Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manly at 155 Pittwater Road, Waka stands as a distinctive culinary destination that captures the essence of coastal dining. For locals and visitors alike, the restaurant offers a welcoming environment where the focus remains firmly on quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a relaxed atmosphere that mirrors the laid-back spirit of the Northern Beaches. Whether you are seeking a quiet evening meal or a place to gather with friends, Waka provides a setting that feels both sophisticated and approachable, making it a notable addition to the local gastronomic landscape.
The philosophy behind Waka is rooted in the belief that great food should be accessible, honest, and reflective of its surroundings. By prioritizing fresh produce and maintaining a consistent standard of service, the team behind the restaurant has cultivated a space where the dining experience is prioritized above all else. The interior design complements the menu, offering a clean, modern aesthetic that allows guests to focus on the conversation and the flavors on their plates. It is a place designed for those who appreciate the nuances of a well-prepared meal served in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.
Situated conveniently on Pittwater Road, the restaurant benefits from its proximity to the bustling Manly hub while maintaining a sense of individuality. This location serves as a bridge between the busy coastal thoroughfare and the residential charm of the area, drawing in a diverse crowd of diners who share a common appreciation for good food and hospitality. The commitment to maintaining a high standard of culinary excellence ensures that every visit is consistent, reliable, and enjoyable, reinforcing the restaurant's reputation as a staple within the community.
What Sets Waka Apart
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: At the core of the kitchen's operation is a dedication to sourcing high-quality, fresh components. By focusing on the integrity of the raw materials, the culinary team ensures that every dish highlights natural flavors and textures, resulting in a menu that feels balanced and intentional.
Atmosphere and Design: The restaurant features a carefully curated interior that balances modern design elements with a warm, inviting ambiance. This thoughtful approach to the physical space ensures that guests feel comfortable whether they are visiting for a casual lunch or a more formal dinner engagement.
Community-Focused Hospitality: Waka prides itself on fostering a genuine connection with its patrons. The service style is attentive yet unobtrusive, reflecting a deep respect for the guest experience and a desire to make everyone feel welcome from the moment they step through the doors.
Prime Location in Manly: Positioned at 155 Pittwater Road, the restaurant is easily accessible for those exploring the Northern Beaches. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stop for those looking to enjoy a refined dining experience without straying far from the iconic coastal attractions of the area.
A Consistent Dining Experience
The success of Waka is built upon a foundation of consistency and a clear vision for what a neighborhood restaurant should represent. By avoiding unnecessary complexity and focusing on the fundamentals of flavor and service, the establishment has managed to carve out a unique identity in a competitive market. The team understands that the true measure of a restaurant lies in the satisfaction of its guests and the lasting impression left by a well-executed meal. As the culinary scene in Manly continues to evolve, Waka remains a steadfast presence, dedicated to providing a reliable and enjoyable experience for all who walk through its doors.
For those planning a visit, the restaurant offers a space where the pace of life slows down, allowing for a genuine appreciation of the meal. It is this focus on the present moment—the combination of good company, a pleasant environment, and carefully prepared food—that defines the Waka experience. Whether you are a long-time resident of the Northern Beaches or simply passing through Manly, a visit to this Pittwater Road location offers a glimpse into the local commitment to quality and hospitality. We invite you to experience the atmosphere for yourself and discover why Waka has become a valued part of the local dining community.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great beer selection
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Healthy options
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Waka
Thomas Reeh
30-05-2026
Waka is a hidden gem in Manly, Sydney. This cozy Japanese restaurant is tucked away on Pittwater Road, but it's definitely worth seeking out. The food is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the … More
Steph
30-05-2026
Great pizza. Friendly service. I would strongly recommend a visit
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
3-4 people
Seating type
Outdoor patio / terrace
Vegetarian options
You are in the wrong place
Dietary restrictions
All on the table
Parking options
Parking is unavailable
Kid-friendliness
Extremely
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes
JK Robbins
30-05-2026
Waka is an amazing Japanese restaurant!
We love their bento boxes and mostly get them takeaway.
The restaurant is also really cute and nice to eat at.
Pictured is dinner bento w chicken karaage and salmon avocado sushi+ teriyaki chicken+salmon avocado sushi.
Really good food and pretty well priced too. V v fresh seafood.
Order type
Takeaway
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
Heaps of parking on Pittwater rd out the front of restaurant
Steph
30-05-2026
Great pizza. Friendly service. I would strongly recommend a visit
Order type…
More
Angela Jimenez
30-05-2026
Beautiful food, highly recommend the Tempura Udon and the gyoza. Great quality of food and amazing flavors. One of the best Japanese in Sydney we’ve tried. More
EmilyHazellnut
30-05-2026
Highly recommend. Such quality sushi & sashimi. I can tell they go the extra mile, as they use actual wasabi & make their own ginger! Thanks Waka More
Renan Pavani
30-05-2026
Impressed by the quality of the rolls, rice, taste and freshness of the assorted sashimis. Best cost benefit on the beaches. More
Glen Van Der Hook
30-05-2026
Been coming for over 5yrs, best Japanese in Sydney as far as I’m concerned.
Never disappointed me once. Tonight was just extra amazing. The Wagyu Udon and kingfish sashimi is to die for.
Always fresh..👌🏽 … More
JK Robbins
30-05-2026
Waka is an amazing Japanese restaurant!
We love their bento boxes and mostly get them takeaway. … More
Phill Metcalfe
30-05-2026
Fantastic price to flavour ratio, really loved the wagu beef udon, and the pork gyōza entree was equally delicious. $8 for an Asahi is relatively middle of the road, but reasonable considering the vibe of the place. … More
ellie
30-05-2026
We have been getting takeaway bento, tempura, miso soup, gyoza, agedashi, and more from this restaraunt for almost 5 years now - and never once have we been disappointed. Consistently delicious with generous portions. The food is just out … More
Risia Azevedo
30-05-2026
We had a great dinner experience at Waka Restaurant. The food was great. We had Tasting Bento Box, Pork guioza and Hand rolls. Everything was delicious!! The staff are so friendly. Definitely I'll come back. More
Tanguy Caillieret
30-05-2026
I found this place randomly when I wanted to eat Japanese food, and what a great surprise! … More
Tanguy Caillieret
30-05-2026
I found this place randomly when I wanted to eat Japanese food, and what a great surprise!
The food is delicious. I went there twice in the same week, and everything I tried tasted just like in Japan. So good and tasty!
You have to try this restaurant if you’re around Manly!
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Luiz Gustavo
30-05-2026
Nice atmosphere, the menu is very extensive with lots of options. It took us a while to decide. We ordered some sushi rolls, and when they arrived, we noticed they were huge. The food is good, but nothing extraordinary. I still recommend checking it out. More
C Kurochan
30-05-2026
I have been going to this place for years and they have been consistently great. The food is always well presented and tasty, they have a good amount of beer and sake selection. Booking in advance is best as it’s quite hard to get a table otherwise. More
Queen Luu
30-05-2026
Really enjoy the food here but wait times for takeaway are always longer than expected. Waited outside for 15 minutes when I was told the order would be brought out to me. Ended up going back in and asking after several people picked up their order before me. Turns out it was just sitting there all along. Disappointing service More
Thomas Cool
30-05-2026
had a dinner here and I actually need to book for reservations but they managed to get me a seat. I ordered the prawn gyoza which tasted really good and there’s a bit of charred on the bottom to give them an extra characteristic. I also … More
Sarah K
30-05-2026
Freshly made big sushi rolls and a gluten free menu is available. Can Defs recommend. Delicious
Highly recommend making a reservation More
Roda Perez
30-05-2026
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT EVER! Service 10/10, food 10/10, atmosphere 10/10. Perfect for family of 5/6 or for a date. Food came out so quickly. We loved every bit of it, will be here again for sure! Definitely recommend the Fuji apple sour cocktail, I had 3 😂 … More
Simon Smith
30-05-2026
One of the best Australian Japanese meals we've had! Cc ame here for a birthday dinner but will be back! The scallop sashimi & seared scallop nigiri were particularly spectacular - but everything was good, including the Dassai sake, highly recommended! More
Lachlan Mcphee
30-05-2026
Love this place, great quality selection of izakaya style fare. Really fresh delicious sashimi, the eggplant and spicy pork and Tofu are so tasty! Delicious sake and Japanese beers too(love the Yona Yona ale!!) The staff are really friendly and professional. Always really enjoy coming here. More
Andrew Thornton
30-05-2026
This feels like a hidden gem to me, although I’m sure it’s pretty popular for the locals! What a feed. Food is on point and the service was great. My only gripe was that my plate was dirty when I sat down. Genuinely dirty. Not that big of a deal though. Mistakes happen. More
Reviews Waka