Avalon’s Sunset Diner Brings Its Pastel-Hued Miami Vibes to a New Dining Hub in Lane Cove

It’s been just over two years since Ben Varela decided to take the leap and open Sunset Diner in Avalon. Before that, he spent 20 years working in the kitchens of well-respected venues such as Bistro Moncur, Four in Hand and The Collaroy. Now, thanks to the popularity of his Avalon venue, Varela has launched a second Sunset Diner – this time in Lane Cove.

“I love to be able to keep growing; it’s my goal,” Varela tells Broadsheet. “The opportunity came up and I jumped at it.”

Located in the suburb’s newest retail development, The Canopy, Sunset Diner number two has a similar look to its predecessor. The pastel-pink walls (sans giant flamingo mural) make a return, as do the neon signs, which match spanking-new leather booth seating.
Like the decor, the menu is familiar. All the diner classics – burgers, shakes with whipped cream and cherries on top, and decadent sundaes – are there.

It’s hard to go past the no-fuss beef burger, which has all the usual suspects found in a good American-style burger (cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mustard) and the kitchen’s own secret sauce. Other options include a slow-cooked Rangers Valley corned beef burger with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, and a soft-shell crab burger with slaw and mango aioli. If going bun-less is your style, the kitchen also does every burger “nude”.

For lighter options check out the salad range, which includes the chopped chipotle caesar salad, made with bagel croutons, bacon, lettuce and chipotle mayo. There’s also a daily specials menu, which is where Varela says the popular hotdogs from the Avalon menu will make a guest appearance.

Unlike its predecessor, the Lane Cove location serves breakfast every weekend. Sticking to its American-diner theme, there are stacks of buttermilk pancakes served with whipped malted butter and Canadian maple syrup; breakfast burgers, including “the Avalon” with scrambled eggs, caramelised onion, sriracha aioli and spinach; and bowls, which include a mushroom, slow-roasted tomato, young spinach and fried-egg number. Fresh orange juice and bottomless drip coffee are also available.

“We don’t want to make it just a bacon-and-egg roll. We want to make sure there’s a twist on the classic,” Varela says.

Other new additions include a vibrant blue and red bar, where staff are mixing up an extensive range of refreshing cocktails, such as the Sunset Soda (gin, grapefruit juice, limoncello and fino sherry) and some frozen options, including the salted Pina Colada and the strawberry Caprioska. Wines and beers, mostly by local producers, can be ordered from the bar as well.

Varela says the “village vibe” – similar to Avalon’s – is what attracted him to the lower north shore. And he’s keen to get involved with the local community.

“One of our main things since opening has been sponsoring the community, so at Avalon we’re sponsoring the local sporting teams and schools, and we’re going to try keep the same model here.”

Sunset Diner
Shop 6, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
(02) 9420 4477

Hours
Tue 5.30pm–8pm
Wed to Fri 12pm–late
Sat & Sun 8.30am–late

sunsetdiner.com.au