There are very few venues in Sydney that are truly beachfront – sure, you’ve got ones that teeter on the edge of our coastline overlooking the beach, others a couple of streets back with levelled-up sandy views, and the harbour is lined with bars and snack stops that make the most of watery vistas, but beachfront is rare.
North Bondi Fish is as close in proximity to Bondi Beach as the grassy knoll. As you walk in there’s sand on the doorstep – this isn’t decorative, it’s just what happens when you’re 12 metres away from one of the world’s most popular shorelines.
Given it’s prime NoBo position, this bright and breezy seafood palace has been the spot for many long lunches since it was opened back in 2013 by Matt Moran. Now, you’ll find Steve Jacomos presiding over the kitchen, and he’s continued the surf-spot-meets-holiday-haven vibes the venue has pumped out since day dot.
There have also been some fun frills added in recent times – for summer 2023, they're serving up a Summer of Margs, so you can soak in the season with a cocktail from NBF’s revamped Margarita menu, made in collaboration with Patrón Tequila. They've also got Sunset Sessions every Sunday, so patrons can enjoy acoustic sets overlooking the ocean from 4-7pm while tasting their way through the menu.
Speaking of the menu, it reads like the Bubba Gump guide on 'how to cook seafood' – it comes barbecued, raw, ceviche, shucked, steamed, curried, baked, battered and fried. Oysters are the requisite first port of call on this journey into the fruits of the sea, arriving briny and fresh on a bed of rock salt. Now’s also a good time to order a light botanical spritz, topped with thyme leaves, or a glass of gently amber, tangy-yet-structured Clementine pinot gris.
Scallops here are a party in their own right. They come served on fanned shells, bathed in a kombu butter – eat it like an oyster to maximise the salty umami butter in each mouthful. If you’re after something simple and battered, order the fish and chips. Better yet, turn your attention to the specials, which celebrate market-fresh fish.
Like property with absolute waterfront views in Sydney, you’re paying a premium to eat here, but that’s OK if you know what you’re after. This is place where you can book for big groups with relative ease; you know you’re going to get great views and vibes; and if you’re a seafood-loving family, there will be a dish for all tastes. But for our money we head here for some fresh oysters and a Marg, because they're items that should be ticked off everyone’s summer bucket list.