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Middle Eastern

'I don’t want to come in and change the whole menu': chef Adam Wolfers.

Top globe-trotting chef returns to Sydney to lead kitchen at two-hatted Aalia

Chef Adam Wolfers, who has worked at Marque, Monopole and NY’s WD-50, replaces former Good Food Guide Chef of the Year Paul Farage.

  • Scott Bolles
Knafeh at Adandi Cafe.

It’s one of Sydney’s most exceptional desserts, and it’s in Punchbowl

This western suburbs cafe keeps the lights on, the coffee pouring, and the pans frying until after midnight.

  • Bianca Hrovat
Breakfast board loaded with fried eggs, ful medames, zaatar manoush, labneh, cold-cuts, assorted pickles, fresh vegies and village cheeses.
14/20

Merrylands’ hot brunch spot serves a breakfast board loaded with the lot

Kabul House is still hugely popular, but young families and Zoomers are flocking to impressive modern Middle Eastern restaurant Iftar.

  • Callan Boys
Lamb naye balls coated with sesame seeds, crushed pistachio and dried rose petals.
14/20

Sama at Grandview Hotel

Levantine dreams brought to life at the back of an old pub.

Golden Avenue in Brisbane’s CBD.

Golden Avenue

Middle Eastern food in architectural surrounds, by the team behind Agne.

  • Matt Shea
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There’s plenty to love at two-hat Aalia’s new wine bar. Shame it breaks this important rule

The new Martin Place wine bar from the team behind Nour is strong, and the people-watching is primo. There’s just one thing missing.

  • Myffy Rigby
Layla restaurant in Brisbane.

Layla

Shane Delia’s first Brisbane venture inside the Thomas Dixon Centre.

  • Matt Shea
Lamb naye balls coated with sesame seeds, crushed pistachio and dried rose petals.
14/20

Discover a modern Middle Eastern restaurant tucked inside a grand old suburban pub

Head to the carpark at the back of the three-storey 1888 landmark and look for the pink neon sign that says “Sama”.

  • Dani Valent
Charcuterie plate, raw beef with rhubarb and buckwheat, olives, charred lupini, and basturma, pickled chilli.

Aalia

A former Chef of the Year has opened a Middle Eastern wine bar in Martin Place.

  • Erina Starkey
Go-to dish: Chicken mandi at Mandina Kitchen.

Mandina Kitchen

An alcohol-free restaurant where diners can sit on rugs or at the table.

  • Dani Valent