The Best Cafés on the Northern Beaches for a Beachy Brunch
From Manly to Mona Vale and beyond, here are the best cafés 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 a side of sparkling sea views.
Keep reading as we round up the very best cafés 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.
Queen Ester Falafel Bar
The latest café to hit the Northern Beaches is Queen Ester. This popular Israeli café and falafel bar - which has been serving delicious Middle Eastern fare to Newport locals for years - has opened a bigger and better location in Mona Vale.
Take a seat 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
7 Robertson Road, Newport
Rusti Fig
Rustic Fig is a much-loved 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 café 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 many locals who stop by to say hello to the staff and owners.
281 Sydney Road, Balgowlah
The Nook Wholefoods
A hidden gem in the Northern Beaches café scene, The Nook does not mess around when it comes to serving up unbeatable bites, healthy meals, organic coffee, smoothies, açaci bowls and raw treats (their lumberjack cake is something else).
Soak up the bright, sunny space, cute decor and fun playlist as you work your way through 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 up Campos coffee, fresh juices and delish pastries.
Narrabeen, Newport, Dee Why, Bilgola Beach
Rollers Bakehouse
When it comes to their delicious flaky croissants, the genius bakers at Rollers never mess around. For breakfast, try the 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 aplenty. Oh, 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, it will take you a while to choose just one or two 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
Albert & Moore
On any given day, fit foodies spill out onto the footpath of this bright and airy Freshwater café. The menu at Albert & Moore is nutritious and artfully presented, with many paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
If you’re fuelling up post-workout, try the smoked salmon frittata or Protein Stack. Otherwise, Green Goodness Bowl with kale, quinoa, avocado, grilled halloumi, beetroot hummus, boiled eggs and toasted seeds is amazing.
2D/2 Moore Road, Freshwater
Gusto on the Beach
Stunning views with even better food and a furry friend by your feet? Yes, please! Gusto on the Beach is a Curl Curl institution with a massive all-day menu.
Our fave? Their deli baguette with ham, Danish salami, cheese, pickle, salad and a drizzle of aioli. For something lighter, you can't go past their chilled chia pudding or their vegan porridge.
South Curl Curl Lifesaving Club, Carrington Parade
Flower Child
The ultimate pitstop for shoppers, Flower Child is a garden oasis in 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 the decadent French toast, and wash it down with coffee courtesy of The Grounds roasters.
Westfield Warringah Mall, Corner of Condamine Street and Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale
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 on their Campos coffee.
Small but mighty, this café has made a big mark on Collaroy and is well known as one of the best cafés in the Northern Beaches.
996e Pittwater Raod, Collaroy
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 up 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
Enjoyed the best cafés on the Northern Beaches and ready to explore the area? Have a read of 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?
