EAT EARLWOOD

If ever there was a suburb known as a foodie haven, then Earlwood would be right up there. Known for its melting pot of cuisines, riverside nature trails and long-standing Greek community, Earlwood, on Dharug land, is a day made for a foodie adventure.

Cooks River, Earlwood

Butterball BBQ, Earlwood

Starting your day at Baked@Bina’s Brazilian Portuguese Bakery on William Street, you’re in for a treat. Handmade pastel de nata, torta frita, malassadas and coxinhas fill the cabinet, made in-house by owners Bina and Brian. Bina brings the Brazilian pastry flair, and Brian brings the Portuguese touch, their creations a fantastic combination of the two. Paired with a Lavazza coffee, everything is tantalisingly good, and you’ll feel welcomed from the moment you step inside. This is a local Earlwood gem you’re sure to love.

Baked@Bina's, Earlwood

Baked@Bina's, Earlwood

Baked@Bina's, Earlwood

Next, head into the bustling town centre to explore the many local shops and eateries that line Homer Street and Clarke Street. The Our Lady of Lourdes church is a striking fixture and see if you can spot evidence of the electric trams that once ran along the street from 1912 to 1957, connecting residents to the city. From the 1950s, many Greek Australian families moved into Earlwood, opting for larger family homes and land, and here you can see the influence of the local culture, with shops selling Greek-style wares, designs and food.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Earlwood

Homer Street, Earlwood

Our Lady of Lourdes, Earlwood

Speaking of food, Earlwood is a playground of flavour, with so many places to choose from. Mister Fish, Jailhouse Rock Pizza and The Earlwood Hotel are great options, as well as Greek specialties at local favourite Little Kalymnos Taverna. Make sure to stop at Trianon Cake Shop to taste Greek baked flavours wrapped in fluffy pastry.

Jailhouse Rock Pizza, Earlwood

Mister Fish, Earlwood

The Earlwood Hotel, Earlwood

Trianon Cake Shop, Earlwood

Loop back around to meet Clarke Street and discover more amazing eateries, such as Earlwood Izakaya and Butterball BBQ. At Butterball BBQ, Sandra and Joseph have a cult-like following. Locals and visitors line up for their charcoal cooked meats and Souvlaki Sunday feast. WEST was lucky to visit on this day and ate the most incredibly tasty food. Fresh focaccia, chunky homemade sausage rolls and succulent lamb, pork and chicken paired with pickled veg and salad. Delish. A visit to Pep’s Italian Ice for a refreshing hit of fruity or creamy Italian ice is the best way to finish.

Butterball BBQ, Earlwood

Pep's Italian Ice, Earlwood

Butterball BBQ, Earlwood

Earlwood Izakaya, Earlwood

Earlwood is also known for its connection to nature. Bordering the Cooks River and Wolli Creek, there are a multitude of walking trails, bike tracks and playgrounds to be enjoyed. At Gough Whitlam Park, a lovely stroll takes you around bird nesting areas and the Respect Unity Peace Monument, striking for both its design and meaning.

Gough Whitlam Park, Earlwood

Cooks River, Earlwood

Respect Unity Peace Monument, Earlwood

Before leaving Earlwood, make sure to stop at Adora Handmade Chocolates for decadent handmade chocolates, and if you’re craving an authentic Greek meal and experience, head to Tsipouro Taverna on Clarke Street. Their food, service and flavours are a wonderful representation of Greek cuisine, and the heritage and culture of Earlwood on a plate.

Adora Handmade Chocolates, Earlwood

Tsipouro Taverna, Earlwood

Tsipouro Taverna, Earlwood

With so much to see, do AND EAT in Earlwood, it is a standout place to visit. For the best of cuisine and culture, and a day making your belly very, very happy, a visit to Earlwood is a must. Explore with WEST.