Wang Chung

Lobster sandos and wasabi margaritas by the water? Sign us up—and throw in some fish tacos too. That’s what awaits at Manly’s newest arrival, a breezy, oceanside pan-Asian spot by the name of Wang Chung. Having taken over the former home of Tide On The Jetty, this sleek yet laid-back spot is adding fresh new flavours to the bayside, and it’s not by chance. 

With a plethora of slick seafood-focussed venues having landed in the area (think Manly Boathouse and the revamped Manly Harbour Boat Club), the team behind Tide On The Jetty were keen to bring something different to the table that also differed from their other bayside venue The Arsonist. After a speedy revamp, opening up the bar area and swapping out the Parisian bar stools for more modern furnishings, Wang Chung was born—and the menu is something else. 

There’s still plenty of seafood to dine on of course—only now it comes in the form of raw snapper wonton tacos with nam jim and ginger mayo, Moreton Bay bug dumplings and Hervey Bay scallops with wasabi butter. Across the selection of bites, small plates and larger dishes you’ll also find rendang spiced beef tartare, fried chicken ribs with yuzu aioli and wagyu brisket red curry, and a must-try salted chilli caramel and dark chocolate parfait to finish on for dessert. 

As for those wasabi margaritas we mentioned, they’re joined on the cocktail list by sips like black sesame espresso martinis and oolong strawberry martinis, with Asian flavours infusing every element of the menu—even the mocktails. The drinks line up wouldn’t be complete without a sake or too of course, though wines are a mostly Australian affair with a few international drops thrown in.

Stay tuned for more from The Consortium Qld group, who will also be opening Manly Fish Co, a luxe fish and chip spot, and Olivera Bar and Dining, in the coming weeks. Basically, Manly is looking more delicious than ever, and it is definitely time to plan an eat-inerary.

Image credit: Supplied