Dive into Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and lavish plates of mezze at Bar Tikram, now open at The Star.
Sydney’s dining landscape is changing. With the rise of bar-style dining, punters are choosing to sip and linger over multiple share-style plates and a few glasses of wine. While we’ll always hold a special place in our heart for decadent set menus and fine dining degustations, we’re welcoming this trend towards a more casual dining experience with open arms. And at this casual bar-meets-restaurant concept, you’ll find just that.
Bar Tikram has reopened inside The Star Sydney and is the precinct’s only outdoor dining venue making it the perfect spot for after-work drinks and long lunches. It’s an exciting new approach for the precinct, led by Executive Chef of BLACK Bar & Grill, Dany Karam.
This new trend towards bar-style dining helped shape the experience diners can expect at Bar Tikram. “The casual dining scene has raised the bar in recent years with diners wanting relaxed, fun spaces to enjoy nibbles and drinks at their leisure,” reveals Dany. “The menu at Bar Tikram has been expertly curated for sharing so everyone can experience all the flavours and dishes on the menu with the hope that no guest will ever experience food envy while dining with us.”
In an effort to raise the profile of Middle Eastern-inspired dining in Sydney, Bar Tikram has curated an accessible menu of mezze-style eats designed to be passed and shared among friends. Here, communal dining is a must. And to add a truly personal touch, Dany has taken inspiration from his mother’s recipes and cooking style to craft a menu of bold and fresh flavours.
“Everything on the menu at Bar Tikram has been created with the vibrancy and culture of the Middle East in mind. The bold colours, punchy flavours and flair of the space bring the energy of the Middle East,” tells Dany.
At the heart of Bar Tikram is the venue’s wood-fired oven, used to create their homemade flatbreads (crying out to be dipped into bowls of housemade dips, oils and small share plates). Expect aromatic hummus bi tahini, labneh, fattoush and more to feature heavily across the menu. As for Dany’s pick of the menu? “My personal favourites include the 9-hour braised lamb shoulder and fattoush. Plus, every dish will come with our speciality pickles which have been made by hand at Bar Tikram and were inspired by the pickles I had growing up as a child in Lebanon,” Dany explains.
As the name would suggest, Bar Tikram also know how to mix a well-made drink. Head to the outdoor bar to sip your way through cocktails, mocktails and more, all infused with punchy herbs and spices. Don’t miss the ‘Rubi Margarita’ cocktail, a refreshing mix of tequila, pomegranate and rhubarb liquor, as well as a selection of arak, a fragrant and cloudy spirit considered to be a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Bar Tikram boast 120 seats spread indoors and out. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ele, Rumble, Flying Fish and more, Bar Tikram adds another element to this thriving dining district.
Find Bar Tikram at the Ground Level of The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street. Open Thursday – Sunday from 12pm – 9:30pm. Find out more here.