The staff member who sat us down was friendly and proactive. I took up on her offer of the PH Balance drink, it was helpful for my budding cold. She could rattle off useful updates on dishes and items available. I have perceived that this Austi Beach Cafe is the place to go to for summer time gelato in the Illawarra Coast, apart from the one at Panorama House, Cold Rock and Patisccerie Massimo Papa. However on our most recent visit, it was imprudent to go for the cold stuff on a rather classic winter's day on the coast south of Sydney.
Austi does have an interesting food menu though. I have seen so many pulled pork offerings around the Wollongong, Melbourne and Sydney areas - so I gave the pulled lamb on toast sandwich a definite go. I loved it, with the taste, texture and overall flavours pleasing my palate. The ocean waves were crashing outside just across the road and fellow lunchers were huddled near the over head heater. The drinks menu are pretty much what you expect from a beach side suburb - crushes, milk shakes, fresh juices, coffee, milkshakes and teas.
As it is also a Gelateria, the choices in this respect are more colourful and varied. I noticed there was an Affogato a Cafe, comprising of a shot of espresso over two scoops of the gelato flavours and topped by a wafer. A dessert to also try is the Mandarin flavoured pudding, drizzled with honey and full of chocolate as well.
Open for dinner time on weekends, recommendations are to try the Toulouse Sausage and the king prawn Linguini, after entrees of crab and corn Croquettes or the Boston Bay mussels with fried bread. The Cafe is normally open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. It can be a favourite stop for visitors from outside the Wollongong area on holidays and weekends. The lunch menu is available only from noon. Austin also caters for packaged menus.
Austin Beach Cafe is located at 104 Lawrence Hargrave Drive opposite the beach in Austinmer NSW. It is a leisurely fifteen minute drive north from Wollongong city centre, or around 30 minutes south from Waterfall, a southern suburb of greater Sydney.Telephone 02 4268 5680The owners also operate the Point Cafe in Bulli NSW which bakes the sweet stuff for the Austi Beach.
Vehicle parking is best aimed for the Council provided parking beside the beach.
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