Boutique hotels
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Jonah's
- Style
- Conservative coastal meets loved-up luxe
- Setting
- Breathtaking Northern Beach cliff-top
Self-catering properties
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Pacific Road House
- Style
- Glam 50s-style getaway
- Setting
- Poised above Palm Beach
Northern Beaches Eating, drinking and dancing
Restaurants
(+61 (0)2 9918 2727)
Clareville Kiosk
Chef Cameron Johnston presides over the contemporary European-style menu, which might include confit of duck or crisp-skinned ocean trout – at this much-loved restaurant that manages to feel cozy and bright all at once.
27 Delecta Avenue, Clareville Beach, New South Wales 2107, Australia
(+61 (0)2 9918 2077)
Starfish
It might not be the most beautiful room in which to eat, but you’ll want to anyway. By day, a good café serving excellent standards, but at night owner and chef Phillip Martin turns out Italian and Asian dishes that are a cut above.
23 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach, New South Wales, Australia
(+61 (0)2 9997 4900)
The Terrace on Pittwater
Situated upstairs at the famous pub, you’ll need to book if you want to dine here for lunch on the weekend. There is a great offering of steaks and fresh seafood, which go perfectly with the views over Pittwater. The wine list is impressive, too.
Newport Arms Hotel, Kalinya Street, Newport, New South Wales 2106, Australia
Bars
(+61 (0)2 9974 4001)
Barrenjoey House
There’s a refined atmosphere in this beautiful room, where the wicker furniture is a lovely contrast to the sandstone bar topped with antique railway sleepers. Choose champagne or a cocktail in keeping wtih the mood.
1108 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach, New South Wales 2108, Australia
(+61 (0)2 9971 0744)
Deck 23
Find yourself a spot on the lower deck, where musicians – usually local singer-guitarists – play live tunes six nights of the week, and watch the waves break over the shore.
2/23 The Strand, Dee Why, New South Wales 2099, Australia
(+61 (0)2 9982 7931)
Stella Blu
This sophisticated number, all leather banquettes and stools across from the water, is an adjunct to the Italian restaurant of the same name. Cocktails are a specialty – including a rather lovely lychee martini – and a tapas menu is available for those feeling a little peckish.
18 The Strand, Dee Why, New South Wales 2099, Australia
Cafés
(+61 (0)2 9918 6794)
Chelsea Tea House
Sit in the dappled sunshine for brunch and enjoy the huevos rancheros (black beans, eggs and salsa wrapped up in a tortilla) or a freshly made sandwich – chicken and avocado, perhaps. Not surprisingly, given the establishment’s name, there’s also a fine selection of exotic tea blends.
2/48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon, New South Wales 2107, Australia
(+61 (0)2 9913 8318)
Lakeside Fish Markets
It’s not exactly a café but it would be remiss of us not to mention the excellent fish and chips – perfect for a beach picnic – you can pick up here. Great also for fresh seafood if you’re planning a barbecue.
1489 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, New South Wales 2101, Australia
(+61 (0)2 9984 1222)
Nor’easter Cafe
Wrap your laughing gear around a fine Australian tradition for breakfast, the bacon and egg roll, or come back for hearty lunch fare, such as homemade pies. The locals swear by the apple crumble with cinnamon ice-cream.
1093 Pittwater Road, Collaroy, New South Wales 2097, Australia
