On Sunday 1 March, ESCA Hospitality Group will open Besa, a Spanish tapas bar that will bring the vibrant, late-night energy of Spanish dining culture to Bondi.
Taking its name from the Spanish word for ‘kiss’, Besa represents connection, warmth and joy of gathering around the table. Inspired by his travels through Madrid, Ibrahim Moubadder, co-founder and creative director of ESCA Group, set out to create a venue that blends bold Spanish flavours with a distinctly modern edge. Coastal-inspired plates designed for sharing, a cocktail list nodding to classic Spanish literature, and DJs spinning Spanish-influenced funk and house set the tone throughout the venue, all delivered with attentive, personalised hospitality.
“During my travels through Spain, I was drawn to the way people gather, eat, drink and linger around the table long after the plates are cleared,” says Moubadder. “In Madrid especially, the bars are intimate and buzzing, the rooms packed tight, conversations are loud, food is flying out of the kitchen, and drinks are constantly being topped up. It’s loud, energetic and full of life, and at the same time deeply hospitable. That’s the feeling I want to bring to Bondi with Besa, an intimate, high-energy space where incredible food, great drinks and genuine warmth all exist in the same room.”
The opening marks a strategic next chapter for ESCA Group, strengthening their footprint in Sydney’s most famous suburb. Following the recent launch of Henrietta in Bondi, and AALIA Wine Room in Martin Place, Besa will continue the group’s considered expansion across Sydney.
The menu at Besa, designed by head chef Alan Kropman (ex-AALIA and Sean’s Panorama), and executive chef Ibrahim Kasif (ex-Porteno, Bodega, Stanbuli and currently leading the kitchens at Nour and Henrietta) draws inspiration from tapas tradition – a culinary ritual embedded in Spanish culture.
“Tapas is about expression and community,” says Kasif. “Every region in Spain has its own language when it comes to food, and we wanted to honour that while cooking in a way that feels natural to Bondi. At its heart, Besa is a place where you can enjoy good food, conversation and late night wine with friends.”
Menu highlights include: blue mackerel with butter leaf and encurtidos; raw beef carpaccio with white anchovy and goats cheese anchoiade; fideuà negra of squid ink egg noodles with grilled chicken and aioli; and confit potato, onion and egg tortilla. Desserts will revolve weekly, with Besa’s take on basque cheesecake, churros and flan among the rotating offerings.
Besa’s wine list mirrors the spirit of the kitchen: regional, expressive and accessible. There are twenty wines available by the glass, and sixty by the bottle, all designed to complement the menu. Spanish wines form the foundation, with wines sourced from across the country – showcasing a wide range of styles and flavour profiles. Beyond Spain, the list features a considered range of Australian and New Zealand wines, showcasing the quality and diversity of local producers. A selection of wines from France, Italy, Uruguay and other global regions offer more adventurous, thoughtful pairings while staying true to the soul of the cuisine.
Beyond wine, the cocktail program embraces classic Spanish literature, with the menu inspired by the chapters of the renowned Spanish novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. The cocktails will be reflective of the chapters of the novel – each drink reflecting the archetypal stories found in Cervantes’ storytelling. Signature cocktails include: El Compañero: vodka, limoncello, suze, citrus, and blood orange sorbet which follows the story of Sancho Panza, a humble farmer, who follows Don Quixote with hopes of food, fortune, and favour; and El Regreso: mint-washed sherry, Crème de Menthe, Plum Verjus, citrus and fizz; which reflects the story of Don Quixote returning home to the quiet truth of reality.
The design of Besa, spearheaded by architect Matt Darwon, is reminiscent of Madrid’s underground bar scene, drawing on mid-century modern architecture layered with subtle references to Spanish culture through colour and art. Moody red tones and spotted gum timber create a contemporary, and vibrant atmosphere, while banquette seating around the perimeter encourages a sense of connection. A chrome-clad DJ booth will be home to a lineup of DJs playing from Friday to Sunday.
Located in The Hub alongside Henrietta, Da Orazio and Salumerie, the 65-seat venue will open Friday to Sunday for lunch and Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Reservations are available via Besa’s website.
Besa
75-79 Hall Street, Bondi, NSW 2000
Lunch Friday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner Tuesday – Sunday, 5.00pm – late
Besa
@besabondi
Image credit: Jiwon Kim