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Sydney’s Best Middle Eastern Restaurants for Satisfying Those Hummus Cravings
Feast your way through copious amounts of pita, fattoush, and falafel.
One of the best things about Sydney? You don’t need to leave to experience authentic flavours from across the globe. And when it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine, a little mezze can instantly transport you from the harbour city to the bustling streets of Beirut or Istanbul. You just need to know where to go.
Luckily, we got you. Here’s our edit of Sydney’s top Middle Eastern restaurants for your next flavour-packed outing.
Sefa Kitchen Bondi
Taking up a prime position on Bondi Road, Sefa means business. The intimate restaurant serves dishes from the Levant — a rich tapestry of flavours from Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Cyprus, and southeastern Turkey. Highlights include oven-baked eggplant with smoked labneh and tomato chutney, and seared scallops with muhammara, tahini, and pickles. Pair your meal with a cocktail like the Egyptian Hibiscus Spritz and you’re set.
292 Bondi Road, Bondi
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
Emma’s Snack Bar
This beloved Lebanese eatery sometimes feels more like a lively family gathering than a restaurant. With its long communal table and warm, welcoming vibe, this cosy spot may be small in size, but it delivers big on flavour. The menu is packed with mezze, grilled vegetables and meats, and the ever-popular Kibbe. It’s refreshingly unpretentious, and word on the street is that they’re happy to accommodate special meal requests.
59 Liberty Street, Enmore
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Zac’s Great Food
If Afghan cuisine is calling your name, Zac’s is the answer. This Bella Vista mainstay blends authentic Afghan flavours with a fresh Aussie twist, all rooted in the owners’ journey as refugees from Afghanistan. While the menu includes Aussie staples like surf and turf and chicken parmigiana, it’s the traditional Afghan dishes — qabli pilaf, mantu, spiced lentils, and minty yoghurt — that steal the show. With bold flavours, generous portions and great hospitality, it’s no wonder Zac’s has become a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
05/5 Celebration Drive, Bella Vista
NOUR
For a sophisticated take on Middle Eastern fare, NOUR is your go-to. This hatted Crown Street gem pairs refined flavours with a sleek, contemporary setting — think floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and an effortlessly stylish vibe. The menu is designed for sharing, featuring house-made labneh, pillowy breads, and share plates that celebrate tradition with a modern twist. And to top it off, there’s an exceptional wine list that complements every bite.
3/490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Iftar
A fresh face in the west, Iftar blends earthy design with soulful cooking inspired by chef Jeremy Agha’s Middle Eastern heritage. Run by Agaha and his mother, the duo has drawn crowds to Merrylands from far and wide since its opening in January 2025. Beyond the warm terracotta tones and travertine textures, the menu is homey yet refined. Standouts include lamb shawarma tacos, wagyu kofta dumplings, sojok egg, eggplant fatteh and a big brekkie board with the lot.
Main Lane, Merrylands
Lillah Kitchen
Known for its laid-back vibe and plant-based options, Lillah Kitchen brings the vibrant flavours of Egypt, Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon to the heart of Lane Cove. The menu is a celebration of Middle Eastern staples such as crispy falafel, warm laffah, and all the dips you could dream of: hummus, baba ganoush, and labneh. Don’t miss the LFC (Lebanese fried chicken), a crowd favourite that hits the spot. Bonus points for thoughtful touches like USB chargers at every booth — now that’s hospitality done right.
128 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best Greek restaurants in Sydney, or cure your Europe FOMO with our roundup of top Mediterranean restaurants in Sydney.
