Ultimate Ettalong Beach Neighbourhood Guide

Sydneysiders arrive saying it’s the “Central Coast’s Bondi”. Locals believe it’s the same but with a bit more weekend traffic.

No matter what side your opinion falls, and it’s very likely to fall on one, what’s for sure is that Ettalong Beach is having a moment.

So let’s look at the best places to eat, drink and play…

Where to Eat & Drink in Ettalong Beach

The dining scene in Ettalong is vibrant, with it being one of the few Central Coast suburbs that comes to life once the sunsets. There’s a real mix of cafes, restaurants and bars that could rival the likes of Terrigal.

Ettalong Cafes

Lords of Pour

First up, we’re getting our double-strength early-morning coffee hit at Lords of Pour found at 199 Ocean Street. This spot is incredibly cool. Their breakfast menu is pretty spot on also but generally this is the cafe for coffee nuts. 

RELATED: The 13 Best Central Coast Restaurants to Visit Now

The Box on the Water

For breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks, the uber trendy Box on the Water  hits all the boxes. We love their spicy scrambled eggs with super colourful vegies for breakfast. But their daily happy hour is a winner also.  This cafe-slash-restaurant is always busy due to its fantastic location right on the beach front. It’s also next to the grassy foreshore so great for takeouts from their kiosk. And there’s a park nearby for littlies. 

Coast 175

Another great Ettalong Beach cafe is Coast 175, which is at the other end of town by the Galleria. Order their incredible French toast which is so divine, you’ll keep going back to Ettalong just for this. The coffee’s pretty good here also.

Innerglow Kiosk

For your green juice fix, or something healthy in liquid form, then it’s has to be the InnerGlow Kiosk by the guys from InnerGlow Goodness. It opened in late 2020 and has been in instant hit since. This is a grab-and-go spot though, with no seating. 

Ettalong Restaurants

The Ettalong

Recently renovated into a smick new outing destination with a beer garden, kids play area and Sandbar bistro, this classic pub-styled fav in the heart of Ettalong Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner or engage in one of their many fun, organized events. Whether karaoke, live music or trivia is your thing, there’s always something happening at this upbeat spot, so be sure to keep updated on their website.

 

Bar Toto

For the finest cocktails on the Peninsula, it has to be Bar Toto . Try the Miss Jessa. Or a few of them if you enjoy dancing on tables. But Bar Toto is more than just a bar, they do some incredible eats here so if you’re wanting something a bit more relaxed then this is your place.

Things to do in Ettalong Beach 

Ettalong Beach

The beach is undoubtedly where it’s at in Ettalong. The water is mostly calm and shallow, making it perfect for smaller kids. The grass bank that curves around the ocean is ideal for picnics or BBQs. And it’s also shaded by large trees so perfect on a searing hot day. There’s also a great park for kids.

SUP 

To get the blood pumping, you can walk or run to Umina on the sand for four kilometres. Or cycle the path that runs alongside, with pay-per-hour bikes available on the corner of The Esplanade and Beach Street if you’re wheel-less. There’s also SUP hire through Bombora Sup Fit.

Cinema Paradiso

In the evening, it’s all about the vintage-styled Cinema Paradiso for a movie (check it’s open though as COVID has not been kind to the smaller cinemas up and down the Coast).

Ettalong Beach Shopping

We all know that Ettalong Markets is a must on the weekend, running every Saturday between 9am – 4pm. The atmosphere is as good as the Gozleme.

To support local, we also always visit The Galleria Ettalong. It’s packed with 50 boutique and quirky shops.

Our favourite has to be Tiki La La, which is bursting with vintage clothes and furniture. It’s like a retro treasure chest! And if you flash your Coasties Card you’ll get an awesome 15% off. But most of these shops are only open on weekends so check if heading mid-week.