Local Café

cafe — Manly · Manly

About Local Café

Local Café, located in the heart of Manly, has been a beloved community hub since 2016, offering great coffee, homemade food, and friendly service. Founded by Jimmy and Alissa, the café was born from a simple desire to create a welcoming space where locals could enjoy quality meals and connect.

From fresh homemade cabinet food to hearty all-day breakfasts and an array of authentic Vietnamese specialties, every dish is prepared with care. In 2021, supported by loyal customers, the café expanded its space, continuing its commitment to fresh ingredients and a warm atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

Beyond traditional café fare, Local Café proudly shares a selection of Vietnamese dishes inspired by their heritage and family traditions. These offerings bring together fresh herbs, vibrant flavours, and wholesome ingredients, providing a taste of Vietnam in Manly. The café also takes pride in brewing exceptional Chiasso Coffee, known for its quality, freshness, and often organic certification.

Local Café: A Community Hub for Coffee, Homemade Delights & Authentic Vietnamese Flavours in Manly

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manly, Local Café stands as a cherished community gem, a place where the aroma of great coffee mingles with the comforting scent of homemade food, all served with a genuine smile. Since opening its doors in May 2016, owners Jimmy and Alissa have cultivated a welcoming atmosphere, transforming a simple idea into a beloved local institution. Their vision was clear: to create a space where everyone felt at home, a cornerstone for connection and culinary enjoyment.

The journey began with dedication and hard work, a testament to the spirit of family business. This commitment quickly resonated with the Whangaparāoa community, turning Local Café into a daily ritual for many. Whether it was the morning coffee run or a relaxed brunch with loved ones, the café became a backdrop for countless personal milestones and cherished memories. The unwavering support of its loyal patrons even enabled a significant expansion in 2021, providing more space for the growing community it proudly serves.

A Diverse Culinary Journey

Local Café offers a delightful dual culinary experience, expertly blending classic café favorites with an exciting array of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The menu caters to all tastes, beginning with a tempting selection of homemade cabinet food, freshly prepared each day. Patrons can indulge in hearty all-day breakfast options, including the generous Big Breakfast, featuring bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, and all the trimmings, or the ever-popular Eggs Benedict with a choice of salmon, bacon, or mushrooms.

But the true distinctive flavor comes from their Vietnamese specialties, a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy and Alissa's heritage and family traditions. These dishes are a masterclass in balance, known for their fresh herbs, vibrant flavors, and wholesome ingredients. Diners can embark on a flavorful journey with options like crispy homemade spring rolls, the savory Hanoi-style Bun Cha, the popular Bún Nem, or the unique Vietnamese Breakfast Bánh Mì Chảo. Other highlights include traditional Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup), Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup), and the crispy Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake), offering both familiar comfort and exciting new tastes for those eager to explore Vietnamese cuisine.

The Art of Coffee Craft

Beyond its diverse food offerings, Local Café is deeply committed to the art of coffee. They proudly brew Chiasso Coffee, an Auckland-based, family-run roaster that has been perfecting its craft since 1997. This partnership reflects a shared philosophy rooted in dedication to quality, freshness, and consistency. Every cup served at Local Café is a testament to this, crafted using freshly roasted Chiasso beans that deliver rich flavor and perfect balance.

Chiasso's meticulous process, from sourcing the best green beans from global regions to roasting them in their custom-built Italian roaster, ensures an exceptional coffee experience. Their commitment extends to environmental responsibility, with blends like Dolce and Pascolo being Biogro Organic Certified – the most recognized organic accreditation in New Zealand. This attention to detail means that every sip at Local Café is not just coffee, but a carefully curated experience.

As a true community café, Local Café is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a gathering point where connections are forged, and memories are made. Jimmy and Alissa's gratitude for their customers shines through in every aspect of their operation, reinforcing their role as a vital part of the Manly community. Whether you're seeking a quick coffee, a leisurely brunch, or an authentic taste of Vietnam, Local Café invites you to experience its warm hospitality and diverse, delicious offerings.

Signature items

  • Hanoi-style Bun Cha
  • Vietnamese Breakfast Bánh Mì Chảo
  • Crispy Homemade Spring Rolls
  • Chiasso Coffee
  • Big Breakfast
  • Homemade Cabinet Food

Menu

Tea

  • English Breakfast Tea
  • Earl Grey Tea
  • Green Tea
  • Peppermint Tea
  • Chamomile Tea

Coffee

  • Flat White
  • Latte
  • Cappuccino
  • Long Black
  • Short Black
  • Americano
  • Mocha
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Chai Latte
  • Turmeric Latte
  • Matcha Latte

Smoothies

  • Banana Smoothie
  • Berry Smoothie
  • Mango Smoothie

Milkshakes

  • Chocolate Milkshake
  • Vanilla Milkshake
  • Strawberry Milkshake
  • Caramel Milkshake
  • Banana Milkshake

Iced Drinks

  • Iced Coffee
  • Iced Latte
  • Iced Chocolate
  • Iced Chai

Soft Drinks

  • Soft Drinks — Various options available

Fresh Juices

  • Orange Juice
  • Apple Juice
  • Carrot Juice
  • Ginger Juice
  • Celery Juice

Cafe Favourites

  • Beef Burger — Beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce, fries
  • Chicken Burger — Grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, aioli, fries
  • Fish & Chips — Battered fish, fries, tartare sauce, salad
  • BLT Sandwich — Bacon, lettuce, tomato, aioli, toasted bread
  • Chicken Quesadilla — Grilled chicken, cheese, salsa, sour cream
  • Club Sandwich — Triple-layered sandwich with chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato
  • Toasted Sandwiches — Classic fillings (ham, cheese, tomato)
  • Cabinet Food — A rotating selection of fresh homemade sweet and savoury treats

All Day Breakfast

  • Big Breakfast — Bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, grilled tomato, mushrooms, toast
  • Eggs Benedict — Poached eggs, spinach, hollandaise, choice of bacon, salmon, or mushroom
  • French Toast — Brioche, berries, maple syrup, bacon
  • Smashed Avo — Smashed avocado, feta, cherry tomatoes, dukkah, sourdough
  • Breakfast Burrito — Scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, salsa, avocado
  • Omelette — Three-egg omelette with choice of fillings
  • Mince on Toast — Savoury mince, poached egg, toasted sourdough

Vietnamese Specialties

  • Pho Bo — Beef Noodle Soup
  • Bun Rieu — Crab Paste Noodle Soup
  • Hu Tieu — Pork & Prawn Noodle Soup
  • Bun Bo Hue — Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
  • Com Tam — Broken Rice Plate
  • Bo Ne — Sizzling Beef Plate
  • Banh Xeo — Crispy Vietnamese Pancake
  • Crispy Homemade Spring Rolls — A popular, freshly prepared starter.
  • Goi Cuon — Fresh Spring Rolls
  • Banh Mi — Vietnamese Baguette
  • Vietnamese Iced Coffee
  • Hanoi-style Bun Cha — Authentic Vietnamese grilled pork and noodle dish.
  • Bún Nem — Popular Vietnamese dish.
  • Vietnamese Breakfast Bánh Mì Chảo — Sizzling pan Vietnamese breakfast.

Frequently asked questions

What types of food does Local Café offer?
Local Café offers a diverse menu including homemade cabinet food, hearty all-day breakfasts, café favourites like burgers and sandwiches, and a selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes inspired by family traditions.
What are the operating hours for Local Café?
Local Café is open seven days a week, from Monday to Sunday, between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Where is Local Café located?
Local Café is located at Shop 7/49 Rawhiti Road, Manly, Whangaparāoa, Auckland 0930, New Zealand.
What kind of coffee does Local Café serve?
Local Café proudly brews Chiasso Coffee, an Auckland-based, family-run roaster known for its exceptional quality, freshness, and often Biogro Organic Certified blends.
When did Local Café first open?
Local Café opened in May 2016 and expanded its premises in 2021 due to strong community support.
Is there a contact number for Local Café?
Yes, you can contact Local Café via phone at 09 428 2330, and they also provide a separate number for text to order: 021 023 27666.
Is Local Café suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, Local Café prides itself on being a welcoming community space where many families have celebrated birthdays, milestones, and special moments, making it ideal for family and friends.

Tips

  • {"body":"Don't miss out on the authentic Vietnamese dishes like Hanoi-style Bun Cha or Vietnamese Breakfast Bánh Mì Chảo, crafted with family traditions in mind.","title":"Explore Vietnamese Flavours"}
  • {"body":"Start your day with a freshly brewed Chiasso Coffee, sourced from an Auckland family roaster known for its exceptional beans and often organic blends.","title":"Savor Quality Coffee"}
  • {"body":"Whether it's the Big Breakfast or Eggs Benedict, Local Café offers classic all-day breakfast options to satisfy any craving.","title":"Enjoy a Hearty Breakfast"}
  • {"body":"Pop in for a rotating selection of fresh homemade sweet and savoury cabinet food, perfect for a quick bite or afternoon pick-me-up.","title":"Grab a Homemade Treat"}
  • {"body":"Experience the warm, friendly atmosphere that makes Local Café a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.","title":"A Welcoming Community Spot"}

Good to know

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