NOW EXPERIENCING:55 North by Cibaria
Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Phone
(02) 8350 0895
Website
cibariamanly.au
Instagram
@55northbar

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 16 Jun 2025

By
Myffy Rigby


People tucking into various share plates at 55 North by Cibaria

There’s a beautiful, upscale coastal vibe at this new bar and restaurant that serves a cocktail like no other along with stunning views of one of Sydney’s most famous beaches.

Why you goYou go for the beach views, the delicious cocktails and excellent snacks from neighbouring restaurant, Cibaria. Sink into generous, comfy armchairs in a room where floor-to-ceiling French windows open up over the corso to views of Manly Beach. If it’s a clear day, a sea breeze might caress your face as you decide what to order. If it’s blowing a gale, you’ll get those same views while toasting your toes by the fire. All this, and it’s just a 20-minute trip on the fast ferry from the city.
The Negroni gets a special twist at 55 North by Cibaria
What drink to orderCibaria is billed as a “Cocktaileria, Champagneria and Birreria. An extension of the many ’rias of Cibaria”. While you can most certainly order a bottle of Ruinart, Krug or Roederer to go with the excellent bar snacks, cocktails really feel like the order here. Try the Cibaria Negroni: a delicious, smoky, spicy mix of Campari and sweet vermouth, with gin that’s been infused with ’nduja, that red-hot Calabrian pork paste. Or the Cibaria Old Fashioned: fancy bourbon and blended Scotch, sweetened with truffle honey and rounded out with walnut bitters. A handful of zero-alcohol cocktails are on offer as well. Prefer a beer?  There are plenty on tap, including Manly locals 4 Pines and Brookvale Union’s ginger beer.
What to eatExperience the joy of a puffy, blackened pizzetta (just like a mini pizza, only more luxurious), the dough holding a pool of sweet tomato sauce sprinkled with oregano. A perfect snack to share with friends. Thin slices of raw yellowfin tuna are dressed in a herby green sauce and act as a lovely sidekick to the pizzetta. Perhaps you’ve gotten comfortable and want something a little more substantial. Order the spaghetti puttanesca – house-made pasta dressed with tomato sauce, good anchovies, Ligurian olives and capers. Or a lobster roll, so soft and tasty it’s gone before the plate hits the table.
A prawn dish from the menu at 55 North by Ciberia
Why we love itThere’s a beautiful, upscale coastal vibe here. It’s approachable but nicely appointed, with friendly Italian service venue wide. Guests wander in and out for a drink and a bite to eat in a sublimely unhurried fashion. A fire is set up for the cooler months, a beautiful open space welcomes the breeze in the warmer months and ocean views are guaranteed year round. 
One of many elegant cocktails on offer at 55 North by Cibaria
Don’t leave withoutThe gelato really is a cut above. Wander into the adjoining Cibaria Gelateria on your way out, and order a pistachio or hazelnut gelato so thick, dense and creamy you need a spoon to eat it. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on the walk back to the ferry. 
Make it fancyHaving too much fun to go home? Cibaria’s 55 North is underneath the Manly Pacific Hotel where rooms start at a little over $400 for a standard queen and up to around $4,000 a night for the Infinity Residence. Make a real event of it and book into Cibaria for dinner. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your swimmers for a morning ocean swim right on your doorstep.