Amour Ettalong
There is a boutique at the eastern end of Ettalong’s main road that sums up the way we feel about Ettalong – Amour Ettalong. We love it.
With its trendy cafes, seaside dining, bustling bars and simple, natural beauty, there’s a lot to love about Ettalong.
Since its waterfront has been revitalised, we’ve been spending many a weekend enjoying Sunday brunches with friends, seaside lunches or just getting our toes sandy and taking a dip in the sea.
Ettalong’s Coast 175 cafe
In recent years, Ettalong has transformed into more than just a tranquil summer getaway for Sydneysiders, it has become a chic place for Coasties to live and visit.
Part of the appeal of the nouveau Ettalong is the emergence of fabulous eateries.
Styled to coastal chic perfection with glass floats and a long share table, it’s easy to while away half a weekend in Coast 175 on Ocean View Road.
Freshly juiced concoctions whir to life, the smell of Campos coffee lingers in the air, decadent treats tempt all who walk in and farm fresh produce and flowers are available at the mini-market.
The Box on the Water at Ettalong
The BOX on The Water is a new-ish addition to Ettalong’s dining scene. The modern Australian restaurant has killer views and a superb menu. It’s fabulous for brunch, lunch, dinner or a sunset apperitif.
Out back is an old-school kiosk offering coffee and snacks like fish’n’chips or a sausage roll.
Another fine dining option is Safran restaurant, which specialises in small plates of bite-sized Turkish tapas.
In the warmer months, it’s all about al fresco dining in a palm-fringed courtyard of Ettalong’s markets, dining out on a menu which includes exotic ingredients like pine nuts and pomegranate.
Cocktail hour at Ettalong’s Bar Toto
Offering casual and wholesome street food out of a hole-in-the-wall in Ettalong’s arcade, EB Burger Bar (previously known as Wollombi Pantry) brings a hipster vibe to the suburb. The eatery’s sunny chairs add some colour to the local arcade and the shelves are stocked with specialty sauces and relishes.
Fitting right in with the art deco cinema it neighbours, Bar Toto is a funky cocktail bar offering cakes, coffee and cocktails – three of our favourite things.
At the rear of the retro Ettalong market complex is a new Spanish-themed tapas bar serving up all the classics from chorizo to churros and paella to prawns – as well as some top shelf cocktails in plush surrounds.
Between Toto and Gusto, Ettalong is starting to live up to its name – apparently ‘Ettalong’ is an indigenous word for “drinking place”.
Gusto Tapas Bar
The Mantra might be the dominant structure in Ettalong but it’s the little hidden gems in its shadow that offer the chicest delights.
Goddess by the Sea is a gorgeous one-stop-shop for homewares, accessories and gifts on Memorial Ave. We especially like the fabulous collection of cheeky signs that are made for a coastal chic home.
Around the corner on Ocean View Road, Hatters Tea House is a wonderland of vintage trinkets, teas and treats. An afternoon in the adorable Tea House is like disappearing down a delicious rabbit hole.
Hatters Tea House
With its endearing name, Amour Ettalong makes arriving a few minutes early for the ferry worthwhile. On the corner of Booker Bay Road and Ferry Road, we love perusing the trendy boutique for a chic new outfit.
Across the road, Swoon offers a lovely mix of modern and vintage homewares with a distinct French flavour.
While we were sad to see Miss Kizzy leave the area, a rustic florist – Salmon and Co flowers – has blossomed in her place.
Ettalong Central Coast
The jewel in Ettalong’s crown is the picturesque waterfront.
Under the watchful eye of Box Head and wedged between Umina’s long beach and the calm tributaries of Brisbane Water, Ettalong is home to a pristine, sheltered curve of beach that is perfect for a paddle, swim, fish, or a leisurely stroll.
And that’s just what we do, whenever we can, because we ‘amour’ Ettalong.
