The name might suggest prohibition, but their philosophy is bohemian: fabulous red lighting, nude art and intimate space with food to be shared. It looks like the kind of place you’d come for a nightcap, but I recommend you make a night of it. The food is a fusion of tapas and mezze plates; go for the Chicken Liver Pate ($12) with sourdough bread. It’s Moroccan flavour balances well with the sweet and sour onions on the side.
The Mushroom Medley ($11) is soaked in Middle Eastern spices mixed with crunchy pine nuts. I can’t put my finger on the cheese – “Spanish sheep milk cheese” I am informed. The attention to detail is delicately inspired. The Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta ($11) is another level of bruschetta – the tomatoes, capsicum, capers and onions are char-grilled and marinated. With mozzarella imported from Italy, it will transport you to many places in one bite.
The Beef Skewers ($15/2) are tender and also treated to Middle Eastern spices – making them a nice accompaniment to the mushrooms. We mop up the remains of every dish with bread, creating our own medleys; only to find out I should’ve saved room for the Chocolate Brownie ($11) with salted caramel. It’d be a crime not to fit it…
Speakeasy Bar Bondi
83 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach
Ph: (02) 9130 2020