Your Guide To A Bondi Summer

Eat … The BLT or the chicken salad at The Shop & Wine Bar (Curlewis St), the Number 7 at La Piadina on Glenayre St – #notabloodypizza with pancetta, provolone, baby spinach and balsamic glaze. After dark, head for some lo-fi Italian at Gelbisons on Lamrock Ave – the decor hasn’t changed since forever and you’ll want to order the special garlic bread and the Calebrase with an extra side of parmesan. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, try the new Merivale effort – Totti’s – on Bondi Road.

If you’re in the mood for Japanese, RAW bar is a must, be sure to get the eggplant. Also for your list: Elva (The ragu! Amazing! The cheese! We dream of it!) and Ode. Local’s favourite Porch & Parlour re-opens in early January. The moral? You won’t go hungry?

Drink … Natural wine. There’s plenty of it. And even more happy hours. The Shop & Wine Bar do $6 delicious wines and beers from 3 - 6pm, or hit The Pacific Club on Campbell Parade for their $10 cocktails (go the negroni) from 4 - 6pm, Monday - Friday. A summer favourite too is the Icebergs Terrace bar – a small patch of astroturf overlooking the bay for the Number 8 cocktail. Great for big groups is the RSL – south or north, it’s your choice. If you live close enough, be sure to join for members-priced drinks.

Get wet … Off the rocks at North Bondi when the tide is right, across the bay, or anywhere along the beach. If you like a little sauna with your swim, head to Icebergs and take in the bay for an easy $6.50. When you’re here, be sure to try the pastrami sandwich at the Crabbe Hole. Make camp for the day and enjoy a coconut or four.