Set in the old Savoy picture theatre, shabby chic is Avalon. Personally I didn't really understand the miss matched decor and tacky plastic plants on the tables but dinning at Avalon is an experience.

If you are lucky enough to score one of the "scenic" seats you will have a beautiful view over the Jamison valley. We were not so lucky, we called and booked two days ahead as it is one of the more busy and popular restaurants in Katoomba. We were stuck at a "table for two" which could have seated about 10 people... my husband and I were sat so far apart that we pretty much had to yell at each other to be heard over the other diners... The restaurant was very busy and we had got their on opening.

The service was... Well the staff while attentive most of the time but none seemed overly friendly.

The food was the highlight of the whole experience, it is nice to have the "small" and "large" options for mains. Sizes are generous. The food was tasty and fresh though my sauce was far too runny and my husbands "slow cooked lamb" was far from tender. It was still very nice with a home style touch.

liquorish Cheesecake is lovely for something different.

Avalon could really benefit from a make over, while it calls it's self "Avalon Cafe" it is in fact a Restaurant inside a cafe, the prices are what you would expect from a restaurant but the decor drags things down with everything looking mish-mashed you feel more like your in a time warp than a fine dining restaurant which does little to justify your $35 main...

It's something different, the food is nice, the value is about what you'd expect but just in a different surrounding... All in all a little disappointing but an experience.

Approximate cost: $From $22.50 (Small)

Eating here is pretty nice and enjoyable. The atmosphere is quite nice as is the food and the service.

Eating here was a really refreshing experience, it was nice for a change from minimalist sleek restaurants that are everywhere these days. It felt really homely and the food was great. Lovely waitresses too.

I love the old 1930's feeling they have captured in this building which looks like an old cinema or theatre. Everything is one of a kind from the side plates, to the glasses to the chairs. It's eclectic and beautiful and the food is yummy.