Sydney Eat Street: Narrabeen is packed full of hidden foodie gems
Head north to this coastal suburb of Narrabeen where you’ll be treated to sun, sand and plenty of places to eat — all with a great view and relaxing atmosphere.
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THE TRAMSHED
While that crumbly granola bar and lukewarm coffee may pass as brekkie during the week, take heart that come the weekend, or any other day that ends with “y”, a delicious and decadent breakfast is just around the bend.
In Narrabeen, you’ll spot your stop easily enough by the restored tram standing, similar to the ones that used to run out to Mona Vale out front which co-owner Lisa Arcus notes “is a way of bringing history back to the area”.
At this bright and airy cafe you’ll be given a menu packed with options for even the pickiest eater with dishes such as the green bowl with poached egg or chicken, stacked pancakes ornately topped with seasonal fruit or the most stunning bacon and egg roll you’re likely to see on either side of the tracks.
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Take a seat at one of the lemon-yellow booths, and note the subtle nods to a bygone era ranging from the handcrafted wooden schematic of the tram line along the brick wall to the vintage pictures hung throughout the space and even some fun menu items such as the requisite avocado on toast, the Tram Smash and End of the Line fish & chips (so yummy and by far the best pun ever).
— 1395A Pittwater Rd; tramshed.com.au
PIZZA RICCARDO
If only these wainscoted walls could talk, they’d tell you how co-owner Robert Simcic, a former boatbuilder made them himself to give a Hampton’s elegance to the classic white room with red vinyl seats.
They’d also let you in on how he grew up in his family’s pizza shops only to return years later to open his own one along with brother Alex.
This time however, it’d feature wood-fired pizzas made with their own sourdough base.
“We’ve always been in pizza but I like the history of Neapolitan pizza. It was a street food,” Simcic says.
So true to it is Simcic that there are even instructions on how to it noted on the back of the menu — essentially folded like an envelope and eaten with your hands.
For those that prefer their food with forks, try their house-made pasta, each one of which has a story behind the Italian origins of the dish.
— 1425 Pittwater Rd; pizzariccardo.com
ONE CAFE NORTH NARRABEEN
Build it and they will come. You don’t have to be a baseball fan or movie buff to know there’s merit in that saying, particular when the destination is by the water and under a canopy of tall trees.
That’s what owner and commercial developer, Peter Gurther, did when he took over the space, converting an old Chinese restaurant into a fusion of things he likes and thinks that others will as well.
On one side you have a cafe and restaurant featuring a modern Australian menu with the likes of ricotta hotcakes and seafood linguine plus a barista with mad latte art skills, while on the other side is a haven for impressive sushi and sashimi dishes.
Though minimalistic in concept, each space has its own identity, a testament to his ethos of “unity”.
So whether you’re after a morning cuppa, dinner with friends or just a cold beer overlooking the water, Gurther’s hope is that this is the “one place where everyone can come together”.
— 1 Narrabeen Park Pde; facebook.com/onecafenorthnarrabeen
THE BORED MONKEY
Owning and running a popular two-level restaurant may seem like a tall task for a young lad all of 24 years old, but considering that Josh Yeats started competing in triathlons aged 13, owned his first coffee shop at and managed the place before buying it, there’s clearly no lack of motivation on his part.
Along with father, Peter and uncle, Bill, they oversee a menu that rises to special occasions such as with their surf and turf offering, Humpty Doo barramundi and tapas selection or a family dinner.
For those that fancy a tipple, they have a wide selection of wines on offer and, for such a nice establishment with high-end menu items, at truly quite reasonably priced.
If you’re looking to take your food and wine pairings to the next level, be sure to check out their wine dinners hosted by the wine makers as well as the unique themed nights, such as an evening in Tasmania where everything on the menus is replaced with dishes and drinks from that region.
— 1304 Pittwater Rd; theboredmonkey.com.au
MUST TRY
SLINGSHOT CAFE
The enticing smell of Reuben Hills coffee may lure you in, but it’s the tower of power that’ll leave you gobsmacked.
A stack of mouth-watering house-made chocolate chip cookies are front and centre just waiting to be given a new home — and who can resist that siren song.
In case it’s your guilty conscious holding you back, start off with the healthy Odds and Ends bowl.
— 1320 Pittwater Rd; facebook.com/Slingshot.Cafe/
OCEANS NARRABEEN
You’ve got Narrabeen Beach across the road, exceptional menu that starts with breakfast than on to burgers and lam back strap plus drinks specials and live music on Sundays.
A perfect way to close out the weekend.
— Corner of Malcolm and Ocean streets; oceansnarrabeen.com.au
TWO HUNGRY BEARS
The burger meisters of Brookvale have packed up and brought their hearty fare to Narrabeen. You’ll need both hands to keep some of these scrumptious beauties together.
The fried chicken burger is a must.
— 1303 Pittwater Rd; facebook.com/twohungrybears/
BARBUTO RESTAURANT
Good friends, good view and good food make for a great day out. Savour the flavours of rich gnocchi, fresh seafood and hearty steaks at this casual beachside eatery during the day then carry on well into the night.
— 16 Ocean St; barbutorestaurant.com.au
ZUBI ESPRESSO
Coffee, coffee and more coffee. And that is meant as the sincerest compliment considering the loyal following that sees cup after (re-usable cup) going out the door.
Or stay in an enjoy a cuppa with your ham and cheese croissant.
— 207 Ocean St; zubinarrabeen.com.au
MEXICANO
The produce, seafood and meats may be sourced locally but the authentic flavours and traditional techniques come straight from Mexico.
Start off with share plates tostadas with guacamole and jalapeño croquettes then add on a selection of tacos and tequila based cocktail of course.
— 209 Ocean St; mexicano.com.au