Zanobia

The verdict:

A much-loved Sydney Middle Eastern favourite has opened its newest chapter at The Streets of Barangaroo, with Zanobia bringing its signature shared dining and generous hospitality to the waterfront. The restaurant is the latest venture from founder Jorge Ballas and his wife Jo-Anne, following the success of their sister venues in Leichhardt and North Strathfield. Ballas, also the founder and director of Beirut Street Food, grew up across Iraq, Dubai, Syria and Lebanon, learning to cook alongside his mother and drawing on those early experiences throughout Zanobia's menu.

The menu is designed for sharing, spanning hot and cold mezze, vibrant salads and premium meats cooked over the restaurant's signature charcoal grill. Certified 100% Halal beef, lamb and chicken are marinated for up to 48 hours in a house spice blend before being cooked over charcoal. Highlights include baked halloumi with raisin, pine nuts and spiced honey, Jordanian lamb mansaf with yellow rice, goat yoghurt sauce and roasted almonds, chicken fesenjan with walnut, pomegranate molasses, tahini, sumac and saffron rice, and kibbeh sajiyeh with minced lamb, onion, pine nuts and pomegranate molasses.

For something sweet, desserts include rose milk cake, pistachio tiramisu and saffron rice pudding, while the drinks list takes cues from the Middle East with cocktails incorporating flavours including za'atar, pomegranate and aniseed.

Arak, Lebanon's national spirit, also features prominently, served traditionally with water and ice and designed to be enjoyed alongside mezze.

The interiors draw inspiration from Queen Zenobia, the ancient ruler of the Palmyrene Empire, blending deep green, burgundy, rust and lilac tones with velvet, leather, textured fabrics, natural timber and stone. Alcove-style seating creates intimate spaces throughout the restaurant, encouraging long lunches and shared dinners.

Zanobia is open for lunch and dinner at The Streets of Barangaroo.

Image credit: Zanobia | Supplied