Scout’s Suburb Guide To Menai
A neighbourhood with long-standing favourites, familiar faces and plenty to do.
Rocksalt
Menai is one of those suburbs with far more going on than first meets the eye. From long-standing restaurants and huge recreation spaces to coffee spots where familiar faces return each morning, there’s more than enough to fill a day.
So you don’t miss a thing, we’ve done the scouting for you. Here are 10 favourites in and around Menai worth adding to your list.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MENAI
Steam Brothers Coffee
For a glimpse into Menai’s morning routine, start at Steam Brothers Coffee. The luxe, light-filled cafe draws a familiar crowd each day, from post-gym regulars to mums catching up after school drop-off, with a warm, friendly team tying it all together. The all-day menu covers eggs benny, hotcakes, toasties, salads and plenty more. Coffee is personal here too, with owner Aleks roasting the cafe’s signature blend himself at Collective Roasting Solutions in Marrickville.
5/21 Carter Road
The Ridge Sporting Complex
Whether your weekend calls for 18 holes, a bucket of balls at the two-level driving range or a few laps of the huge pump track, The Ridge Sporting Complex has plenty of ways to get moving. Located just beyond Menai in Barden Ridge, the sprawling precinct also includes an athletics track, sporting fields and netball courts. Even the dog gets a day out, thanks to the off-leash park.
Recreation Dr
The Needles
One of Barden Ridge’s prettiest swimming spots has officially gone Hollywood. Set along the Woronora River, The Needles recently became a filming location for Netflix thriller Apex, starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton. Surrounded by bushland, it’s well worth seeking out for a walk, a swim and a glimpse of the scenery that caught Netflix’s eye.
Woronora River, Barden Ridge
Rocksalt
Ask a Menai local where to go for dinner and there’s a good chance Rocksalt will get a mention. A fixture of the suburb since 2005, it has earned a fiercely loyal following. Serving Modern Australian dishes in a polished yet relaxed setting, it works just as well for date night as it does for a family dinner or long lunch. Whatever you order, save room for the famous Snickers Bar. Regulars know it’s non-negotiable. Scout tip: Don’t forget your favourite bottle. Rocksalt offers BYO at both lunch and dinner.
1/72-80 Allison Crescent
Underworld Laser
Love a bit of competitive fun? Put your aim to the test at Underworld Laser. This family-owned laser tag arena can host up to 25 players at a time, with public sessions, birthday parties and group events available. Whether you’re entertaining the kids or looking to let off some steam with mates, it’s a high-energy activity everyone can get involved in. Bookings are essential.
Level 1, 44–60 Allison Crescent
Six Shooter
Six Shooter is the kind of local coffee stop that keeps things simple and does them well. At its shipping-container window, you’ll find a steady stream of regulars stopping by for takeaway coffee and an easy bite. Owner Nick is at the heart of it all, remembering customers by name and creating the friendly, familiar atmosphere that keeps them coming back. Its popular Cars and Coffee meet-ups give local car lovers a place to gather too.
Menai Central, Shop F2 Carter Road
Essence Day Spa
Yes, we know we’ve crossed into Bangor for this one, but when a little R&R is this close, we’re counting it. Tucked inside Bangor Shopping Centre, Essence Day Spa offers facials, body treatments, Japanese head spa sessions and infrared wellness experiences. Whether you’re after a skin refresh or an uninterrupted hour to yourself, it’s an easy place to slow down without travelling far.
Shop 13, 121 Yala Road
Bangor Tavern
While we’re in Bangor, this local institution deserves a spot on the list too. A fixture of the community for more than 40 years, Bangor Tavern has evolved with the times without losing its relaxed local-pub atmosphere. Food comes courtesy of Roberto’s, the tavern’s in-house restaurant, where the menu puts a Mediterranean-inspired spin on classic pub dining. You’ll also find daily lunch and dinner specials, more than 15 beers on tap and a dog-friendly beer garden made for a social afternoon with mates. Come for a casual meal, stay for another round.
121 Yala Road
Sonoma Menai
Sonoma’s cult-favourite sourdough may be the main event, but the rest of the line-up is just as tempting. Think almond croissants, Portuguese tarts, sausage rolls and pies, all ready to grab and go with a house-roasted coffee. There’s also a bake-at-home range for stocking up. Cue your new weekly bakery run.
Shop 1/12/16 Macmahon Place
XS Espresso
If acai is your weakness, XS Espresso knows exactly how to tempt you. Their loaded bowls come piled high with fresh fruit and toppings, making them just as suited to breakfast as an afternoon sweet fix. Not in an acai mood? The menu moves from all-day breakfast favourites to stone-baked pizzas and desserts, covering almost every craving.
Menai Central, 5/5-21 Carter Road