Effie’s - Balgowlah, Sydney

Effie’s in Balgowlah, owned by Sam and Aniella Batten, stands out as a sophisticated northern beaches hotspot. The cafe, renowned for its stunning Calacatta viola marble coffee window, offers a menu sourced from local businesses, featuring Aggy’s Corner’s signature toasties and cookies from Butter Boy Bake and Staple Bread & Necessities. Skittle Lane supplies the coffee, and Winona curates the natural wine selection for Effie’s wine-bar mode on Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Originally a Korean corner store, Effie’s has been transformed into a stylish space featuring homewares for sale, such as Maison Balzac glassware, Leif soaps, Cultiver linen napkins, and handmade ceramics. With coastal-chic interiors, Effie’s caters to daytime coffee enthusiasts and transforms into a wine bar at night, serving Lo-Fi wines and antipasti share plates.

Offering both coastal charm and culinary delights, Effie’s provides a diverse dining experience. The menu includes signature ricotta and fig toast, heavenly toasties, and a relaxed atmosphere where locals often stop by to greet the staff and owners. The evening menu, orchestrated by chef Pete Campbell (MasterChef Australia 2021 runner-up), showcases inventive dishes, such as enoki mushroom tostadas, dry-aged beef sando, and pumpkin steak with coffee and aged-maple sauce. The desserts, including a Basque cheesecake and an affogato sundae, complete the delightful six-course meal.