Al Aseel

Sydney’s definitive Lebanese dining experience is now in Surry Hills. Before I dined here, I stupidly believed I knew good felafel from bad. Enter the benchmark aromatic Felafel ($6.90) with crunchy, thin exteriors and lightly spiced, bright green interiors. Your journey begins with complimentary pickles; nuts too if you buy a drink, and the soft, lightly floral Château Ksara Blanc de Blancs ($40) from Lebanon makes a lovely companion drop. You’re also gifted with a plump bag of fluffy Lebanese bread. Use it to enjoy a bountiful raw Vegetable Plate ($30) with juicy ripe tomatoes that resonate with excellent olive oil and creamy, garlic Toom ($6.90). Kibbeh Naya ($11.90) arrives pink and lewd; one bite of this raw, lean minced lamb and you’ll be hooked. By now I’m drowning in an abundant feast of the senses – smoky Baba Ghanouj ($9.90) rolls on my tongue with achingly tender cubes of Laham Mishwee ($17.90/3 skewers); impossibly moist Fried Kibbe ($8.90) tango with excellent Hommos ($8.50). Juicy chicken breast in Shish Tawook ($17/90/3 skewers) is another standout; Mansaf Lamb ($22.90) on seasoned rice is a revelation! If I thought I’d be able to get back up, I’d have retired to the cute cushion corner for sweets and a hookah; but there’s always next time!

Al Aseel
529 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9690 1099
Lebanese $$-$$$