Sydney...
possibly now one of my favourite places on earth. I went here with high expectations and came back fancying my chances at living a life of beaching, brunching and basking in sun all whilst watching some rather gorgeous surfers battling the waves... heaven, right?
We started with a rather windy brunch with friends at the infamous Icebergs Cafe which serves simple breakfasts and, obviously, the Aussie classic 'Smashed avo' and eggs on doorstop toast. To which, I added a double helping of feta and guzzled seriously good coffee with the picture perfect view (above)...
Within the same day we then hiked over to Coogee beach (a gorgeous coastal walk for an hr or so) and, set back, on the promenade is Coogee Pavilion. We settled in for the afternoon with much needed Rosé and ordered copious amounts of wonderful tapas and bathed in the heat.
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Bathers Pavilion
This place came up on many people's 'where to go' when asking of fantastic beach restaurant and brunch places... we were not disappointed. Bathers is situated on what became my favourite beach (due to the lack of people on it and tiny baby bunnies?!) and as a bonus had two gorgeous restaurants (see below). Here, we had a wonderfully healthy frittata bowl for me and a 'full aussie' for him. Washed down with fantastic cappuccino's within a light airy minimalist restaurant and a(nother) golden sandy view...
Pilu at Freshwater
After a small (but pretty) hike up over the hill from Manly beach you arrive at this wonderful Sardinian haven whereby I had one of my most enjoyable starters from our trip in the form of Kingfish Crudo and corn (pictured). Simple, elegant and full of flavour the whole menu was screaming 'eat me'. Every dish was executed perfectly and plated beautifully. Staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly throughout our lunch and we left wishing we had booked for supper to stretch out the time (read 'eat') more (I was itching to get back to the beaches a it was one of the hottest days!). The pasta dishes were some of the best we've eaten perfectly made dough and so light, you could eat bowls of the stuff... if you make a visit this is a must.
The Boat House
A rather pretty beach'shack' type venue with a simple, seasonal, modern menu focussing largely on healthy dishes and juices (although a few fried dishes and a burger sneak in there!). Feeling rather glutinous I had a rather healthy 'Boathouse salad' bowl (below) which came served with five plump and juicy prawns. The place is great for families as kids can freely run around the terrace. However, be prepared to wait as they don't take bookings and it's very popular. Everything here is locally sourced and sustainable and you can really taste how fresh it all is.
