Brown Sugar, Bondi Beach – Rating: 21.5/25

Brown Sugar

With winter finally loosening its grip on our city, you may have noticed a change in the cafés I review. I’m going to aim for ones with outdoor seating, seaside outlooks or parks nearby.

With that said, if you set your sights on Bondi Beach this summer, I’ve found a place for you! Recommended by a friend, Brown Sugar is a very short stroll from the beach. While there is lots of chargeable parking in the area, you’ll also find plenty of free zones as well.

Arrive at 10am or prior and your wait for a table shouldn’t be too long but after that the crowds do start to form. Drinks can be had while waiting though and I noticed some people enjoying their beverages from carved coconuts!

Orange and pineapple juice

There is a large choice of freshly squeezed juice ($6) to choose from including orange, apple, pineapple, pear, mint, carrot, watermelon, celery, beetroot, lemon and ginger. Pear is a worthy addition to the juice list and something we don’t often see during our reviews.

There are a few sets of unique drinks such as virgin/bloody Mary ($7/$12) and banana lassi ($5.50). One of these sets was the homemade soft drinks ($5). Lemonade, passionfruit soda or ginger beer – it’s so nice to visit cafés that add something different to the mix.

Frappe of the day (pineapple and mint)

I ordered the frappe of the day ($5.50) without inquiring what it was. A refreshing glass of pineapple & mint with lots of crushed ice was presented. It tasted great and was perfect for the sunny day.

Coffee is a bargain at $3.30 (large $4) and, according to those near our table, worth every cent. ‘Special’ coffees include the latte freddo (espresso with cold milk and ice, $4) and the mini affogato ($5).

Asparagus and parmesan eggs

With so many delicious-sounding dishes on the menu, choosing was very difficult. My guest added a side of bacon ($3.30) to her asparagus and parmesan eggs ($16). The eggs retained a slightly runny yolk and a flavour boost thanks to the parmesan and chives. Truffle oil drizzled over the asparagus is something I hadn’t tried before but it definitely works! The side included lots of very crisp bacon.

Moroccan eggs

A quick search of SoS for “baked eggs” shows that we have had our fair share of this dish around Sydney! Uliveto and fouratefive both have fantastic renditions and now I have to add Brown Sugar’s Moroccan eggs ($15) to the list. Add chorizo or goats cheese for $2 each. However I would suggest being greedy like I was and getting both – the combination was insanely good! The rich tomato base was full of flavour, the chorizo was plentiful, the cheese was smooth and the toast with za’atar just topped it all off. Beautifully presented too.

There are other delights on the breakfast menu: free range eggs poached or scrambled with roasted tomatoes ($10.50) and a huge selection of sides, breakfast platter (eggs, za’atar toast, labne, olives, salsa, lemon, avocado, pesto and hash browns, $20), scrambled tofu with rocket, field mushrooms, avocado and balsamic ($15) and the vegie black stone (English muffin with mushrooms, tomatoes, poached eggs and hash browns, $15).

I would return to Brown Sugar in a flash thanks to the friendly staff and dishes that they prepare with care. I’ll have my work cut out for me though because the dinner menu is written on one of the interior walls and a quick read of it was enough for me to decide that an evening visit is definitely on the cards as well.

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