Iconic Bondi offers many dining options, but two stand firmly in family favourite territory for us; Icebergs Dining Room and Bar upstairs, and its more casual downstairs sibling, Icebergs Bistro. Both deliver excellent food and service, just with a different mood depending on what kind of day (or appetite) you have.
Today we settled into the Bistro and were looked after by Julio, an attentive maitre d who greeted us with, “If you need anything, just ask me.” True old school hospitality with genuine intent. The kind that makes you instantly relax because you know you are in good hands.
You can order via the QR code at the table or head up to the bar, which keeps things easy and flexible. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming and enough choice to feel exciting, not so much that you need a committee meeting to decide.
The special was octopus with a dairy free romanesco sauce. Of course that was my first pick. Tender, perfectly cooked and beautifully balanced with the nutty depth of the romanesco. Light, flavourful and just the right size to start.
I was there with my daughter and she chose the gluten free lamb ragout. Absolutely done to perfection. The pasta was beautifully cooked, the sauce rich and comforting, and — importantly — there was plenty of lamb. So many places skimp on the protein, but not here. This was generous, hearty and deeply satisfying.
For my main I went with the half chicken, and halfway through I realised I may have slightly over ordered… but no regrets. Juicy, well seasoned and cooked with that simple confidence that lets good ingredients shine.
We shared a side of baby cos lettuce with fennel, pear and parmesan, which was the perfect fresh counterbalance to the richer meat dishes. Crisp, slightly sweet and beautifully dressed.
Add in reasonably priced wines and an espresso martini for my daughter (which she declared “pretty good” high praise), and the whole experience just worked.
Great food. Excellent service. And then there is that view, the ocean breeze drifting through, and the unmistakable energy of Bondi. Some things you simply cannot put a price on.