Overview
It's going to be a spicy summer in Bondi this year with the arrival of one of the country's most beloved hot chicken chains. Belles Hot Chicken has built a passionate fanbase — and landed on our favourite Sydney fried chicken spots — through its Circular Quay, Glebe and Barangaroo eateries in Sydney, alongside multiple Melbourne venues. Now, it's heading east with an inaugural Bondi outpost set to open on Hall Street in October.
The Belles team is transforming the former site of Fonda into a 70s-inspired American-style diner serving up all of the Belles hits. While the menu hasn't been locked in yet, it's safe to expect plenty of fried chook available in the signature spice levels ranging from Original to Really F**kin Hot — plus chicken sandwiches, next-level sides and top-notch bevs.
The drinks selection is always a highlight at Belles, with playful cocktails, top-shelf spirits, a refreshing house lager, natty wines and boozy slushies all mainstays across the Melbourne and Sydney locations. If the pairing of spicy fried chicken sandwiches and spiked whisky slushies at the beach on a hot summer's day sounds like an absolute match made in heaven, you are not alone.
"After opening the doors to our CBD flagship at Circular Quay, we pounced at the opportunity to transform Fonda's iconic location to our new home," says Managing Director Joss Jenner-Leuthart. "Belles is a place to kick back, dig in, get messy or just chill — and Bondi Beach always felt like a natural fit."
The now-closed Fonda Bondi
Belles will be the latest edition to the vibrant culinary precinct that is Hall Street, joining the likes of Da Orazio, bills and the recently-revamped China Diner, as well as nearby favourites like the Bondi outpost of Chaco Ramen and sunny brewery-bar Curly Lewis.
Belles Circular Quay, Dexter Kim
Belles Hot Chicken Bondi will open in October at 85 Hall Street, Bondi Beach.