Sydney has a world-class dining scene that incorporates culinary genres from around the world. Middle Eastern cuisine stands out as an irresistible and captivating choice among the many plethoras of flavours and cultures that grace the cosmopolitan city.
From the aromatic spices to the mouthwatering Mezze spreads, the Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney offer a remarkable dining experience that transports you to the sun-soaked streets of Beirut, the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, or the ancient alleys of Jerusalem.
In this article, we’ll embark on a delectable quest to discover the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney, uncovering hidden gems and iconic establishments that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of this genre of cuisine or an enthusiastic foodie eager to explore new flavours, the venues on this list are sure to leave your stomachs full and taste buds happy.
Nour
Nestled in the vibrant dining oasis of Surry Hills, Nour restaurant is a captivating culinary gem that has garnered a reputation for its innovative take on Middle Eastern cuisine.
Run by acclaimed chef and co-owner Roy Ner, the venue boasts a chic and modern ambience that effortlessly blends contemporary style with traditional flavours. The result is an enchanting dining experience that delights both the palate and the senses.
Upon entering Nour, you are immediately transported to a world where traditional Middle Eastern flavours are re-imagined with a modern twist. The restaurant’s interior exudes elegance and sophistication, with soft lighting, sleek furnishings, and a vibrant colour palette.
Its menu showcases a collection of dishes that pay homage to the culinary traditions of the Middle East while embracing modern techniques and ingredients. One of the highlights of Nour’s menu is its selection of share plates, encouraging diners to gather around the table and indulge in a communal dining experience. The lamb shoulder with spiced yoghurt and za’atar or the eggplant with tahini and pomegranate are just a couple of the mouthwatering options that highlight the restaurant’s commitment to capturing the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Complementing the delectable food, Nour’s beverage menu features an impressive array of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. The expertly curated drinks list offers a perfect pairing for every dish, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
All things considered, Nour restaurant is not just a place to eat; it is an embodiment of the rich cultural tapestry and flavours of the Middle East, brought to life in a contemporary setting. Its fusion of tradition and innovation invites you to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving for more and longing to return.
Address: 3/490 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9331 3413
Hours: Mon to Wed 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Thurs to Sat 12 pm – 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Above Par
Situated just a 3-minute stroll from the Queen Victoria Building on Clarence Street in the CBD, Above Par is a buzzy eatery that has recently refreshed.
It still presents an excellent menu, including a delightful puffy bread that is house-baked and lavishly drizzled in authentic Turkish olive oil. Additionally it also offers an excellent range of wines from Lebanon and Turkey.
However, now that free DJ nights and other entertainment have been thrown into the mix, the venue has gone up a level regarding the total dining experience.
Address: 215 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8592 4200
Hours: Sun – Monday Closed, Tues to Fri 11.30 am – 3 pm and 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Sat 5.30 pm – 10 pm
Cedrus
Located in the suburb of Ryde, Cedrus restaurant offers an enticing dining experience that celebrates the rich flavours and culinary traditions of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its warm and inviting atmosphere and stunning views of the Parramatta River create a welcoming space where guests can savour authentic dishes crafted with care and expertise.
The restaurant takes its name from the majestic Cedrus tree, which symbolises strength and resilience in Lebanese culture. Like its namesake, Cedrus restaurant strives to provide a dining experience rooted in tradition and authenticity.
The menu at Cedrus showcases a wide range of Lebanese and Middle Eastern specialities prepared using the finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. From mezze platters filled with delectable dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh to succulent grilled meats such as shish kebabs and lamb cutlets, the menu offers a variety of options to suit every palate.
Flavours at Cedrus reflect Lebanese cuisine, with a balance of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and quality ingredients. Whether you choose the tender and flavourful shawarma, the fragrant rice pilaf, or the delicate pastries filled with sweet nuts and drizzled with rosewater syrup, each dish at Cedrus is crafted with attention to detail and an emphasis on taste.
In addition to the food, Cedrus offers a selection of refreshing beverages, including traditional Lebanese drinks like fresh mint lemonade and tamarind juice. For the uninitiated, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist in recommending the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience.
Address: 1/100 Belmore St, Ryde NSW 2112
Phone: (02) 9808 3555
Hours: Mon – Tues Closed, Wed to Thurs 11 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm, Fri to Sat 11 am to 3 pm
and 5 pm to 11 pm, Sun 11 am to 10 pm
Jasmin 1
With four venues in the city, Jasmin 1 can be considered a major player on Sydney’s Middle Eastern food scene, and rightly so.
A traditional restaurant that serves authentic and traditional Lebanese fare, it is the place to come when you need a big feed.
Their hommus is so creamy you won’t be able to stop yourself, and when served with grilled meat, your taste buds will be elevated to levels you never knew existed. Similarly, their mashawi skewer plate is another dish that is sure to impress.
Locations: Bankstown, Leichhardt, Chester Hill & Punchbowl
Phone: (02) 8084 2692 (Leichhardt venue)
Hours: 11 am to 10 pm every day of the week
Cubby’s Kitchen
Starting out as a pop-up in 2016 in Surry Hills, Cubby’s Kitchen is now one of many people’s go-to destinations for top-notch Middle Eastern food.
The brainchild of Matt Yazbek, who runs it along with his two sisters, the restaurant’s name comes from their mother, Mouna, who is affectionately nicknamed ‘Cubby’.
Providing an ode to their family’s heritage, the restaurant’s menu presents their version of several traditional dishes, all of which are made with love.
Their fried chicken with garlic aioli and zaatar is very popular, as is their smoked labne, which is drizzled with pomegranate oil and topped with crumbed pistachio.
Alternatively, you might prefer the baba gannoush which features sweet miso, burnt sesame and eggplant chunks. Either way, your taste buds will be in for a treat.
Address: Corner Young Street & Loftus Lane off, Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9252 9648
Hours: Sun to Mon Closed, Tues to Wed 6 pm – 10 pm, Thurs to Sat 6 pm – 10.30 pm
Tayim
Set within a stunning sandstone heritage house in The Rocks, Tayim is a restaurant that well and truly lives up to its Hebrew name of ‘tasty’.
Led by head chef Ran Kimelfeld (who used to work at Nour), the restaurant presents a menu that draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Israel, Lebanon, and other countries in the region. Thus offering a fusion of authentic dishes and innovative creations for diners to enjoy.
Tayim is known for its commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each
dish is prepared with the freshest and highest quality produce. So, whether you opt for the tender slow-cooked lamb shoulder, the fragrant tagines, or the delicate seafood creations, you can rest assured that every bite at Tayim is a harmonious blend of flavour profiles and textures.
Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the restaurant also offers impeccable service that embodies hospitality and attentiveness. The friendly and professional staff are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the menu, offering recommendations, and ensuring that each guest’s dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
To further enhance your dining experience, Tayim boasts an extensive beverage menu which includes carefully curated wines, handcrafted cocktails, and refreshing mocktails.
Address: 14 Nurses Walk, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 8220 9999
Hours: Sun to Mon 7 am – 10 am, Tues to Sat 7 am – 10 am and 5.30 pm to 10 pm
Emma’s Snack Bar
Over in Enmore, Emma’s Snack Bar is a real favourite among those who enjoy good, hearty Lebanese food.
Set within a charming and cosy space with rich decor and a lovely atmosphere, their menu is a delicious mix of grilled meats and Mezze platters with a contemporary twist.
Their Moorish Chicken which comes with red onion and tangy spices, is a must-eat, while their meat and vegetarian banquet meals are nothing short of sensational.
If the thought of a banquet is a bit much, try the fried potatoes and cauliflower, you’ll be blown away by how delicious they taste.
Address: 59 Liberty St, Enmore NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9550 3458
Hours: Sun to Mon – Closed, Tues to Sat 5 pm to 10 pm
Lebanon & Beyond
Lebanon & Beyond is a charming and authentic Middle Eastern restaurant that takes diners on a gastronomic adventure through the vibrant flavours of Lebanon and the surrounding region.
Situated in the heart of Randwick’s bustling food scene, it offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a menu that showcases dishes made with flavours and techniques passed down through generations.
Try the garlic chicken, grilled skewers, Lebanese sausages and shawmara and be prepared to smack your lips with delight! Vegetarians will also love the Sheik El-Meishi, a delightful concoction featuring eggplant cooked in a special sauce.
Given the size of the portions, each dish represents excellent value. So it is a very good place for families to come. The overall ambience is very inviting, too, and there are huge murals on the walls to captivate your interest whilst you wait for the food.
Address: 3/187 Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031
Phone: (02) 9326 5347
Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm every day
Henrietta
An institution in Surry Hills, Henrietta is a throwback to those charming El Jannah charcoal chicken eateries you find all over the Middle East.
The restaurant’s menu is hearty and delicious and offers a sumptuous range of traditional dishes, which they pimp up with a terrific range of spices.
One of its standout dishes is its Sharwama brisket tacos, which fly out the door. Their charcoal chicken which features a pomegranate and harissa rub, is also a much-loved offering.
Address: Shop 1/500 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9380 7247
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm, Fri 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm – 9.30 pm, Sat 12 pm – 9.30 pm, Sun 12 pm – 9 pm.
Maestro & Co.
Nestled on the Esplanade in Manly, Maestro & Co is a lively restaurant that offers a wonderful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes to hungry locals.
Situated just steps away from the iconic Manly Beach, the venue has a relaxed oceanside ambience and a stylish interior that blends modern and rustic elements.
Its menu showcases the freshest local ingredients among several tantalising offerings. One of them, the duck borek, comprises crispy layers of pastry stuffed with duck and almonds that have been infused with cinnamon and orange blossom water. It is also accompanied by a decadent orange saffron sauce that is out of this world.
Another is the grass-fed, free-range shoulder of lamb. Simmered in ginger, honey and various aromatic spices and served with prunes and pomegranate molasses, it is sure to titillate your taste buds too.
Address: 50 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Phone: (02) 9976 3065
Hours: Mon – Closed, Tues to Thurs 5.30 pm – 11 pm, Fri – 5.30 pm to 12 am, Sat 12 pm – 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm – 11.30 pm, Sun 5 pm – 11 pm
New Star Kebab
New Star Kebab is a popular and well-established eatery in Auburn that has gained a reputation for
serving delicious and authentic Turkish cuisine.
Particularly noted for being the go-to destination for those seeking a satisfying kebab experience, its emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques makes it such a winner.
The menu features a variety of kebab options, including succulent grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, and beef, all prepared with care and seasoned to perfection. So, regardless of if you prefer a classic doner kebab, a flavourful Adana kebab, or a mouthwatering shish kebab, there are plenty of choices to suit different tastes.
In addition to their signature kebabs, New Star Kebab offers a range of delectable sides and accompaniments. They include everything from freshly baked Turkish bread and fluffy rice pilaf to vibrant salads and zesty dips, such as hummus and tzatziki, each of which is crafted to enhance the overall dining experience.
The staff at New Star Kebab are known for their warm hospitality and efficient service, while the restaurant’s casual and relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a late-night bite once the pubs have closed.
Address: 15 Auburn Rd, Auburn NSW 2144
Phone: (02) 9643 8433
Hours: 10 am to 12 am every day