Now Open: Zama Is Bondi's Fiery New Argentinian Restaurant Specialising in Charcoal-Grilled Dishes

As if Bondi Road wasn't already a hub for top-notch eats (see: Totti's, Carbon, The Corner House, Mikey's), the bustling eastern suburbs street has just welcomed an exciting new Argentinian restaurant. Zama is now open on the same corner as The Corner House and Totti's, wafting the distinct smell of a fiery charcoal grill out onto the main road.

"Bondi Road is the only location I considered for Zama," says co-owner Duncan Fredrich. "Over the past few years, so many acclaimed names within the Sydney hospitality scene have popped up along the strip — I'm honoured to be part of it."

Zama is the passion project of hospo newcomers Friedrich and his partner David Holder, alongside Head Chef Fredrick Bernard. Bernard brings experience from two of the city's best steakhouses to the restaurant, having previously worked across Porteno and Woodcut. Together, the trio has crafted a menu that showcases the kitchen's centrepiece: a custom-built parrilla grill.

"Everything is cooked with Argentinian charcoal on the parrilla, giving our grilled dishes a unique, smokey flavour," says Bernard.

Highlights emerging from the grill include whole baby snapper, chorizo, grilled peppers with a sherry vinaigrette, butternut pumpkin served with stracciatella and brown butter, and a couple of top-notch steaks topped with chimichurri. But, before you get to the mains, make sure to start your meal with a couple of traditional Argentinian empanadas.

Australian and Argentinian wines lead the way on the drinks list, as well as a few carefully curated cocktails. Cheers to the meal with a spicy margarita as you tuck into your empanadas, before turning your attention to a full-bodied red to pair with your wagyu sirloin.

The fitout has been kept relatively simple, drawing on the beachside cocktail bars of Tulum to bring the intimate space to life with rattan lighting, bamboo roofing and plenty of greenery.

Zama is now open at 273 Bondi Road, Bondi, operating Tuesday–Saturday 5pm–late.