ESCA Hospitality Group is bringing the buzzing, late-night energy of Madrid’s bar scene to Bondi with Besa.
Named after the Spanish word for ‘kiss’, the venue channels the intimate, high-energy atmosphere of Spain’s capital, where conversations run loud and drinks flow freely.
Head chef Alan Kropman and executive chef Ibrahim Kasif have crafted a menu built around sharing. Expect fideuà negra with squid ink egg noodles, grilled chicken and aioli, alongside classics like confit potato tortilla and raw beef carpaccio with white anchovy.
The cocktail program takes inspiration from Don Quixote, with drinks like El Compañero featuring vodka, limoncello, and blood orange sorbet reflecting chapters from Cervantes’ novel.
The 65-seat space features moody red tones, spotted gum timber, and a chrome-clad DJ booth spinning Spanish-influenced funk and house Friday through Sunday. Twenty wines by the glass lean heavily Spanish, with sixty bottles showcasing regional producers. Open for lunch Friday to Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Sunday at The Hub in Bondi.
Quick Bites
- What to Eat: Fideuà negra with squid ink egg noodles, grilled chicken and aioli; confit potato tortilla; raw beef carpaccio with white anchovy; blue mackerel with butter leaf
- What to Drink: Twenty Spanish-focused wines by the glass, sixty bottles total; cocktails inspired by Don Quixote including El Compañero with vodka, limoncello, and blood orange sorbet
- When to Go: Lunch Friday-Sunday 12pm-3pm; Dinner Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-late
- Where: 75-79 Hall Street, Bondi, NSW 2000
- Vibe Check: Intimate, high-energy Madrid-inspired atmosphere with moody red tones, spotted gum timber, and DJs spinning Spanish-influenced funk and house Friday-Sunday
