The Flying Squirrel Tapas Parlour

I dare you not to instantly warm to the witty menu, friendly staff, beautiful food and sultry décor of the Flying Squirrel. If you’re having trouble, order a cocktail. They are divine are sure to do the trick.
The mark of any fine local establishment, 6.30−7.30pm was low key with only a few quiet couples in corners and regulars popping in for a quick chat and bite. By 8.15pm, our table was being eyed by the line forming at the door and we were constantly being checked by the servers, eager to keep everyone happy. And while the vibe of the restaurant changed dramatically throughout the evening, I certainly enjoyed the entire experience. My only beef with the Squirrel? The prices were a tad steep (think $ 11-​$ 18/​dish) and at tapas portions. Although we are in Sydney, so paying $ 68 for two glasses of wine and four tapas dishes doesn’t seem so out of the ordinary! Overall, this is a perfect spot to find yourself on a chilly June evening, but do it before 8pm.

I lived in Sydney for six months, and Flying Squirrels steak fries with aioli can’t be beat.
Nothing compares in the states, and I hope they are still available the next time I get over to Australia.
Killer margaritas too, many drunk nights with my friends playing jenga, ah fond memories.
Stay classy flying squirrel.

Bondi Road’s Flying Squirrel «tapas parlour» is Uncle to next door’s naughty schoolboy The Stuffed Beaver. But the Squirrel is one of those uncles (they are both definitely boys) who’s only a few years older, and although more worldy and sophisticated, still throws down a whoopee cushion occassionally. (Are you feeling my analogy?)
This place is definitely a haunt of Bondi’s cool kids and I’ve been meaning to check it out ever since it opened. The unanimous feedback from my friends (who are by no means tight-​arses) has been that although they’re happy to pay $ 12-​$ 18 for a tapas dish, they’ve always felt a little ripped off on portions… so I still have not been there for a meal as nothing ruins a fun night out like feeling you’re being taken for a sucka. Tonight I arrived about three quarters of an hour after my friends– one of whom is a chef– who were gobs deep in pork belly and I have to admit, amazing looking meatballs. I tasted the aranicini (I’d already eaten– wouldn’t have if I’d known dining was the plan!) — and the buffallo mozarella filling was melt-​in-​your-​mouth divine. The chef was also salivating so you have it on good authority that the menu here is left of centre and the food is goooood.
Eclectic artwork like a cartoon strip wallpaper and some great pieces, as well as one lonesome «DAM!» in a nod to the Beaver, wooden tables, rickety benches out front and over the weekend, loads of hot dudes sitting around out front on milkcrates, make this a fun and funky bar. But somehow, I still want to stick with the naughty nephew.
*footnote: I’m DYING to know what sort of a maginficent beast an $ 18 «brownie and icecream» could be, but as one of the priciest dishes on the menu and as downplayed as it is («brownie and vanilla icecream» is all the information you get), I’m willing to bet that it is a religious experience. Let me know if you try it.

Located up the road from the busyness of Bondi Beach, this quirky and inspiring Tapas bar is a welcomed addition to the many Tapas bars that spot Bondi’s ever changing culinary scene.
Besides from the creative name, the Flying Squirrel serves up quite a creative menu. My favourite is the Stuffed Zucchini flowers, which are to die for — literally sell my left testicle for one right now — although, they’re normally $ 16 for a generous portion.
The drinks, such as the house Moscow Mule are incredibly tasty, and serviced in silver cups, the Mint Julep is one of my fav’s, it’s like a making chop sticks with an axe — a bit pointless, but makes you feel like a man.
The cosy, dark and welcoming interior is small and mostly tightly packed, sometimes even with local celebrities like Bondi Vet Dr. Chris Brown. So if you’re bringing a group, bring some luck, or someone to chat up the bar-​staff — it’s your best bet to get everyone seated.

What’s not to love about the Flying Squirrel?
It serves one of the best — and biggest — Bloody Mary’s that I have found in Sydney. Although truth be told it’s actually a Bloody Ceaser, the Canadian version– whatever it’s called, it is good!
The Flying Squirrel’s menu is diverse you could find your table loaded with olives, edamame beans, bruschetta, salt and szechuan pepper squid and a crispy pork belly salad. All of which I would recommend.
The food is scrummy and the portion sizes are generous.
Located up on Bondi Road you don’t have to contend with the touristy crowds this place would attract down on the beach strip. But you will have to fight off the locals for a table.

If you can grab a seat at the Flying Squirrel take it, better yet, grab a second seat and bring a friend — because you’re in a treat for some tasty tapas and nothing better than sharing food with people you adore. Another Bondi local secret, the Flying Squirrel has a wonderful array of delicious tapas for you to choose from. Sizes are reasonable as are the prices.
Their food is super fresh and they only make limited amounts in order to maintain the quality. My favourite is the stuffed zucchini flowers with goats curd and smoked capsicum ($ 16) — but you have to get in early — I’ve been a few times and they’ve already sold out.
The staff are friendly and you feel very welcome.
It can get a little bit stuffy inside because its a small place with many many patrons, so make sure you have something without sleeves under your layers if you need a bit of cool air.
If you’re planning on heading their tonight… please note, I’m super jealous… you’re in for a culinary treat…