Bondi is Sydney’s go-to for a quick dip and an awesome feed. No matter how many backpackers pour out onto the footpath, or how many local skaters zip past on Hall Street, this is the place to be for epic sunrises, cocktails and beach feasts.
Preaching bottomless drinks from 10am, classic Aussie bistros, one-kilo buckets of mussels and green eggs and ham, Bondi has a whole lot more on offer than its sparkly beach.
Here are all the best restaurants in Bondi.
Fonda
Adding to Bondi Beach’s budding Mexican scene is Fonda. Originally from Melbourne, co-founder Tim McDonald opened up shop on the buzzing Hall Street—and no one is sad about it. Everything here is built to share so order up a DIY taco share board, a round of Margaritas and save some room for crispy flour tortilla pastries dusted in cinnamon sugar and served up with dulce de leche.
Icebergs Dining Room And Bar
If you've been to places that deliver on the views, but fail on the food—we're here to tell you Icebergs is not one of those venues. This iconic Sydney spot boasts seriously spectacular outlook across one of the world's most famous beaches, backed up with a flawless Italian-inspired menu, a sleek modern interior and a Sunday brunch menu. It's headed up by Melbournite Maurice Terzini, who's taken Sydney by storm since opening Icebergs Dining Room and Bar back in 2002.
Panama House
For bottomless feeds, head to Panama House. Pack yourself silly with Latin American-inspired things like huevos rancheros (corn tortillas, scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, guac and sour cream) and add a bottomless drinks package from 10am for two hours with Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas and rosé to choose from. However, if you’re super hungry, the fried chicken Belgian waffles are where it’s at (for obvious reasons).
Bangkok Bites
Straight from the streets of Bangkok, these folks don’t mess around with their fusion flavours. This is a no-frills joint with a buzzing interior so jump onboard the action and load up on the egg net wrap (with tossed minced prawns and chicken), or hit up the massaman beef curry served with tender meat, coconut broth and baby potatoes.
Sean's Panorama
Sean's is one of Sydney's quintessential dining experiences, and we'd be remiss to make a list all about Bondi and not include this produce-led institution. Everything is local and seasonal, with most things (including the table roses) being grown on chef Sean Moran's Blue Mountains farm. It's equal parts charming, impressive, local, fancy and iconic. Bondi isn't really Bondi without Sean's.
The Pacific Club
This Aussie bistro sets off a modern vibe from its sleek, white interiors. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, just browse through their extensive food and wine menu to get excited. You’ll want to take note of the grilled prawns with kelp butter and sea lettuce, or the classic kanga banga roll.
North Bondi Fish
Rumour has it, the views from the North Bondi Fish balcony make the food taste even better. With the freshest seafood and an amazing selection of vino, you’ll be hitting this place up time and time again. These guys whip up solid takes on the classic spritz (suggestions are the Bondi Brosé or the elderflower packed Le Fizz). And to pair with the tipple? The one-kilo bucket of green curry mussels.
Totti’s
No one believed that Merivale’s latest venture had been launched inside Bondi Road’s local watering hole, The Royal, but now—Totti’s is in such high demand you’ll want to book in advance to make sure you nab a seat (and it’s well worth it). The menu is flawless but it’s the basic and perfected combo of freshly wood-fired bread and creamy burrata that will win your heart over. To top things off, the courtyard is dotted in olive trees so you’ll feel like you’re living your best fairy-tale fantasy.
Sefa Kitchen
Expect all the flavours of the Middle East to come alive in each plate at Sefa Kitchen. Holding lazy lunch sessions (officially known as Lafay Lunches) every weekend you’ll get a diverse range of share dishes inspired by an area known as the Levantine. With traditional house-made flatbreads served with slow-cooked meats, it’s all about flavour here.
Bills
When you say the words "extended brunch on weekends", that’s enough to get us hooked. The legends over at Bills are serving up food with a modern-Australian flare—this place is the brunch institution in Sydney. The regulars already know but if you missed the hype, it’s the plush ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter that makes people go nuts here.
Rocker
Owner of Three Blue Ducks, Darren Robertson opened Rocker, which is a chilled Bondi hot spot perched on the north hill. Your pasta cravings and all thing carb-related will be smashed here and there’s no question they serve one of the best plates of pappardelle lamb ragu around.
SHUK
If you’re looking for the picture-perfect spot to grab a plate full of Israeli-style baked goods, we’d definitely recommend you hit up SHUK as soon as possible. Their shakshuka and Baharat roast chicken is the explosion of spices you absolutely need in your life.
Parida
With a strong Moroccan presence on Campbell Parade, Parida (meaning to talk nonsense with friends) is coming in hot with their simple menu, each dish featuring a tasty cultural twist. These guys actually serve up green eggs and ham and some very (very) good tahini eggs with falafel, yoghurt, fried chickpeas, za-atar and cucumber.
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Image credit: Sacha Styles.