Aalia
Sydney, Australia
When Aalia opened in Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), it’s striking design – natural textures, warm lighting and soaring wooden pillars – set the stage for a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern dining. Executive chef Paul Farag’s attention to detail went as far as sending staff recordings of him pronouncing menu items to ensure tip-top authenticity when serving diners. The result? A menu that doesn’t compromise on taste, showcasing the full diversity of Arabinan cuisine. If you’re not au fait with Arabic dish names, helpful staff will unpack the expansive menu of snacks, mezze and larger sharing plates. Or opt for the set banquet menu for a curated journey along the full length of the Red Sea coastline. Dishes might include Egyptian ful medames, given an opulent rethink with bone marrow and black walnut; quail skewers with molokhia (a type of stew made with jute mallow leaves) and barberries; and smoked buffalo labneh with beetroot molasses. The wine list includes bottles from Syria, Jordan and Morocco, and an express menu (available noon-2:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm) offers a three-course meal for A$40.
Key Information
- Average price per person $73
- Tasting menu from $75
- Lunch: Mon – Fri Dinner: Mon – Sat
- 61 2 9182 5880
- Visit Aalia's Website
Location
Shop 7.07 and 7.08, 25 Martin Place, CBD, Sydney, NSW, 2000
