Effie's

Even if you haven’t been to Balgowlah cafe Effie’s, there’s a good chance you’ve seen its stunning Calacatta viola marble coffee window while scrolling through Instagram.

Husband-and-wife owners Sam and Aniella Batten – who also own popular nearby cafe Aggy’s Corner – have lovingly restored this former corner store, and revealed the original plaster ceilings and polished concrete floor. A floating bench seat crafted by Sam plus statement marble features throughout make this a more sophisticated space than Aggy’s.

Food and drink comes courtesy of an all-local roster of businesses. Aggy’s signature toasties (such as the Roastie with two cheeses, roast vegetables, pesto and a jalapeno tequila relish) have made the jump here, assembled with bread from Seaforth’s Staple Bread & Necessities. The stacks of cookies on the counter come from Manly’s Butter Boy Bake, with more treats by Staple.

For the coffee that emerges from that marble window, Effie's uses beans by local boutique roaster Skittle Lane. There’s also a menu of natural wines curated by Manly bottle shop, Winona.

The floating shelves display a collection of homewares for sale, such as coloured carafes and candles from Maison Balzac, Leif soaps, Cultiver linen napkins, and handmade ceramics from Tanika Jellis and Gretel Corrie.