The Rum Diaries

Making a big splash in Bondi since 2008, The Rum Diaries has undergone a facelift in recent times – handsome scars left alone – to offer more piratical atmosphere than ever before and a whole new treasure trove of fine food and drinks. Regulars to this Bondi Road hideout won’t be disappointed, with the same deft touch applied to the heavily rum-centric cocktail list, and a food menu that’s indebted to Australia’s globetrotting culinary heritage, poaching Mediterranean, Asian, and trans-Pacific influences. Whether you’re getting on board for just drinks or a longer voyage through modern Australian cuisine, reserve a date with Sydney’s The Rum Diaries and you won’t be disappointed.

The capacious hold of The Rum Diaries’ kitchen down Bondi Road is packed with sharply executed modern Australian dishes that are as eclectic as you like – small snacky starters like the bulghur wheat arancini with carrot hummus for dipping, light and hearty maritime delights ilke the kingfish ceviche with grapefruit mojito gel and crisp white radish that shout land ho! over the ocean to Peruvian cuisine, or winter warmers such as the slow-roasted lamb with tomato tarte tatin, zucchini ribbons and black olive oil to help you ride out a stormy night with a satisified arrgh. Strap on some of Sydney’s best cocktails or simpler liquid fare and you’re set for a culinary adventure.

As the name suggests, The Rum Diaries gets the nod from any sugar-caned fanatic of the Caribbean spirit – Hunter S. Thompson would certainly tip his hat in approval. Classics like the Cuba libre (with a spherical ice cube no less!) dot the drinks list, while signatures like the Hemingway Special is, incredibly, a finely balanced concoction that’ll spin your compass far from magnetic north. The ‘New Diairies’ promises to lay far more of its libatory cards out on deck but you can expect this Bondi bandit to always cleave close to excellence, esotericism, and not a little sense of humour. Book a table or some elbow space, and don’t forget the new ‘Hemmingway’ private room if you’re planning a larger conspiracy at one of Sydney’s most feared and beloved restaurants slash bars.