Daniel San
Daniel San is the new hip Japanese hangout in Manly which fuses Asian ‘chowdown’ cuisine with a Rock N’ Roll vibe.
This multi-level homage of Japanese culture features an interactive bar that’s entertaining from lunch through to dawn, an Asian marketplace with fast-paced energy plus obligatory chicken coop, and the live Robata grill caravan featuring culinary theatre.
We recently got to experience some of the Daniel San hospitality first-hand. Walking in to the venue was very Rock N’ Roll with mug shots of David Bowie, Gary Numan, and Jim Morrison only adding to the cool vibe of the place.
The menu features plenty of options to cater for all and is broken up into Snacks, Raw Bar, Sashimi, Rock N’ Rolls, Steamed Buns, Salads, Mains, Wok, Robata Skewers, Dessert, and a Kids menu too.
We kicked the night off with some snacks including Edamame (gluten-free, low calorie soybeans in the pod), Fried Squid (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with chilli and salt) and some vitamin and nutrient-
We then tried the Kingfish (fresh raw fish dipped in wasabi) from the Sashimi menu, Seafood Udon (chef’s selection of seafood, broccoli, and ong choi) from the Wok menu and for the Main, we had the Ora King Salmon Teriyaki (with sesame cucumbers) which really hit the spot. We found the meal to be highly satisfying, and it was healthy to boot!
In the meantime, the venue got busy, the DJ started playing, and it got us in the mood to explore the Drinks menu which included a variety of cocktails, wines, and saké. It has to be said, the cocktails were absolutely mouth-watering. We tried the Miyagi Mai Tai – ‘served tall with plenty of oomf’. It consisted of DS Tiki potion (Jim Beam Rye, Pampero Especial Rum, Hennessy VSOP), pineapple, coconut and lime. If ever you visit this place, this is the first cocktail to try!
For something sweet, we recommend the Okinawan Shandy – Daniel San’s twist on the Mojito including Pampero Especial Rum, Stones ginger wine, Apple Crush cider, lime and mint. Or for something a little harsher, the Bloody Bull is perfect containing beef jerky infused Bulleit bourbon, house spice mix, and tomato juice. If that doesn’t get you up on the dancefloor, nothing will.
Located at 55 N Steyne Manly, Daniel San is the perfect venue for a meal or casual drink while overlooking the surf at Manly Beach. The most happening place in Manly at the moment.
UPDATE: Daniel San has ceased trading as at 28 July 2022.
