Bar in Bondi Beach
A cheeky, cheap cafe-bar a block back from the sand on Hall Street, trading tapas-style plates and stiff cocktails from midday into the night.
Billing itself as "the official home of bad decisions", Cafe Bikini is the kind of loose, lively Hall Street spot you fall into after the beach rather than plan around — shareable tapas, sangria by the jug and a well-made dirty martini at prices that stay friendly. We'd choose it for an unfussy afternoon-into-evening session with a group when you want somewhere with a pulse but not a dress code. The mix of bar snacks and a few more considered plates (the Beyond Beef vegan burger gets singled out) makes it easy to graze.
Tapas-style small plates to share, the Beyond Beef vegan burger, and sangria or cocktails — the dirty martini is the one regulars name-check.
Loud, eclectic and casual, with an open street frontage for people-watching.
Local tip: Don't come expecting a breakfast cafe despite the name — it opens around midday and runs late, so treat it as a drinks-and-graze spot rather than a morning-coffee stop.
Worth knowing: No ocean views and it's more raucous bar than quiet cafe — not the pick for a calm morning coffee or for young kids.
Hours, prices and menus change — always check the venue’s own site before you go. Spotted something out of date? We keep this directory current; details reflect our last check.
Italian · Bondi Beach
The hatted, ocean-front Italian fine-diner perched above the Bondi Icebergs pool, serving hand-rolled pasta and seasonal seafood with the best beach view in Sydney.
Best for: Milestone celebrations and long lunches with a view
Gelato · Bondi Beach
The Bondi outpost of Sydney's most celebrated gelato maker, tucked into the Hall Street hub a short walk back from the sand.
Best for: A post-beach dessert walk on Hall Street
Modern Australian · Bondi Beach
The original bills, the Hall Street cafe where Bill Granger reinvented Sydney brunch, still turning out its ricotta hotcakes and creamy scrambled eggs a couple of minutes back from the sand.
Best for: A landmark Bondi brunch a short walk from the beach