Avalon Guide: Where to Eat & Drink

Avalon is the closest village to most of our holiday homes, and it’s one of our favourite places on the Northern Beaches. It’s leafy, laid-back and full of character, and in summer it really comes alive. Spend the morning at the beach, browse the boutiques, then settle in for a long lunch or a sunset drink.

To help you make the most of your stay, here are the local spots our team keeps coming back to.

Bistro Boulevard

Locals simply call it “The French,” and once you step inside you’ll see why. Bistro Boulevard has been a fixture of the village for decades. The cosy room, timber tables and warm service feel like a little corner of Paris. Classic dishes like escargot and duck confit are a highlight, along with a well-chosen wine list. On warm summer nights, grab one of the outdoor tables.

Perfect for: a special-occasion dinner or a romantic night out.

Alma

Alma serves vibrant modern Mexican food from a charming heritage sandstone cottage. The owners travelled through Mexico for inspiration before opening in 2017, and it shows in the food. Expect fresh, zesty share plates, a rotating line-up of tacos and a seafood-led menu. There’s also a cocktail list with dozens of tequilas to explore. Vegetarian and vegan options are clearly marked, and the outdoor area is made for long, lazy lunches.

Perfect for: margaritas and tacos with friends.

Bar Elvina

Upstairs on the main street, Bar Elvina feels like a Mediterranean seaside taverna. It has whitewashed walls, arched windows and a sunny terrace overlooking the village. The menu centres on locally caught seafood, including oysters grown especially for the bar. There are also creative cocktails made with native Australian botanicals. Downstairs, its little sister Randy’s is a cosy wine bar worth popping into before dinner.

Perfect for: sunset cocktails and a seafood feast.

Oceana Traders

This family-run seafood shop is not your average chippie. Oceana Traders is known for fresh Australian fish, chips hand-cut daily, and some of the best fish and chips around. There are also fish tacos, burgers and a counter full of fresh seafood if you’d rather cook at home. Seating is limited, so do as the locals do: grab takeaway and head to the beach.

Perfect for: a casual dinner on the sand.

Royal Avalon Clubhouse

Avalon’s historic golf course clubhouse, dating back to the 1920s, has been given a fresh new life by a group of locals. The team includes the people behind Bar Elvina and Avalon Brewery. The heritage charm is still there, now paired with a relaxed pub-style menu, classic cocktails and local beers on tap. Grab a table out on the green on a sunny afternoon. It’s relaxed and family-friendly, with tables kept aside for walk-ins.

Perfect for: afternoon drinks with the whole family.

Pocket Pizza

Pocket Pizza is famous for creative, cheekily named pizzas that taste even better than they sound. The Avalon venue is warm and buzzy, with all the Pocket Pizza favourites on the menu. Bigger groups can sit back with the set menu, which brings out a feast of antipasti, pizza, pasta and dessert.

Perfect for: an easy family dinner or a big group night out.

Sunset Diner

You can’t miss this pastel-pink, Miami-inspired diner, complete with neon lights and palm trees. Sunset Diner serves the classics you always crave on holiday. Think two-handed burgers, griddle dogs, thick shakes and over-the-top sundaes, plus fresh salads if you want something lighter. There’s a sunny, dog-friendly courtyard too.

Perfect for: a fun lunch with the kids.

Relish Cafe

A much-loved local since 2012, Relish is the kind of neighbourhood cafe where everyone seems to know each other. Expect great coffee and generous breakfasts, along with lunch favourites like their famous lamb wrap and club sandwich. Their homemade cakes and treats are hard to resist. They also do baguettes to take away, which are perfect for a picnic at North Avalon beach.

Perfect for: a post-surf breakfast.

Lovat on the Beach

Right on the sand inside the Avalon Beach Surf Club, Lovat on the Beach has a casual café downstairs and a restaurant upstairs with sweeping ocean views. The café is ideal for an all-day breakfast, burgers or fish and chips after a swim. Upstairs, the menu focuses on fresh, local seafood and produce, with dishes like scallops, octopus and steak. There’s a kids menu too, so it works well for families.

Perfect for: lunch with a view of the waves.

Stay in Avalon This Summer

Want to be just a short stroll from all of this? We have a handful of beautiful homes in and around Avalon village, including Tamarind, a grand Avalon estate available for summer for the very first time.