Panama House

LOCATION
On busy Bondi Road, 20-minute cab ride from the CBD. Closest train station is Bondi Junction.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
The pedigree is worth noting at Panama House; Brent Mills, from New York’s Sweetwater Tavern, has teamed up with Anthony Kaplan, of Bondi’s bustling The Shop & Wine Bar to create the sleek and sophisticated Panama House.

The dynamic duo, who also own The Corner House just down the road, have recreated the former Cafe Max venue into a space that screams of minimalist NY Meatpacking style slash suave Mexican cantina. Bondi Road may not boast the quintessential beach-side possy but the restaurant’s chic aesthetic makes up for the lack of crashing waves. The long narrow space, with a range of seating options caters to the all-day trade from coffee and breakfast to drinks and dinner. The long counter allows energetic exercisers to swig a quick espresso at the bar, while a handful of roadside tables out the front make people (or car) watching a breeze. Panama House is indeed a well thought-out space with a roof-top herb garden (talk about maximising space!) and a lighting system based on sensors - ensuring restaurant adapts to changing weather conditions.

Food, however, is the hero. The menu at Panama House goes on a culinary journey through Central America, stopping over in Mexico, before returning to the deep South. For those with strong stomachs, the breakfast menu features dishes such as fried black pudding, served with a poached egg and fried sourdough while lunch and dinner is all about DIY tacos and finger-licking dishes like New Orleans sticky baby pork ribs. With cocktails galore, cider on tap and a crowd full of Bondi cool cats, Panama House does its pedigree proud.

Anna Lisle