When award-winning chef Luke Bourke moved into the new kitchen at Felons Seafood in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, he had a clear vision. After a decade at Rockpool Bar & Grill, he knew seafood. But as a proud Palawa man raised on Dharug Country in Western Sydney, he also wanted to spotlight First Nations ingredients, such as native kelp vinegar served with freshly shucked oysters or pickled warrigal greens in a tartare sauce. “Nothing too crazy,” he says, “but we have beautiful, ethical products on our doorstep.” When he’s not at the pass, Bourke likes to soak up the vibes on and around Manly's buzzing Whistler Street.

Image credit: Ashleigh Larden

Noon for Tornado Egg

1/8

“This sleek but laid-back cafe on the corner of Raglan Street is a go-to for my partner, Allyssa, and me. It makes for a nice start to the day. I get the tornado egg – it’s essentially scrambled egg but the mixture is folded rather than stirred so it’s fluffy – served with chilli crisp oil and sourdough.”

Winona for craft beers

2/8

“Being part of the Felons Brewing Co. group, it’s a bit cheeky to visit this great bottle shop around the corner but I like to see what the competition is up to. They specialise in natural wines but I love trying the craft beers from micro-breweries around Australia. They also sell mixed packs.”

Image credit: Banco

Banco for fried chicken

3/8

“This moody wine bar is a great place for a snack, especially the fried chicken with caviar and paprika mayo – it’s a bit luxurious. I’m a wine fanatic and the vino list includes lots by the glass, plus other good things such as mescal and cocktails. No-one leaves here without a smile on their face.”

That Hot Sauce for a spicy tasting

4/8

“This little place down the road stocks all the best American hot sauces as well as some local ones. They offer tastings, which can be intense. You might leave a bit sweaty!”

Image credit: @calibrate_coffee_manly / Instagram

Calibrate Coffee for a levelled-up cup

5/8

“If you’re serious about your filter coffee, these guys knock it out of the park. I’m just a standard latte with full-cream milk person, nothing too special, but they do that so well. The food is great cafe fare, from spiced apple porridge to avo toast with ricotta salata.”

Image credit: @staple_bread / Instagram

Staple Bakery for pain au chocolat

6/8

“The Felons sous chef is French and fussy about pastries but he thinks this place does an excellent pain au chocolat. The plain croissants and pain Suisse [custard pastries] are good, too. We often do a run here for breakfast for the team and it draws a big crowd; they’re like seagulls in the kitchen.”

Image credit: Jo Bainbridge

Desire Books & Records for old cookbooks

7/8

“I find inspiration in the cookbooks at this bookstore and they also have vinyl records. I often tell our music guy he should grab something I’ve seen and spin it.”