Bondi Beach
Bondi First Impressions:
The pastel painted buildings on rolling hills of Saint-Tropez [meets] The skater boys + graffiti walls of LA [meets] The surfer scene of Maui, sprinkle in the most gorgeous cliffs for chilling you have ever seen . . . as the ocean waves spill over into the glam-est salt water lap pool, ever. That is Bondi Beach to me. Oh, and the thing that takes this whole scene Next Level: It is a short 15 min drive from Sydney CBD. Mind blown?
My Bondi Beach Recommendations:
Dinner
Looking for a delicious dinner? If you’re an Italian lover you will be thoroughly satisfied with A Tavola, start with the baked olives and then move on to their signature dish a 12 hour beef pappardelle, slow cooked in red wine/ handmade pasta. Your stomach will thank you.
We had a sweetest Italian waitress, she was my favorite waitress during our visit to Australia. I just loved her sweet, happy and kind disposition. She read and explained the entire menu! I just loved hearing her explain every dish on the menu in her endearing Italian accent. It somehow made the food even more delicious. Definitely save space for dessert! And I recommend sitting at the bar.
Lunch
For a fabulous, tasty and healthy lunch spot stop at Porch and Parlor. Simply prepared vegetables and fish, totally hits the spot, plus the beautiful view and breeze of the beach. The wait staff was friendly and the food came out in a timely manner. Hot and beautifully seasoned. Carrot and manchego fritters with citrus yogurt, yes please!
Midday Caffeine
My favorite place and way to have a midday coffee in Bondi is at the San Churro Bondi, Its open when after all the other coffee shops close if you’re looking for a late caffeine boost. Try my creation: One shot of espresso, one shot of Spanish hot chocolate.
Where NOT to dine
Do NOT eat at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar (even though many reviewers highly recommends it), this place if perfectly fine for getting a drink and standing out on one of the balconies to take in the view of Bondi Beach, however I would not recommend eating at this establishment. The service is the slowest I’ve ever encountered, taking about an hour and a half to get a salad which was terrible and wildly overpriced. The lesson: Never eat in a restaurant attached to a casino. Also, you are not allowed to eat on the balconies, defeating the entire purpose of eating there to begin with. An employee came outside and told me I could not eat there and then proceeded to lite up a cigarette next to a 'No Smoking' sign. I dropped my fork and walked out, never to return. Instead head over to Trio Cafe (the breakfast at this place looks amazing!)
Activities
Take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (or at least to Bronte), it is absolutely gorgeous, an activity that I often reflect on when I think back to the trip. It can be slightly congested with tourist and locals, yet the beauty outweighs all of that. Bring a towel or blanket and find a quiet spot on the cliffs to sit down, relax and take in the stunning views.
What to wear
Every time I went to Bondi the breeze off the water was quite brisk. If it's a bright sunny day the cool wind will be a welcome friend, however once the sun goes down (or you're in the shade) you'll want long sleeves and a jacket. A hat and sunglasses are always appropriate for protecting your face from the sun (which is very strong here) and will also help keep your hair in place through the heavy coastal winds. Naturally, flat sandals or sneakers are the best footwear for the coastal walk.