Bondi People/History | Gelbison
Bondi History | Gelbison
On Lamrock Avenue, near the corner of Campbell Parade, Gelbison (soft G, pr. Jelbison) has been operating as a Bondi favourite since 1986. There are some people who have been coming here since the very beginning. It’s become a real local haunt … much loved.
Patriarch Nick Gelbison is from south of Napoli, south of the Amalfi coast in a place called Cilento. These days Nick works much less in the restaurant, making way for his three sons: Leo, Neil and Luca.
The Gelbison menu has increased over time but not really changed. Nick adds but doesn’t delete. (Sounds like our storage space.)
One of the hot favourites for many years is the mussels. They come in a big bowl in two styles … with a plate full of soft white bread. Nick has sourced his mussels from the same suppliers for ever: Poulos Bros or Musumeci. The secret’s out!
Nick says this about Bondi:
“These days there are more events like Sculpture by the Sea, Festival of the Winds. Back then there were more music events. There were more tourist buses. Hall Street has changed a lot. The PACIFIC, that’s a big change. There’s more money here now. It’s too expensive. Lots of people are moving to the inner west. In the late 80s they couldn’t give apartments away. It was too wild! Now it’s very expensive. One of my sons bought an apartment here. He’s very lucky!”
Gelbison of Bondi: Long may she prosper
