Paolo's Cafe and Aperitivo Bar — Restaurant in Sydney

Paolo’s is a find. So much so, my selfish side makes me reticent to make public my reverence for the ebullient, improbably tall proprietor, his statuesque, beautiful bride, & handpicked team, including Federico, & ‘Jeremico’. Crucially, the coffee comes hot (hallelujah!), strong, & flavourfu. And is served pronto, with a Federicoesque flourish, manners, professionalism, respect, & a judicious familiarity. A place & space imbued with a genuine & palpable sense of community, engendering openness, warmth, & connection. Perched high on Manly’s western hill, bordering Balgowlah, & teetering on rarefied & genteel Fairlight, Paolo’s is a bespoke, authentically Italian caffe, removed from the hustle & bustle that can despoil ‘the flat’; a neighbourhood haunt for locals, but which welcomes outsiders with wide, open arms. A simple ham-&-cheese toastie is elevated to a cut above. Every so often, Josie reiterates his mama’s coveted secret recipe for lasagna napolitana; there’s a very special tiramisu; &, Friday & Saturday evenings, Paolo’s lights up the sleepy vicinity for aperitivo. But wait, there’s more. Paolo’s is what the northern beaches has been crying out for. As have I....

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...

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...