Run Sydney, Run | Where to Eat After The City2Surf
Get jogging, then get eating
Every year on the 2nd Sunday in August – for reasons still yet to be determined – 80,000 people run 14 kilometres from Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD to the iconic Bondi Beach. While this may seem like a horrific life choice to some, for others the Sydney City2Surf is their favourite event of the year. Each to their own, we guess. Some people just want to watch the world burn, while others like to relax.
All jokes aside though, City2Surf is for a really good cause: finding the cure for brain cancer. Last year, City2Surf raised over $30,000 and this number is expected to rise. City2Surf draws in running enthusiasts from all over the country. It’s one of the most famous and successful charity run events in Australia. Pretty impressive for an event centred around inflicting physical pain – one stretch is literally called ‘Heartbreak Hill’.
The City2Surf Route
As we said, the City2Surf Sydney begins in Hyde Park, at the intersection of Park and College Streets. It then continues down William Street, through the tunnel at Kings Cross, along New South Head Road through Rose Bay. The halfway point is then at the notorious ‘Heartbreak Hill’ (which is oddly the most scenic of the run). Following that, runners turn the corner at Vaucluse, on Old South Head Road, then Military Road and turn around at Curlewis Street before crossing the finish line at Queen Elizabeth Drive, north of the Bondi Pavilion. Easy peasy.
Treat yo’self
All this considered, for those of you taking part in the City2Surf, you’ll obviously need to treat the heck out of yourself after you complete the gruelling 14 kilometres of ‘fun’. Or maybe that’s just us and the spectators? Either way, you should do it.
So, what are our recommendations for eating after the City2Surf you ask? Well, while there are amazing places along the route, the most logical choice would be to visit one of the many restaurants, cafes and bars in Bondi. The location for the City2Surf finish line and a hub for dining out in its own right, you’ll be in post-run heaven at Bondi Beach. Whether you need to carb load at Milky Lane, want something fancy from Upper East Side Bondi or are desperate for a feast at Shuk, we’ve got tips and tricks to soothe your legs.
This year, the run will be held on Sunday, August 11. Since 2008, the event has raised over $36 million for charity.
The 6 best places to eat after the City2Surf
1. Milky Lane
Where better to feast after the City2Surf than Sydney’s very own carb-loading haven, Milky Lane? The original venue for the famous burger specialists, you’ll find some of the most creative, indulgent and impressive burger creations in the city. With an in-house dj, specialty cocktails and exceptional service, Milky Lane is one of the best choices for post-run grub. Besides, if you’re gonna do a cheat meal, do it right.
We love: The cheat platter which consists of a burger of your choice (the Big Poppa is fab) served with loaded fries topped with bacon bits, cheesy gravy, shallots and Milky Lane sauce; Korean fried chicken and a thick shake.
141 Curlewis Street, Bondi, Sydney 2026
2. Shuk
One of Sydney’s favourite restaurants, Shuk is a Bondi institution serving Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired dishes. What began as a passion project has now become a highly sought-after dining spot that will tick all your post-City2Surf boxes. With an on-site bakery dishing out fresh bready bits that will surely fill the void, a life-changing shakushaka and plenty more besides, dining here after pounding the pavement makes perfect sense.
We love: The signature Shuk shakshuka with capsicum, tomato, onion, spices, eggs, olives and fresh sourdough. We also love adding in lamb, halloumi or kale.
2 Mitchell Street, Bondi, Sydney 2026
3. Upper East Side Bondi
When you’ve been running for 14 kilometres, you may as well keep the healthy vibes going. If this is your gut feeling, Upper East Side Bondi is for you. The ethos here is all about wholesome, nourishing and fresh food in a relaxed setting. The space is airy, filled with plants and perfect for putting your sore jogging feet up. Besides, they also have cocktails a plenty so you can mix up healthy fare with a treat or two. Obviously.
We love: The gin and beetroot cured salmon served with burrata, crostini and house made pickles.
14-16 O’Brien St, Bondi, Sydney 2026
4. Bondi Hardware
After spending your morning running through the streets of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, you’ll probably want something a bit fun. Which is where Bondi Hardware comes in. Festive, light and bright, this Bondi restaurant and bar slings Australian-style shared dishes and cocktails like it’s going out of style. All made with the best of the best, of course – it is Bondi, after all. We have giant love heart eyes for Bondi Hardware and think you will too after you finish the City2Surf.
We love: The soul bowl filled with avocado, quinoa, dried tomato, baby corn, seeds, snow pea tendrils, poached eggs and house-cured Atlantic salmon.
39 Hall Street, Bondi, Sydney 2026
5. Bondi's Best
Ahhh, Bondi’s Best. This Bondi Road spot has a special place in our seafood-loving hearts. With a menu designed by the formidable chef Phillip Davenport and a carefully designed and stunning space on Hall Street, you’ll find some of the most delicious fish and seafood here. This is the spot to head after the City2Surf when you’re craving something fresh and healthy that matches the surroundings. Also, your supporters and family will love being treated to lunch at Bondi’s Best. Just saying.
We love: The miso marinated glacier 51 Patagonian toothfish with smoked potato mash, daikon and shiitake mushroom salad, tobiko roe and orange sauce.
75-79 Hall Street, Bondi, Sydney 2026
6. Bavarian Bier Cafe Bondi Beach
For the hungry runners among us, you’ll love the Bavarian Bier Cafe Bondi Beach. We can’t recommend this spot enough for a post City2Surf lunch with your running buddies. Picture steins, sharing platters filled with wurst, pork knuckles and plenty of other delights from Deutschland. There’s a high chance you’ll be left feeling particularly full, but what’s not to love about that? Book in advance for this one because dining on the outdoor terrace is what you’ll be wanting and it has the tendency to fill up.
We love: The epic sports feast platter for four with a 2L beer tower, two giant pretzels, mac & cheese balls, whole roast chicken, whole rack of ribs, ½ kg bbq chicken wings, two cheese kranskys, two pepper and garlic kielbasa, large fries, mash potato and bier jus.
108 Campbell Parade, Bondi, Sydney 2026