Effie's

Effie's Balgowlah (just north and up the hill from Manly's Corso). A fitting pre holiday feed spot for a date or hors devours crew where none of the participants are shy to eat and drink. It's true neighbourhood spots like these that I feel from time our fair city of Sydney, had been missing. Sure, the city—and now the inner west—has always played home to the ambitions of chefs looking to make a name for their creativity and portfolios, and also nab a hat or two.

But when you can utilise a space successfully to not only churn out a solid AM offering but pirouette seamlessly into a luxurious and exciting dinner experience that maintains the democratic and welcoming ambience, the people will come—by land, plane or sea, as is potentially the case with getting to the Northern Beaches. Speaking of, the menu is a great expression of the above 3; salty, bright and fatty interplay between well paired offerings of stone fruits, stracietella and cured meats (Nduja is a must), and elsewhere on the menu such as the taramusalata and house made crumpets. P.s. these crumpets, I'd kill for. An #iykyk thing.

Ending with a fish fry that's perfectly cooked, the crust golden and steeped perfectly in the herbacious tsatziki, being that close to water I can't recommend this main enough. The cauliflower is the sleeper star (isn't it always), super full of South East Asian inspired flavour—think tang/acidity, earthiness, a peppery kick and an undertones of sweet with a real textural interplay brought out by the chickpeas.

Support local, experience special and smile. It's a damn good time.

This cafe screams “Good brunch day”.

Totally in love with the minimal interior and also their cute decorative glassware.

To my surprise, they also have such an amazing toastie. I ordered the Deli Roll and Roastie and oh boy these toasties were so fresh. I don’t usually like pickles but the pickles in this toaste was the highlight. The perfect acidic level and sourness for pickle (sorry I’m picky with pickles LOL).

Roastie would be a great option if you are a vegetarian because it is a mushroom based. A bit spicy due to the jalapeno but it is so good, especially when served with their warm and soft sourdough.

Awesome coffee, their batch brew is really well made. Treat yourself to a cookie - guaranteed no regrets!
Sometimes the Batista's aren't all that friendly/hospitable and are all business, but otherwise the place is a cracker 🔥

I like the clean design of Effie’s and the simplicity of their food, I think this is how Coffee Shop should be. Strong game on their coffee and have food to compliment the coffee, not the other way around.
Order2 Small long black, a glass of juice, 2 Avo Smash Toast which is fresh and delicious. All together $58. (This is a standard price for breakfast for 2 anywhere in Sydney).

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Effie’s, surprised by the generous portion sizes, we tried almost all items on the menu between 4 of us. The food was exceptionally delicious and well prepared, cocktails were on point and the Pinot Noir was very tasty. The staff were very attentive and helpful. Overall a memorable experience we will definitely share with friends again, 10/10.

Update: Over a year later and all of this is still valid, visited again for dinner, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, well done Effie’s!

I had a birthday dinner and drinks at Effies as a private event and it was absolutely amazing. The staff organised everything for me, the food was so good and the drinks were picked perfectly. Could not recommend this more.

definitely a place for espresso lovers !!!
great coffee, great service

The food was just amazing. So many different and amazing flavours. Definitely going back.

Excellent avo toast and bacon/egg bap, delicious mocha and iced cappuccino, great ambience.

Went for brekky, food is amazing. Fit out is real nice. Can recommend 👌🏻

Amazing to find an excellent natural wine bar + warm, friendly service. A rare local gem. 🍸

Tried Effie’s for dinner with a friend last night.
We had the Salmon Crudo, Scallops, Eggplant & the Lamb. All of them had super interesting flavours that I’ve never experienced before. Everything was done really well and they were able to accommodate my nut allergy. Thank you for a lover evening.

What can I say but, wow! Great wines and cocktails, and most importantly a well thought out menu! The staff are very passionate! Highly recommend and look forward to my next reservation.

Soooo tasty!!
Their servings are generous, fresh and delicious!
I highly recommend the deli sandwich (it’s popular for good reason).
The staff are super friendly too and the atmosphere is calm, happy and welcoming.

Honestly could not recommend a cafe more. If you live there in the area hit it up. Support local businesses!
To note they make a killler bannana bread

Yummy local neighbourhood spots for wines and great food.

Delicious coffee and a great atmosphere.

Delicious evening wine bar. Sophisticated and thoughtfully created small-plates, organic wine, friendly staff. Acoustics need some work - a noisy evening if there are big tables. We love local & appreciate the addition to the neighbourhood.

Great place! Will return to try out Effie's Crumpets!

Awesome little light filled cafe. Coffee was great, and the aesthetic of the place is nice. Can see myself here again when wanting somewhere nice to do a bit of work away from home with a coffee.