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Situated near Avalon Beach is an inviting sandstone cottage with a wrap-around verandah packed with diners chatting and laughing under draping greenery and fairy lights.
It’s a Saturday night when we visit Alma, a Mexican restaurant and bar, and the place has a special vibe.
People are sipping margaritas and sharing beautiful plates of fresh, colourful and fragrant food. It’s exactly the atmosphere owner Tim Christensen was going for when he and co-founder Jack Leary opened Alma seven years ago. The pair had travelled through Mexico for six weeks seeking out inspiration for their menu.
The result is an array of vibrant dishes like guacamole with wakame and tostadas; and roast chicken in abobo, sweet potato, coriander and cashew salsa.
“We have a lot of smaller, snacky plates that kind of just burst with flavour,” says Tim, a chef by trade. “I’ve tried to focus on fun, tasty food that’s not pretentious. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just as long as it’s tasty.”
The menu lends itself beautifully to those with dairy and gluten food intolerances with chefs delivering dishes to suit all tastes.
Some dishes, such as the agave beef short ribs, are firm customer favourites. The beef is slow cooked and comes to the table caramelised and falling off the bone. Paired with handmade tortillas, Tim says it’s a great dish. “We take a lot of time and love in preparing it,” he adds.
The kingfish ceviche with coriander oil and salmon roe is another special item, popular particularly in summer time. As are the chicken tinga empanadas, a dish which was created as a takeaway during COVID-19.
Alma also has an extensive drinks menu, and boasts beverage manager Austin Andrews who also oversees the bar at the Alma Group’s other restaurant, St Alma in Freshwater. Seasonal specials like watermelon margaritas are a hit, along with the classic margarita.
Tim has recently taken over full ownership of Alma as Jack looks to explore new ventures, and says the restaurant prides itself on being friendly and familiar.
As we savour our final dish of the night, a delicious dulche de leche and coconut flan, we feel part of the Alma family too.
It’s a great place to visit for a beautiful night out.
Alms is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and lunch Friday to Sunday.
Alma Restaurant and Bar
47 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach
0414 379 158