Turkish, Israeli, Egyptian, Lebanese: all of it’s garlicky, charred, flavourful deliciousness, but who does it the best?

Sydney has no shortage of blog-worthy Middle Eastern restaurants, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites for the next time you’re struck with a craving for kofte or fattoush…

 

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Aalia
cuisinesMiddle Eastern, Fine dining

For elevated contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine with an impressively unique dining space to match, make a booking at Aalia.

The minimalist restaurant’s name roughly translates to “exalted” in Arabic, which is very much the vibe around here. It’s fine dining all the way, but with bold technique and Middle Eastern flavour profiles that together, make a far punchier impression.

Come to explore the menu dish by dish a la carte, or if you’re ready to dive into the deep end, there’s an extravagant banquet option for groups of four or more.

Curated by Executive Chef Paul Farag, the feast invites you to start slowly with elegant little dishes like fresh tuna, murri and Aleppo pepper, and eggplant with spiced tomato. Khorasan pita, smoked buffalo labneh and a quail skewer round out the first courses for an intriguing commencement.

Over the rest of the banquet, anticipate expertly prepared lamb neck shawarma, almond crumbed john dory, vegetable-forward sides and a dessert course.

The Valrhona chocolate with kataifi and sesame dulce has us drooling…

Aalia frequently plays host to chef collaborations – with the next one coming up on November 14 with Adam Wolfers of Brisbane’s Gerard’s Bistro. Check out the details here.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Banquet ($120pp)

Check out our interview with Executive Chef Paul Farag for more about Aalia

Above Par
cuisinesMiddle Eastern, Cocktails

At Above Par, the name really sums it up: modern Middle Eastern-inspired fare that’s a cut above the rest.

Here, you’ll find melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu shish, haloumi showered with sun-dried tomatoes, honey and walnuts, and tender veal sucuk with warm hummus, pine nuts and a decadent drizzle of chilli oil.

If all this sounds like a celestial feast, that’s because it practically is. A nod to authentic Middle Eastern tradition and the late-night eateries in Istanbul, the menu at Above Par is designed for sharing in abundance with family and friends. There’s plenty of falafel, seafood and grilled meats to keep everyone satisfied, and the drinks list is a winner.

Recline in one of the plush booth-style seats with an “arabesque” cocktail or glass of wine, and take in the vibrant inner-city ambiance before you order.

There’s also an outdoor garden area with a cherry blossom tree – perfect for those warm Sydney nights.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Wagyu beef shish with mushrooms, pita and muhammara ($38)

Henrietta
cuisinesMiddle Eastern, Lebanese, Charcoal chicken

Will charcoal chicken shops ever get old? Not if they can hold a flame to Henrietta, a fun Middle Eastern eatery in Surry Hills all about the bird and baba ghanoush.

For a casual BBQ joint, the dining space at Henrietta is surprisingly chic. There’s a swanky bar with cocktail-shaking mixology types, Insta-friendly monstera plants, benches outside for catching the rays, and polished wood dining sets ready for your feasting (and sauce-spilling) pleasure.

But thankfully, Henrietta’s style is exceeded by its substance. The grub here is top-notch and everything you’d want from a hip mezze, wrap and burger bar. There’s traditional Lebanese bread, hummus, labneh and falafel galore for starters.

And if you’d like something a bit more daring, you can try the sujuk tacos with spicy Turkish sausage, sumac onions, tahini and pickles. The chicken and lentil rice with pine nuts, brown butter and yogurt is also an interesting treat.

Nearly everything comes with sinful amounts of garlicky noun sauce, and your choice of chips or fattoush bread salad – so remember to bring your appetite.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Crispy chicken wrap with fried chicken, coleslaw, pickles, toum, special sauce ($25)

Anason
cuisinesMiddle Eastern, Turkish, Fine dining

Influenced by the seaside meyhanes of Istanbul, Anason brings seasonal Anatolian cuisine and a kiss of luxury to harbourside Sydney.

The award-winning Barangaroo restaurant’s terrace dining attracts serious eaters at sundown, hungry for a taste of the kitchen’s prowess. The rest of the restaurant is tiled in bright azure.

This year’s “Spring” menu is split into flora (plant-based), ocean (seafood) and fauna (meat and game.) Try the Turkish quail eggs with sesame, garlic yoghurt and chilli butter, or smoked beetroot tartare with labna, rhubarb and blood plums to set the scene. Anason’s stone baked village bread is perfect for mopping up the juices.

Delving deeper into the menu, you can sample grilled ox tongue on toast with muhammara and pickles, roast chicken with pomegranate molasses and garlic toum, and Tilba haloumi with local honey and lavender oil.

There’s a particular focus on drinks at Anason, as per Turkish tradition – so don’t skip your chance to try traditional Raki or an Agean regional wine.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Anason “Spring” feast with paired wines ($160pp)

Kepos Street Kitchen
cuisinesMiddle Eastern, Cafe, Israeli

Your favourite brunch cafe meets an Israeli street food stall and has a baby… say hello to Kepos Street Kitchen.

A beloved Redfern meeting spot for shakshuka, freshly made pita wraps and the halva of chocolate magnum lovers’ dreams, here’s where you can taste Israeli-inspired food to inspire.

The menu, led by award-winning chef Michael Rantissi, focuses on cafe classics (think eggs benny, big customisable brekkies and meatball subs) skilfully prepared with a Middle Eastern twist.

There’s sardines on rye with dukkah, pita with wagyu mince or falafel and salad, and fresh ocean trout with herbaceous lentils and butter-soaked pine nuts. The flavours are familiar yet exotic at the same time, and even better paired with a selection from the smart beer and wine list.

Aromatic brews from Allpress Espresso and Tea Craft will entice you to stay a little longer for tea and cake, though this streetside open kitchen is equally as happy to do takeaway.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Moroccan lamb cigar with goats cheese, poached egg and herbs ($25)

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