A Neighbourhood Guide to Avalon with Claire Perini, Owner of the Suburb's Most Gorgeous Design Store
The owner of Composition design studio shares her favourite spots to dine, drink, shop and experience nature in Avalon Beach.
In The Guest Edit we hand the reins over to some of Sydney's most interesting, tasteful and entertaining people. For this instalment we have enlisted the guidance of Claire Perini, an interior architect who is founder and curator of the beautiful Avalon-based interiors studio and store Composition.
Here, Claire divulges some of her favourite spots in her pocket of the Northern Beaches, a suburb once primarily known as a haven for surfers that is now home to a burgeoning creative community and growing food and drink scene.
Bar Elvina interior, photographed by Steven Woodburn
Dining & Drinking
Bar Elvina
"Whether mid-week or mid-weekend, Elvina is always serving up good times. Specialising in Mediterranean food with seafood expertly cooked on charcoal and a focus on pasta and grains — my personal favourite being their vongole which I could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also boast a beautiful outdoor terrace nestled in an edible kitchen garden that is available for hire and makes the perfect backdrop for any celebration. On the weekends Elvina also has a bottomless banquet, tantalising menu and includes open wine and Aperol spritz's (I'll have 3 please). Menu designed and beautifully executed by Andy Emerson (formerly of Acme)."
Find it at: Level 1, 50 Old Barrenjoey Road
Book here.
Randy's
"A casual street bar you'd expect to find hidden within the streets of New York. With a focus on delicious snacks designed to be shared and daily oyster happy hour (serving only the best Australian rock oysters) Randy's is a keeper. Weekends are lively and you're bound to find a local to dine with on a Friday afternoon. Chef Zac serves up a series of different pickled foods that I frequently request jars of to take home."
Find it at: 50 Old Barrenjoey Road
Text or call to book: +61474 945 431
Graze n' Cakes
"Mine and most of Avalon's favourite hole-in-the-wall dining spot, this patisserie/Vietnamese haven is undoubtedly my favourite lunch spot. When you can get a banh mi and the best chocolate chip cookie in one spot, why would you go anywhere else? Sandy who runs it, is also one of the nicest people on earth which is an added bonus when visiting!"
Find it at: 3/38 Burrawong Road
Call: (02) 8919 0058
Other local dining spots that Claire recommends: Pocket Pizza, Oceana Traders and La Banette patisserie.
The collection at Composition, photographed by Sage Hammond
Shopping
Composition
Naturally this guide needs to include Claire Perini's own studio, showroom and store which we have previously described as "achingly tasteful". Her meticulously curated selection of Modern-period antiques and contemporary brands all fall within one of three categories: Artefact (unique vintage), Object (new product) and Print (design literature both vintage and new, and lithographic works). The latest collection dubbed 'La Dolce Villa' has a focus on smaller items and little moments to admire that bring sweetness and connection into interior spaces.
Find it at: 45a Avalon Parade
Browse the website here.
Bassike
"The prominent Australian brand that needs no introduction has their stunning flagship store (designed by Akin Atelier) within the heart of Avalon. With not only their stunning own range of designs, but I love the way the brand threads through beautiful Australian brands that compliment the company's ethos."
Find it at: 41 Avalon Parade
Browse the website here.
Lee Matthews
"A new addition to the offerings in Avalon is the introduction of Lee Mathews' beautiful showroom."
Find it at: 4o Avalon Parade
Browse the website here.
Peggy Concept Store
"Named after Peggy Guggenheim, this store does not disappoint. Offering a curated collection of Australian and international ready-to-wear brands including some of my favourites: Matteau, Silk Laundry, Oséree and Muma World."
Find it at: 62 Old Barrenjoey Road
Browse the website here.
Lifestyle
Sauna Amalfi
"A new addition to Avalon is this modern take on a Swedish sauna, Sauna Amalfi. Services include state of the art clear light infrared saunas, a traditional sauna, and a UV-Filtered and temperature controlled cold plunge."
Find it at: 62 Old Barrenjoey Road
Browse the website here.
Feels Pilates
"When you're done eating and drinking your way through Avalon, nothing like a little reformer session to sweat away the guilt. The Feels Pilates instructors will leave you feeling like every muscle has been activated with their dynamic classes that focus on form."
Find it at: Rear shop at 46 Old Barrenjoey Road
Learn more here.
Avalon Beach
Nature
"My absolute favourite part of living in the Northern Beaches, and specifically 'past the bends', is the nature. The proximity to the national park, the views of the Pittwater, the sounds of wildlife and the community constantly activating the different elements... A few of my favourite spots would be, Paradise Beach a little beach on the Pittwater side; Angophora Reserve a little hour's walk through the bushland but nestled just behind the village shops and for some more dramatic scenery; Bangalley Head walk which boasts views of the ocean and the natural sandstone cliffs."
Discover more spots in and around Avalon Beach here.
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