Bondi
www.therumdiaries.com.au
288 Bondi Rd, Bondi
A great niche small bar, Rum Diaries was named after Hunter S. Thompson's book (and 2011 film), but you wouldn't know it from the outside as there is no sign. You come here for the rum. That's not to say that is the only thing on offer - the wine list is short but decent and there is an elaborate food menu, but this small bar's specialty is rum. There are rums older than the clientale, rum cocktails, rum punches by the carafe and most certainly rums you haven't ever encountered before. Even non-rum drinkers will be enticed by some of the offerings while redressing rum's reputation as something added to coke to hide its taste.
It would be fair to say rum features strongly here, but the food menu seems to be at odds with it. More suited for a separate modern Australian restaurant, it is a little too edgy at times with portions a tad on the small size. The 'King fish ceviche with grapefruit mojito gel, crispy white radish' and the 'Crispy skin pork belly with tonka bean cloud, sour rhubarb puree & coriander gremolata' are both inventive, but like many other menu options, they just seem a little too out of place for the venue.
Best things: Rum selection that will tempt even non-rum drinkers
Don't miss: The rum cocktails from classic to modern
Ideal for: Small groups, drinks with a difference, friends catchup
Date tip: Claim a couch
Gripe: Food is a little pricey and over-adventurous for a small bar
Rating: 6/10
Last updated: August 2017
You are here: Rum Diaries, Bondi review and address. There are rums older than the clientale, rum cocktails, rum punches by the carafe and most certainly rums you haven't ever encountered before.