As you might’ve guessed from the headline, I’m a fan of Bondi dining. Makes sense, given that I live there. But that aside, I do really think it’s home to some of the prettiest restaurants in Sydney, not to mention they all focus on fresh flavours.
In Bondi, you can dine in a cosy space resembling a family home (Sean’s), a courtyard with twinkling fairy lights and dripping ivy that’ll have you convinced you’re in Italy (Totti’s) and a venue with doors that open onto a terrace overlooking brilliant blue sea just beyond (North Bondi Fish).
While Bondi has more than 30 restaurants, I’m calling out some of my personal favourites ahead. These spots tick my boxes not just for food and interior design but also in terms of their look and general feel.
La Cantina
The sister venue to Don Pedros, also in Bondi on Campbell Parade, La Cantina takes up the space above Woollies once occupied by Madame Chus. Highlights on the classic Mexican fare menu are creamy guacamole and chips to start, chipotle cauliflower tacos and prawn ceviche. Those who are gluten-free will be pleased to know the tostadas all cater to the dietary. Check online for what drinks and food specials the venue has on — there’s one every night of the week.
Zama
Zama on Bondi Road opened in November this year. Though its menu is influenced by Argentinian and general Latin American culture, its decor feels like you’re in Tulum, Mexico, with rattan lighting, fringed seat cushions and dripping greenery. All Zama’s mains are cooked on a custom-built parrilla grill using Argentinian charcoal. Menu highlights include an 800g rib-eye steak, cooked on the bone over the parrilla grill, traditional empanadas and a whole grilled baby snapper with salsa verde and lemon.
Lola’s Italian and Bar
Marco Ambrosino, formerly of Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William Street, and business partner Manny Spinola are behind the re-launch of Lola’s, now called Lola’s Italian and Bar, as of June 2023. While the menu at this restaurant above Woollies on Campbell Parade used to be Mediterranean, it’s now solely Italian, with an edit of cuisine classics, including Semolina Spaghetti with vongole and ‘nduja, King Prawn Risotto and Vitello Tonnato Octopus ‘alla amatriciana’.
Promenade
Promenade is part of Bondi Pavilion’s multi-million dollar refurbishment. It features a Front Yard bar, dining room and 12-person dining room called The Grotto. The menu is modern Australia with seafood, meats and pastas.
North Bondi Fish
North Bondi Fish sits underneath the North Bondi RSL in the north end of Bondi, providing spectacular sunset views from its terrace. Australian chef Matt Moran is its owner. It follows his ethos of championing local produce and seafood. DJs often play here on weekends when the venue is packed with a fashionable crowd.
Taqiza
After a brief closure, Mexican restaurant Taqiza reopened in May 2023 in a bigger space above Harris Farm on Hall Street. The restaurant by the hospitality group Milpa Collective will host DJs every Friday and Latin bands on Sunday. The restaurant focuses on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Sean’s Panorama
Sean’s, as the locals call it, has become an institution in Bondi since it opened in 1993. Located on Campbell Parade as the street winds up to the North Bondi shops bus depot, its 45-seat dining room offers views of the glittering sea beyond its windows. The three-course menu here changes daily and includes an appetiser and house-baked bread.
Totti’s Bondi
Totti’s is by Sydney hospitality powerhouse Merivale and is known for its wood-fired bread, best consumed with burrata and tomatoes. The restaurant also serves pasta, fish and salads. Inside, the venue has a warehouse feel. Outside, you’ll find a dreamy courtyard with olive trees wrapped in fairy lights.
Lola’s
Lola’s, above Woollies and the always-heaving Fishbowl, serves modern Italian. Expect antipasti, pasta and seafood on the menu, best enjoyed on the balcony, overlooking all the Campbell Parade action down below. The cocktail list here has touches of European and Latin with spins on old classics.
Society Pizza
Ask any Bondi local to name their favourite pizza in the area, and Society Pizza will likely spring to mind. The eatery, once on Bondi Road, but now on Curlewis Street, has a seemingly endless list of pizza options, ranging from “pizza rossa” (made with tomato sauce) to “pizza bianca” (no sauce). Not in the mood for pizza? It also serves antipasti and pasta, too.
Eden
Though Eden is completely plant-based, you wouldn’t recognise that fact from its menu, which includes a cheeseburger, bahn mi sliders and pepperoni pizza. All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers and producers, and wines here are made with minimal intervention. The restaurant is in a courtyard in the Pacific Building, one floor above Woollies and next to QT Bondi.
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