Bondi is already a hub for top-notch cuppas and smashed avo, but that hasn't stopped the Sydney suburb from scoring another beachside breakfast haunt. This time, the new venue comes in the form of a second outpost for North Sydney's Glory Days located within the recently revamped Bondi Pavilion.
North of the bridge, the original Glory Days offers North Shore workers Mecca coffee, Cali Press juices and on-the-go brekkie items. Here in the east, the chain's new beachside spot has rolled out an expanded menu designed for both a quick takeaway bite or a relaxed long lunch.
"When the spot at the Pav came up, my mind instantly went to Venice beach in Los Angeles, and the amazing food culture and community around the neighbourhood with loved places like Gjelina," says Glory Days Bondi founder Aaron Crinis.
Boasting a sleek white and wood-panelled interior that plays off Bondi Pavilion's pristine redesign, as well as sweeping water views, the dining areas here bring together European touches — another influence for Crinis — with hallmarks of Australian cafe culture. Adding to the summer vacation feel are the red travertine bar and Australian photographer Adrian Mesko's images of Euro beach culture.
Damien Hyde (Cafe Sydney, Watsons Bay Hotel) heads up the kitchen, pulling together a lineup of cafe favourites. Before midday, there's a seasonal fruit plate, acai bowls, dutch pancakes and the Glory Days big brekkie. All-day breakfast extends to banana bread, avo toast (of course), a hearty burrito, and a rosemary, potato and mushroom omelette.
Once lunchtime hits, the eats extend past your expected fare. Settle in with oysters, kingfish ceviche and a soba noodle salad topped with whipped tofu, soy-pickled cucumber, avocado, edamame and a soy and ginger dressing.
More sizeable lunch options include the steak sandwich, which loads up sourdough bread with black angus rump, beetroot, onions and lettuce; or the prawn linguine, as brought to life with chilli, parsley and pangrattato.
As you order, take note of the staff's uniforms. The specially designed gear was created by beloved local brand Double Rainbouu and is available for purchase if you're after a Glory Days cap, silk shirt or beach robe.
The cafe is open seven days a week for walk-ins only. If you can hear music on approach, you might be in luck, with the team promising DJs and events on the terrace and in the upstairs bar going forward.
Glory Days Bondi is located at Bondi Pavilion, Shop 3, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach — open 6am–5pm Monday–Sunday.