Bondi Cafe, Minami Azabu

While there is no shortage of great places to eat around Hiroo, when I am on the go with kids and a stroller, many are inaccessible or unaccommodating. But on a backstreet behind Hiroo Station, there is a place where I can exhale, Bondi Cafe. Inspired by Bondi Beach of Sydney, Australia, this surf-themed café will have you dreaming of sand between your toes. Cozily decorated with large wooden tables and sofas covered in Mexican blankets, with surf videos and sweet tunes like Jack Johnson playing in the background, Bondi will make you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while.

The casual atmosphere at Bondi makes it an easy choice when you’re with your little ones or furry friends. With gracious and accommodating staff members—some who are surfers themselves—you’ll think for a moment that you’ve stumbled into a beach hut cafe.

On a weekday you can sometimes get seated without a reservation, but on a weekend it is definitely required. The price per dish veers slightly from the beach-bum vibe, averaging ¥1,300 for a main dish and ¥700 for a specialty drink.

Bondi has a takeout drink menu available at the bar, which is fully stocked with libations and delicious lattes. Over many visits, I have developed an addiction to the matcha green tea latte. This latte is made with high-grade matcha powder and milk served with “kuromitsu” which means, “black honey”.

On this visit, I paired my green tea latte with the whole wheat French toast. The toast comes baked in maple syrup, garnished with fresh whipped cream, and can be topped with seasonal fruit compote. This month was rhubarb, and it was divinely drizzled over top.

The lunch menu at Bondi runs the gamut from Japanese influenced dishes to Hawaiian style spam sandwiches. My husband had the spam and poached egg sandwich which he happily declared the “man’s meal” on the menu. I had the big potato cut fries served with a sweet chili and cream dipping sauce.  The fries arrive hot and dusted with parsley.  The portion size is small enough so that you do not spoil your main dish.

Next I had the Bondi salad, which is a popular item among my girlfriends. Guilt-free fresh greens, low in calories, and you can design your own toppings and choose a dressing. The chili sesame dressing is hands-down my favorite: a rich toasted sesame flavor with enough zing to put pep in your step.  The lotus and burdock chips are a very popular topping choice, adding a delicious crunch.

Whether you’re looking for a place to casually catch up with friends or in need of an easygoing meal with kids or pets, Bondi Cafe will surely satisfy. Surf’s up!

The Deets

Address: 5-15-9 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-5422-9449

Open: Daily, 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Reservations recommended.

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