Isabel

Isabel is your non-traditional Japanese izakaya set in the heart of Bondi Beach, drawing inspiration from Japanese ingredients and techniques but set in a contemporary and relaxed Australian setting.

The team behind the Bondi venue is Geraint Coles and Mitchell Slattery of Panama House, Michael Riley (Owner Milkbox Tuckshop, Baja Mexican and hotel manager Park Hyatt Sydney) and Kate McGraw (Lotus Dining Group); together they bring a wealth of industry experience and a fresh innovative offering to the famous beach suburb.

Stepping into Isabel, you’re welcomed by a blend of local timber, brass and marble with subtle touches of Japanese design throughout. Leading the interiors were designed inhouse by Coles and implemented by Oro Design. Rory Unite has tastefully designed and curated the furniture to match Oro’s exceptional design of the bar.

McGraw is responsible for the beverage list and has pushed the boundaries with the offerings.

Kate McGraw

The drinks approach is around clarity of flavour, and an a la carte menu and kaiseki cocktails are also on offer. The menu features one of the largest Japanese whisky collections in Australia and around 40 sakes.

“Isabel Bondi encourages guests to explore a range of different drink offerings that they are not privy to in the east – along with some excellent options from the R&D lab” says Kate McGraw.

On offer we have housemade persimmon and rhubarb wine, fermented and then rested for 18 days. “Fruit wine is something that we will continually be adding to the list, with batches of everything being cellared to be released later in the year.”

On the food front, the menu showcases a range of yakitori with a native Aussie twist.

L103, 180-186 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW W: www.isabelbondi.com OPERATING HOURS: Wednesday-Friday: 4.30pm-12:00am Saturday: 12:00pm-12:00am Sunday: 12.00pm-10:00om

OCEAN

INGREDIENTS: 50ml Limestone Distillate 20ml Foraged sea plant & kelp cordial 1g x Murray River Sea Salt 3 x Generous drops of kelp oil

METHOD: Build

GLASSWARE: RIEDEL Veritas Spirits

Photographer: Wes Nel