Las Palmas

If West Esplanade is becoming one of Sydney’s most compelling waterfront strips, Las Palmas is its latest drawcard. Opened by The Boathouse Group, the team behind Manly Pavilion and The Espy, the garden bar and taqueria brings coastal Mexico to Manly, just steps from the wharf and an easy ferry ride from the CBD.

The setting does a lot of the talking. Palms frame the open-air space, while timber, cane, clay and thatch layer in warmth and texture. Tiled tables and built-in banquettes invite group bookings and long lunches, and as the sun dips, Afro Latin beats and tropical rhythms shift the mood from daytime catch-up to evening drinks without missing a beat.

That transition carries straight into the menu. Executive Chef Victor Uriegas draws inspiration from regions including Baja Sur, Jalisco, Guerrero and Oaxaca, building a share-friendly offering that starts with bright, punchy flavours. Snapper ceviche with jalapeño coconut, tostadas topped with blackened swordfish or tuna, grilled corn with jalapeño mayo and queso fresco—a share-style spread that’s easy to build out across the table.

From there, tacos take centre stage. Prawn with avocado and chipotle crema, beer-battered fish, cauliflower with crunch—each one designed to be ordered in multiples. Heartier plates like beef brisket barbacoa quesadillas and low-and-slow pork shoulder nachos step in when you're ready for something bigger, while grilled king prawns with chipotle herb butter hold their own as a main event. 

Naturally, the drinks keep pace. Tequila and mezcal lead the bar, with pours from Olmeca Altos, Código and Del Maguey, alongside a bespoke Las Palmas x Balter Brewing Company beer. Margaritas span classic, coconut, mango and passionfruit, and the $50 Margarita Flight (five flavours in one hit) is available to pre-order when booking. 

With Manly Pavilion and The Espy already anchoring the strip, Las Palmas extends The Boathouse Group’s footprint along the water. The formula is simple: tacos off the grill, margaritas within reach, live music in the background and the harbour a few steps away.

Image credit: Las Palmas | Supplied