Characterised by colourful spreads of multiple dishes, the generosity of spirit common to people from Turkey through to Yemen is on full display in their convivial dining habits where large groups come together to feast. It’s all about sharing – company, laughter and, most importantly, food.
Familiar and much-loved plates like Hummus and Tabbouleh are claimed across the region and have even found their way into our local supermarkets. However, there is a wealth of lesser known delights, such as Armenian Sujuk (Spicy Beef Sausage), Persian Tahdig (a crunchy-bottomed Rice dish) and Egyptian Ful Medames, where Broad Beans (Fava Beans) are Slow-Cooked until luscious and creamy.
And everything comes with some form of bread. And be it Lavash, Pita, Barbari or Saj, it’s all equally irresistible.
So if you think that Middle Eastern cuisine is just grilled Eggplant and a few Feta Cubes chucked over Sliced Cucumbers and Tomatoes, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Read on, and we will introduce you to a delicious world of juicy Kebabs, fragrant Rice Dishes and all kinds of Cheeses, Curds and Yoghurts.
Below is our selection of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Melbourne. Enjoy the ride!
Let me open by stating that Eatability was lucky enough to dine at Maha recently. What’s more, we can report that at Maha, the generosity of a fabled Arabian Nights banquet is embraced through a number of enticing set menu options.
Maha takes the rich, aromatic flavours of traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes and reimagines them. All with a fine dining polish in a slick contemporary restaurant.
Here, the Soufra definitely lives up to its name – it is an Arabic word meaning a table full of food. It opens with the silkiest, most addictive Smoked Hummus this side of Istanbul. From then on, a stream of enticing dishes are delivered to the table.
Highlights, of which there are many, include a fabulously fragrant plate of White Beans and Shrimps paired with Dill and Fermented Tomato and succulent Lamb Kibbeh.
The Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder is rightly revered as a stand-out dish. Meltingly tender lamb falls apart under the press of a fork, its mildly gamey taste enhanced by Fermented Capsicum Burnt Butter.
There is a standard Soufra and, happily, there is also a vegan version. If only more establishments did this.
Whichever Soufra you choose, it’s a pretty substantial meal. However, if you’re especially hungry, there are supplementary dishes that you can add at every course. So if the Lamb Shoulder isn’t sufficient, you could add in Dry Aged Duck Breast, Batata Harra, Basil, Saffron and Peaches.
Tucked away next door to Maha is her sibling Cocktail Bar, Jayda. Sophisticated and intimate, this spot has ‘date night’ written all over it. And of course, as part of the Maha family, there’s a definite Middle Eastern edge to both the drinks and the food.
Trust us when we say that the Maltese Pork Croquette with Sundried Tomato and Harissa packs a wallop. Similarly, the Hokkaido Scallop, Caramelised Tahini, Burnt Butter and Spiced Potato is a total flavour bomb.
Also hitting all the right notes is the small, but perfectly conceived, Cocktail menu. Our go-to is the lip-puckeringly lively Pomegranate Sour. A jewel-hued blend of Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Lemon and Egg White, it looks as good as it tastes.
The first Maha’s sister establishments away from the CBD is Maha East.
Sat proudly on bustling Chapel St, the sleek, charcoal-hued space is cosy and cosseting. Food-wise, there are plenty of tried and tested favourites. We particularly love the Weekend Lunch innovation, where you can work your way through their utterly delicious Soufra for $65 pp.
Tiba’s Lebanese Restaurant is a world away from Maha in terms of decor and glamour. However, food-wise, it can compete with any of the flasher joints in town.
Busy, chaotic and buzzing with the sounds of contented diners, this is a no frills place that prides itself on tasty Middle Eastern dishes, done really well.
The Hommos and Babaganouge Dips are both smooth and punchy. There are no dry, chalky Falafels here, only crunchy perfumed balls with a soft centre. Even something a simple as a Tabouli Salad is vivid with perfectly ripe tomato and bushels of fresh parsley.
Whilst Tiba’s is a dream dinner option for a vegan or vegetarian, carnivores will also leave happy. There are skewers of flame-licked Chicken or Lamb Kebabs, juicy Lamb Cutlets, piquant Lebanese Sausage and Lamb and Chicken Shawarma redolent of the spice market in Marrakesh.
Apart from the delicious, authentic food, Tiba’s holds another major drawcard. It’s heart-warmingly budget-friendly. Despite its popularity, Tiba’s Lebanese Restaurant remains true to its roots and knocks out some of the best, and cheapest Middle Eastern food in Melbourne.
Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy hummus? It’s so loved here in Australia, you often find it on brekkie menus. See our post on the Best Breakfast Joints in Brisbane for proof.
Balaclava might seem like an unusual spot to find a cutting edge modern Turkish restaurant, but Tulum has been drawing locals and foodies alike for some time now. And with good reason.
In a cosmopolitan, food-obsessed city like Melbourne, presenting dishes that are new and exciting is a challenge. Yet Tulum is doing this and more.
In his New Anatolian Kitchen, Turkish born Chef/Owner Coskun Tulum is reworking Ottoman classics with Aussie ingredients and an innovative spin. Regional dishes are championed and flavour combinations are bright and exhilarating.
The Soufra To Share features winners such as a delightful Lentil Kofte matched with a moreish Smoked Date Butter (Yum!) and an outstanding Baked Cumin Lamb Kibbeh Pie. Even a comparatively simple plate of Fava Beans Pate is elevated with Raki Pickled Grapes and a spiky Cumin Dressing. In contrast, the Taste of Tulum offers a culinary tour of Turkey. Each of the 7 courses are named for a Turkish Province and highlight a dish associated with the area.
It’s a delicious way to experience the thrilling diversity of Turkish cuisine without leaving the wilds of Balaclava.
Finally, special mention has to go to the serving staff. When we ate at Tulum some time ago, we were struck by the friendly, knowledgable and attentive service. Having checked recent online reviews, it seems that this superb level of care is still a trademark of Tulum. How wonderful!
Middle Eastern food in Melbourne – and anywhere else for that matter – doesn’t get much better than this.
If you’ve yet to try the superb Armenian fare at Sezar Restaurant, then you are definitely missing out.
Whilst the cuisine of Armenia isn’t as well-known in Australia as other forms of Middle Eastern cookery, there are plenty of familiar ingredients and flavours in the beautiful dishes.
Here, the Hommus comes topped with Chickpeas and marooned in a pool of Brown Butter. Of course, it’s divine. But there’s so much more.
We predict that the Kataifi Wrapped Lamb is the cutest, most addictive sausage roll you’ll ever have the pleasure of eating. The Spanner Crab Manti are gorgeous wee dumplings draped in Yoghurt, Spiced Butter and Sumac. Meanwhile, the Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Armenian Sauces is up there with any lamb dish we’ve had in ages. What’s more, it’s accompanied by whichever 2 Sides you prefer, making it a substantial serving plate.
In addition to the wonderful food, Sezar offers a full Wine List and some interesting Cocktails to complement your meal.
Honestly, if you want to sample some of the finest Middle Eastern food in Melbourne, you have to book a table at Sezar.
Let me confess that few things give my food-loving heart more pleasure than a couple of hours browsing and grazing at the fabulous Oasis Bakery.
The Makool family have created a one-stop shop for all aspects of Middle Eastern food in Melbourne. And all in an unassuming location, next to a busy road.
Oasis has everything. There’s a glorious shop complete with a deli, bakery and a diverse grocery section.
However, the jewel in the Oasis crown has to be the exhaustive spice range. If you want some saffron threads for a tagine, Oasis is the place to go. Looking for a dukkah to serve with oil and Lebanese bread? At Oasis the only issue you’ll have is deciding which one to choose.
Moreover, Oasis doesn’t limit itself solely to Middle Eastern flavourings. Their spice shelves also run from smokey Mexican chipotle through to warming Indian coriander. We recommend giving some of their signature spice blends a go sometime.
Once you’ve filled up your shopping trolley with stuffed vine leaves and za’zatar dusted flatbreads, head to the cafe. Oasis has a dining area churning out tempting fare from breakfast ’til early evening.
If you feel like brunch, try a comforting bowl of their Shakshuka or a Cheese & Soujouk Jaffle. For lunch there are Lebanese Pizzas, topped with Lamb & Feta or Chicken & Spinach.
Or perhaps you’d rather have a Wrap? There are numerous options, including Chicken or Lamb Shawarma, Falafels and a plant-based Kafta for hungry vegans. The list goes on.
As if this isn’t enough, Oasis also offers a catering service if you’re hosting an event and runs a cooking school where you can learn to prepare Lebanese delicacies yourself.
Oasis has a further store at Fairfield and has plans to open another outpost in Mornington.
Do yourself a favour and pop one of their stores on your ‘To Do’ list.
Not to be confused with its Carre St, Elsternwick, namesake that also served delicious Turkish, Moroccan and Middle-Eastern food (and is now sadly-closed), Arabesque is an awesome spot for an enjoyable night of scrumptious food and, if desired, Shisha.
Arabesque has two elegant, restrained and beautifully designed venues – one in the heart of the CBD (Elizabeth Street) and one in Coburg (Sydney Road). The Coburg venue is currently closed for renovations (as of July 2022).
Craving for some scrumptious Jordanian food? Arabesque probably serves the best examples of this under-represented cuisine in Melbourne.
Looking for fresh, authentic flavours that delight the taste buds and hit the spot? Then Arabesque is an excellent choice.
Specialising in presenting classic, authentic Middle Eastern flavours in a fresh and unique way, with a menu inspired from traditional recipes direct from the Middle East, Jordan, Turkey and Morocco.
Arabesque does its best to present authentic Middle Eastern culture, hospitality and cuisine in a chic, modern and stylish environment.
For Arabesque, food isn’t just fuel. The delicacies created are meant to be shared socially amongst friends and family – “Eat together and do not eat separately, for the blessing is in being together”.
Finally, if you’re interested in Shisha or Hookah? Arabesque has two of the best shisha bar lounges in Melbourne. Just walk upstairs at either venue to enjoy a variety of shisha flavours in stylish surrounds. And don’t forget Happy Hour, every Thursday (between 6-8pm).
Location: 643-645 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, VIC 3065 Ph: (03) 9386 0440 See Website For Further Locations
Rather like Oasis above, A1 Bakery is so much more than simply a local bread shop.
Yes, they make amazing Lebanese Bread of all kinds – though our personal favourite is their Turkish Bread – but that is just a fraction of the delights in this fabulous store.
The range of Middle Eastern groceries is huge. This is the place to come for everything from Pomegranate Molasses to all kinds of Nuts to Tahini and more. Whether you want Spices from the Levant or to indulge your love of sweet, addictive Halva, A1 Bakery has you covered.
And then there’s the sit and eat options. The dining rooms at any of the A1 Bakery outlets might not be flash, but the food is great. And cheap. Our go to is the Shanklish Pie ($8). Shaped like a small boat, it’s stuffed with rich Shanklish cheese, Herbs, Tomato and Onion.
If you’re feeling hungry, then we suggest you try one of the excellent Platters. The A1 Brekkie is a fabulous way to start any day. Featuring 2 Eggs, Labne, Sujuk, Cucumber, Tomato, Olives, Mint & fresh Pita Bread, it’s filling and delicious. Another knock out dish is the Foul Moudammas . A wholesome, tasty plate of Faba Beans & Chickpeas with Garlic, Lemon, Tahini & Olive Oil, accompanied by Pickles and that wonderful Pita. If you’re a lover of Hummus, this has your name all over it.
How lucky are the people of Elwood, having Lezzet Anatolian Restaurant on their doorstep?
Done out like a simple, rustic eatery, this charming establishment serves Turkish Middle Eastern fare with plenty of heart. And if you are fortunate enough to have gluttonous friends – as we do – that means this your kind of spot. Why? Because the team at Lezzet produce food bursting with flavour, that’s ideal for sharing.
Kick off with the always popular Saganaki, grilled to burnished beauty and dressed with Caramelised Onion, Spinach & Pastirma. Follow with the butter-soft Fried Calamari accompanied by Snow Peas, Fresh Herbs and a lively Caper Aioli. Entrees dispatched, the Mains await. Our pick is the Chicken Caucasian (Cerkez Tavuk) – flame-kissed Grilled Chicken with a Walnut Paste, Spicy Coriander Salsa & Paprika Butter. Or maybe the Lezzet Seafood Platter (Min 2 people). With Wood Fired Seafood, Garfish, Green Moreton Bay Bugs, King Prawns, Scallops, Victorian Mussels, Calamari, Garlic Pilaf Rice & Garlic Bread, it’s quite a spread.
Of course, the Dessert Selection is rather special too. If you have the room, order the Tiramisu (Tahin Kadayif). This Turkish Tiramisu with Kadayif Tahini, Pistachio, Whipped Mascarpone & Cacao is a textural and taste revelation.
If this all sounds overwhelmingly tempting, don’t panic. Lezzet offers a number of Feed Me Menus where the Chef will do the hard work for you.
After a mere 12 months of business, Zareh has been crowned Gourmet Traveller’s restaurant of the year.
And no wonder. This is the baby of the ‘hummus king’ Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi and the vibrant menu reflects their Armenian, Egyptian and Lebanese heritage.
Now you may feel a tad squeamish about eating raw Lamb, but we reckon that the Kafta Nayyah at Zareh may change your mind. Glisteningly fresh, it comes with Radishes and Fried Pita and the combination of silky meat, crunchy veg and crisp bread is divine. Alternatively, the flame-licked Chicken Kebab may be more to your tastes. Here, it arrives with a lively Toum and sprightly Pickled Green Chilli.
For dessert, if you’ve never tried Gatnabour, you are in for a treat. This homeliest of dishes – Armenian Rice Pudding – is elevated with Baked Quince and Creme Fraiche Ice Cream. The result is glorious.
Finally, Zareh also carries an impressive Wine List which includes plenty of choice from Armenia and Lebanon, as well as Australia.
We suspect that Zareh will be winning accolades for many more years to come.
Miznon is a wonderfully relaxed venue on bustling Hardware Lane, which dishes up Israeli street food.
What is Israeli street food? I hear you ask. Well, pop by around lunch time and you’ll find the kitchen putting together pitas as fast as is humanly possible. Whether you go for the Abu Kamal ($21) – Lamb Kebab, Tahini, Pickles Tomato, Onion & Chilli – or the Cheakypita ($17) – Falafel Burger, Tomato Steak, Sour Cream, Chilli Onion & Pickles – you’ll find all the produce zinging with vitality.
As the sun dips, Miznon comes alive with groups meeting up to tuck into share plates. The Baby Cauliflower ($24) is famous – though it really is only a small roasted cauli – and the Schnitzel Malka ($34), takes the much-loved Aussie schnitty and stuffs it with Potato Puree.
Part of the appeal of Miznon is the energy of the place – it really does have a buzz. Plus it’s casual to the max. The Bag of Green Beans ($23) is exactly that. A paper bag of snap-fresh Beans with a light drizzle of Garlic, Lemon & Olive Oil.
The spices and complexity of flavour found in many other cuisines that come under the Middle Eastern umbrella are largely absent. Miznon is all about healthy, simple dishes and a lively vibe.
If you walk down Italian restaurant-centric Lygon Street and manage to resist the aromas of Hand-Made Pastas and Wood-Fired Pizzas, you might detect the scent of Grilled Meats and Middle Eastern Spice Blends. Follow your nose, and you’ll probably find yourself joining the queue at Yakamoz.
Yakamoz is a Mediterranean eatery with food that leans heavily into the Turkish cuisine of its owners – Ali and Ogulcan Atay. The result is fabulous Meze plates such as Muhamarra – Wood Fired Peppers, Almonds & Feta and Halloumi, Brown Butter, Honey & Walnuts. For the hungrier, the Charcoal Lamb & Chicken Shish with Zhoug is recommended, as are the superb Charcoal Lamb Cutlets.
However, the dish that people clamour for is possibly a bit of a surprise. It’s a Char-grilled Double Cheeseburger complete with Homemade Chilli Jam, Truffle Aioli, Pickles and Caramelised Onions.
Editor’s Update: Well, well, well. The Charrd burger joint was recently named No.14 on the coveted list of the World’s 25 Best Burgers for 2025. Congratulations to all concerned!
When we heard that Mint & Co is a Middle Eastern Fusion Restaurant, we got very excited. And thankfully, our expectations were fully met.
This venue doe ‘Dubai Style’ Middle Eastern food, which means is there an eclectic selection of Sides and Mains, created from the finest fresh Ingredients. One thing is certain – you won’t leave hungry.
For example, there are 5 different versions of Hummus to pick from – including on piled with fragrant Shawarma Meat – and their Baba Ghanoush is a thing of beauty, bejewelled with Pomegranate Seeds. From the Signature Mains, our pick is the wonderfully comforting Lamb Kharouf, where Slow-Cooked Lamb, Rice, Yoghurt and heady Spices marry perfectly. Similarly skilfully seasoned is the Shish Tawook – succulent Marinated Chicken Skewers, kissed by the grill.
Whilst there is a very good House-Made Baklava on the Dessert Menu, it’s not the only consideration. The warm Kataifi Kunefe comes filled with Nutella, Cream or Nutella and is a revelation. And if you’ve never tried the traditional Middle Eastern Bread Pudding packed with Nuts- Umm Ali – we urge you to give it at go at Mint & Co.
All of this and more can be enjoyed either inside the Restaurant, or out in its lovely Arabian Courtyard. You can even have a Hookah after your meal.
Last, but definitely not least, Mint & Co. pull together The Big Turkish Brunch every Saturday and Sunday and it is totally worth getting up for. Star of the show is the Turkish Brunch Platter which features a dozen or more small Meze-style plates for you to work your way through. And they serve one of my favourite Egg dishes – Menenem. WooHoo!
Ah Rumi! How we love this Lebanese-leaning Middle Eastern restaurant.
Honestly, we defy anyone to not adore their Sigara Boregi. Although simply described as Cheese Cigars filled with Haloumi, Feta & Kasseri, they are a textural delight thanks to their crunchy pastry wrapping. Another stunning dish is the Chicken Wings with Toum & Aleppo Pepper. And then there’s the Mante. A plate of wee Turkish Beef Dumplings with Tomato and Kashk Yoghurt, drizzled with a rich Nutty Butter, it’s a total winner.
Whilst grazing across the A La Carte Menu is always a joy, we recommend ordering one of the Banquets. That way, you get to sample the finest creations from the kitchen.
Pleasingly, the Wine List includes a number of bottles from Lebanon and Turkey, as well as Aussie tipples. And if you fancy a Cocktail, give the Lebanese Limonada a try. Combining White Rum, Soda, Lemon and a kiss of Orange Blossom, it’s wonderfully refreshing.
It’s healthy: Middle Eastern cuisine is all about fresh ingredients and vegetables. You seldom find fried food, instead expect baked, grilled and raw ingredients. It’s generally praised as being good for the heart and olive oil, and fresh fruit and vegetables are major components. Meat is grilled rather than fried, and fish features in many classic dishes.
Middle Eastern food is a vegetarian’s paradise: The cuisine offers fantastic options and variety for plant-based diners. Carnivores are also well looked after, but the spices, herbs, dips and pulses are perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Most dishes are built around fresh vegetables such as eggplant, capsicum, onion, garlic, beans and tomatoes. Nuts also feature heavily, as do a variety of herbs and spices such as parsley, paprika and mint to add exotic flavour.
It’s not a modern fad: Middle Eastern cuisine has been refined over centuries from a combination of Asian, African and European influences to create delicious and unique flavours from quality ingredients.
It’s a social experience: Meals are very much the focus of family and social life. Great care is taken over meal preparation and in creating the right setting and ambiance. Meze food is an ideal way to share a selection of small plates, enjoy good conversation, friendship and conviviality.
Unlike some other classic cuisines (eg. French), Middle Eastern food relies on spices rather than sauces for bursts of flavour. Delicious, finger-licking Jordanian, Turkish and Moroccan dishes come from carefully selected herbs and spices, rather than heavy sauces. Generally, many dishes max out the flavour, but minimise the amount of saturated fats.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
