By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Felons Seafood, the newest offering from the team behind Felons Brewing Co., has o-fish-ally opened its doors at Manly Wharf. It’s already reeling in hungry locals with its knockout views, ocean-fresh menu and the kind of relaxed coastal charm that’s worth shell-ebrating!
Taking over the former Bavarian site, Felons Seafood is a 300-seat waterfront wonderland perched right on the edge of Manly Cove that blends effortless beachside cool with serious culinary chops. A place where the only decision you need to make is which dish to dive into first.
Designed to channel that effortless Northern Beaches charm, the space features soft whites, natural textures, Mediterranean-style paving and a jaw-dropping 360-degree bar at its heart. It's the kind of spot where you could easily lose an afternoon...and not feel one bit guilty about it.
"Felons Seafood is about keeping things simple, generous and full of heart,” says Felons Brewing Co. brand director Dean Romeo. "We wanted to create something that feels true to Manly. Casual, coastal and filled with flavour. It’s a space to gather, graze and let the good times flow.”
Heading up the kitchen is Luke Bourke, The Sydney Morning Herald’s 2025 Young Chef of the Year - and rightly so. A proud Palawa man and graduate of the National Indigenous Culinary Institute, Luke brings deep respect for native ingredients and local produce to the table.
Together with industry legend Corey Costelloe, he’s cast a wide net to create a menu that’s fresh, fun and full of flavour.
Think classic prawn cocktail - but elevated - or, an abalone schnitzel sandwich with salted chilli mayo that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. There’s also a chilled seafood platter that’s basically a beachside banquet: Sydney rock oysters, tuna tartare, honey bug cocktail, King prawns and lemongrass pipis.
If you’re really looking to make a splash, don’t miss the Queensland mud crab, tossed in a peppery, aromatic sauce with curry leaf. It's messy in the best possible way.
Even the cucumbers served with the oysters are given a spin that’s so special it could be criminal - compressed in Felons’ apple cider and zinged up with a native kelp vinegar, sourced from local Aboriginal fermenter Gabriel Gutnik.
More than just boujier barramundi, the menu balances thoughtful flavour with Indigenous knowledge, like finger lime accents in the tartares and tartare sauce speckled with pickled Warrigal greens.
The fish ’n’ chips, coated in golden Felons beer batter, is also made using a local catch such as luderick or flounder, sometimes seen swimming under the very wharf the venue sits on.
If you like your sips with an equally slick spin, the cocktail list is a total pearl. Expect ocean-inspired concoctions like the Salt & Vinegar Martini, the vivid blue Yuzu Break and the Seaside Old Fashioned, stirred with macadamia and a splash of coffee. Spritzes and zesty numbers also abound.
The wine list is equally impressive. Curated with seafood in mind, it’s swimming with crisp whites, roses, chilled reds and even a few prestige Champagnes if you’re in the mood to shell-ebrate. There’s also a thoughtful selection of skin-contact wines and magnums, perfect for sharing with your whole school of friends.
Finally, while it's hard to narrow it down to one, the dessert menu is packed with highlights. The seasonal trifle is a sweet ending worth saving room for, and the current version - layered with port wine-poached plums - hits all the right notes: tangy, rich and just boozy enough.
You’ll also find playful treats like pistachio gelato, buttermilk soft serve with hazelnut oil and a decadent chocolate opera cake for the true sweet tooths. Prefer savoury? The cheese board features top Aussie selections like Milawa Camembert.
Felons Seafood marks a new chapter in the Manly Wharf revitalisation, creating a laid-back, produce-led space that champions both community and coastline. Open seven days from 11.30 am until late, Felons Seafood is the kind of place you'll want to make a repeat offence.
Whether you’re fresh off the ferry or planning a long lunch with friends, this is one seaside spot that’s worth the journey. Come for the view, stay for the beer and don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling for it, hook, line and sinker.
For bookings and more, visit felonsseafood.com.au and follow @felonsseafood on Instagram.
