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The latest name in Australian expat dining is Bondi Harvest Cafe, now open in Santa Monica. The casual ocean-inspired eatery sits well back from the water, right off Olympic between Bundy and Cloverfield in an industrial stretch full of studio spaces and startups.
The name is a nod to Sydney’s most famous stretch of sand, Bondi Beach, which itself is home to a strong breakfast cafe culture in the surrounding neighborhood there. Bondi Harvest is seeking to recreate much of that vibe, doing everything from eggs on toast to breakfast bowls and the ubiquitous breakfast burrito. There are lunch bowls to boot, a couple of sandwiches on offer, and — this being Santa Monica — a variety of espresso drinks and green smoothies available.
The space itself is full of sun and skate accoutrement, draped in light blue tones and worn wood. There are open shelves galore, picnic tables for communal dining, and a generally rustic surf shack vibe. There’s even plenty of alleyway dining off to one side, occupying the walkway up to the Tastemade studios there.
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Owners Mark Alston and Guy Turland are just the latest Aussies to make the move to Los Angeles, joining everyone from Paramount Coffee Project on Fairfax to Louis Tikaram’s E.P. & L.P. on La Cienega. In each case, they’re bringing a version of that country’s laid-back dining vibe and casual infusion of Southeast Asian flavors to the table. The full menu for the restaurant is below.
Bondi Harvest quietly arrived a few weeks ago, keeping breakfast and lunch hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays only.
