Effie’s, the sophisticated neighbourhood café and wine bar at 281 Sydney Road, serves Mecca coffee and Staple Bread pastries by day before shifting into natural wine and share plates by night, with a stunning Calacatta viola marble takeaway window that draws locals and visitors to the former corner store site.
Sam and Aniella Batten, who also own nearby Aggy’s Corner, opened Effie’s in early 2022 in what was once the site of Myung Dong Asian Grocery. Named after their second daughter, the space blends clean contemporary design with a relaxed neighbourhood feel, exposing original plaster ceilings, adding a floating bench seat handcrafted by Sam himself, and installing the eye-catching marble coffee window that serves takeaway customers from 6am on weekdays and 6.30am on weekends.
The café operates as an all-day breakfast and lunch venue Monday to Thursday from 6am to 2pm, extending into evening service Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 8pm with Effie’s Nights featuring natural wines curated by Manly’s Winona Wine and a snacks-forward menu designed for sharing. Sunday hours run from 6.30am to 2pm. The dual identity allows the space to serve Balgowlah, Fairlight and Manly locals as both a morning ritual destination and a Friday and Saturday night wine bar.
Coffee, Toasties and Retail
By day, Effie’s serves Mecca coffee alongside a breakfast menu that includes chilli scrambled eggs with local sourdough, chilli oil and Aleppo pepper, smashed avocado with balsamic onions, goat’s cheese and Effie’s dukkah, and Aggy’s Corner signature toasties assembled with bread from Seaforth’s Staple Bread and Necessities. The ham and cheese toastie features two cheeses, leg ham, beetroot and gin relish. Stacks of cookies on the counter come from Manly’s Butter Boy Bake, with more treats by Staple.
The retail shelves showcase homewares and lifestyle products for sale, including Maison Balzac glassware, Leif soaps, Cultiver linen napkins and handmade ceramics by Tanika Jellis and Gretel Corrie. The space feels considered without being fussy, with white walls, concrete floors and a clean minimal layout that keeps the focus on the marble window and the retail displays.
Natural Wine and Evening Service
Effie’s Nights runs Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 8pm, with bookings now available through the Good Good Company website. The evening menu leans into snacks and share plates including olives, cheeses, charcuterie, toast with sourdough, anchovies, mozzarella, green tomatoes and fermented chilli, sando featuring brioche, smoked shoyu mayo, dry-aged beef, pickled cucumber and shiso, and Vongole Frites, a dish featuring clams and chips that has become a signature offering.
The natural wine selection comes from Winona Wine in Manly, with a focus on small producers and interesting styles. Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, offering $10 margaritas by Chica Bonita, another Good Good Company venue, alongside $6 Peronis and $6 mini cocktails. The happy hour bookings system means guests should book ahead for Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening sessions to secure a table.
What Locals Are Saying
Effie’s has drawn a range of responses from Balgowlah diners, with the food earning consistent praise while service experiences vary.
“The food was genuinely excellent, but the service left a bit to be desired. The interiors are simple yet chic — white walls, concrete floors, and a clean, minimal layout that still feels considered… For food, we ordered olives and the Vongole Frites — the dish that drew me to Effies in the first place. And wow. They were incredible. So good that I was very tempted to order another plate. I’ve never seen them on a menu before and I’m officially hoping a Melbourne venue picks this up soon.”
Clare
Another guest offered a more enthusiastic take on the experience.
“This place is an absolute GEM! I loved every moment. The wine was excellent, the food was amazing and truly special. The space feels modern, with great music and an even better atmosphere. And the service… next-level fantastic. Hospitality exactly as it should be.”
Miranda
Coffee enthusiasts have taken note of the equipment and beans on offer.
“A journey to the north brought me up to this beautiful space called Effie. Equip with la marzocco linea PB, mahlkonig e80, e65, ek43. Some beans on the shelf like stitch and catapult, and i am assuming they have that on their hopper.”
Randy
For first-time visitors, one reviewer offers practical advice.
“Solid little cafe. Worth a visit if you are in the area. The only thing was that we didn’t know you needed to order at the counter, so we were sitting around for a while! Consider this a heads up!”
Andrew
A local regular sums up the neighbourhood appeal.
“One of the best cafes in Sydney. Love the mecca coffee, one of the best chilli scrambled eggs I’ve ever had. Cool space but gets very busy (deservedly!). Lucky to have this as our neighbourhood go-to.”
Michael
Location and Booking
Effie’s is located at 281 Sydney Road, Balgowlah, on the corner near the drive toward Manly Beach. The venue is part of Good Good Company, which also operates Noon, Sunset Sabi, Busta and Chica Bonita. Bookings for evening service can be made through the Good Good Company website, while daytime service operates on a walk-in basis. For menu updates and daily specials, follow Effie’s on Instagram at @effies__.
Published 23-February-2026.
