Paolo's Cafe and Aperitivo Bar

59 Birkley Rd, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
$$$ Cafe
(140 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to Paolo's Cafe and Aperitivo Bar, a delightful gem nestled in the charming streets of Manly, Australia. Located at 59 Birkley Rd, this cozy cafe is not just a place to grab a quick cup of coffee; it's an experience that embodies the warmth of community and the rich culture of Italian cafe life. Whether you seek a caffeine fix or a leisurely culinary experience, Paolo's Cafe is a must-visit destination.

From the moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped by a friendly atmosphere that invites you to unwind. Customers rave about the exceptional service and Paolo himself, whose vibrant Italian personality lights up the space. The cafe has cultivated a community vibe where every guest feels like an old friend returning home. With a stellar 4.9-star average rating, Paolo's dedication to hospitality is palpable in every aspect of your visit.

At the heart of Paolo's offering is their signature coffee, made from a unique blend roasted to perfection. Coffee enthusiasts, like Bridget Armstrong, swear that Paolo serves the best brew in Sydney. Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of his expertly crafted espresso or indulge in a creamy cappuccino to kick-start your day. But coffee is only the beginning.

For those looking to unwind in the evenings, don’t miss out on their Friday and Saturday aperitivo. This is where the magic of Paolo's Cafe truly shines. Enjoy a selection of exquisite bites, such as the Caprese Skewers that burst with freshness, or the Beetroot Bruschetta that dances on your palate with earthy sweetness. If you're feeling indulgent, the Mortadella and Pesto Panini offers a delightful savory experience, while the Antipasto Board showcases a variety of locally sourced ingredients that are perfect for sharing with friends.

And let’s not forget the impressive wine and beer selection! Sip on a glass of Prosecco Ill Follo or enjoy a refreshing Moretti Lager as you relax and soak up the ambiance. Each sip complements the flavors of the dishes perfectly, adding another layer to an already exquisite experience.

Customer reviews capture the essence of what makes Paolo's Café stand out. Marcelo Schmidt describes it as having "great coffee" with a "super friendly atmosphere," while Marcel Zammit acknowledges Paolo's ongoing commitment to elevating the cafe with new offerings, such as exciting pasta dishes courtesy of Manuel. This local spot is not just about food and drink; it's about coming together, making memories, and enjoying the finer things in life.

For anyone visiting or living in Manly, Paolo's Cafe and Aperitivo Bar isn’t just a cafe; it’s a community hub where memories are made and every visit feels special. Make sure to stop by to enjoy a cup of coffee that truly does warm the soul while experiencing the vibrancy of Italian hospitality right here in Australia.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 12:30 PM

140 Reviews
Marcelo Schmidt

27 Sep 2025

Great coffee, beautiful staff, super friendly atmosphere. Worth going.

Andrea Pellegrini (VOLA Tiramisù)

20 Sep 2025

The community vibe here is amazing, every visit feels like catching up with old friends. Paolo, with his Italian personality, brings a light-hearted energy that makes everyone feel at home. Coffee is made by using his signature blend and roasted to perfection. No wonder they have a 4.9-star average. The Friday and Saturday aperitivo is a must! I’m also proud to say that my Vola Tiramisù is served here, because for such a special place that means so much to the community, only the best dessert will do. Paolo’s truly deserves it! Next time you walk in, make sure to greet Paolo with a big “MORTACCI TUA!” It’s a fun Roman way of saying, “Good to see you again, my friend!”. Just remember to say it with a smile! If you haven’t stopped by yet, you’re missing out on a local treasure.

Marcel Zammit

08 Sep 2025

First off, the coffee is the BEST. The Team is fabulous and Paolo the main character in the theatre of hospitality. Aperitivo, now with pasta courtesy of Manuel, has gone up several notches. Excellent flavours. A wonderful local asset. May they never go….

Bridget Armstrong

04 Sep 2025

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 is the spot!

Peter S.

25 Aug 2025

A small, but friendly little cafe in suburban Manly. It’s away from the beach crowds, and you can sip your excellent coffee sitting inside or out. It has a limited menu, but well worth a visit.

Yuri D. Sasaki

16 Aug 2025

I had a very good coffee and sandwich. The cafe has good vibes and staffs are very kind. Recommend!

Katy Fischer

29 Jun 2025

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 choose to stay.

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