Bondi's Brown Sugar

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  9     

Never fails to disappoint, such incredible food, friendly staff and seemly unpretentious. We’ve eaten here a few times and took some friends knowing the evening would be enjoyed immensely. The flavours to intrinsically combined to make each mouthful a burst of flavour. Highly recommend this restaurant and it’s BYO!

May 18, 2012 

4.5 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  2      Value  5     

Went here last Sunday for breakfast. Had to wait for table as it was so busy. So was really looking forward to it as its so popular. I have to say the waitress we had really had a bad attitude right from the start. She told us if we get sick of waiting and decide to go then to tell the staff. I could see there was a table vacant ages before she called us in. We then were given a menu and I ordered coffee which took a really long time and people who ordered theirs after me were getting theirs, something wrong with their ordering system. We waited ages to order so I politely put my hand up and she came over but said to wait 2 minutes while she and 2 other waitresses clean a table. Really, I think its more important to get people's orders in first as there is only 2 hours parking around Bondi and I didn't want to spend my whole time there. It only takes 1 person to clean a table! The food and coffee was good but fairly standard breakfast fare. I think the menu looked great for dinner but I don't think I would go back as there is a definite attitude problem with the staff. It is extremely noisy for a small area too.

Apr 03, 2012 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

One word, amazing. I met a friend here for breakfast last weekend and to be honest, I went in with a preconceived perception of a standard Bondi Breakfast, over priced and unmemorable. But it was phenomenal. Putting aside the 20 minute wait to be seated and 30 minute wait for the food, my dish was just divine. Grilled asparagus with poached eggs and a generous serving of prosciutto, sprinkled just slightly with parmesan and this silky smooth, extraordinary truffle oil. Word of mouth rumours compelled me to order the hash browns which were a definite complement beside the borderline orgasmic creation I’d ordered. A must must must for a Bondi Breakfast.

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Aug 09, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Really great unpretentious food Bistro style. Service and vibe unreal. Hidden away and packed out. I'll come here for Breakie next time.

Aug 01, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  8     

Made a booking here aware that we would be seated outside. We were fine with that even though it was cold and raining. Service started ok, but through the night really dwindled away. It just seemed like we got forgetten outside in the cold. Eventually they did have a free table inside but this was not until we received our desserts, we then experienced slightly better service.

Aside from that the food is brilliant and could hardly be faulted. We were all very satisfied with every dish received from entree to dessert. Price is not too bad for the quality of food, overall if the service could have been better we would have left a whole lot happier. I'm sure we would like to give them another go, but just be sure to get an inside table.

Jul 23, 2011 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

I rarely give a 10 for food, but his was something special. This is french bistro food with sparkle, finesse, and heart. If you are looking for pretty food, this is not the place. If you are looking for quality ingredients masterfully treated, this is it.

It's a tight-fitting shopfront and on this Saturday night I found myself practically sitting thigh to thigh with Kate Ritchie. Not a bad start. The close tables, lively waitstaff and happy crowd add to the bistro atmosphere.

I had the special for the night, a 500g rib-eye on the bone. It came charred outside and perfectly pink inside. With the garlic potatoes and a dab of dijon, I was in carnivore heaven. My wife had a handmade pasta that kept her silent for 10 minutes. That is a serious compliment.

Our friends had the lamb rump and the eye fillet, both of which I tasted. I hardly needed to chew the fillet and the lamb has been marked as my order next time I go. A wonderful cabernet, great conversation, and a Tira Mi Su (sic) to finish. It ranks as one of the best meals in a decade.

It's a triumph of passion over pretension. Neil should have a hat for that alone.

Jun 27, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

I had heard about this place before and I was not disappointed. The place is very small and was packed which created a good atmosphere. Service was appropriate and the food was exceptional. A real hidden gem away from the touristic high street of Bondi beach.

Jun 17, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  7      Value  7     

Awesome food. My hubby had the fish pie and I had the lamb. Both amazing!
The wait staff struggled a bit, a few things were forgotten and mixed up, however they were very nice. Was an all round good experience, will be going back for sure.

Mar 27, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  7     

Went here for Breakfast, super tasty! - Tried to order Moroccan Eggs but they had none left. Ordered the Mojo Eggs instead; fresh, flavorsome although not overbearing.

Service was average, we requested extra maple syrup twice and never received it. Was also regularly ignored by various wait staff, despite the average service, I will definitely go back for the great food.

Jan 30, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

It is a lovely space, set back a bit from the bustling crowds on the main street, which is a nice escape. It wasn't a busy morning but I can imagine how it would get on a Saturday or Sunday and it frustrates me how some customers expect so much from staff on these days, often complaining about service etc. If you want to be treated like a king then don't go to good cafes on busy days! I found the service to be excellent. The wait staff were all friendly and attentive, even substituting something for me as it wasn't a busy morning. My meal was absolutely delicious. The eggs cooked to perfection, the romesco sauce slightly spicy and the spinach not cooked to resemble the taste of water. The coffee was delightful, even if it came out a little quick. I left feeling ready for the day. Will definitely be back when I'm in bondi.

Jan 22, 2011