Bondi has a new reason to line up, and yes, it involves charcoal, fire and very good chicken.
Henrietta, the much-loved charcoal chicken concept from ESCA Hospitality Group, has officially opened in Bondi, bringing its signature Middle Eastern flavours to one of Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods. If you’ve already eaten your way through the Surry Hills or Parramatta venues, you’ll be pleased to know this one delivers everything you love, with a few coastal tweaks made just for Bondi.
“Bondi has always been a natural fit for Henrietta,” says ESCA Group co-founder and creative director Ibrahim Moubadder. “The menu is fresh, generous and relaxed, which aligns perfectly with the Bondi lifestyle.”
And honestly, it really does.
Fire-Led Cooking, Done Simply and Well
At the heart of Henrietta Bondi is the same fire-led approach the brand is known for, led by executive chef Ibrahim Kasif. The charcoal chicken remains the hero, now elevated by a new 24-hour marinade and refined charcoal techniques that let the fire do most of the talking.
“It’s about simplicity, done well,” Kasif explains. And that philosophy carries through the entire menu.
Alongside the chicken, you’ll find Henrietta staples that regulars swear by:
– Eggplant fatteh with tahini yoghurt and almond butter
– Halloumi with blistered tomato, confit garlic and wild oregano
– Fattoush with tomato, cucumber, crispy bread, sumac and pomegranate
There’s also a noticeable emphasis on freshness, with new, lighter salads designed to balance the richness of the charcoal. Some of them genuinely steal the show.
What’s New on the Menu
Bondi diners are also getting a few new additions, including:
– Kibbeh nayyeh with herbs and spices
– A mixed shish plate with chicken, kofta and lamb skewers
If decision-making isn’t your strong suit, the $49 banquet is a solid move, offering a generous spread of Henrietta favourites including hummus, falafel, charcoal chicken and fattoush.
Dine-in, takeaway and delivery are all covered, making it just as suitable for a beachside dinner as it is for a casual night at home.
Cocktails Worth Staying For
The drinks list more than holds its own, with a mix of wine, beer and playful cocktails that lean into Henrietta’s bold flavour profile.
Standouts include:
– A spicy passionfruit margarita with chilli-infused tequila and sumac
– A sour cherry negroni made with Four Pillars Rare Dry gin
– A lychee cosmo with chamomile vodka, vanilla and lemon
There’s also Henrietta’s signature “Lager of Love”, spiced with sumac, plus a considered selection of non-alcoholic options.
A Space That Feels Right at Home in Bondi
Designed by long-time ESCA collaborator Matt Darwon, the space feels warm, polished and unfussy. Terrazzo floors, blonde timber furniture, ambient lighting and an exposed ply beam ceiling create a relaxed atmosphere that suits both casual drop-ins and longer dinners.
With seating for 70 guests, it’s intimate enough to feel buzzy without being overwhelming.
The Verdict
Henrietta Bondi feels like a natural evolution for the brand. It’s confident, generous and perfectly in tune with the Bondi way of life. Whether you’re grabbing a quick feed after the beach, booking a group dinner, or ordering in something that actually tastes like it was cooked with care, this is one opening worth paying attention to.
Henrietta Bondi is now open seven days a week, with reservations available via SevenRooms.
If you needed an excuse to eat more charcoal chicken this summer… here it is.
Leave a Reply