ESCA Hospitality Group has launched AALIA Wine Room, an intimate wine-first extension of their two-hatted Middle Eastern restaurant in Martin Place.
The 42-seat venue brings together a serious wine program with the culinary storytelling of Sydney Morning Herald’s 2025 Good Food Guide Chef of the Year, Paul Farag.
Sommelier Sarah O’Dwyer has curated a 235-label list focused on discovery, featuring everything from exclusively held Henschke Julius Riesling 2007 to emerging producers new to Australia. With 31 wines by the glass, the program is built for exploration. Try the signature Discovery Hour, where a sommelier-selected wine is revealed tableside with a personalised tasting note.
The food menu features refined Middle Eastern snacks designed to pair perfectly with wine. Think basturma with pickled chilli and quail egg gilda, or beef nayyeh with rhubarb and freekeh crisp. A relaxed lunch menu runs Tuesday to Friday, including highlights like Murray Cod shawarma and steak frites with café de Cairo butter.
Quick Sips
- What to Eat: Basturma with pickled chilli and quail egg gilda, beef nayyeh with rhubarb and freekeh crisp, Murray Cod shawarma with toum and pickles, steak frites with café de Cairo butter
- What to Drink: 235-label wine list with 31 by the glass, featuring Henschke Julius Riesling 2007 and emerging producers. Try the Discovery Hour sommelier selection
- When to Go: Tuesday-Friday 12pm-late (lunch & dinner), Saturday 5pm-late (dinner only)
- Where: 25 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
- Vibe Check: Intimate 42-seat glass-fronted wine room with spotted gum timber, banquette seating, and mood lighting overlooking Martin Place
