Bondi has welcomed a taste of Spain and the Basque Country with the opening of Alzado, found upstairs at the forever-pumping Hotel Ravesis. Think: beachfront views, holiday-like vibes, the flavours of Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastián, and golden sunsets – right across from Bondi’s bright blue sea. Oh, and throw in a couple of glasses of chilled vermouth.
The new venue is a joint collab between Hotel Ravesis owner Aya Larkin, Spanish-born executive consultant chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex-Ortiga in Brisbane, ex-Merivale executive chef), and head chef MJ Olguera (former long-time collaborator of chef Luke Mangan), and has been designed with long lunches in mind.
Larkin says: “There’s always been a rhythm between the beach, the Bondi village and its end-of-day sunset dining culture. We wanted Alzado to capture that – creating a space where people can wander up straight from the sand and find themselves staying all afternoon. It’s elevated, yes, but not formal – it’s about a shared table full of great food and ice-cold drinks, and those moments where lunch effortlessly rolls into the evening.”
Made up of snacks and share-style plates, the menu leans coastal, so expect lots of fresh seafood. On the line-up: golden, crisp jamón croquetas; pan con tomate with the option to add jamón Ibérico or a Cantabrian anchovy (do); whole grilled squid brightened with a zesty parsley oil; and a brothy rice topped with mussels, prawns and calamari. Prefer your produce from the land? Go for the lamb belly ribs, paired with caper, lemon and oregano; or go all out and order the 1kg Kidman rib eye with piquillo peppers, fries and condiments.
Sam Christie (of The Apollo, Cho Cho San and Olympus) is behind the summery drinks list, which features a selection of Iberian vino, sherries and vermouths, alongside fun cocktails with savoury notes. Our picks are the Retake (Altos blanco tequila, peppercorn and grapefruit soda) and Led Me 2U (basil-infused Mahon gin, lemon, cucumber and soda). The 1981, made with feta-infused Absolut vodka, charred capsicum, tomato and Tabasco, is another fiery standout.
Coming back from the beach? You know where to head.
Find out more here.
Address: 118 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026