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My Experience Lunching at the Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar in Sydney

An image overlooking the pool area of the Bondi Icebergs restaurant, which looks out onto the vast ocean. Vacationers swim in the pool and tan on chairs.

You might not have heard of Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar until now, but chances are you’ve seen photos of their iconic oceanside swimming pool. And to say they have some of the best dining views in Sydney, would be an understatement!

I decided to dedicate an entire post to Icebergs Dining Room & Bar because it was one of the questions I was asked most when I was home in the US for the holidays. “Have you been to that restaurant in Sydney with the oceanside pool? That looks awesome!” To which I would have to reply…”No, but I’ve walked past it a whole bunch! Does that count?” So, now that I’m back living in Sydney, my goal was to finally check out the famous Icebergs and see if it lived up to the hype.

This post will share my honest experience dining at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar – from the views to the food and prices and dress code. I’m also sharing a less expensive dining option, where you can get nearly the same views, at the end of this post.

A glass of white win rests on a glass table. In the background, there's a pool that overlooks the ocean and a shoreline filled with people enjoying the clear, sunny day.

What Time Should You Visit Icebergs Dining Room & Bar?

After asking around and doing a little research it sounded like Icebergs was a good spot to go for lunch or Sunday morning brunch. They have quite a long list of celebrities who like to lunch here while they’re in town. (Such as Oprah, Beyonce, the Kardashians, etc. I don’t believe there was anyone like that when we were there, though!)

So, I ended up booking a table for a late lunch on a Saturday. This is a busy place on the weekend, and making a reservation to eat here is a good idea. I had really wanted to sit at one of the outdoor tables, which I had mentioned when I booked…but the message was never relayed, and we were seated inside. After talking to the waitstaff, though, we were able to get an outdoor table. Phew!

Planning your visit around watching the sunset from Icebergs is also a great idea – as the sunsets here can be breathtaking!

A table for two at Bondi Icebergs restaurant overlooks the ocean, where you can see people swimming in the waves.
The view from our table.

Anyways! The views were awesome! And so worth the little extra hassle to sit outside. I loved being able to watch the surfers catch some waves while we enjoyed our lunch.

What to Order: The Food at Icebergs

A plate of oysters served on ice with a bowl of sauce from Bondi Iceberg restaurant.

Icebergs is known for its modern Italian cuisine. They also have great oysters. 

Oysters

We started off by ordering a couple of different types of oysters. I personally think oysters are akin to eating a giant booger. And I’ve tried them multiple times in my life and have gagged every time. However, this was the first time I actually thought they tasted pretty darn good! My husband liked them too! (Maybe it was the lemon dressing they came with?)

Main Course: Fish & Pasta

A fillet of white fish served with a small side salad and dressing, served on a white plate.
A plate of spaghetti al nero e granchip - black spaghetti noodles tossed with vegetables and sauce, served on a white plate.

For our main course, I had the fish of the day and my husband had the spaghetti al nero e granchio (ink spaghetti). Both dishes were quite good. But I wouldn’t say it was the most amazing meal I’ve ever tasted in my life, nor do I think it was worth the price. (Our food was nearly $150 for both of us – not including drinks.) However, as far as prices go, it really wasn’t all that much more expensive than any other fine-dining restaurant in Sydney. (Sydney dining = stupid expensive & generally mediocre service at best, FYI. So, I usually don’t think the price is worth it when I dine out in Sydney.)

How is the Service at Bondi Icebergs Restaurant?

Our waitress was very nice and accommodating, though. She was patient and helpful with my husband and me as we both struggled to make decisions on our food and drinks and where we wanted to sit. (Decent service is also not the norm in Sydney – FYI. So, this was a nice change of pace!) Overall, it was a really nice afternoon!

Dress Code for Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

There isn’t exactly a dress code at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar. However, I would say this is a “smart casual” type of place. Their website does suggest to wear “clean and tidy clothing and shoes are a must” but “no slippers, Uggs or dirty flip flops.” I don’t believe they would refuse you service if you weren’t wearing the right attire, but you might stick out a bit if you aren’t wearing a smart-casual type of outfit. 

Dress Code for Men

Wearing a nice shirt and pants is fine for guys. My husband wore a comfy, pressed button-up shirt with comfortable Chino shorts. (If you’re going at dinnertime, though, I would opt for dressier Chino pants like these.) He also wore a comfy pair of boat shoes, and that was more than adequate for shoes for men.  

A man wearing a light blue short sleeved collard shirt and sunglasses is seated at a dining table, overlooking Bondi beach at Icebergs in Sydney.
My husband – and the incredible view – at Icebergs in Sydney

Dress Code for Women 

Most women were wearing cute sundresses or nice blouses paired with skirts. I opted for a sleeveless blouse and striped skirt and paired it with black flats. For lunchtime, I was almost overdressed. (A more casual sundress and wedges probably would have sufficed, but I’m never one to underdress for an outing!) 

Check out my full outfit post from Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

A woman with short brown hair, wearing sunglasses and a pink top, enjoys a glass of white wine at an outdoor restaurant table, overlooking the ocean and clear blue skies.

Should You Eat at Icebergs on Your Sydney Trip?

So, the moral of this story is, Icebergs had absolutely incredible views, a nice waitstaff, a relaxed lunchtime atmosphere…and was quite expensive, with food that was pretty good (but not out of this world amazing). The views are really what make this restaurant, though, in my opinion. And if you’re visiting Sydney on vacation, it is worth making a reservation to dine here – whether it be for a glamorous lunch or a romantic sunset dinner!

Make reservations, check out the menu, and browse images on the Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar website!

Visitors swim in a large pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Bondi beach in Sydney, Australia.
The infamous swimming pool at Bondi Icebergs is visible from the dining room and overlooks the Pacific Ocean!

How to Get a View of the Bondi Swimming Pool at Icebergs

But with that being said, you don’t have to eat at Icebergs to get some good views. You could go for a swim in the infamous oceanside pool, which will only cost you $6.50 to enter. (I’m a terrible swimmer, though.)

Or you could grab a burger or fish & chips at the Bondi Icebergs Club for a casual dining experience (this is located below Icebergs’ dining room and is a seat-yourself, cafeteria-style place). I’m really glad we finally had the Icebergs experience, but if I were to do it again, I would be more interested in checking out the Icebergs Club and just getting a sandwich and beer. 

The modern exterior of Bondi Icebergs dining room and bar overlooks the Pacific Ocean at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Looking for accommodations near Bondi Icebergs in Sydney? Browse a full list of accommodation options near Icebergs and the famous Bondi Beach!

Had you heard of Icebergs before this post? And would you prefer to dine at the restaurant or take a dip in the pool? Let me know in the comments!

If you like this post, it is now available as a self-guided walking tour via GPSmyCITY. Download it now from GPS My City!

A wine class sits on the corner of a table, overlooking Bondi beach. Text across the image reads, :Lunching at the iconic restaurant Bondi Icebergs"
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A wine glass on a table, with a view of Bondi Beach in Sydney in the background. White text on the image says, "My experience lunching at the iconic Bondi Icebergs dining room & bar"
A view of the famous Bondi Icebergs dining room & bar's pool and view overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Text across the image says, "Sydney Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar lunch experience in Sydney, Australia"

18 Comments

  1. FASHION TALES says:

    I am am fan of the outdoors and dining al fresco! Really oved this post. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely have to check this place put in the future. xx/Madison
    http://fashiontalesblog.com

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Aw, thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂

  2. This place is perfect! I adore seaside, swimming pools and good food! These three things together are fantastic option for free day!
    Beautiful pictures!

    Have a nice weekend, dear!:)

    jointyicroissanty

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you so much! Hope you have a great weekend too! 🙂

  3. Trendy fashion (@TrendyFashion92) says:

    Hi Lindsay, so nice to know that you had a terrific time at time amazing restaurant by the sea. You look fab in your pink top and pearl necklace, so nice to see you both, relaxed and happy

    xxx
    chloe
    http://newstyleinfashion.blogspot.co.uk

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Aw, thank you so much, Chloe! 🙂

  4. sapna bansal says:

    wow..Iceberg restaurants..loved your post and pics..In India we have many themed restaurants but this one is really huge and a new concept.

    By the way have you ever been to India??

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you so much! And oh yes, I spent a few weeks in India. Beautiful country! 🙂

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you! 🙂

  5. Amanda Brezovsky says:

    The icebergs looks like he most dreamy magical place to eat!! I want to go there so bad. I never had heard of it until your post actually. That pool looks amazing though. I could just imagine sitting outside dining like you did. So relaxing. Haha, I love oysters! My dad feels the same way you do about them. Lemon and cocktail sauce make a big difference!

    enchantingelegance.net

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you, Amanda! I hope you get to visit one day! Haha! Glad your dad agrees with me on this. 😉 But I did really enjoy these oysters!

  6. I looved this post. dear Lindsey, and I will wait for Cairns next week 🙂 Loved the concept of Icebergs and how cool that you got a table outside! I think that having brunch and watching the surfers and that inviting swimming pool, that is great! Not so expensive to go to the pool, and good that you found the price of Icebergs just like any other restaurant in Sydney. Mmm, that can be a topic for a post – service in Sydney. I would have what to say about San Diego, so I would be interested to know about Sydney too… but just saying, no pressure! You look so beautiful, lived the necklace! Hope you have a great day! Hugs!
    DenisesPlanet.com

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Aw, thank you, Denise! So glad you enjoyed the post! And oh gosh, I do plan to do a post on it…but I think I might wait until after I’ve left Sydney to do it. Haha. We’ll see. I have much to say on the topic. 😉 Hugs to you as well!

  7. robjodiefilogomo says:

    What an interesting concept!!
    My husband & I love trying out restaurants when we go visit anyplace, so this would definitely be a must do if we ever make it to Sydney!!
    Thanks for being so honest about the food, too! i think it’s always nice to hear the real story!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Oooh I hope you get to visit! And thank you, Jodie! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this! 🙂

  8. Laurie Duncan says:

    It does look like a beautiful spot! I hope you get to go back and try out the club because that view is really worth it!

    1. haveclotheswilltravel says:

      Thank you so much, Laurie! That view is something! We’ll have to go back and do a little review on the club and compare the two! 🙂

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