Hidden in the quiet back streets of North Bondi is a new local secret: Shuk Bondi is a bakery, deli and café that even opens for dinner on the weekends.
Once a mixed business corner store of over 40 years’ trading, this backstreet Bondi art deco cornerstone is now an Israeli market place and eatery.
For my visit to Shuk, I left my fave Surry Hills neighbourhood to play tourist in North Bondi with Lipstick & Cake and Ms Critique, all of us intrigued by this exotic addition to Sydney’s most famous coastal suburb.
Shuk takes its name from the Hebrew word for the incredible Israeli open-air markets selling fresh food and baked goods, which also act as hubs for local communities.
This mini marketplace is popular both with Bondi locals and tourists. With plenty of sheltered streetside seating, it’s perfect for a catch-up coffee or a meal. And for people-watching of course!
Every morning Shuk bakes fresh rolls and sweets, with the most popular dish being the Shakshuka – eggs poached in tomato sauce with capsicum.
We asked to try some of co-owner Yoni Kalfus’ favourite dishes and none of them disappointed. The fresh Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours flow through the menu.
It’s the kind of menu I have trouble deciding what to order so I was glad to leave it up to Yoni.
Our tasting spread consisted of:
- Hummus plate
- Hummus and Lamb platter
- Soup of the day – cauliflower and leek
- Prime beef skewer – with smoky eggplant and potato puree, tahini and
- Israeli salad and pita bread
We also got to try one of the dinner specials – the roast chicken marinated in Mediterranean spices with burghul pilaf and labne. Delicious!
Not that we had room, but we tried the Kenafeh – spun kataifi pastry with ricotta, dates, sultanas, pistachio and an orange blossom glaze.
The highlight dish really was the dessert, which was delicate, crumbly and sweet, with that slightly sour balance from the ricotta.
I’ll be heading back to Shuk to try the Shakshuka. I’ve also heard the beghrir pancakes and pastries, fresh from the bakery, are not to be missed.
Shuk – café, bakery, deli
Unlike busy Bondi Beach, parking is easy and the 389 bus stops right out front.
Open:
Mon to Thurs: 6am–5pm
Fri & Sat: 6am –10pm
Sun: 7am–5pm
Shuk
2 Mitchell Street
North Bondi
2026
Instagram: @shukbondi
Do you travel for a good breakfast? What’s your local secret spot? Tell us in the comments!
George
Amazing pics! I live not far from here so need to check it out, yum! x
Mr Romance
It does look good, doesn’t, George?! Mrs Romance chose not to invite me along to this one – I’m hoping it was tactical move so that she can go back there together legitimately without her looking greedy!
Jx
Steph @ Lipstick & Cake
I can’t wait to go back, let me know when you go! Bring on the Shakshuka!
Mr Romance
That’s a deal, Steph! Perhaps we could do a shakshuka challenge: how many shakshukas can you eat in an hour!
Jx
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[…] Mrs Romance’s review of Shuk Bondi is up on site today. It’s an Israeli cafe, bakery and marketplace. This hummus dish looks amazing – I can’t wait to go there and eat all the food! Anyway, here’s Mrs Romance’s review of Shuk. […]
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