Bar Kazba

If you like your cocktails with a side of spice, you’re going to want to check out Bar Kazba, ZA ZA TA’s Tel Aviv-inspired side bar in Fortitude Valley. Take a seat, either in the vibrant, Queenslander-inspired bar area or the glamorous, 1940s style lounge and prepare to peruse the menu for a while—you’re gonna struggle deciding what to order, especially with the recent drop of their new winter menu.

Must try sips here include the Sacred Smoke, featuring chamomile mezcal, peach, Regal Rogue lively white, agave, and grapefruit; the Ode To Syrena, a concoction of majoram vodka, pear Regal Rogue wild rose, pomegranate, orange blossom and citrus; and the oh so decadent Turkish Coffee, with nutmeg-infused Wild Turkey American Honey, Mr Black, spiced pistachio, and first press coffee.

As for what you’ll be nibbling on while you drink, the menu is largely vegetarian, with bites like halloumi savoury doughnuts with chili jam, silverbeet and feta borek, salt and pepper crispy tofu and old school hummus. The latest rendition of their pitas are perfect for a lunchtime pitstop, and come stuffed or open on a plate with fillings like felafel and cauliflower shawarma, or for the meat-eaters, lamb kofta, chicken and beeef, along with lettuce, tomato, tabouli, pickled onion and tahini sauce. 

Lunch doesn't have to be a boozy affair either—you can sip on a range of iced teas in Australian-inspired flavours like lemon myrtle or rosehip, hibiscus, strawberry gum and quandong. Dessert is a must, however, with sweet treats like pistachio baklava ice cream sandwiches and handmade rosewater Turkish delight to end things with. 

Image credit: Supplied