The Galleria is a longstanding local of The Peninsula. This character-filled hub, better known to those in the know as ‘Ettalong Markets’, houses more than 50 boutiques, cafes, a pilates studio and even a cinema!
Forget the white walls and fluorescent lighting of most shopping precincts: at The Galleria you’ll find marble floors, archways, murals, statues and balustrades. The space is a labyrinth of walkways and piazzas: a little piece of Europe.
In celebration of this great dame’s 40th birthday this year, we thought we’d swing by to bring you a sneak peek at just some of the local businesses and upcoming festivals that are bringing this treasure trove to life!
Eating Out at The Galleria
As you walk into The Galleria you’re drawn into a labyrinth of walkways with cafes and eateries in all corners! You’re spoilt for choice with everything from Malaysian roti and Armenian pizza to turmeric-infused juices and traditional English breakfasts.
There are plenty of places to grab a pit stop coffee and many of the cafes have alfresco seating, which is great as it gives kids some space to play. What’s more, The Galleria is pet friendly which makes this a great location for a Saturday morning full-family meander.
We’ve been a long-time fan of Sasa, the Sicilian bakery, and we’re excited to share that they’ve recently opened a cafe space in The Galleria. We can vouch for their coffee and short-crust pancetta and mushroom tarts. Do yourself a favour, though, and be sure to grab a three-pack of cannoli to go. With their crisp shells and creamy filling, these desserts are arguably Sicily’s greatest gift to pasticcerie. The bakers at Sasa only fill the cannoli as they’re ordered, which gets a big high five from us, as this ensures the shells retain their crunch. On the day we visited they were piping three ricotta creams – traditional, espresso, and marsala and fig.
Another place we recommend you keep on your watch list is new Malaysian cafe Ikhwan Catering. Their roti canai with meat curry is delicious and kids (big and small) will discover a new favourite treat in their nutella-stuffed roti.
The Lords of Pour, one of The Peninsula’s most popular caffeinators, recently moved into The Galleria and they’re one of the few cafes open for breakfast and lunch through the week (Tuesday-Sunday). Grab your friends and stop by for shakshuka eggs, truffled mushrooms and crumpets topped with mascarpone and blood plum.
Belle Movement Pilates Studio
The Galleria is the new home of Belle Movement – a fabulous local pilates studio that has an on-site nanny to take care of your little ones. The nanny is available for all classes from 8.30am to 12.30pm, so your kids can have an awesome play date and you get an hour to yourself!
Owner and instructor Jenna runs mat and reformer classes – both for groups and one-on-one tuition – and she’s absolutely lovely, which just makes you want to attend more and more.
Belle Movement is open Monday-Saturday.
Shopping at The Galleria
Forget chain stores; if you’re looking for something unique and different, you’ll certainly find it at The Galleria. There are clothing boutiques, bric-a-brac shops, and local artists selling hand-tooled wooden furniture and paintings.
Little Wren Designs is a babywear boutique that stocks many of our favourite Australian brands: think Wilson & Frenchy knits, Love Henry overalls, Alimrose squeakers and Bean ‘n’ Me handmade dolls. If you’re looking for that special something for a special little someone, this is the place to find it.
Pattie’s Pantry is a corner store specialising in herbs, spices, nuts and dried fruit (perfect for school lunch boxes). Their sizeable tubs of spices and seasonings from around the world will put your local supermarket to shame.
There is a keen focus on health and well-being at The Galleria with a number of retailers stocking essential oils and natural remedies, plus a vegan meal delivery service (tried and tested by kids!).
Tiki La La is your go-to for vintage fashion, vinyl and retro furnishings. They sell one-off wooden sideboards, vintage lamps and Tiki-cocktail glasses just begging for rum.
Cinema Paradiso
Want your cinema experience to be greater than the movie itself? Visit Cinema Paradiso. Boasting six screens and showcasing the latest releases, this cinema offers a nostalgic old-school cinema experience that still excites.
With its chandeliers, art deco curves and painted murals, Cinema Paradiso is a far cry from the same-same cinemas that big franchises design.
Plus, just next door you’ll find Bar Toto: a fabulous trattoria and bar that mixes up a mean Negroni, slices awesome salumi and dolls out fried cheese sandwiches! Heaven help us: book us a table!
Upcoming Events
The Galleria is fast positioning itself as one of the Central Coast’s top festival hubs. Home to the much-loved annual Oyster Festival, The Galleria is expanding its festival repertoire and bringing a heap of fun – and awesome eats – to The Peninsula. Mark these upcoming festivals – all with free entry – in your diary now.
Recycled and Reloved Ettalong Kids Market
A space to buy, sell and recycle gently-used baby and kids items from newborn up to age 10! Click here for more information.
When: Saturday 10 August (9am-12pm).
Brisbane Water Oyster Festival
The Brisbane Water Oyster Festival is back and celebrating 20 years since it first started in 1999! Click here for more information.
When: Sunday 10 November (9.30am-4pm).
The Galleria, Ettalong
Hours: Thursday to Sunday is when this space becomes abuzz with all shops and cafes pumping. Through the week Belle Movement, Cinema Paradiso and a handful of cafes are open during the day; the restaurants are open most evenings. Visit The Galleria’s website for more information on hours.
Phone: (02) 4341 1999
Address: 189 Ocean View Road (Cnr Ocean View & Schnapper Road), Ettalong.
For more details on The Galleria, Ettalong and its many attractions, please visit their website.
