Pub in Bondi Road
An iconic 1902 corner pub up on Bondi Road, run by Merivale since 2017, that keeps its dive-bar soul while pouring seriously good drinks.
Formerly Royal Hotel, Bondi.
This is the classic Bondi Road local — red carpet, pool tables, a jukebox and a beer garden, plus live music and karaoke that keep it loud and social into the night. Merivale took it over and gave the drinks list a glow-up (frozen daiquiris and margaritas, espresso martinis on tap, natural wines) without stripping out the neighbourhood-pub character. We'd choose it for a proper unpretentious drink among locals rather than a sit-down meal.
Merivale's Bert's-brand house pies and sausage rolls for something quick and hearty, a frozen daiquiri or margarita, or an espresso martini on tap.
Lively, nostalgic dive-bar energy with retro red carpet, pool tables and a boisterous crowd.
Local tip: It's a drinking pub first, so come for the front bar, pool and live-music nights rather than a big dinner — and it's a good warm-up spot on the walk up from the beach.
Worth knowing: Food is limited to pies, sausage rolls and snack-style pub fare, so this isn't the spot for a full meal, and it can get rowdy on live-music and karaoke nights.
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 Spotted something out of date?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.
bakery · Bondi Road
A tiny weekend-only micro-bakery on Bondi Road built around soft, cold-fermented cinnamon scrolls and viral cold drinks, with queues to match the hype.
Best for: A weekend treat run for scroll-and-coffee lovers who don't mind a queue
Italian · Bondi Road
Merivale's buzzy, share-style Italian tucked into the back of The Royal on Bondi Road, built around a wood-fired oven and a leafy, olive-tree-lined courtyard.
Best for: Long, shared Italian lunches and lively group dinners off the beach
Mexican · Bondi Road
A hacienda-inspired Mexican restaurant on Bondi Road where the whole kitchen orbits a woodfire grill, turning out charcoal-kissed tacos, share plates and wagyu steaks.
Best for: Woodfire Mexican for a lively group dinner or a date night