Best Bars in Bondi

Updated 3 months ago

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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 led by restaurateur Maurice Terzini, with its sharp 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.

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  • 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.

  • This elevated vantage of Bondi’s sloshing surf is one of Australia’s great views – one a less conscientious restaurateur might easily lean on. Not Maurice Terzini, who’s been pushing his resplendent Italian diner to greater and greater heights since 2002.

  • 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. To eat, it’s European-style plates that pair beautifully with beer.

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  • Once inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean, Lola's is now a strictly Italian joint – but with the same knockout views of the Bondi surf. Come for a game of foosball before tucking into spaghetti with clams and ‘nduja and cotoletta alla Milanese by a former Old Fitz chef.

  • A celebration of the Greek islands' cuisines in a space that brings together Bondi breeziness with an urban edge. Choose the lively bar or spacious dining room, where familiar Greek flavours join fun cocktails and a wine program heavy on crisp, European drops.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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  • 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.

  • There’s something about the fish’n’chipper format that lures top chefs. Matt Moran’s North Bondi Fish – located under the North Bondi RSL – is one of many examples. But none other enjoys an ocean view quite like this. It’s the perfect complement to the seafood-focussed menu and one excellent Margarita.

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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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