Around Bondi

Ahhh Bondi – once an outpost for the vain and backpacking, now one of Sydney's most exciting emerging food and drink hubs. Suddenly, there's a reason for the bus-train-bus trip east to the beach.

We're loving the transformed Gould, Hall and Curlewis streets, with their nook-y cafés for coffee and their relaxed, comfortable bars for a tipple. And does beachside dining get any better than a drink at Icebergs or theDa Orazio? Or a piece of fresh fish at Matt Moran's North Bondi Fish? (The answer is a no, if you were wondering). Sean Moran is still serving his tasty guilt-free plates at Sean's Panaroma if you want it fresh and local; Darlo favourite A Tavola is making pasta here now; and Neighbourhood is one of the cosiest neighbourhood bars in town.

Even the junction – long infamous for thick and tasteless ham and cheese sandwiches and some of Sydney's ugliest concrete blocks – is lifting its game. Admit it, you too love a bit of a guilty designer shopping spree in the mother of all Westfields.