Sydney's Queen Ester — part Israeli café, part falafel bar — wholly matches Newport's laidback beach town vibes. Have a swim or surf down at the beach, then stroll up the lane to Queen Ester for a healthy and damn tasty lunch surrounded by friendly locals. The falafel pita pocket filled with homemade hummus, labneh and pickled peppers is a crowd favourite — and can easily be taken on the road when exploring this coastal Sydney suburb. You'd also be well placed to try the daily made ziva (a puffy crunch of Yemeni pastry filled with cheese and olives, served with a sliced egg and grated tomato), the cauliflower shawarma or a falafel salad topped with all the best Middle Eastern trimmings — hummus, flatbreads, fresh veg and all the brightly hued pickles you can dream of. It's clearly a paradise for vegans and vegetarians, but there are plenty of charcoaled meats and schnitzel specials to keep everyone happy. And in the morning? Drop in for coffee and light bites — think tahini cookies, croissants and an assortment of other Middle Eastern desserts made in the tiny kitchen. Queen Ester is one of our favourite places to eat in Sydney, thanks to its fresh and tasty Israeli food and its laidback vibes that come from both the beach-going locals and effortlessly friendly staff. Plus, the team have just opened another spot just up the road in Mona Vale — which is open Monday to Friday, from 10am–2.30pm. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney
