Bondi Harvest brings Aussie flavor, atmosphere to Los Angeles

The+Caveman+Bowl+sits+on+a+table.+The+gluten-free+dish+consists+of+turmeric+quinoa%2C+bacon%2C+fried+egg%2C+cauliflower+rice%2C+kale+and+homemade+hummus.+Many+of+the+menu+items+from+Bondi+Harvest+include+seasonal+and+locally-sourced+ingredients.+

Photo credit: Alexandra Chang

The “Caveman Bowl” sits on a table. The gluten-free dish consists of turmeric quinoa, bacon, fried egg, cauliflower rice, kale and homemade hummus. Many of the menu items from Bondi Harvest include seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.

Do you enjoy eating delicious food or have you always wanted to visit Australia? Well now you can — at the restaurant, Bondi Harvest, an Aussie-inspired cafe that serves healthy salads, sandwiches, desserts, smoothies and juices.

The eatery was established in 2016 by chef Guy Turland and designer Mark Alston, who are most well-known for their successful Youtube channel that focuses on easy, simple and sustainable recipes. The restaurant hails from none other than Bondi Beach itself, a fun and touristy area of Sydney which is somewhat similar to Santa Monica.

The atmosphere of the eatery is beachy and relaxed, making customers feel as if they’re truly in Australia. The rustic interior design includes surfboards, bohemian throw pillows and scenic photographs. There is also abundant outdoor seating, which includes community tables.

While dining at Bondi Harvest, I met a very friendly woman with a dog named Eliza who apparently has a massive Instagram following. You never know who you’ll come across here, whether it’s Instagram-famous dogs or hipsters with eco-friendly cars.

Bondi Harvest’s menu looks slightly similar to those of Urth Caffe or Cafe Gratitude and is filled with everything from Kombucha smoothies to organic quinoa bowls. Although the food options may seem slightly intimidating to someone who loves to eat meat, I can assure you that’s not the case — their fried egg sandwich is fantastic and even includes bacon. Yes, you heard that right. Bacon! 

Bondi Harvest’s menu changes multiple times throughout the year and revolves around seasonal ingredients, all of which are sourced locally. A must-order is their sweet halloumi tartine, which is topped with sweet wild flower honey, avocado, lemon, pistachio dukkah and of course grilled halloumi cheese. 

If you’re also craving something sweet, their mango smoothie is perfection — it consists of frozen mango, turmeric, cinnamon and coconut cream. Bondi Harvest also serves a wide range of coffee, and their iced chai latte is excellent. 

The service at the restaurant is remarkably fast, especially given the large amount of customers and somewhat limited serving staff. However, Bondi Harvest can attract large crowds for brunch on weekends, so be sure to arrive on the earlier side if you want to find an open seat quickly. 

Bondi Harvest is open every day between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., and if your stomach is already growling after reading this article, a Bondi Harvest cookbook is also available online.

The restaurant can be found at 1814 Berkeley Street in Santa Monica. Just a warning — Bondi Harvest is slightly challenging to locate, as it is tucked away behind several warehouses and businesses in an industrial area, but it is definitely worth it when you arrive. 

To see more images of the restaurant, food served and surrounding area, click on the photo gallery below.

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  • The “Fried Egg Sandwich” costs $10 and includes delicious siracha aioli and aged parmesan.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • The restaurant’s sign can be seen from the side of the building. Bondi Harvest has both indoor and outdoor seating.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • Bondi Harvest’s iced chai latte goes well with any of their menu items.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • The interior of Bondi Harvest includes surfboards and other beachy decorations.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • A must-order from Bondi Harvest is their incredible halloumi tartine. It’s essentially a more delicious and updated version of the typical avocado toast.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • The exterior of Bondi Harvest includes an alley with wooden lunch tables and twinkle lights.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • The line at Bondi Harvest around 11:30am on a Sunday. Be sure to get here early if you want to find an open table quickly.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
  • Pictured is Bondi Harvest’s parking lot on Berkeley Street. Finding an open spot is a difficult task, so it is easiest to park on the street.

    Photo credit: Alexandra Chang
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  • Service
  • Quality of Food
  • Ambiance
  • Diversity of Menu Options
4.8

Summary

Bondi Harvest initially opened in 2016, and the restaurant’s original location is Bondi Beach itself. The eatery has lots of healthy, vegan and vegetarian options.