Hemingways is Manly’s best french bistro, with ocean views and exceptional, authentic French food.
Hemingways is a boutique French bistro in Manly, Sydney, owned and operated by successful French restauranteurs Sonia and Emmanuel Deleuze.
This hidden culinary gem is located on the Northern Beaches, offering diners an authentic French dining experience. The location is opposite the ocean, and the restaurant feels very intimate and friendly.
I took my 16 year old daughter, and we were both pleasantly surprised when from the moment we walked through the door, we were transported to France. It took us back to the many French bistro experiences we have enjoyed in French cities like Lyon and Bordeaux which have many similar styled bistros
The bistro’s warm and inviting atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion or just an intimate dinner to spoil ourselves, which was what we wanted. The menu is impressive and features a large variety of classic French dishes, all made with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
With tres francais black and white floors, red window frames, French style high back chairs, French music and candlelight, French wines and ocean views, Hemingways offers a unique and intimate dining atmosphere. But the food is the show stopper – and the cocktails are surprisingly also exceptional.
All of the food is typically French, and of the highest quality. One of Hemingways’ signature dishes is the classic French cheese soufflé, Souffle aux 2 fromages. This delicate and delicious dish is a true test of a French chef’s skills, and Hemingways’ soufflés feature a delicate blend of two cheeses, goats and emmental cheese which are consistently light, airy, and delicious.
A gorgeous cheese sauce of perfect consistency surrounds the souffle – we regretted not ordering one each, it was so deliciously rich but not too rich and bursting with creamy, cheese flavour.
The coquilles Saint Jacques are perfect to enjoy sitting so close to the ocean, on a warm summer’s day and deliciously light delicately seared scallops with pea puree and sea lettuce.
I started with a glass of Alsace pinot gris “Mader” 2021 – fresh, with citrus tones and the perfect way to start the meal.
Other must-try dishes include the escargots, steak frites, roast duck and duck confit. There are dishes to share between two including the 400 gram Cheateaubriand, slow roasted beef eye fillet with peppercorn sauce, the demi canard, half duck breast and confit leg with duck jus and slow cooked 18 hour lamb shoulder with lamb jus.
Beef bourguignon is another French classic – a beef stew slow cooked for 12 hours, bouillabaisse is brimming with seafood, safffron and pernod liquor and served with a fresh French baguette.
We chose the demi canard, served with an oversized portion of duck fat potatoes and a side of broccolini roasted with fresh almonds, lemon and parmesan.
The duck was a generous size and perfectly cooked. We both devoured it, and the duck fat potatoes were crunchy, tasty and soft in the middle. The greens provided a refreshing accompaniment.
It really was an incredible main course we both absolutely enjoyed.
Hemingways wine list is extensive, with a focus on French wines. The wine list is hand picked by the French owners, so there are lots of offerings I had never seen. There are many choices by the glass of both reds and whites, and all are exceptional.
I moved onto the Beaujolais (Gamay) “Le Ronsay” with the duck, which was a light, fresh, berry filled red in a way only the French know how to make it. Absolutely gorgeous.
The staff are knowledgeable about the wines and can help you choose the perfect pairing for your meal. If you’re not sure what to order, one of Hemingways’ signature cocktails, such as the French 75 or the Hemingway Daiquiri are incredible good.
I love wine but the staff insisted I order a cocktail before dessert and I was so glad I did. It was a Winter In Paris with egg nog, rum, apricot brandy and butterscotch liquor – none of which I would choose myself, and it was one of the best dessert cocktails I have ever had.
The Fondant au chocolate was served with vanilla icecream and fresh strawberries, and was exceptional. Sweet, richm warm and melted in the mouth.
This was one of the most memorable meals I have enjoyed in Sydney for a long time, as it was so surprising every stepf of the way. Warm, friendly service and dish after dish that was gorgeous. I cannot wait to go back and try some more dishes.
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