I moved to Bondi a LONG time ago now and it is my heartland! I loved it back in the day when it was all dive bars and backpackers and I love it now with flagship stores and all-day dining. My favourite weekend is in my hood cruising around with my family and friends and seeing where the day takes us.
Here’s my picks of the best of the postcode 2026.Plus some local secret spots!
Eating
There is so much good eating to be done here from cheap and cheerful to high end. Let’s start with where your dollar takes you further.
Bangkok Bites is a fav of ours especially when you get there early and nab an outdoor table and can do some serious people watching. Plus it’s BYO so you can bring your bottle from home. Our daughter loved the Crispy Finger Rolls. I must admit they are addictive!
Chaco Ramen is another super yummy easy option. Their ramen is next level delicious and their wagyu gyoza also deserve a mention. Their gluten free noodles also stack up if you happen to be GF!
El Indio is on Campbell Parade and also a little gem. It’s South American street food at it’s best and the portions are generous. Share a plate piled with Shredded Beef Brisket, Guacamole, Rice, Black Beans, Feta, Sweet Plantain, Baby Arepa and Chimichurri for $30.
If you are feeling in the mood to graze and wile away the day then I like nothing more than to park myself at The Shop Wine Bar for the afternoon and soak in the sun with a few handcrafted wines and a tasting board. Lucy and Mike are some of the nicest people you’ll meet and this little hole in the wall is a Bondi institution.
They do the best breakfast bowl (cauliflower rice, house made pickles, avocado, zucchini, haloumi, poached egg, toasted soy pepitas) and their BLT is legendary. My favourite time of day is happy hour with a Chili Margarita and a cheese and meat board. They’ve also recently done an incredible fit out which will have all interior lovers swooning at the detail.
Down the road is the newish kid on the block Blackwood. With a venue already in Cronulla these guys hit the ground running opening here and it’s been packed ever since. With ceramics from Puglia and a Sunday session with live music it’s a great place to hang out if you are prepared to wait for a table!
Next to Blackwood is the best fish and chips ever! Fish Shop is brilliant as you can order take-away and then plonk down on a rug in the grassy lawn in front. I love the fish burger and eggplant scallop and their salads are gutsy and tasty. It’s a great vibe with the sun shining and the kiddies running around.
If you are in the mood to spend some cash then there’s a few spots around worth the money.
Of course I couldn’t not mention Sean’s Panorama. I simply love this place as for me real luxury is not having to get your heels or make-up on but being able to come straight from the beach to a roast chicken. Sean’s is casual but elegant, relaxed but special and the food and service are impeccable. I love the space and the casual décor and can you believe it is also BYO! So bring that bottle of vintage champers with you!
Next to Sean’s is Calita – another beach to bar place but with a focus on Mexican seafood. Run by Milpa Collective who have a stable of amazing Mexican restaurants such as Senora in Potts Point, it’s their beachside jewel. The menu has light starters such as Blue Swimmer Crab Tostadas and Watermelon Salad with goat’s cheese. Then move onto Ceviche and Swordfish Schnitzel Tacos and accompany it all with margaritas and mezcal!
Shopping
Once you’ve eaten and need to walk it off then Bondi has some great shopping! Gould St has over the years become a hub of designer brands. My fav’s are Jac&Jack and Venroy for relaxed dressing and LMND for matching shirt and shorts sets. Springcourt on Hall St will have you covered for fresh white sneaks while Stylerunner has all your active wear needs covered.
In 7 ways is the bohemian store Commune which has the best selection of incense, jewellery, books, Turkish towels, handmade pottery and home accessories. On the corner of Curlewis and Glenyar is For Artist’s Only which is my favourite store to browse. They carry incredible brands such as Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson and Nagnata. I recently bought a fantastic oversized shirt from the Swedish leisure wear brand OAS there. Perfect for throwing over your swimmers in summer.
Some of the best buys I’ve recently had in Bondi lately come from the secret spot of the Wayside Chapel Op Shop. This year alone I’ve bought Marni heels, a Scanlan and Theodore silk dress and Frame jeans. It’s the best little shop especially if you check their racks regularly.
Looking for a special art piece? Twenty Twenty Six is the gallery of Martine Emdur who is a spectacular artist known for her dreamy figurative underwater pieces. Her gallery in Bondi exhibits established and emerging artists and she’s got a great eye for contemporary pieces. If an exhibition of her own works is on then you are in for a treat. Take your time getting lost in her huge underwater scenes. Absolutely breath-taking.
Bondi Markets is a great little shopping, eating and general hanging out experience. I love the silver jewellery of Stash and vintage clothes section. For food there’s a huge array of choice ranging from Spanish paella, gluten free donuts, stuffed roti breads and French baguettes. Bring a blanket to roll on the lawn and you have a proper chilled time awaiting.
Random but fun:
The grassy knoll on a Sunday afternoon is a celebration of LIFE. Bondi Sunset Music plays between 3-7pm and when you hear the drums then you know it’s time to dance. An all age thing you’ll find yourself shaking your hips in-between a toddler and a grandpa. If you’re a bit shy then settle on the top lawn and watch the community come together.
I know it’s a cliché but my favourite Bondi thing is a sunrise walk. It’s when the beach becomes pure magic. Watch the sunrise over the headline while you walk past meditators, ice bathers (yes, they bring the tubs to the beach) boot campers and dancers. When the sun first makes its appearance, you can’t help but stop and take a moment. Another perfect day is about to start! Namaste!
