Elvina

Set in the heart of sparkly Avalon, Elvina is an escape to the Mediterranean, complete with breakfast martinis, a vinyl bar, and a private garden dining experience. 

This week, the bistro and cocktail bar has relaunched with a new look, a new chef, and a new menu—essentially, even more reason to make your way north this summer and settle in for a long lunch by the beach. 

In Sydney's era of Euro-style bars and eateries, Elvina's refreshed aesthetic and laidback vibe will whisk you off to the breezy beaches of Ibiza.

With chef Martin Brito at the helm (ex-Nobu, Nahm London), expect to see bright seafood alongside classics like linguine vongole and steak tartare with crisps. 

Kick-off with a Santa Marta limoncello spritz, Sydney rock oysters topped with peach and elderflower mignonette, and sea salt flatbread topped with Don Bocarte anchovies. 

Bavette steak, butterflied blue mackerel, and barramundi fillet are cooked over charcoal; and the signature "Wet Marron rice" is the ultimate seafood treat, with fresh WA marron, a saffron bisque, and Calasparra rice. 

Lean into the Ibiza energy with a neon Midori, Italicus, and green melon cocktail, try the breakfast martini with Hickson Rd gin, blood orange, orgeat syrup, and rosemary, or go local with an Avalon Brewery Pacific ale.

A 100-strong wine list covers everything you want to drink in summertime: naturals, Prosecco, Chenin Blanc, and Gamay included. 

Claire Perini of Composition Studio is behind Elvina's new look—the golden yellow accents, textural archways, hand-printed Walter-G Textiles, and eclectic artwork.

Meanwhile, renowned horticulturist Greg Bush, known for his greenery at The Grounds of Alexandria, has done up a kitchen garden for the restaurant, filled with leafy greens, fruit, and native ingredients.

On the idea behind Elvina, owner Andy Emerson says the aim is "to give people a refined drink, celebrate all things coastal, and bring an elevated Euro-centric dining experience to Avalon."

Image credit: Elvina | Supplied