Zebra Green Cafe & Bar 82 Bronte Rd
Bondi Junction, Sydney
Zebra Green is a new addition to Bondi Junction's cafe scene. It opened about 2 months ago but is quickly becoming a neighbourhood favourite. It's conveniently situated on Bronte Rd, just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the junction but far enough to avoid all the noise and beeping cars.
You may have heard the name Zebra Green before. They've been making delicious sauces for a while now. Their sauces are so popular you will find them in the kitchen of many restaurants across Sydney. Zebra Green have taken their long standing passion for great tasting food and have opened their own restaurant.Zebra Green stands within a old terrace house which has been beautifully done up. As you walk in, you find yourself in the main room with a few tables and chairs, enough to sit about 20 people. When you walk outside the back, you step out into a lovely outdoor area, perfect for these balmy summer nights.
Zebra Green is BYO for now, but they do have their liquor licence pending. Until then (we've been told it won't be long), if you feel like having some wine with your meal, there is a bottle shop almost right next door. We were happy with just water though, a much needed break after the all champagne we drank over Christmas
We started off with some hand cut chips with aioli.The chips were chunky and crisp and the creamy aioli was a great dipping agent. This dish didn't last very long.
We then tried some beautiful corn fritters. Fluffy and tasty, these fritters were fresh off the pan and were delicious.
Then came a mouthwatering pastrami sandwich. Served like a jaffle it was filled with thick slices of beef pastrami and was served with the most tantalising smokey BBQ pickles. We absolutely loved it.
The staff have everything covered and thoughtfully provide bowls of warm lemon water on the table to help flush out any residue of sauce on your hands.
Whilst we waiting for our mains, we had the privilege of meeting restaurant owner Shane. Shane talked to us about his passion for creating great tasting food that's simple and most of all, not very expensive. Shane took us for a tour to the, yet to be opened, upstairs area. A retro room filled with furniture from the 1950's, a work in progress for now but once opened will be an authentic Gin bar right heart of Sydney (We can't wait to check it out when it opens).
Amongst all this talk about Gin and Bars, Count J felt like a coffee (not sure why) so we thought since the place also does breakfast, it might a good idea to give their coffee a go. We ordered a Machiatto. The coffee was smooth and served with a perfect crema.
Our first main course was a beautiful piece of Barramundi. Evidently fresh, this fish was crispy and taunt on the outside but beautifully silky on the inside. It was served with a grainy Quinoa that complemented the fish really well. We then tried a couple of salads. The beet salad was a heavenly combination of feta and walnuts which when tossed, created a creamy texture that was screaming freshness.The Cous Cous salad was super crunchy, had great texture and the almonds flakes were a surprising but great addition to this Middle Eastern favourite.
Our final main dish was the most amazing Lamb wrapped in eggplant.
This spectacular piece of meat was herb crusted and served with crushed feta and mint.
This dish is a taste sensation and for us, the outstanding main for the evening.
Now even after all this food, there was no way we were going to leave without having dessert, especially since we found out that Shane is a bit of a cheesecake genius and there was cheesecake available. We tried his very special Apple and Walnut cheesecake and we can tell you it was by far, the best cheesecake we have EVER tried. For Count N especially, that's a big call. To try and explain in one sentence, imagine the creaminess of a cheesecake combined with the silkiness of an apple pie, all combined to create one angelic dessert.
Zebra Green is a game changer in the restaurant scene.With a strong passion for flavour, great efficient service and prices you would expect to see at a pub rather than a restaurant (nothing on their menu is over $23), it's one place you definitely want to visit in 2016.
Zebra Green is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. We will definitely back, especially to try their breakfast menu.
The Counts, who review for Sir and Mlady Dine Out, dined as guests of Zebra Green. Special thanks to owner Shane Lurie for inviting us and looking after us so well.
