Spring. There’s nothing quite like that annual shift in the air – everything smells, feels, and looks sweeter. That silent buzz in your stomach about the promise of summer. Longer days, balmier nights – all begging us to get out, live a little, laugh louder; love harder.
Here, we unveil our favourite places for a quick bite, long lunch, sea view dinner and spontaneous margarita. From the Northern Beaches to back streets of Bondi, this is where you’ll find us this spring/summer.
THE BEACHES
Queen Ester Falafel Bar - Newport | @queenester_falafel
A firm favourite of our founder/designer Kelly Davies-Green, this busy local is all about simple and fresh with a focus on middle eastern flavours. Sandwiches with labneh, zhug and roasted capsicum or salami and egg for breakfast (among other, Israeli icons), and a selection of pitas including falafel. chicken shawarma and sabich. But make sure you get there early … this delicious fare sells out quick!
Mexicano – Narrabeen | @mexicano_restaurant
Quality fresh produce sourced locally delivers an authentic product at this hub for modern Mexican flare. The menu is designed to share across multiple courses and is best served with a frozen, ginger or tommy’s margarita. A long list of quesadillas and tacos cover carne and vegetarian tastes and are hand-rolled and pressed daily using wheat and corn masa flours. A series of banquet options allow you the full experience of this weekend hot spot.
St. Alma - Freshwater | @st.alma_freshwater
This gorgeous Mexican eatery is sister to Avalon’s Alma St and boasts an expansive set menu reflective of Executive Chef Tim Christensen’s penchant for only the freshest, locally sourced seafood. A heap of unique techniques (from week-long dry ageing to curing) are supported with flavours of coastal Mexico and ingredients from Australia’s east coast for a truly memorable dining experience. Think agave grilled haloumi, seared scallops with Jerusalem artichoke puree, corn truffle empanadas and pulled jackfruit tacos.
Sunset Sabi - Manly | @sunsetsabimanly
A Manly-side must, Sunset Sabi comes by the team behind Chica Bonita and serves share-style izakaya dining unbeholden to the traditional take. It’s modern Japanese with a focus on fine produce and leans into light and bright flavour profiles perfectly suited to a quirky cocktail list, hand-picked wines, sake and beer. Start with tempura corn and mushroom gyozas, before moving onto the snapper with yuzu and chilli oil and finishing up with the larger, Kushiyaki (chicken yakitori, charcoal king prawn and MB9+ wagyu).
BONDI
The Shop and Wine Bar | @theshopandwinebar
Mikey and Lucy have curated a love filled nook teaming with the postcode’s locals and a healthy line-up of salads, sandwiches, and IG-ready cheese boards. The wine list varies from natural to not-so-natural, and their blood mary’s are among the top with a salty serve of bacon and pickles to boot. Better still, the recent renovation has transformed the space into a European inspired eatery complete with painterly octopus mascot.
Taqiza | @taqizamexican
It’s no secret we love a margarita, and Taqiza serve up some of the best with the most loved being their jalapeno concoction. Perch outside or in the bar window and let the sun laze in while Maddy and team take you through their list of tequila (including some pretty special mezcals).
Fish Shop | fishshop.com.au
The boys behind Fish Bowl dial up it up, and dial it up well in this corner cove for fresh fish served with a twist. Dine in the restaurant and kick it off with oysters and a Paloma, before moving into the prawn cigars or best-selling calamari dish. For mains, it’s a special pasta and series of cuts served with five-star sauce accompaniments. Looking for lunch? The takeaway riff sits just next door and serves the infamous tuna burger with chips.
RAW Bar | @rawbarbondibeach
If it’s fresh with sea views you’re chasing, RAW is another local hot spot serving delicious Japanese with a killer cocktail list to suit. The summer vibes are strong in this Bondi institution, and they serve a killer chardonnay if you’re settling in for a bottle!
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