With its calm waters, unique cafe scene and as the home of some of the best restaurants on the Central Coast, it’s perhaps no surprise that Ettalong Beach is a popular spot.
The tipping point into coolest suburb on the Peninsula is said to have been with the arrival of an Italian restaurant by the name of Osteria Il Coccia in 2000.
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.
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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
Osteria Il Coccia
After cooking at Sydney’s finest restaurants, like Biota, Quay and Otto, it kind of goes without saying that Nicola Coccia’s Osteria Il Coccia has to be the go-to for dinner. There’s currently a five-course deal for $85. The handmade spaghetti with black truffles will change your life, but so will any of the dishes.
Safran Restaurant
A visit to Safran Restaurant equalsthe most superior Turkish fare you’ll find this side of the hemisphere. Fancy something sweet after all that savoury? Then head to Palacinki Café in Galleria. Their cakes are something dreams are made from.
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.
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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.
Ettalong Accommodation
Mantra Ettalong Beach
You can’t miss it. At the heart of the area is the towering Mantra Ettalong Beach. It’s hardly you’re fanciest option, despite recent renovation, but it’s cheap, cheerful and convenient. Stays cost from $150 a night.
Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort is a $90-a-night motel found in The Galleria. It’s again pretty basic but the joys here is that you’re close to all the best restaurants. And you’ve access to Roman-style swimming pool. Bring your togas.
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Top pick? Hit Airbnb and nab this two-bedroom beachfront villa for $250 a night. It sleep five and has it’s own little garden which is great for little kids.
Did You Know?
Ettalong Beach has been a popular holiday destination for Australians since the 1970s, with it once being the preferrred option to the now popular Avoca Beach.
Getting Around
Public transport isn’t so great in Ettalong Beach but the joy is that once you’re here it is easy to get about my foot as everything is pretty central. The nearest train station is found in Woy Woy and you can can then get a bus or taxi to Ettalong Beach. But the best form of transport is car. However, it is also very bike friendly with a cycle track running from Gosford all the way through Umina and to Ettalong.
Ettalong Beach Property Prices
Looking at Ettalong Beach as a possible area for relocation? In July 2021, the average house price was set at $935,00 with rentals on average around $450.
Congratulation!