewed coffee, fresh muffins, banana bread, or the special Roman bread with egg and bacon, everything is always top notch. Paolo honestly makes the best coffee in Sydney — hands down! He’s even trained Mitch and Tom to the same high standard, so every cup is consistently exceptional. It’s also such a welcoming and fun little café. If you’re sitting outside, you can bring your pup along (big bonus for us!), and on rainy days it comes alive inside with people chatting, laughing, and even playing Bananagrams — it has such great community vibes. We can’t recommend Paolo’s Café highly enough. If you love your coffee, don’t waste time looking anywhere else in Manly — this is the spot!

Yuri D. Sasaki

24 Oct 2025

I had a very good coffee and sandwich. The cafe has good vibes and staffs are very kind. Recommend!

Katy Fischer

04 Oct 2025

Paolo the barista, a man full of cheer, With his amazing coffee and his love so sincere. He grinds up the beans with a wink and a smile, And serves up my coffee in true "Paolo" style. He knows every order, no need for a note, Espresso, flat white his coffee’s my vote Paolo- a master of coffee, of humor, of charm, Covered in tattoos- all over his arm Go to Paolo’s, the man with the brew, Who gives me my caffeine, and smiles too! Oh and the pasta, so pure, so divine, A gift from Italy like aged red wine. Spaghetti, so long, with sauce so bold, A twirl of the fork, a taste to behold. Bolognese rich, with a meaty embrace, It’s the heart of Italy, a savory trace. Lasagna, so layered, with cheese in between, The oven-baked layers, a sight to be seen. The pasta, so simple, yet full of grace, Manzo’s sauce finds its place. Don’t forget the margaritas so bold and sweet, Salt on the rim, a citrus treat. Mitch’s smile, the chatter so sweet, It’s more than a drink; it’s where souls meet. The coffee's aroma, and always a good song, Where we laugh and share, where we all belong. From sunrise to sunset, we find our way, In the cafe’s embrace, we choose to stay.

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