Best Restaurants in Bondi

With its casual atmosphere and produce-driven menu, Sean's Panaroma has been a local favourite for over two decades. This restaurant feels more like you're having a meal at your best friends' place - if only your best friend could cook this well. The tiny open kitchen, headed by Chef Sean Moran, churns out a handful of innovative Australian dishes that change daily. Sean's is homely, unpretentious and best enjoyed with close companions and a bottle of boutique Australian wine or a French vintage.

Part of the Solotel Group, and owner Matt Moran - North Bondi Fish overlooks Sydney's legendary Bondi Beach. Specialising in fresh, high-quality Australian and New Zealand seafood, NBF is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner and everything in between. Their Head chef James Green uses only the best produce and works with local suppliers to create the all-day menu. People-watch on the balcony, Aperol Spritz in hand and watch the sun go down over North Bondi.

With an interior inspired by 1930s Shanghai, China Diner fills a gap for quality Modern Asian restaurants and is located only a few minutes’ walk from Bondi Beach. Representing a fresh and contemporary approach to Asian dining, China Diner dishes are full of aromatic and vibrant ingredients creating a diverse menu. Specializing in dumplings with a selection of Cantonese inspired vegan, seafood & meat dishes, all pair perfectly with an extensive wine, sake & cocktail list. The ever popular Yum Cha is every Sunday 11am-3pm. The retro dining room oozes excitement, buzz, energy & an air of the dramatic that come together with bursts of neon to create an inimitable Asian dining experience.

Photography: Courtesy of China Diner Bondi

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar possesses one of the most coveted locations in Sydney, with its second story site hovering above the ocean pool, with a view out over south Bondi's crashing waves. Unsurprisingly, seafood is the star of the menu that showcases seasonal produce, cooked with a regional Italian bent. The teal and glass dining room offers cushions and hammocks that invite guests to relax and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the beach.

Located opposite Sydney's iconic Bondi beach, Bondi Trattoria balances well between being a casual beach cafe and an upmarket Italian restaurant. Affectionately called ‘the tratt' by Bondi locals, this eatery is always crowded and is true to its welcoming, approachable and attentive trattoria fashion. The cuisine is crafted with originality and attention to detail, offering simple Italian with a strong Mediterranean influence using ingredients from some of Australia's finest producers.

He’s opened restaurants in Japan and the UK and finally, household name Bill Granger has opened in his own neighbourhood at Bondi. Bill’s famous ricotta hotcakes and corn fritters will, of course, be on the menu, alongside chilled tea smoked trout and green tea noodles. Even with 100 seats, expect to wait for a table.

Just 10 minutes' walk from Bondi's famous surf and sand is Shuk, a corner cafe built on the tradition of the Israeli marketplace. The menu is directly influenced by Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Shuk lives up to the hustle and bustle of its namesake, with fresh local ingredients poured into a Mediterranean-inspired menu, plus there's pastries and breads that are baked on site every day. Grab a coffee and choose a treat from the artisan deli counter if you're on the run.

Photography: Nikki To

Sydney’s little slice of the Upper West Side, Lox Stock & Barrel is a New York style deli that bakes its own bagels, rye and challah bread. The menu features classic Jewish dishes such as homemade brisket pastrami alongside Bondi-friendly options (think kale salads and sprouted quinoa toast).

Sefa Kitchen is a Middle Eastern delight, located on busy Bondi Road. Former Embers Mezze Bar Chef Simon Zalloua runs the kitchen, offering mezze style dishes from his Lebanese upbringing with added inspiration from Arabic and Moorish cooking traditions. The open, rustic space is sweetly furnished with wooden trimmings, hanging pot plants and colourful illustrations on the exposed brick walls.

Photography: Vaida Savickaite

With million dollar views, rich coffee and gourmet tasty treats, The Crabbe Hole at Bondi Icebergs pool deck, is a very difficult café to pass up. Head in for an early morning coffee and satiate your appetite with a BLT or special Crabbe Hole ice cream sandwich.

Photography: Kitti Gould

Chef Darren Robertson brings his talent of transforming fresh, seasonal rustic produce into modern works of art on the plate with his Bondi expansion Rocker. Making the most of its scenic seaside surrounds, this is a relaxed space where diners can taste pop by for a coffee and light bites, long breakfast in the sun and serious eats for lunch and dinner. The 100-seater channels the surfy, coastal vibe with European inspired flavours. The bar is carefully selected with clever wines, craft beers and even select cocktails on tap!