If you’re seeking a laidback spot on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for sunset drinks on a balmy evening, our vote goes to Avalon Beach House.

We’re usually lucky enough to score a seat next to the window at the funky bar and restaurant, which is perched above Avalon Surf Club, and we never tire of joyously gawping at the view.

On our most recent visit – after watching Knives Out at Avalon Cinema – Ginger ordered a Paloma cocktail (above), which she says has been predicted to be one of the “it” drinks of 2020 (according to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ sixth annual Culinary and Cocktail Trends Forecast). 

It’s a mix of tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda, served on the rocks with a lime wedge. The tart, refreshing concoction is the most popular tequila-based cocktail in Mexico.

Some believe it’s named after La Paloma (“The Dove”), a popular folk song composed in the early 1860s. Diffords Guide states it was created by the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner and bartender of La Capilla, in Tequila, Mexico.

On previous visits to Avalon Beach House we’ve also sipped on NV Viticoltori Ponte Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, South Australian Aura shiraz and Coonawarra Take It To The Grave Cabernet Sauvignon, while listening to the waves crash and watching twilight fall.

We’re keen to explore the Japanese-Hawaiian inspired menu a little more, which includes everything from freshly shucked oysters to buckets of prawns, poké bowls, burgers and grilled fish.

On a recent visit we supped on south coast chilli squid with green onion, lime, smoked chili aioli. After we added a grind of salt it was delicious and very prettily served.

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More recently we tried the seafood basket, which was very good value for $26 with its mix of prawns, squid, fish, potato scallop, thick chips and tartare sauce. It went perfectly with a glass of rose and the stunning twilight view.

You’ll find Beach House Avalon at 558A Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach NSW.