From boozy brunches to banquet dinners, book your spot at the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney.
Every so often we notice a trend in Sydney’s dining scene. Sometimes it’s fleeting, but other times it sticks. And this is one guide that falls into the first category. Over the past few months, we’ve seen stacks of new venue openings championing the best of Middle Eastern eats. So, we thought we’d give you a handy guide to the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney.
AALIA, CBD
AALIA has an Arabian soul that embodies refined Middle Eastern food in another light compared to ESCA Group’s sister restaurant, Nour. Executive Chef Paul Farag has a wealth of experience which has led him into detailing the finest techniques on the menu at AALIA. Find out more here.
Baharat, Barangaroo
Be transported to the bustling streets of Istanbul at Baharat. Group Executive Chef, Arman Uz, has curated a menu filled with snacks, heartier meals and delicious shared plates that are bursting with flavour. Indulge in traditional Turkish street food like crispy and flavourful pides and lahmacun topped with meats, veggies, herbs, and spices. Find out more here.
Maydonaz, CBD
Maydonaz offers a new genre of plat-predominant dining featuring an all-Turkish menu. It is inspired by the vegetable-drive fare from the Aegean Turkish coast where meat is the side-act to the main event. From the team behind Anason & Tombik, expect big things. Find out more here.
No. 32 Restaurant & Bar, Crows Nest
No 32. Restaurant & Bar is waiting to be discovered within an unassuming building on Falcon Street. Chef Hesam Nourifard is at the helm of the kitchen bringing his Middle Eastern roots to each dish. There’s also an element of Japanese cuisine present with umami-rich flavours and finessed culinary techniques. The cuisines meet to create an honest menu where seasonal produce is the hero. Find out more here.
Babylon Rooftop, CBD
A list of Sydney’s best Middle Eastern restaurants wouldn’t be complete without the expansive restaurant and bar Babylon, located on Westfield Sydney’s coveted rooftop. This restaurant boasts two large bars, a wood-fired kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating, a large outdoor terrace, plus multiple private and semi-private dining spaces. As for the menu, expect dishes inspired by the flavourful Levantine cuisine of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. Find out more here
Ezra, Potts Point
Ezra takes inspiration from the vibrant dining scene of Tel Aviv on Israel’s Mediterranean Coast, finding its home in a revived townhouse in the backstreets of Potts Point. The menu brings together a diverse range of flavours spanning Ashkenazi, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Flavours, all infused with a uniquely Sydney touch. Find out more here
Henrietta, Surry Hills
Henrietta is the new Middle Eastern-inspired charcoal chicken eatery landing in the heart of Surry Hills. As you’d expect, the hero of Henrietta’s menu is free-range charcoal chicken, infused with Middle Eastern flavours. Grab a whole or half charcoal chicken and enjoy a selection of flavourful sides, including house-made hummus, tabbouleh and fattoush salads. Find out more here
Above Par, CBD
Amongst the CBD bustle, Above Par creates an inviting environment. Diners can choose to eat outside or inside the wine bottle-lined glass walls, in a velvet, pastel pink booth or table near the open plan kitchen to watch the chefs in action. Head Chef Enver Katranci has created an authentic Turkish menu made from family recipes and local Australian produce. The eatery is quickly becoming known for their must order their signature Puffy Bread – a famous Turkish puff bread called ‘Lavas’. Find out more here
Sefa, Bondi
Sefa, a middle eastern haven in Sydney, was established by Utku Ayhan, a restaurateur hailing from Istanbul. Sefa has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for ancient Levantine flavours, a culinary trove from the Middle East. The menu is hearty, with a combination of traditional foods containing legumes, grains, spices and dairy. Eat your way through slow-cooked lamb, dish and flavourful spiced chicken. Complementing this are an assortment of North African dips, house-made pickles and other produce harvested from Sefa’s very own garden. Find out more here
Zahli, Surry Hills
Zahli will transport you to the serene banks of the Sannine during a balmy night in Lebanon. Drawing inspiration from tradition, the team at Zahli seamlessly fuse it with vibrant Australian ingredients. On the menu are dishes that combine spices and flavours with a modern take. Try plates like mansaf lamb – seasoned rice pilaf, minced meat, slow-cooked lamb, roasted nuts and yoghurt cucumber – or seared barramundi, spicy tahini and mixed nuts. Find out more here
Jimmys Falafel, CBD
Say hello to Jimmys Falafels, Merivale’s new Middle Eastern eatery, bar and takeout joint on George Street. The spot is led by Head Chef Simon Zalloua’s, formerly from The Collaroy and Rockpool. The menu draws from the cuisines and cultures of Egypt, Israel and Lebanon. Find out more here
Nour, Surry Hills
Looking for a Middle Eastern menu that doesn’t play by the rules? Head to Surry Hills’ Nour restaurant to find just that. This Lebanese-inspired menu takes classic dishes and reinvents them with a creative touch, delivering an unrestricted approach to food and cocktails that are vibrant, bold and oh-so-delicious. Find out more here
Tayim, The Rocks
Located just a quick stroll from the harbour, Tayim is one of Sydney’s best Middle Eastern restaurants. With a menu that champions sustainable Australian produce, Head Chef Ran Kimelfeld has crafted a menu of bold, exotic share plates that celebrate the best of Middle Eastern cuisine. Find out more here
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