The Dandylion Bondi
You’ve got to wonder why it’s taken so long for a fully-fledged vegetarian restaurant to open in an old DVD store in Bondi. Lamenting the lack of options and the demise of movie rentals, co-owner Chitti Lardi, a vego who grew up in the Inner West, sought the perfect spot for a 100% vegetarian (with vegan options) diner. Popular dishes include the Caramelised Tempeh, Shitake Mushrooms & Kale Dumplings ($18) with just the right amount of chilli and sweet miso sauce; and their monthly ‘Veegustation’ nights have word on the grapevine spreading fast. The special of Pumpkin Ravioli with Goats Cheese ($24) was out of this world, a testament to there being an Italian chef in the house. Unfortunately the DIY Cajun Fajitas ($22) were a little lacking in flavour, considering everything else, like the Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms ($19) with brie, was over-achieving. Carlos, the Caribbean bartender, will whip you up a tropical delight. The Dead Man’s Chest ($16) – containing Sailor Jerry, Cointreau, orange and passionfruit, entices you to batten down the hatches and make a night of it at the bar. And the dandiest dessert ever goes to the Peanut Butter and Orange Tiramisu ($13), served with a smile, and a flower. Dandylion is a winner, even meat-lovers will agree.
The Dandylion Bondi
277 Bondi Road, Bondi
Ph: (02) 9365 1567 dandylion.com.au
Vegetarian, Vegan $$
