The Best Cafes on the Northern Beaches for a Beachy Brunch
From Manly to Mona Vale and beyond, here are the best cafes on the Northern Beaches.
Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach, the Northern Beaches have plenty to brag about — the magical places to swim, the friendly folk, the laidback atmosphere... While Sydney-siders joke it's the 'insular peninsula', we understand why people don't want to leave!
While each coastal town has its character, the love for sun, surf and sand reign supreme, and the food comes with sparkling sea views on the side.
We're rounding up the best cafes on the Northern Beaches so that when the weekend rolls around, you can do as the locals do and make a beeline for these hotspots.
Noon
The newest kid on the Manly cafe block is Noon, brought to you by the Good Good Company - the same folk behind Manly faves Chica Bonita, Sunset Sabi and Busta. With a simple yet chic fit-out and a prime sunlit corner, just a block back from the Beach Noon is fuelling locals and visitors alike with classic coffees, iced matches or a shaken tahini latte.
For food think elevated B&Es with house barbecue sauce, scrambled eggs with black lime za’atar crisp, sourdough and cultured butter or Rosti with cured ocean trout, fennel and herb salad, lemon myrtle, crème fraiche.
Shop 1/18 Raglan St, Manly
Coast
Breakfast, brunch, small bites and leisurely long lunches are the order of the day at Coast, a Palm Beach local oozing charm. From the moment you step into the beachy courtyard with a light timber deck, rattan chairs and white weatherboard walls, you'll know you've made a good choice.
An oasis serving Campos coffee and T2 tea, the recently refreshed menu is filled with deluxe egg and bacon rolls, smashed avo and bircher muesli for breakfast, while Falafel dishes, Gyros wraps, Super Bowls with vegetables, dukkha and fried egg will keep you satisfied come lunch. Did we mention it's dog-friendly?
1031 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
Queen Ester Falafel Bar
The latest cafe to hit the Northern Beaches is Queen Ester. This popular Israeli cafe and falafel bar has been serving delicious Middle Eastern fare to Newport locals for years and has opened a bigger and better location in Mona Vale.
Sit in the sun-drenched outdoor dining space and indulge in their handmade falafels, pitas, and shawarma bowls, each made with fresh, tasty produce. Trust us, it will be love at first bite!
44 Darley Street, Mona Vale
Rusti Fig
Rustic Fig is the local institution boasting cheap eats, a delicious sandwich bar, fresh juices and the best coffee in town.
Run by Newport local Ellie, you'll be a regular in no time thanks to the welcoming atmosphere, super quick service and top-shelf food. Try the creamy scrambled eggs, and thank us later!
3/363 Barrenjoey Road, Newport
Effie's
A coffee shop by day complete with a coastal chic, white-washed interior, and a marble takeaway window - this is the coolest cafe on the Northern Beaches.
What once was a Korean corner store, Effie's has been refurbished into a love letter to local artists and makers, featuring Sarah Ellison chairs, Hay tables, Maison Balzac glassware and Ash Holmes art.
On the food front, there's coffee by Mecca, cookies by Butter Boy, cold-pressed juices and banana bread by Berkelo. Pop in for brunch, soak up the relaxed atmosphere and be charmed by the locals who stop by to say hello to the staff and owners.
281 Sydney Road, Balgowlah
Cafe Elanora
A hidden gem in the Northern Beaches cafe scene, Cafe Elanora continues to serve the health-conscious community, serving unbeatable bites, healthy meals, great coffee, smoothies, açaci bowls and sweet treats (did someone day Butterboy Cookies?!).
Soak up the bright, sunny space, cute decor and fun playlist as you choose your favourites from their epic menu. You'll be back time and time again, trust us.
2/69 Kalang Road, Elanora Heights
Zubi Cafes
Whether you need to get caffeinated or are after a more substantial feed, the team at Zubi has all bases covered. With four locations across the Northern Beaches, Zubi is a cult favourite with locals thanks to its fresh, tasty food.
These guys are the pros of a classic big breakfast, or for something a little more daring try their Reuben sandwich. They also serve Campos coffee, fresh juices and delicious pastries.
Narrabeen, Newport, Dee Why, Bilgola Beach
Rollers Bakehouse
When it comes to delicious, flaky croissants, the bakers at Rollers never miss. For breakfast, try one of their signature or special croissants loaded with delicious flavours - they are so worth getting out of bed for.
The space is cosy and welcoming with communal tables, a cute courtyard and succulents. It's also millennial pink and oozing with California-cool vibes - the stuff Insta-dreams are made of.
19 Rialto Lane, Manly
Norma's Deli
From the team behind Roller's Bakehouse and Butterboy, Norma's Deli has created a big buzz in Manly! And for good reason.
Walking down the stairs into Norma's, you're immediately transported to a charming and busy Greek deli. If you can peel yourself away from watching the bakers work their magic in the open-planned kitchen, try your best to choose some delights from behind the glass window of treats.
Between the buttery croissants, Yiayia-approved baklava and other drool-worthy creations, it's like picking a favourite child.
74-78 The Corso, Manly
Dunes Kiosk
Sitting atop Sydney's iconic Palm Beach, Dunes Restaurant is beach-side alfresco dining at its best. But when you're looking for something a little more low-key, you can't go past their kiosk serving great coffee, juices and delicious nosh perfect to keep you fuelled for a day at the beach.
One of the more aesthetically pleasing locales, you'll be snapping pics for Insta from the minute you walk into this chic space.
1193 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
Albert & Moore
On any given day, fit foodies spill out onto the footpath of this bright and airy Freshwater cafe. The menu at Albert & Moore is nutritious and artfully presented, with many paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Try the Protein Stack with steak and eggs post-workout, otherwise, the PB Acai Bowl or Green Goodness Bowl with kale, quinoa, avocado, grilled halloumi, beetroot hummus, boiled eggs and toasted seeds are amazing.
2D/2 Moore Road, Freshwater
Flower Child
The ultimate pitstop for shoppers, Flower Child is a garden oasis found within Chatswood and Warringah Westfield. With lush greenery, vibrant flowers, whitewashed timber, water features, and a sunlit outdoor space, it’s (bloomin’) beautiful.
The food is just as Instagram-worthy as the design. Go for the acai bowl, pancakes or decadent French toast, and wash it down with coffee courtesy of The Grounds roasters.
Westfield Warringah Mall, Chatswood Westfield
Outpost Espresso
This charming hole-in-the-wall eatery has got the breakfast menu down pat. Whether it's a fresh açai bowl, a salmon bagel, or a ham and cheese croissant, Outpost Espresso is always packed with hungry locals tucking into their goods and sipping their Campos coffee.
Small but mighty, this cafe has made a big mark on Collaroy and is well known as one of the best cafes in the Northern Beaches.
996e Pittwater Raod, Collaroy
Have you tried the best cafes on the Northern Beaches and are ready to explore the area? Read our roundup of the best restaurants in Manly. Then, why not strap on your hiking boots and check out our edit of the best walking tracks in the Northern Beaches?
