This restaurant ticks all the boxes when it comes to ambience, service, food and location. When you approach the wharf it is hard not to have high expectations. Taking advantage of the beautiful surrounding city skyline, Manta is situated on Wooloomooloo Wharf, Sydney. It is perfectly placed slightly out of the city centre, giving diners the view of the Centrepoint tower and accompanied skyscrapers, without the hustle and bustle. Manta fits in effortlessly to the up-market vibe that is of one of Sydney’s wealthier areas, expressing class and elegant dining. The layout is crisp with white tables, tablecloths and chairs, brightened by candlelight and tall gas heaters in winter. The restaurant provides enough space for corporate events, small wedding receptions and birthday celebrations both inside and outside the venue. It is also excellent for couples, with smaller tables set up comfortably throughout. Although presentation is important, if the food isn’t excellent it is practically pointless. Manta seems to have taken into account the importance of top-notch food, providing a menu of both seafood and meat, which are both fresh and flavoursome. Don’t forget to take a look at their cocktail menu, the Manta Martini with freshly crushed lychees and lemongrass syrup shaken with Belvedere
vodka and apple juice, is refreshing and works well with their seafood dishes. The staff only mirrored Manta’s efforts to impress their diners. With gracious, accommodating waiters providing you with frequent yet not suffocating service, suggestions and assistance. Expect to pay for the excellent experience; it is not cheap but worth it when you consider all of the above. As Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to live in, it would be naïve to anticipate in-expensive dining on the harbour. All in all, a great night out with excellent food; an impressive way to spend time with friends, family, colleagues and loved ones.