Manu Feildel has dished up his favourite places to go out and eat in his hometown of Sydney.
It comes as the popular TV chef celebrates a major milestone with his inner west venue Bistro Red Lion by Manu, recently celebrating one year since it opened its doors.
The French-inspired bistro, which is a hit with both locals and visitors, is located in the upstairs dining room of Rozelle’s historic Red Lion Hotel.
Manu, 51, told Daily Mail that apart from his own restaurant, his hands-down favourite Sydney dining spot is a contemporary Asian restaurant in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
‘Right now, apart from Bistro Red Lion by Manu, King Clarence is my favourite,’ Manu revealed.
King Clarence is helmed by chef Khanh Nguyen, whom Manu praises as ‘a genius when it comes to creating outside the box kind of dishes’.
The award-winning restaurant, which has been open since 2023, is renowned for its signature menu items like their moreish Fish Finger Bao and Grilled Rock Lobster with Longevity Noodles.
But the My Kitchen Rules judge said there are plenty of restaurant gems to be found off the beaten track – including one underrated favourite that he and his wife Clarissa frequent regularly.
Manu Feildel told Daily Mail about his favourite restaurants and dining spots around Sydney
The My Kitchen Rules judge spoke to Daily Mail shortly after his inner west venue Bistro Red Lion by Manu celebrated its one year anniversary
King Clarence in the Sydney CBD was one of Manu’s favourite restaurants. The Fish Finger Bao (right) is one of their signature menu items
‘My wife and I love to go to Shalom Indonesian restaurant in Mascot,’ Manu spilled.
‘It’s very authentic and absolutely delicious.’
The Maroubra local also has some top food spots right in his own backyard for more casual fare.
In the southern Sydney beachside suburb, Manu highlighted Boulevard Bakery ‘for their amazing croissants and delicious bread’.
He’s also a fan of Billy’s Bar Espresso, especially for ‘their to die for crispy bacon rolls’.
When Manu is in need of a caffeine fix close to home, his local go-to is Maroubra’s ‘Eksentrik Cafe for their addictive coffee’.
Further beyond Sydney, Manu also spoke about a recent favourite family holiday meal he enjoyed during a trip to Port Douglas in Queensland.
‘We’ve just been to Port Douglas and there is a beautiful Thai restaurant called Jungle Fowl,’ the TV personality recommended.Â
‘If you’re in the area, it’s a must.’
In his local Maroubra neighbourhood, Manu regularly stops by for pastries at Boulevard Bakery
Manu’s other Maroubra favourites for casual fare and coffee were Billy’s Bar Espresso and Eksentrik Cafe
Shalom Indonesian restaurant in Mascot was singled out by Manu as an ‘underrated’ gem
Naming his single favourite meal of the year proved impossible for Manu. ‘That is a hard question to answer, there have been too many!’ he laughed.
However, he did believe there were a few key attributes that any outstanding dining venue needed to have.
‘For me, a fantastic restaurant in 2025 is back to basics,’ Manu explained.
‘Simple food, cooked well and with warm and professional service.’
These elements are exactly what the team strive for at Bistro Red Lion by Manu, which officially opened its doors in July 2024.
The venue marked Manu’s return to the kitchen following a four-year hiatus, and has seen him curate a menu that blends refined French technique with a deep sense of nostalgia.
Signature dishes at the bistro take inspiration from Manu’s family kitchen, such as his father’s French Country-Style Terrine served with red onion jam and toasted sourdough.Â
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Celebrity chef Manu Feildel reveals his must-visit restaurants in Australia – and the ‘to die for’ crispy bacon roll he adores