Places to go in Bondi NOT overrun by English backpackers
Julia Gralberg
Only 7km from Sydney’s CBD you’ll find Bondi, the ‘city beach’ offering a slice of pure heaven with sun, surf, pristine sand and…an army of British backpackers looking to steal your dinner table.
World-famous Bondi Beach might be Sydney’s golden crown and the fame of the glitzy beach suburb is attracting, especially during the summer months, hordes of visitors, daytrippers and a tonne of British backpackers.
So are there any places to go to escape fit backpacker drenched in self-tanning lotion wearing mini jeans-shorts on the lookout for cheap beer, shots and chicken schnitties? And instead, hang out with the locals to get a taste of the real Bondi Beach?
The answer is yes.
Make sure you check out these eateries next time you’re in Bondi to rub shoulders with the locals and get a taste of some of the best food this iconic beach suburb has to offer
This sexy Italian neighbourhood restaurant, run by head chef and owner Eugenio Maiale, is known by locals as ‘Darlinghurst’s surfy sister’.
The dining space is trendy with a huge communal dining table where guests can enjoy real authentic Italian pasta which can be washed down with a large selection of wines.
Check out the blackboards on the wall where the daily ‘advice’ is given in regards to dishes to try. If available on the day try some of the seafood pasta which Sydneysiders are travelling across the city to enjoy here.
Great for both lunch and dinner A Tavola’s menu is a bit on the expensive side however if you can afford it it’s totally worth it!
Shop 2 / 75-79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach
Sefa Kitchen
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this is where dinner guests can expect to experience premium Middle Eastern food with hints of the Mediterranean as well as Turkish kitchen for a real flavoursome melange.
The mouthwatering dishes are served ‘meze-style’ which means they are all meant to be shared.
A pleasant surprise is the very reasonably priced menu and big thumbs up for the restaurant’s commitment to only source grass-fed and hormone-free meats to support animal welfare.
Grab a few friends, cosy up along the brick wall and relax among the oriental cushions whilst enjoying grilled halloumi, slow cooked octopus and juicy chicken.
292 Bondi Road, Bondi Beach
http://www.sefakitchen.com.au/food/
Bills at Bondi Beach
Looking for a true Aussie food experience? Look no further.
Australian chef Bill Granger sure knows how to cook good-looking and no-fuss food. Staying true to the sunny, bright and fresh spirit of down under dishes it’s impossible to avoid thinking of Bill as Australia’s answer to Jamie Oliver.
Extremely busy during weekends (yes expect to queue) the wait can be tedious but once you get a table and can order a fresh calamari salad, a fried chicken burger or a gravlax sandwich all is forgiven.
79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach
www.bills.com.au/#contact-bondi
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
No visit to Bondi Beach is complete without a pit stop at Bondi Icebergs at some point during the day.
Boasting with arguably one of Sydney’s best views overlooking the busy rock-pool, beach and endless ocean this is the perfect spot to duck in for some bubbles and fish and chips.
There’s no need to make a reservation simply order and pay at the counter. If you’re feeling fancy why not splash out on the $75 seafood platter, yum!
1 Notts Ave Bondi Beach
www.icebergs.com.au/food-drink
Book The Woolstore 1888 Darling Harbour Hotel to visit Bondi Beach.
Julia Gralberg is a freelance travel writer, editor of Hotel & Resort Guide, Lux Nomade and founder of Boutique Communications Consultancy, Lux Collective. When she isn’t busy jumping in hotel beds and eating her way through breakfast buffets you’ll find her on her yoga mat.