While Manly Greenhouse, as its name suggests, is a haven of greenery, the three-story beachfront venue is far more passionate about its wining and dining than its plantlife. The North Shore hub has just introduced its mid-level Grill restaurant, which follows the reveal of its street-level Greenhouse and Rooftop this past September. The new Manly addition has taken over the former home of the Shore Club, and is nothing short of epic considering its multiple spaces and capacity for 400 guests at a time. It’s a passion project from Greg Anderson and Patricia Nunes, who are leading a team including Executive Chef Colm Kennedy (Hugo’s Manly), and head of front of house Craig Hemmings (Chin Chin, Bennelong).

The Greenhouse itself comprises three distinct levels; casual ground-level Greenhouse, the slightly more refined mid-level Grill and the open-air Rooftop. As for the Grill, the menu (as its name suggests) focuses around fare cooked over a wood and charcoal-fired grill; think seafood, steaks, and an array of sides. Mains have been divided into the sections of Seafood, Grass Fed, Grain Fed, and Wagyu, with stand-out dishes the 10-hour lamb shoulder with chimichurri and pit-roasted pumpkin with buttermilk dressing and green shallots. Desserts are also available but will be seasonal; at present sweet treats include the likes of a Chocolate marquis, served with cherry sorbet and fresh cherries.

Lo-Fi Wines co-founder James Audas is behind the wine list here, which has a preference for emerging winemakers and natural varieties. Then of course there’s the cocktails, including the elaborate Yuzu Too! (42 Below, yuzu, mandarin, Matcha and whites) and the Beetroot Sour (Ardbeg 10, Gran Mariner, beetroot shrub, Orgeat, citrus and whites), as well as a number of local tap beers including Many Greenhouse’s own Pale Ale and Bitter. Teetotallers will be able to enjoy a number of non-alcoholic options provided by PS40, from Blackstrap Ginger to Wattle Cola.

Anderson and Nunes worked in close collaboration with studio Luchetti Krelle for the final fit-out. The result is an eatery which has embraced a muted colour palette of grey and marble, with pops of colour courtesy of the marigold velvet chairs that forms a large part of the seating offering. But the restaurant’s main statement is without a doubt its red wine collection, which sits proudly on display out back in a bespoke, back-lit shelve system (wooden ladder included). “We’re thrilled to round-out the Manly Greenhouse offering with the Grill,” says Anderson. “Our casual, street-level Greenhouse has been popular with the locals, and we look forward to inviting diners to our newest restaurant to enjoy a sophisticated, yet informal dining experience, still with those incredible views.” Nunes agrees: “We want the Grill to feel warm and inviting, with a fun and relaxed sense of occasion. With all three levels now complete, we truly hope to offer something for everyone.”

Grill, Manly Greenhouse, 36/38 South Steyne, Manly; manlygreenhouse.com.au.