Our annual Bondi food and drinks guide is back. There’s always something new to discover in our beachfront neighbourhood. Here’s some of the newest additions and old favourites that we can’t get enough of.
A real Bondi institution, this teeny café and wine bar quickly makes you feel part of the family. By day, it's a buzzy coffee spot - much-loved for their vibrant salads and cult favourite BLT. But as the sun sets, the cafe turns into a trendy wine bar, with a beautifully curated natural wine list and delicious, home-style share plates.
Image credit: The Shop
We almost don't want to share this one because it's such a local gem! Located in South Bondi up the hill from Icebergs, Mami's is serving up truly authentic and delicious Mexican street-style food at reasonable prices. Inside it feels like you've walked into a family-friends home - low-key, colourful and buzzing any night of the week. You can also BYO wine, and they offer a discount for the local bottle shop.
Just steps away from Bondi Beach, North Bondi Fish offers a relaxed but refined dining experience. The seafood menu is fresh, modern, and ever-evolving, crafted with the native and local ingredients. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely, long Sunday lunch. Sip a spritz on the balcony while soaking in stunning ocean views and unmatched people-watching.
Image credit: Delicious
The Stuffed Beaver
Bondi's original diner - effortlessly cool and casual serving up no-frills burgers and fries. In true Bondi style, they make their burger patties in-house with fresh ingredients, and boast a unique, natural-leaning drinks menu. With walls adorned with 90s memorabilia and tunes pumping, you can easily believe you're in the wild west. They don't take bookings so head early to score a booth at the back and soak up the late-night vibes.
Easy Tiger is bringing a taste of southeast Asia to the shores of Bondi. Headed up by ex-Mr Wong and Queen Chow chef Andrianto Wirya, the menu is bursting with fresh and punchy pan-asian classics. The venue is also home to local Bondi Brewery Company, so you can enjoy your spicy noodles with an ice cold beer.
Image credit: Leigh Griffins / TimeOut
Iberica is a spanish-inspired wine and tapas bar from the team behind Ikaria. Step inside and be transported to the mediterrean with terracotta walls and curved arches that mimic a Spanish seaside villa. The menu is bursting with traditional Spanish specialities including Iberian ham, grilled octopus and traditional seafood paella. Get down early on a Saturday arvo with friends and pretend you’re in Mallorca.
Image credit: Iberica
All-day beachfront eatery in the newly re-opened Bondi Pavilion. With prime ocean-views and a sprawling terrace, Promenade aims to revive the friendly, coastal vibe of Bondi in the 70s. There's a variety of dining options to suit the mood - from intimate long lunches to a quick bite. We're also looking forward to long summer evenings spent at the top floor bar at Upstairs by Glory Days.
Image credit: Promande
Birichina Cafe
An unassuming, no frills, hole-in-the-wall cafe opposite the South Bondi grass. Great coffee, friendly baristas and a cabinet full of fresh brekkie goods, it's no surprise it's always buzzing with locals. Big communal tables out front are drenched with sun in the early mornings - the perfect spot to enjoy a post-swim coffee and pastry.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1428/7694/files/Bar_Copo.jpg?v=165691BBar Copo
Inspired by the energetic neighbourhood bars of South America, Bar Copo is a true local hangout. Sip on a seasonal flavoured Margarita or Caipirinha while feasting on tasty Latin American bar food and sandwiches. A great spot for a sunny afternoon drink or a night out with friends on the weekends. Things get groovy after dark with local live music acts and creative pop-up events.
Image credit: Broadsheet
Perched just metres from the beach stretch, SOY offers top-notch Japanese food, without breaking the bank. The menu is authentic and creative, offering simple dishes created with passion, integrity and high-quality ingredients. Highlights include the sashimi, dengaku eggplant and selection of creative sushi rolls. With a relaxed yet intimate feel, it’s perfect for dinner with friend or a casual date night occasion. They often have space for walk-ins if you arrive early.
Authentic, family-run Italian in the centre of Bondi. Consistently good quality food, great hospitality, and a warm, vibrant atmosphere. The pizza is delicious… arguably some of the best in Sydney…and the arancini balls take it to another level.
Image credit: Leigh Griffins / Broadsheet
Inspired by NYC-style deli, Lox is another local favourite serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner in the backstreets of Bondi. They hit the mark in every way - healthy and hearty meals, great coffee and friendly service. With a focus on fresh ingredients and slow cooking, they make everything fresh in-house and have lots of options for those with dietary requirements.
Image credit: Kitti Gould / Broadsheet
A cosy yet lively little wine bar, offering innovative Italian-inspired plates, creative cocktails and a great selection of wines. Open all-day, drop by for a morning coffee or enjoy the later night communal vibe. We love that they support local makers and independent wineries.
Image credit: Broadsheet
A new creative sashimi bar close to the beach. The quality of seafood is outstanding and served up in creative, melt-in-your-mouth parcels. We suggest picking up a plate to takeaway and enjoying on the Bondi grass at sunset.
An old favourite for Bondi locals, the corner house is effortlessly cool. Our choice for a cosy mid-week dinner or date night. Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza and produce-focused Italian plates. Sit at the street-facing bar and watch the buzz of Bondi Road or head upstairs for a more rustic ‘living-room’ vibe (also a great space for events). They also have specials throughout the week that are worth checking out.
Image credit: Hidden City Secrets
Bondi’s newest gelateria. It’s gelato how the Italians meant it to be; creamy and delicious, and made fresh in-store using sustainable ingredients. The staff are lovely and we love that they offer half and half scoops for those times when two flavours are calling your name, but you only want a little. We must mention this does not replace our love for the OG favourite, Gelato Messina.
Image credit: Jiwon Kim / Broadsheet
A Bondi food guide is not complete without a mention of the much-loved Italian locale, Totti's. With it's sprawling courtyard, iconic wood-fired bread and delicious pastas, it really is hard to beat for a laidback dining experience. It is very popular so best to book in advance.
Great for breakfast, lunch, coffee, a drink or dinner it's always good with healthy but flavoursome food and drink options, attentive but low key staff, comfortable chairs and a relaxed 'living room' vibe. The corn fritters are one of our favourites, but it's hard to go wrong here.
Image credit: Bills Bondi
Sean's is a Bondi institution having been serving his signature farm to table cuisine since the 1990s. Well-located right opposite North Bondi beach, we love it for dinner anytime of year. Make sure you book in advance.
Image credit: Sean's Panorama
Great for dinner, offering classic communal (meze) style dining with an uncomplicated dinner menu designed by ex-Rockpool chef Simon Zalloua. Enjoy slow cooked lamb, roasted pepper, and house made pickles with a side of fattoush salad and crispy za'atar bread. Book ahead, hard to get a table.
Image credit: Concrete Playground
