By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Sydney’s most famous shoreline is synonymous with bikinis, barefoot walks and balmy evenings tucking into acai bowls. Bondi has delivered a new reason to linger beyond another spoonful of South American-approved superfood.
Henrietta Charcoal Chicken - the ESCA Hospitality Group’s latest opening - is setting up shop just steps from the sand, bringing its signature fire-led Middle Eastern flavours to one of the city’s most beloved beaches.
If you’ve dined at Henrietta in Surry Hills or Parramatta, you’ll know the formula: generous share plates, smoky meat, fresh salads and an atmosphere that’s both lively and welcoming. At Bondi, that same magic gets a relaxed, sun-soaked twist.
"Bondi has always been a natural fit for Henrietta; we’ve just been waiting for the right location,” says co-founder and creative director Ibrahim Moubadder. "The menu is fresh, generous and relaxed, which aligns perfectly with the Bondi lifestyle. We’re excited to bring Henrietta to the beach.”
The menu is overseen by Executive Chef Ibrahim Kasif, who has adapted Henrietta’s classic Middle Eastern repertoire for its coastal setting. Charcoal chicken remains the hero, paired with rich, textured sides like eggplant fatteh dressed in tahini yoghurt and almond butter, halloumi with blistered tomato, confit garlic and wild oregano and a crisp fattoush of tomato, cucumber, crispy bread, sumac and pomegranate.
These are balanced by bright, health-forward dishes created specifically for Bondi, like the kibbeh nayyeh infused with fresh herbs and spices and a mixed shish plate featuring chicken, kofta and lamb skewers.
"We’ve developed a new 24-hour marinade and refined our charcoal techniques to really showcase the flavour of the fire,” Ibrahim says. "It’s about simplicity, done well. Our new and improved salads are vibrant and balanced; they bring freshness to the table and complement the richness of the charcoal. Some may even steal the show.”
With Summer heat lingering and beach days stretching late, these lighter, vibrant dishes feel as welcome as a cool breeze off the ocean.
For those who want to go all-in, the $49 banquet menu brings together the best of Henrietta in a generous spread of hummus, falafel, charcoal chicken and fattoush - perfect for sharing across a sunlit table or an evening under soft, ambient lighting. If your day has been spent on the sand, you’ll want to pace yourself: every plate is generous, flavour-packed and impossible to resist.
Cocktails here are far from afterthoughts. Henrietta Bondi’s beverage list includes playful and inventive twists like the spicy passionfruit Margarita with chilli-infused Orendain Blanco, passionfruit, sumac and lime; a sour cherry Negroni marrying Four Pillars Rare Dry gin with Campari and cherry vermouth; and a lychee Cosmo featuring chamomile-infused Vanishing Point vodka.
There’s also the sumac-spiced Lager of Love for beer lovers, plus a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic options. These drinks match the food in boldness and precision - refreshingly fun without ever tipping into gimmick.
The venue itself reflects Henrietta’s ethos of warmth and generosity. Designed by long-time ESCA collaborator Matt Darwon, it pairs terrazzo floors with blond timber furniture, ambient lighting and an exposed ply beam ceiling, creating a space that is polished yet relaxed. Seating 70 guests, it strikes a balance between casual coastal vibes and slick sophistication.
Whether you’re craving smoky charcoal chicken, bright mezze, or a cocktail that punches with passionfruit and spice, Henrietta Bondi delivers a roster of reasons to linger by the sea and swap a berry-topped smoothie by the salty water for a satisfying bowl of salty fries!
