First Look: Will This New Bondi Tapas Bar Usher in Sydney’s Spanish Dining Moment?

The newest venue from the group behind Aalia, Nour, Henrietta and, most recently, Aalia Wine Room, opens this weekend in Bondi. It’s called Besa, and it’s hoping to heal Sydney’s complicated relationship with Spanish cuisine. 

“I’ve always thought it strange that this city has embraced French techniques, Middle Eastern generosity, Greek and Italian food obviously,” says executive chef Ibrahim Kasif (ex-Porteno, Bodega, Stanbuli). “So, it’s hard to fathom why Spanish hasn’t had its moment.”

“Besa” is Spanish for “kiss”, with Kasif hoping his kitchen will give the kiss of life to the cuisine in Sydney.

“I’ve always thought Spanish would work so well in Sydney. It has all the old European traditions, it’s layered with history, it feels modern, it’s social, it’s energetic. And tapas culture is everything that Sydney loves – it’s vibrant, it’s wine-driven, it’s built for conversation.”

Restaurant or bar? The team isn’t prescriptive. “It can be whatever you want to make it.” You’re welcome to drop in for a cocktail and a couple of Gildas. You could grab a few wines and some tinned bits from the “picoteo” section, like Olasagasti anchovies and Paco Lafuente razor clams, or house-pickled South Australian sardines and mussels escabeche. Or, you could “let your night unravel”.

Move from small plates – beef carpaccio, croquetas, crudo and blue mackerel – to main dishes including John Dory with pil pil (a garlicky Basque sauce of olive oil and chilli) and spiced lamb rump, or grilled chicken with egg noodles. Then round off your evening with Basque cheesecake or churros 

The team isn’t wedded to one specific Spanish region. They’re drawing inspiration from Madrid – home to Kasif’s favourite tapas bars – and the Basque region, which is fitting for Bondi’s coastal location. “Being in Bondi, our default will be fish and seafood,” Kasif says.

Designing the menu alongside Kasif is head chef Alan Kropman – a real overachiever.

“Alan’s been working with Aalia for many years. He’s one of the best in the group,” says Kasif. “The guy has a full-time job at Aalia [and] out of love, he has been spending his off time working at Sean’s because he just loves food.”

The Hub in Bondi, where Besa is located, wants to be considered a mini-Med. There’s Da Orazio opposite and they’re “near the mercado”, Kasif says. “Well, it’s a Harris Farm but there are vegetables outside – and we’ve got this beautiful vibe that takes up the precinct.”

Will Spanish food be to Sydney in 2026 what Greek food was in 2025? It remains to be seen. Late last year, the pink-washed Ravesis revamped its upstairs dining room into coastal Spanish spot Alzado, and Epula hit a grand Martin Place space – so there are signs. Besa’s placed to seal the trend with a kiss. 

Besa
75-79 Hall Street, Bondi
02 8353 9757

Hours:
Tue to Thu 5pm–late
Fri to Sun midday–3pm, 5pm–late

@besabondi
besabondi.com