Go for a hot sopresso, Calabrian pepper and smoked scamorza sanga. There’s also a classic chicken, honey mustard and dill pickle number plus a moreish take on a smoked salmon.

It's “relaxed backyard meets beachside bliss” vibes at this pastel-splashed taproom. Sip your way through easy-drinking brews, then dig into a fish finger sandwich or a ploughman’s board. For the non-beer-drinkers there’s an interesting wine list and spritzes on tap.

A family-run brewery dedicated to easy-drinking local beer. Pop into the laid-back taproom in Brookvale’s industrial heart for sessionable lagers, inventive modern ales and native Aussie spirits distilled on-site. Also, a cult-favourite burger from Dad & Dave’s bustling little food truck out front.

This family-focused brewery in Brookvale’s industrial area is a shrine to lager, but you’ll also find plenty of hop-heavy brews and fun seasonal styles. If you’re chasing a feed, you’re well catered for here – Italian neighbour Sale Pepe supply a range of woodfired pizzas and house-made pastas.

The country’s first alcohol-free distillery and “So-Bar” is set within a spacious warehouse on Sydney’s northern beaches. Try the distillery’s beach-inspired zero-proof gin in a lively cocktail, or choose from a range of other local and international booze-free drinks.

This glowing northern beaches brewery was originally meant to open in the rugged NSW bushland it’s named after. Though it ended up in the northern beaches, the owners have imbued some laid-back country energy to the place, plus a range of easy-drinking styles you won’t find in a Brookvale bottle shop. Come for those, and a pub-style menu of burgers and rice bowls.

Location is everything for this artisan distillery. Its spirits are infused with marine botanicals foraged from the surrounding coast, resulting in flavours unique to Sydney's northern beaches.

There’s nothing faux-industrial about this bar, inside a working brewery.

Leonardo di Vincenzo, the founder of notable Italian brewery Birra del Borgo, is one half of this distinctive operation. He and fellow expat Brooks Caretta frequently make use of native ingredients in their beers. Their Freshie Salt N’ Pepper, for example, was one of Australia’s first examples of Gose, a slightly salty German style. It’s made with native pepperberries and water from Freshwater Beach.

The flagship cafe for the popular Northern Beaches roastery serves a range of New York-inspired bagels, alongside melty, show-stopping toasties and quality coffee. Find the lot within a low-key warehouse space tucked away in Brookvale's industrial area.

Eat breakfast right next to the equipment your coffee was roasted on.

Take a break from your shopping for some natural light and beautifully presented brunch.

This tiny, garage-like spot on the beaches is another contender for the title of Sydney’s best sourdough bread. A thick slice of the stuff smeared with house-churned butter and local honey is pure magic.