5 of the Best Bondi Cafes for Brunch | Healthy Cafes near Bondi Beach

Weekend brunching is almost a religion for the Bondi set. For some, it’s a chance to throw on their designer best, fashion a top-not and wander to a local hot spot to debrief with friends. For others, it’s a great recovery destination after their morning workout. Either way, one thing we all have in common in the Bondi bubble; we are huge food and coffee aficionados. I hope this snapshot of our favourites helps you find the Bondi cafe that suits your breakfast and brunch tastes best.

Skye Gilkeson

Japanese Scramble, The Shop and Wine Bar. Image © Skye Gilkeson

It’s no surprise then that there’s a lot if competition to win the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors when it comes to Bondi brunch. I’m both a Bondi local and a breakfast enthusiast, so it’s safe to say I’ve tried most cafes in the area. You can expect that the majority of Bondi cafes will offer something appealing to those with a clean palate – gluten, dairy, sugar-free options. Many also offer creative and delicious options within those health parameters. Below is a list of five of my favourites.

Breakfast Salad, The Shop and Wine Bar. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The Shop and Wine Bar | 78 Curlewis St, Bondi

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re stepping into someone’s living room when slipping through the wooden sliding doors of The Shop. But, that’s the great thing about this local gem. The friendly team knows all the regulars’ names and orders and despite the crush (particularly on the weekend) they will help you find a spot to sit and have a great coffee in your hand within minutes. When it comes to this favourite Bondi cafe, The Shop keeps it simple, tasty and thoughtful. There are specials which cater to everyone from the blokes (bacon and egg roll) to the adventurous, with the Japanese scramble (GF). I highly recommend the breakfast salad with smoked trout (below). It’s a big bowl of green goodness (salad leaves, asparagus, peas, avocado) with a super gooey poached egg on top. You’ll also find counter favourites like banana bread and a range of raw treats.

“The Cured” is the delicious pick of the menu at Shuk Bondi. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Shuk | 2 Mitchell St, Bondi

Once you try Shuk, you’ll want to make it a regular weekend brunch spot. On a busy corner in North Bondi you’ll find their tables are always packed with locals. Shuk serves up a menu made from beautiful fresh ingredients with a selection of dishes influenced by Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. It’s impressive and equally delicious. There’s something for everyone with allergy-friendly options and dishes suitable for vegans, Paleos and carb-lovers. We love “The cured” (salmon, 60/60 egg, sweet potato & quinoa croquettes, mix leaf, dill sour cream, almonds & chives).

Must try: The Green Breaky Bowl, Porch and Parlour. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Porch and Parlour | 17/110 Ramsgate Ave, Bondi Beach

Perched on the bend at the northern end of the esplanade, Porch and Parlour has a view of the beach and beyond. It is a quintessential Bondi hipster hangout with the food sensibility to back it up. The coffee hits the mark but the green juices and rice milk smoothies should be on your list – served in mason jars of course. Porch caters really well for the gluten-free and whole foods diner and their food is made with a lot to love. The Green Pea Pancake is legendary, the simple Smashed Eggs on sprouted gluten-free bread is delicious, as is the nourishing Green Breaky Bowl with eggs, avocado and quinoa. The menu won’t disappoint, but if you hate to wait, put your Porch party shoes on early on the weekends – it’s a popular local hangout.

Lock Stock: Avocado Smash on house baked gluten-free toast. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Lox Stock and Barrel | 140 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach

Lox Stock really has a feeling reminiscent of a New York deli. From the communal table to the trendy crowd, there’s a buzz about this place. The menu is based on the owners’ Jewish heritage, with an honest ‘farm to plate’ philosophy. There is detail that goes into their dishes; not pretence, but care. For brunch there is a wide range of home-made baked goods, eggs any style with add ons. But my pick? The beautifully nourishing Bowlarama (sprouted quinoa toast, poached eggs, avocado, hummus, kale & seaweed, miso dressing & homemade fermented veggies). It’s got everything a clean eater could ask for but bare in mind it’s big – so it’s the perfect option to share.

Sean’s Panorama | Sean’s, 270 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach

A long time local’s favourite for weekend date nights, ‘Sean’s’ now opens for breakfast on the weekends too. The intimate space at Sean’s makes it feel like a friend’s (very upmarket) dining room. The menu is seasonal and in true Sean’s style is simple, yet impressive. A true farm-to-table restaurant expect a small, curated menu of fresh, local fare that will make your taste buds hum.

Icebergs Terrace Cafe | 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach

With arguably the best view in South Bondi, Icebergs Terrace is the perfect brunch spot following a morning beach workout or a swim in the outdoor pool. Picnic tables bathed in sunlight are dotted around the terrace on the Icebergs rooftop, each offering undisturbed views out through the headlands. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed and local. Fresh coconuts, Vittoria organic coffee, smoothies and cold pressed juices will quench your thirst. To nourish, there’s a short but sweet menu with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients and consideration for the gluten, dairy or sugar-free clientele. Try the eggs, fresh fruit salad or a Quinoa Coconut Porridge.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller. She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health. As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Skye created The Fit Traveller as a beautiful online space and community where people feel inspired to escape the desk to move and explore more.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her insatiable appetite for adventure.

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