Hit Robertson Road in Newport around midday and you’ll be met with a scene. Diners crowd tables on the footpath, hunched over plates of falafel and hummus. Or sabich pita breads stuffed with fried eggplant, jammy eggs and salad. Good music is playing loudly; the energy is high. Meet Queen Ester, a destination falafel bar and one of the northern beaches’ buzziest eateries.

Whether you visit this OG hole in the wall or the plus-size sequel in Mona Vale, the Queen is all about the fresh, vibrant flavours found in homes and on the streets of Israel. From the falafel to the malawach pastries, everything (bar the pita bread) is made on-site daily. Lunchtime is prime time, but weekend breakfasts of challah, fetta omelettes and shakshuka are also a huge vibe. The Queen also caters – so keep her in mind for your next event.