The Best Bars in Bondi
Most people flock to Bondi for its famous stretch of sand, but few of the city’s beachside suburbs can lay claim to the sheer variety this one does.
Moments from the water, you can cool off in a laid-back neighbourhood bar, a chic modern pub with a world-class Italian eatery out back, and the city’s only beachside distillery. Then there’s Icebergs, the drinking and dining institution, with its killer wine list and million-dollar ocean views.
There’s a bar in here to suit every mood, price point and drink preference. And depending where you go, an incredible vantage point to admire one of the most iconic beaches in the world.
Bar
Stuffed Beaver Dining Parlour
Bondi’s original dive bar is never a bad time. And if you need any convincing, there’s a light box out front that says as much. Otherwise let the American-style burgers, Margs and local beers do the talking.
Bar
Shop and Wine Bar
Walk by the unmissable mural on Curlewis Street and you’ll probably spot the same customers that have been coming to this teeny cafe and wine bar since day one – and we don’t blame them. Sandwiches, salads and good wine lie within.
Bar
Curly Lewis
Bondi’s first brewery bar draws inspiration from its beachside location, with huge working beer tanks pumping out styles that might include a yuzu lager, a sour brewed with seawater and a bold coffee stout. The menu is all about coastal-inspired plates that pair beautifully with beer.
Bar
Beach Road Hotel
If you find yourself down in Bondi and want to know where the party is at, chances are it's at this big old pub a few blocks away from the beach. And while it’s definitely a local haunt, the Beach Road doesn't discriminate. It offers carefree vibes, plenty of different bar areas, a sunny courtyard and DJs.
Bar
Neighbourhood Bondi
The drinks are tropical, the bartenders are English and the shirts are flamboyant at this rowdy cocktail bar. The list leans into tiki territory with plenty of rum, citrus and pineapple, and classic recipes are updated with native ingredients and a sustainable ethos.
Restaurant
Rocker
There isn’t really anything this breezy bar and diner can’t do. There’s a Mediterranean thread running throughout, from the flavours on the menu to the day-to-night vibe. A spot on the footpath can't be beaten at golden hour.
Bar
Bondi Bowling Club
Opened in 1935, Bondi Bowlo is one of Sydney’s original bowling clubs. Located just a few blocks back from the beach, it’s since evolved from an old-school facility into a modern boozer in step with Bondi’s buzzing hospitality scene.
Restaurant
The Corner House
Set within a former tram stop, Corner House has been a go-to for Bondi locals for more than a decade. Cosy, casual and with enough variety to please, it’s a fun chapter in the building’s story that involves rustic Italian fare and on-point cocktails.
Bar
The Royal Bondi
Merivale’s grand corner pub has been Bondi Road resident since 1907. And while Totti’s out back generates most of the fuss, the pub’s solid bistro fare is certainly no afterthought. It’s rounded out by a wine list that’s far more considered than the average Sydney pub’s.
Bar
Makaveli
A few blocks back from Bondi beach, this buzzy eatery brings a refined edge to its laidback day-to-night offering. Swing by for your morning cuppa, park up and WFC (that’s work from cafe) or secure an evening spot for punchy plates and a fresh cocktail list.
Cafe
S'wich
Big sandwiches and salads are the recipe for a good time at this cool all-day eatery. At night it transforms into a bar with international craft beers and natural wines. Plus, Campari spritzes and Negronis batched in-house.
Bar
Bondi Liquor Co.
Bondi’s first operating distillery is just moments from the beach, halfway up the hill on the corner of O’Brien and Hall streets. It’s a breezy, Bondi-style space where you can try the distillery’s range of vibrant, botanical-packed gins.
Restaurant
North Bondi Fish
Even a top chef like Matt Moran can’t resist the fish’n’chipper format. His breezy spot, tucked under North Bondi RSL, enjoys enviable ocean views that perfectly compliment the seafood-forward menu and stellar Margaritas.
Restaurant
Bondi Hardware
What was for years a hardware store is now one of Bondi’s most versatile restaurant-bar combos. This twin-hitter has you covered with pizzas, tacos, sangria jugs and Margaritas shaken three ways.
Restaurant
Promenade
Whether you’re barefoot or in heels, ravenous or merely peckish, the refurbished Bondi Pavilion has you covered on all fronts. Hit the refined (but relaxed) dining room for Asian-influenced dishes; the terrace for casual pub eats; and the beachside kiosk for classic fish’n’chips.
More Options
Hotel Ravesis
After-dinner drinks, post-swim feeds, hens and bucks parties, or just because. Everyone ends up at Ravesis at some point. This sleek hotel on the corner of Campbell Parade and Hall Street has more than a touch of SoCal energy, and absolutely goes off on weekends.
