One of the best things about living in the Upper North Shore are the many options for dining out. With some wonderful independent cafes and restaurants, you don’t need to travel far to find a great meal out.
Here are some to look out out for if you are new to the area, equally suitable for a weekend breakfast or a quick coffee.
Thornleigh
Monday Morning Cafe
An inviting destination at any time of week, this quaint, kid-friendly cafe is set in an old house and has a lovely courtyard. Located right across the road from Thornleigh train station.
86 The Esplanade, Thornleigh
(02) 9484 2554
Curl the Whisker Cafe
Also close to Thornleigh train station, this is another quirky cafe with homely interiors and delicious food – be sure to try their big breakfast if you’re hungry.
4 Station St, Thornleigh
(02) 9484 3869
Westleigh
Ryan’s Gourmet Kitchen
Tucked away in Westeigh Village, this gem of a restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Owner Ryan Crawford saw a gap in the market for a BYO gourmet restaurant that people in the local area could come to, enjoy a meal, then walk home afterwards – and since opening he has received rave reviews. Expect everything from homemade scones with clotted cream to Sydney rock oysters.
4-8 Eucalyptus Dr, Westleigh
(02) 9481 9072
Pennant Hills
Leaf Cafe
With lots of hanging greenery and subway tiling, this is a stylish cafe with some appealing options for breakfast and lunch including wraps, salads and burgers, and excellent coffee when you are shopping at Pennant Hills Market Place.
Shop 11 Pennant Hills Market Place
4-10 Hillcrest Rd, Pennant Hills
(02) 9484 0111
Pennant Hills Cafe
High tea, delicious salads and an all-day breakfast make this local cafe a sure winner for a meal out in Pennant Hills. Popular with locals and families, it’s a reliable cafe with a straightforward menu that has something for everyone.
9/7 Hillcrest Rd, Pennant Hills NSW
(02) 9980 9901
Corner Cafe
A lovely cafe close to the train station. You can either sit down for breakfast with a newspaper, or head to the park across the road with a takeaway coffee.
72 Yarrara Rd, Pennant Hills
(02) 9481 8737
Normanhurst
Cafe 38
This is another of the area’s hidden gems and has received star reviews since chef and owner Shiva Frost opened in 2015. Conveniently located across the road from Normanhurst train station, this smart eatery has lots of tempting options for a special weekend breakfast. Choose from burritos, waffles and French toast and much more. Lunch is also recommended here, with delicious burgers, fish and chips and tacos.
38 Denman Parade, Normanhurst
(02) 9489 2330
Wahroonga
The Butcher’s Block
With its shady, tree-lined streets, buzzing cafes and charming independent shops, Wahroonga is the perfect destination for an indulgent weekend morning. Good coffee, freshly baked muffins and hearty brunch dishes served up in generous portions make The Butcher’s Block a good choice for fuelling up prior to a wander around the village. With a rustic dining room and a shady alfresco area, it’s also lovely for a weekend lunch.
15-17 Redleaf Avenue
(02) 9487 8136
Cafe Patina
Set in a beautiful heritage building by Wahroonga Park, with chef Stewart Wallace at the helm, Cafe Patina serves modern Australian cafe food, cooked with care from locally sourced ingredients.
64 Coonanbarra Road
(02) 9489 0980
Get in touch
As a local who lives here with my family, I am always happy to discuss the many great places and happenings in this area, which I know and love.
Whether you are moving within the area, downsizing, or new to the beautiful Upper North Shore – please do get in touch. I look forward to speaking to you about any aspect of buying, selling or just living in this area.
