Nestled in the vibrant heart of Burleigh Heads, Manny’s Wine & Fish House is a seafood restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience marked by intimate warmth and exceptional culinary craftsmanship. This cozy gem, located at 33 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, offers an enticing menu that artfully combines fresh, traditional seafood with a subtle nod to Mediterranean influences, creating an inviting, sophisticated escape for seafood lovers.
The culinary journey at Manny’s begins with a sensorial array of mezze that sets the tone for the meal ahead. Imagine warm, grilled bread drizzled generously with rich Cretan olive oil and burghul—a rustic start that perfectly primes your palate. The Black & Green Olives infused with garlic confit evoke the flavors of a sun-soaked coastal tavern, while the Warm Persian Fetta paired with figs, honey, and sesame seeds offers a sweet-salty harmony that’s both comforting and indulgent. Particularly notable is the Tarama Dip—a velvety blend of white cod roe, lemon oil, salmon caviar, and bottarga served with bread—that encapsulates the sea’s briny freshness with a luxurious twist.
For mains, Manny’s excels with standout dishes such as the Bifteck and the tender Costalleta lamb shoulder, showcasing a depth of flavor and masterful preparation that few can rival. The Kibbeh, Kashkawan, and Taamych further display the chef’s ability to marry Middle Eastern textures and Mediterranean spices with the unparalleled freshness of local seafood, creating dishes that feel both adventurous and deeply satisfying.
The drink offerings complement the menu beautifully, featuring a curated selection of cocktails and basics—including the light and fruity Strawberry Bellini, the crisp Hendrick's Gin & Fever Tree Tonic, and classic combinations like Maker's Mark & Coke. Each sip provides a refreshing balance to the rich complexity of the dishes, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
What truly sets Manny’s apart is its intimate atmosphere. With a setting that feels like a warm embrace—a small dining room, a few well-appointed tables, and a welcoming bar—guests often remark on the cozy, lively yet relaxed vibe. The staff’s genuine warmth and attentiveness heighten the feeling of being not just served, but truly cared for, turning every meal into a memorable event. Customers frequently share how the chef’s personal touches and presence at the table add a layer of connection that elevates the entire experience.
Patrons such as Pierre Lagadec describe Manny’s as “incredible” with “some of the best food I’ve eaten in a very long time,” while Jerry W celebrates the passion and pride imbued in every dish, labeling the restaurant a rare find. Even those well-versed in Mediterranean and Greek seafood traditions, like Barbara Bekatorou, express genuine admiration for the authenticity and extraordinary flavors that Manny’s delivers.
Whether you’re a devoted seafood aficionado or simply seeking a dining destination that marries heartfelt service, stunning flavors, and an intimate ambience, Manny’s Wine & Fish House is a must-visit on the Gold Coast. It’s a place that not only satisfies the appetite but touches the soul—leaving you eager to return for the next indulgent outing.
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Pierre Lagadec
13/12/2025
This cute and cosy little restaurant is incredible, the staff was so friendly and service was top notch, atmosphere is intimate and warm. Some of the best food I've eaten in a very long time. Highly highly recommended, it felt very special and I'll absolutely book a table again next time I'm in the Gold Coast. I wish the chef, owner and staff all the best because whatever you're doing is amazing!
Mitch Starr
02/11/2025
A jewel in Burleigh. With many little restaurants to choose from, we were glad we stumbled upon this little gem. The entire restaurant is size of a small room with kitchen, 6 bar style seats and about 5 seated tables. Menu is small but excellent - red meat is lamb shoulder and many options in sea food. The starter bread was nicely done with honey and pistachio and the lamb shoulder was tender and delicious with roasted veggies, onions and potatoes. The scallops served on shells were divine. The salad was fresh and drenched in olive oil. Well worth a visit.
Martin S
19/10/2025
It was a little bittersweet seeing Rabath close, but I was excited to try Manny’s Wine & Fish House in Burleigh, especially after visiting their Tallebudgera location. Overall, a good experience with a few areas for improvement. The atmosphere was fantastic — lively, welcoming, and a great spot to relax. Service was also top-notch, with staff who were attentive and friendly throughout the night. Food-wise, while enjoyable, it didn’t feel entirely authentic Greek. I was hoping for traditional Greek feta in the salad, but it came with Danish feta instead. The slow-cooked lamb was flavorful but unfortunately served a bit cold, and I have to say it wasn’t quite as good as what I’ve had at Manny’s in Tallebudgera. That said, Manny’s in Burleigh definitely has a lot of potential. With some tweaks to the menu and a bit more focus on authenticity, this place could easily become a standout. I’ll be keen to come back and see how it evolves!
Jerry W
19/10/2025
What a find!! All the food we had was fresh, traditional and delicious. The restaurant itself had a great cozy atmosphere, staff really friendly and helpful and the chef even came out to make sure we were enjoying our food. What a great bloke! Love and pride has gone into this place. These type of restaurants are rare and so glad I found it !
KP LAU
04/10/2025
Another GEM Japanese restaurant in Gold coast/Burleigh area. Definitely must try. Loved the excellent chef serving and explaining description of each special dish served
Debbie Skewes
29/08/2025
A True Gem for Seafood Lovers! What an absolute delight! From the moment we stepped into this charming restaurant, we were welcomed like old friends. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, but it’s the food—and the heart behind it—that truly makes this place special. The seafood is beyond fresh—each dish bursting with flavour, beautifully cooked, and clearly made with love. You can tell this is a chef who takes immense pride in what he serves. Every bite was a standout, from the delicate, perfectly cooked scallops to the grilled Red Emperor and the sides that complemented it all so well. What really made the experience unforgettable, though, was the chef and owner himself, Manny. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about his craft, he took the time to chat, share his recommendations, and make us feel completely at home. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and hospitality shine so brightly. Highly recommended—we’ll definitely be back! In fact in two days time for our anniversary. Debbie and Erik
Barbara Bekatorou
26/08/2025
I know great Greek food and my relatives own a fish tavern in Crete ( a kind of where the owner fishes the fish) and it's not easy to impress me . I was very sceptical about visiting a greek tavern on my holidays in Australia as I have " this kind of food" available daily but my friends from a different country suggested we should try this place. The food was extraordinary! My stuffed calamari was perhaps the best calamari I ever had! The place is small with an amazing atmosphere. All the ingredients they are using are over the top! If I'm ever back in Australia I will definitely visit this place again!