Carbon Mexican Wood Fire takes over site of Bondi's Rum Diaries

Bondi has closed the book on the Hemingway-inspired Rum Diaries, with a modern Mexican makeover planned for the Bondi Road site.

Merivale's purchase of nearby The Royal Hotel has brought more attention to the precinct, and the departure of a stalwart such as The Rum Diaries had tongues wagging.

Agent Zorick Tolstan confirmed he's leased the site to Pablo Galindo, the chef-owner at the well-reviewed Taqiza, also in Bondi.

We tracked down the Mexico City-raised Galindo, who confirmed he'll open Carbon Mexican Wood Fire next month.

The chef is keen to bring a new take on Mexican dishes to Sydney.

"Carbon means charcoal in Spanish," he says.

The restaurant will make its own bread and tacos, the menu jumping from "Mexican fondue" to tomahawk steaks and tacos filled with octopus.

"The interior will be like an old hacienda on the Caribbean coast," he says.

Carbon Mexican Wood Fire, 288 Bondi Road, Bondi (from next month).