Sydney’s Best Lebanese Restaurants for Your Next Falafel Fix
From takeaway joints to fine dining feasts, we’ve rounded up the very best Lebanese restaurants in Sydney.
In the mood for really, really good Lebanese food? You’re in luck – the streets of Sydney are lined with authentic Lebanese restaurants and kebab shops. From takeaway joints to fine dining feasts, we’ve rounded up the very best here.
Our top tip? Go with an empty stomach, because Lebanese food is grazing heaven. We're never quite sure when to stop. Read on for Sydney's best Lebanese restaurants.
Jbeil Cuisine
With two locations in Sydney, there are no excuses if you haven't yet popped into Jbeil. These guys serve up high-quality traditional Lebanese dishes at reasonable prices. You can expect all your favourites, from hummus to sambousek as well as an incredibly well-priced banquet at $68 per person.
Sitchu Tip: Do not leave without trying the Batata Bi Kizbara - deep-fried potato tossed in coriander, garlic, mild chilli and lemon juice.
Kareela & Enfield
El Jannah
Grab your foodie friends and treat them to El Jannah, a true Sydney success story. It started in 1998 as a small, family-run takeaway shop, and now, it’s a lively, bustling restaurant that attracts visitors from all over Sydney. The charcoal chicken and beef shawarma kebabs are amazing (don’t skimp on the tahini and legendary garlic sauce!). For vegetarians, the falafel roll alone is worth the trip.
Multiple locations across Sydney
Al Aseel
For award-winning Lebanese food that’s also cheap and cheerful, head to Al Aseel. After outgrowing its Newtown venue, Al Aseel opened its new digs in Alexandria (opposite The Grounds) – and despite being three times the size, it’s still buzzing every night. Our advice is to go hungry, so you can feast on the likes of spice-filled lamb shoulder, king prawns, and mezze dishes served with flatbread straight from the oven. Al Aseel is also great at catering to special dietary requirements.
Multiple locations across Sydney
Eat Lebanese
Eat Lebanese started as a Covid pop-up aimed at sharing the joy of a Lebanese cook-up. Demand was so strong an eat-in restaurant was established, and they've since become a stalwart of The Shire's dining scene. The sleek interiors make a perfect backdrop to a table of shared mezza and a fuss-free dining experience. Fancy some beach views? Grab a wrap or feast and take it down to the park.
98 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Aalia (Image Credit: Jason Loucas)
Aalia
This hatted restaurant, headed up by executive chef Paul Farag, is perfect if you're looking for something central in the CBD. Whilst it's not exclusively Lebanese, Aalia draws inspiration from the Middle East and North Africa and highlights the best of each region. Start with elevated snacks and mezze before exploring the mains. Do not miss Aalia's dessert menu that features the likes of dates covered in caramelised chocolate, rice pudding ice cream and brown butter katifi.
25 Martin Place, Sydney
Jasmin1
Jasmin1 is known for its traditional food, fresh ingredients and homely feel. The menu is designed for sharing, so round up your friends and family and start with dips, fattoush salad, vine leaves and kibbeh before digging in to the mouth-watering mains. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, and the takeaway menu is just as extensive. Oh, and the best bit? Jasmin1 is BYO.
Multiple locations across Sydney
Emma’s Snack Bar
For delicious Lebanese street food, you can’t go past this neighbourhood haunt. Emma’s boasts a casual vibe with a relaxed menu. Each and every dish is bursting with flavour, but if you need help choosing, we suggest the roast pumpkin hummus and ‘ladies fingers’ (filo pastry rolls filled with lamb, pine nuts and pomegranate), followed by the aromatic fish, moorish chicken or falafel kebab.
59 Liberty Street, Enmore
Abla’s Pastries
When you feel like something sweet, make your way to Abla’s Pastries – the Granville-based store that’s been satisfying sugary cravings for over 30 years. There are over 200 sweets on offer (yes, really!), and while the cakes, biscuits, nougat and handmade chocolates are tempting, Abla’s shines brightest when it comes to traditional Lebanese desserts. Think flaky pastries topped with honey and crushed nuts.
48/52 Railway Parade, Granville
Nour
Harnessing traditional flavours and techniques to produce inventive, contemporary Lebanese fare, Nour is equal parts thoughtful and creative. Reflecting the warm and vibrant atmosphere, a lot of the dishes are prepared over the woodfire. For an authentic experience, dine with a group and order the set menu. It is a feast of Nour's signature dishes and will allow you to sample a bit of everything.
Hosting an event? The serene private dining room can seat up to 20 and is the perfect place to indulge for any celebration.
Shop 3, 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Arrabella
Arabella is one of Sydney’s most-loved Lebanese restaurants with a vibrant ambience, belly dancing on the weekends, and a menu that is as authentic as it gets. It’s the kind of place that has people hooked from the first visit. Head chef Mohamad Zouhour has been at the helm for more than a decade, cooking up cold and hot mezze plates, chicken, lamb and seafood dishes, and of course, shish kebabs. If you go with a big group, indulge in a banquet – you won’t regret it.
12/489-491 King Street, Newtown
If you loved this edit of Sydney's best Lebanese restaurants and are keen to keep exploring Sydney's incredible foodie scene, be sure to catch our round ups of the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney as well as the best new restaurants that have opened this year.
