Craving Lebanese food? Here’s where to go in Sydney

You won’t meet a foodie soul in Enmore who hasn’t fallen in love with Emma’s Snack Bar.

The warm and fuzzy Lebanese eatery is all about authenticity, community and food cooked with love. Rub elbows at the large central table as you tuck into some of the best juicy kebabs, dips and bottles of arak Sydney has to offer.

While the name of the place might suggest snack-sized bites, plenty of eats around here are on the more generous side.

Start with roast pumpkin hummus, falafel and arak garlic prawns to share. Then for mains, whopping plates of juicy shawarma, aromatic spiced fish and tangy marinated chicken await.

Try traditional kanefe at the end for a unique dessert – it’s semolina and mozzarella pudding bathed in a delightfully sweet orange blossom syrup.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Village fatouche ($16)

Blend real Lebanese flavour with fresh Aussie produce in a contemporary twist, and what do you get? The Nour Sydney experience.

It’s up-scale enough to be occasion-worthy, but not so much that it loses that classic Middle Eastern sense of authenticity, tradition and hospitality.

Wander into the restaurant’s sultry dining space to immerse yourself in a new world across the Mediterranean sea, replete with wicker chairs, mirrors, greenery and a slick, warmly lit bar where you can grab a drink and watch the magic unfold.

The dishes here are eye-catching and daring. Executive Chef Paul Farag and his kitchen will take you on a journey of surprises, such as duck fatayer with whipped shanklish and Aleppo pepper, South Australian mussels with mango amba, hummus and house pita, and a house favourite: the barberry glazed lamb shoulder with shaved beans and green zhug.

To taste the full scope of Nour’s creative flair, we recommend booking the banquet.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Signature banquet menu ($119 pp)

This classic Lebanese restaurant in Leichhardt has it all: Arabic splashes of decor, mountains of delicious skewers, and the iconic “Jasmin1” gaudy signage to boot.

With several locations around Sydney (including one in Bankstown), it’s your go-to joint for no-nonsense local Lebanese fare. The atmosphere is casual and family-oriented, with the focus very much on food.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with a menu that covers both cold and hot mezze plates, handmade samboosik pastries and kebbeh, all your favourite traditional Lebanese salads like tabbouleh and fattoush, plus a mouthwatering range of BBQ-grilled meats (the star of the show, of course.)

The aromatic lamb shawarma is a must-try, served with bread, parsley, onion, tomato and tahini. Don’t forget about the rice pilaf and fresh seafood mixed plates, too.

Don’t miss the mixed lamb plate either – we loved it so much we named it one of Sydney’s must-try dishes.

Wine is BYO, so make a night of it!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Lamb shawarma ($20)

Cubby’s is a new kind of Lebanese restaurant, an artsy venue donning more than one hat: cocktail bar, function space, basement watering hole and eatery, of course.

If you can nab a dinner seat at this adorably cosy spot, your reward will be a modern Lebanese feast you’ll remember – paired with equally as memorable Lebanese-inspired drinks. Try the pomegranate mojito or ‘araktini’, followed by a Chateau Ksara wine import from Lebanon.

The food menu mixes traditional favourites with contemporary upgrades. Think Lebanese-Japanese fusions of baba ghanoush with miso, and hummus with chilli oil and edamame.

Onto the mains, you’ll spy tender Flinders Island lamb kafta with yogurty spiced dressing, harissa-rubbed barramundi with garlic and almonds, and yummy shish plates and skewers.

What started as a pop-up in 2016 is now one of Sydney’s most beloved Lebanese dining spots. If you haven’t been to Cubby’s yet, make it your next dinner date.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Cubby’s love banquet ($64 pp)

In the heart of Surry Hills, Nada’s is an oldie but a goodie. Rumoured to serve the best hummus in Sydney since 1977, this family restaurant is all about fresh, finger-licking Lebanese fare served with care.

The restaurant’s cool blue walls, white tablecloths and evocative artworks create a crisp, relaxed feel, and it’s easy to spend an entire night here exploring all the authentic menu has to offer.

Expect a lot of grilled meats, cabbage rolls, garlic chicken skewers, and one or two more out-of-the-box picks – such as the raw lamb dish with crushed wheat and olive oil (kebbeh nayeh).

If that’s got your stomach turning, know that Nada cares very well for veggie lovers, too. There are over 15 plant-based dishes to choose from, reaching beyond classic dips, breads and salads to include fried cauliflower with tahini, herb and spinach-stuffed filo ladies’ fingers, and selek beloubie, a traditional black-eyed bean dish.

A range of banquet options including coffee and sweets are available to suit larger groups and special occasions.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Cabbage rolls ($17)