Paradise Road Diner, North Bondi

Paradise Road Diner is a contemporary interpretation of a 1950s eatery bringing American diner-style breakfast, lunch and dinner to the North Bondi hood.

How it all started

David Owens was managing Iceberg’s and Gaudi Diaz was owner of Italian at the Pacific in Byron Bay. The long-time friends got to talking over bottles of red one night, and the idea to collaborate came to fruition. After finding the North Bondi venue, they were adamant about building something that would appeal to the local community, something that would get people back here more than once a week. And that’s exactly what 1950s American diners achieved. They’re family-friendly eateries – having them around meant that you didn’t have to cook at home.

A modern American diner

The concept here is 50s American diner. But instead of kitsch it’s class, and instead of dingy it’s modern chic. Twofold Designs brought the colour palette and design concept to life, but detailing was up to Dave and Gaudi. There’s no checkered floor to be seen, and there’s none of those gaudy colours attacking you when you step through the door. Instead, subtle teal hues are washed throughout the space and are (perhaps inadvertently) a nod to the aqua waters of Bondi Beach.

The diner food

Head Chef Dan cooks up a storm with a series of burgers, subs, 8-hour braised brisket and butchers selections for lunch and dinner. Diner classics like chicken & waffles aren’t forgotten. For the early risers, breakfast is a casual affair with bagels, hash, or omelettes. Wash it all down with a Dr Pepper or a root beer float, and you’re set. The drinks are decidedly diner-inspired with sodas, floats and shakes on offer.

Burgers & hoagies

The Cowboy is stacked high and proud. It’s a flavoursome and textural beef burger with fried onion rings, Black Forest bacon, house-made barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and tomato relish on Brasserie Bread milk bun. When we spoke to Dan about where the kick of chilli came from in the burger, he reveals it’s in the tomato relish. And then he gives us a rundown of how you can neutralise the spice with sugar.

A bit different from a regular burger, the East Bank Hoagie is a compilation of diced pork with a Coca-Cola glaze, Asian slaw and sriracha mayo on Brasserie Bread hot dog roll. Finish your meal with one of Brasserie Bread’s cakes or go to town on a Paradise Sundae.

The name of the diner

‘Paradise Road’ was inspired by a Jack Kerouac book. Of course it was a no-brainer that the word diner had to be incorporated, so Paradise Road Diner was the result. And with such close proximity to Bondi Beach, the semblance of paradise rings true in every way possible.

Paradise Road Diner
296 Campbell Parade, North Bondi, NSW
Open seven days 7am-10pm