Matt Moran Opens North Bondi Fish

The spot that was home to North Bondi Italian has to be one of Australia's most enticing restaurant venues: million-dollar views, proximity to the waves and a ready-made crowd of surfed-out, ravenous diners. Ever since Robert Marchetti and Maurice Terzini handed over the keys to Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan in late September, locals have had to be content with salivating from afar, wondering what culinary adventures the unstoppable team would take on next.

Today they can finally find out for themselves. And the name pretty much says it all: North Bondi Fish. From here on in, beach-loving foodies will be able to cruise their last wave and, within minutes, be sitting in front of simple, freshly cooked seafood, accompanied by their choice(s) from a Matt Dunne-curated, 20-strong wine list.

The emphasis is on quality produce, transformed into light, accessible, tasty meals and snacks, with fish cooked on an Inka Grill. Several Matt Moran favourites are on the list, including his very own fish fingers; grilled snapper with asparagus, pea shoots and avocado; prawn roll; sweet potato scallops; and yellow-fin tuna ceviche. Dessert? A selection of utterly decadent ice-cream sundaes has that covered.

Non-winos can enjoy some tempting and very drinkable alternatives, including North Bondi Fish specials, the North Bondi Crush (Campari and fresh watermelon in a jar) and the North Bondi Colada (Havana Club, pineapple juice, passionfruit pulp, coconut syrup and fresh lime). The classic gin and tonic is given an array of treatments, and there’s also an ultimate summer tipple, in the way of the Aperol Spritz (Aperol, prosecco, soda and fresh orange).

To suit the coastal location, and the salty, sandy realities of beachside wining and dining, the restaurant has donned a relaxed, casual interior, evocative of what you might find in Mediterranean climes. Communal wooden benches and tables are lit with playful dashes of colour that travel outwards to the verandahs.

In the words of Matt Moran, "North Bondi Fish is for the locals. It's relaxed, it's fun and it's no fuss. It is the kind of place you head to for something good to eat anytime of the day, even while still in your thongs and boardies."

North Bondi Fish is at 120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, from midday till late, with the full menu available all day. Bookings are available on (02) 9130 2155.