Welcome to Manuka
Meet The Chef
Manuka Woodfire Kitchen – Awarded One Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide 2020.
When Manuka’s doors quietly opened in 2015 it didn’t take long for the locals to appreciate the delicious, soulful woodfire mastery from our chef & owner Kenny McHardy.
Manuka Woodfire Kitchen is a fully licensed restaurant with alfresco serving local wine, craft beer, cider and spirits. Kenny uses his woodfire oven and the open flames to create simple yet innovative woodfired fare. Sourcing local, seasonal produce from our WA growers and producers whilst supporting ethical and sustainable farming. Produce from Carnarvon to the Great Southern, Manuka gives you the best WA has to offer.
There’s a feeling of unpredictability and vulnerability which comes from cooking simply with fire. But Kenny will tell you that’s where the fun begins. The name Manuka comes from his fond childhood memories of growing up in New Zealand collecting manuka firewood at his home on Kawau Island. Bringing their vision to life, Kenny with wife and restaurant manager Jody have created a dining space which is both inviting and comfortably casual.
Hailing originally from NZ, Kenny’s career as a chef began at the age of 14 and has taken him to Michelin starred kitchens in London and to the celebrated Two Hatted Walters Wine Bar in Melbourne. On returning to WA, he fronted the kitchens of The Garden in Leederville, Coco’s Restaurant in South Perth, The Red Herring in East Fremantle and Due South in Albany.
Kenny’s reputation has continued to excel with the success of Manuka Woodfire Kitchen. He and the team have recently been awarded a Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide along with coveted spots in Gourmet Traveller and local top restaurant lists. Including #4 in the Top 50 WA restaurants from the WA Good Food Guide.
Follow Kenny on instagram @kennymchardy