Meet Bondi's newest dining destination

It is all in the timing for Bondi's newest dining destination.

Lola’s Level 1, a Mediterranean restaurant and bar from Sydney hospitality veterans Marco Ambrosino and Manny Spinola, will open overlooking Bondi Beach on October 15. It was originally due to open in July.  

The 94-seat venue, split across a bar, dining room and balcony, is on level 1 of the Pacific Building in Bondi Beach and will be open from noon to 10pm.

“We’re excited to finally open the doors to Lola’s Level 1 in Bondi," said Ambrosino. 

"Lola’s is all about fun and we’ve assembled one of the best restaurant teams in Sydney that will be able to deliver that. 

"We want Lola’s to be approachable – a place where you can drop in for a drink and some oysters; a place for a dinner with the family; or a long lunch on the balcony overlooking Bondi. 

"The menu is focused on the plancha grill, and we’ll also be serving beautiful oysters shucked at the bar. The bar program is also really special, with an interesting cocktail list, and a wine list that includes interesting producers from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Australia.”

The Lola’s Level 1 kitchen is being led by head chef Paula Pantano, who comes to Lola’s with a background in five-star hotels including Crown Sydney, Mandarin Oriental Group, and Four Seasons. 

Luca Capecchi, with a career in bars and alcohol, is the venue manager. 

The Lola’s Level 1 menu is designed to share and is split into sections – oysters, small plates, off the plancha, larger plates and desserts. 

There will always be three to four types of oysters on the menu, served natural, with a mignonette or vermouth granita. 

The ‘off the plancha’ section of the menu will have not only steaks such as Angus hanger steak with chimichurri and bullhorn pepper, but also spiced lamb skewers with goat curd and pickled cucumber; and octopus with charred eggplant and tahini. 

Larger plates include a Cez salad with chicken or prawns, and a lasagnetta with white osso bucco ragu and gremolata. 

The wine list includes more than 20 wines by the glass with a Mediterranean focus. 

Lola’s Level 1 is at Level 1, 180-186 Campbell Parade, Bondi. 02 8294 0927. lolaslevel1.com.au