A coastal-chic wine bar located in Avalon, Bar Elvina is the place to go for a glass of vino and some freshly shucked oysters after a day at the beach. Opening in early 2021, the bar is the brainchild of two hospo legends, Andy Emerson (Acme) and chef Jesse McTavish (North Bondi Fish). It's safe to say that these two know what they're doing.
Here, high heels and chinos are eschewed for Birkenstocks and shorts, but the laidback dress code doesn't translate to the food and drinks on offer. On the wine list, you'll only find drops that the owners love and are also inspired by the ocean, either by their terroir, varietal or style. The concise cocktail list is worth a look at, too, with a strong focus on native Aussie ingredients.
Food-wise, think snacks like raw yellowfin tuna tostadas ($8 each); oysters served either natural or with an apple cider mignonette ($5 each); and salt and pepper Hawkesbury River school prawns served with sumac mayo ($16). For small and large plates, expect dishes such as seawater-brined broccoli with almond hummus, fermented chilli, almonds ($20); 0ctopus with green tomato and jalapeño ($24); whole snapper with miso lemon butter sauce and warrigal greens ($55); and hangar steak ($49). Still hungry? Order the roasted apple, liquorice and gingerbread bombe ($18) for dessert.
If you've got a birthday or special celebration coming up, Bar Elvina can be hired to host your private event, too.
Images: Steven Woodburn