We love uncovering great new Beaches cafes and restaurants, and in this foodie paradise there’s always an exciting new eatery to try. Here are a few that opened recently to check out if you haven’t already, and we’ll keep adding to the list!
The Espy, Manly
Having just launched this year, The Espy is the latest venue by the Boathouse Group and one of our new favourite beaches cafes! Sitting on the old Manly Sea Life Aquarium site, this Mediterranean-inspired venue is right on the water, and boasts stunning unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour! This lovely outdoor site is dog-friendly and family-friendly, and offers simple yet delicious beachside cuisine. The Boathouse Group as also partnered with 4 Pines Brewing Co. and Brookvale Union to provide a selection of local craft beers to thirsty customers, as well as spritzes, cocktails and wine.
It’s open 7 days from 11am until late, serving seafood, fresh salads, burgers, chips and pizza to hungry beachgoers, plus a kids’ menu for our smaller residents! The Espy is also a mere stones throw from the iconic Manly Waterworks and the Manly Art Gallery & Museum, making it the perfect place to break after a day out.
Where: West Esplanade, Manly
Opening hours: 11am – late, 7 days per week.
Website: www.manly-pavilion.com.au/the-espy
Gusto Cafe, Balgowlah Golf Club
A former favourite of South Curl Curl locals, the beloved Gusto Cafe has now reopened at Balgowlah Golf Club, swapping its waterfront views for the scenic greens. This new venue offers indoor dining and a kid-friendly outdoor area with a view of the golf course, and prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and fuss-free food.
Gusto Cafe is open from 6:30am with all the legendary breakfast favourites that Beaches locals have come to love, including açai bowls, corn fritters and good old bacon and egg rolls. Their lunch menu features classic steak sandwiches and chicken burgers alongside fresh salads – plus, their seasonal menus are ones to look out for!
Gusto on the Green also boasts ample onsite parking and dedicated takeaway-order spaces, and now also offers function catering for local events – so if you have anything coming up, keep this in mind!
Where: 506 Sydney Road, Balgowlah
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 6.30am to 2.30pm, Friday 6.30am to 8pm, Saturday 6.30am to 4pm, Sunday 6.30am to 7pm
Website: https://www.gustoonthegreen.com.au
Tommy Panini, Brookvale
Following a successful run as a pop-up store last year, celebrity chef Tom Morrison’s Italian Sandwich shop has officially opened a permanent location in Brookvale, called Tommy Panini! These delicious panuzzo sandwiches quickly became a local sensation on their initial run, attracting queues that stretched out the door and eventually selling over 300 sandwiches a day! Each panini is a carefully-constructed blend of traditional Italian and contemporary cuisine, with a base of Vannella fior di latte cheese and features dough infused with rosemary and garlic oil, expertly ‘wood-fired’ at 400°C in wood fired pizza ovens. The result is a tantalizing char that enhances the flavors of the fillings.
All the classic favourites are back on the menu, including the popular Chicken Cotoletta with Calabrian chilli mayo, sun-dried tomato tapenade, zucchini pickle, shaved parmigiano, and rocket, and the traditional Mortadella panini. But that’s not all! Tommy Panini is also introducing a new, more indulgent and nostalgic offering: the Chicken Coletta with spicy vodka sauce, Vanella buffalo mozzarella and pesto. All sauces and spreads are made in-house with locally-sourced ingredients, and the team is so excited to be back to serve the Brookvale community.
Where: 4/515 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:45 until sold out.
Website: https://www.tommypanini.com/
SeaSprout, Freshwater
Taking over the old Little Collins venue, SeaSprout Cafe and Restaurant is a relaxed dining space by day – at night, however, it transforms into an elevated dining experience. The new owners, husband-and-wife duo Craig and Paula Walker, are passionate about good food and local connections and aim to retain the same feel of the iconic corner spot despite the changes.
The new name combines the coastal spirit of Freshwater (Sea) with the idea of growth, new life, and community nourishment (Sprout). Their breakfast and brunch lineup is full of hearty favourites like breakfast omelettes and the ever-popular Acai Smoothie Bowls, alongside sweet pastries and fresh coffee. From Wednesday to Sunday, their new dining concept ‘SeaSprout by Night’ transforms the cafe into a laid-back restaurant, serving local seasonal produce on a rotating menu loaded with global flavours, from wagyu sirloin to tumeric-roasted cauliflower with hummous. However, Craig and Paula also aim to respect the local culture of this iconic location, with regular themed events and initiatives for the community to enjoy.
Keep up with SeaSprout on Instagram for the latest on themed dinners, happy hour deals, and special events.
Where: Shop 3, 6-8 Lawrence St, Freshwater
Opening Hours
Café
Mon–Fri: 6am–2pm
Sat–Sun & Public Holidays: 7am–3pm
Restaurant
Wed–Thurs: 5pm–9:30pm
Fri–Sun: 3pm–9:30pm
Website: www.seasprout.com.au
Hedonist Collaroy
You know Collaroy for its surfing, Art Deco Cinema and sprawling golf course – but did you know that a Michelin-trained chef has recently set up shop here too? As of last year, Hedonist has served fine cuisine that’s big on flavour, while also maintaining an unpretentious atmosphere. It’s run by the experienced Tua Fatongiatau, and chef Emanuele Pelonero, who has refined his foraging and pasta making skills at Il Piastrino, a Michelin-star restaurant in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
Pelonero’s imprint on the menu means the dishes are big on flavour without being overly fussy. Think perfectly charred 45-day dry aged steaks from Copper Tree Farms, Market Fish with gochujang glaze and XO sauce, and Aussie-inspired twists like Kingfish Crudo with preserved salted apricot and sea lettuce (Aussie seaweed)Their current Winter Menu consists of “temptations” including Wagyu Beef on Brioche, Scallop Rockefeller and Silver Trevally Crudo.
Hedonist also runs regular promotions, including Thursday Steak Night with its perfectly-cooked steak, chips and glass of red for just $30. Their Happy Hour (Monday to Thursday) is perfect for $12 signature & classic cocktails, $9 house wines, bubbles and beer, $8 mulled wine and a snack menu on offer. And unlike many spots nearby, they’re open Monday nights too, serving up a Chef’s Choice two-course set menu from $65, or three courses for $85.
Where: 1135 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm Mondays, 4pm – 11pm Thursday- Saturday, 12pm – 3pm Sundays. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Website: Bookings via hedonistrestaurant.com.au or 1300 712 743.
Stay tuned as we add to this list of new Beaches cafes and restaurants! If you know of one opening, click here to email us
For more local foodie adventures, read about degustation kings Coya Cromer by clicking here, or famed family Vietnamese restaurant Bau Truong by clicking here.
