Shaffa

This place was fantastic. Highly recommend and would come back when we’re in Sydney again. We sat at the chefs table and really enjoyed watching the clearly experienced team prepare all the food. The food itself was delicious. Particularly recommend the octopus. It might just be the best octopus we’ve ever had.

I have to say, I’m a big foodie and my partner and I love to experience new foods and new venues regularly but this has to have been one of the best dining experiences that we’ve ever had. The service was amazing, so attentive and warm, especially Veronica who really looked after us tonight. The food… I cannot describe. Every taste, every combination, we could not decide on a favourite dish. My partner who doesn’t even enjoy desserts has devoured the Knafeh. Even the cocktails were perfection. Absolutely cannot recommend enough, we will be back religiously. If you cannot decide what to get, get the Chef’s feast and try it all!

Yes! Just go!! I was after something a little different from your regular pub, or Asian, or burger joint and this little hidden path down to Shaffa hit the spot.

Easy to walk past as there's no shop front, look out for the pink fluro sign and head on down the steps where you'll see some dimly lit Moroccan style floor lamps. There the space opens up into a sunken, double height space, with lovely music, nice lighting and amazing smells. The welcoming and handsome Maitre D took me to my seat.

I got there just after 5:30, no booking so was sat at the bar and it's a good place to sit as you can see the team hustle to get dishes on the table.

The dishes are super tasty. I got the break and eggplant labneh which had the smokiness and sour with salty and herbaceous flavours from the zataar.

Recommendation from the waitress was the octopus which I found the perfect size and was perfectly cooked. Fantastic textures throughout with even better flavours - hard to describe but get this for sure. This was enough food for a single person and didn't leave me feeling too stuffed.

I'll definitely be back - next time with friends to try the mains.

Went here for a friend's birthday lunch. We ordered the set menu and it was delicious and scrumptious. I enjoy the chicken and the cauliflower dish 😊. Would recommend this place for any middle eastern food lovers and a filling set menu meal for a good price.

Really good vegetarian options. The hummus was excellent..and deserts have a special mention too as they did not contain gelatin. I went with my Israeli friend so don’t recall the dish names. A bit pricey (sign times of high cost of living) but when the food is good you don’t mind paying a bit more..

The chef knows what they are doing. Repetitive ingredients yet they make it to the level of excellence. With just simplest touch on the seasoning and spice, they are able to elevate middle eastern dishes to perfection. Octopus cooked really well and we really enjoyed it. Focacia freshly made and served warm just goes well together with their hummus!

Chef Vinc is really good and charm of the kitchen!

Service was really great and friendly. Manager/host is really cool too!

I can't believe it took us so long to get to this place. A middle eastern restaurant in such a unique and beautifully renovated old space. Sitting at the bar and watching the kitchen mastery in action is such a treat. The food was all so flavoursome, rich and delicious. My favourite was the lamb, so succulent, soft and tasty. The chicken shawarma was also superb, as everything else from the focaccia to the divine dessert. The staff from the kitchen to the floor were all smiles and friendly and you can tell they enjoy working there. Awesome wine list with many reasonable prices. I can not wait to come back to enjoy it all again.

The most beautiful and delicious food, amazing vibe, all in a gorgeous location.
You must try both the small and the big plates, all are great for sharing .
Our favorites were the Labaneh with bread, Octopus, Ceviche and the Lamb and Chicken for mains. And the Malabi for dessert is a must as well!

The music coming from outside was pulling us in as we strolled around the neighbourhood. We had Goldstar dark lager and Dizengoff Centre, which has pomegranate and arak liquor, I loved the cocktail, it was garnished with pomegranate and mint. The setting was lovely. We ordered lamb shoulder that was extremely succulent, focaccia, kibbeh niyah, and cauliflower with fried kale leaves was brilliant for a perfect texture. We finished with some Knafeh with macadamia ice cream, which was exactly the right amount of sweetness. The staff are friendly and helpful. Without a doubt, we'll come back to try other items in the menu.

This restaurant is a hidden gem, nestled in a cozy corner, walking in feels mysterious and otherworldly. Such a perfect for a date or drinks with friends! The service is warm, the food is bold and unique in flavor, and most importantly, incredibly delicious! The hummus with crispy chickpeas and focaccia is exceptional. Even I’m not a big fan of bread or carbs, I must say it's absolutely delicious! A must-visit! The octopus dish is especially flavorful, with a great texture. They also offer a variety of drinks, making it ideal for enjoying some drinks, music, and swaying along with the breeze.

Dish ratings:
1. Hummus, crispy chickpeas with Focaccia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Kingfish ceviche, rockmelon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Octopus, lima bean hummus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Lamb shoulder ⭐⭐⭐
5. Chicken shawarma ⭐⭐⭐

Beautiful venue, it’s a lovely layout for grounds and duos. The food is delicious, good variety for vegetarians and meat eaters.

The staff are lovely, and you can see the food being cooked with an open kitchen. The outside area isn’t actually outdoors, there is a glass cover and it really ads to the vibe. Must go if you can.

We ordered the hummus, bread stick, cauliflower, chicken and we were stuffed. Would love to go again. The cauliflour is a must.

One of my favourite restaurants in Sydney. Shaffa has time and time again been the place I take my family and friends to for an authentic Middle Eastern food experience. The food is fantastic, service is always wonderful, and I can't wait to go back each time the menu changes!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Shaffa, and it was an exceptional culinary experience. My wife and I, passionate about Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, have explored food cultures around the globe, and Shaffa truly impressed us with its authenticity and quality.

First off, the food was outstanding. We tried over 6 dishes, including desserts, and each one was a delight. The balance of flavours in every dish was impeccable, showcasing a mastery of spices and ingredients that brought out the best in Middle Eastern cuisine. Every bite felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared, reminding us of our travels to these regions.

The ambience at Shaffa added to the overall experience. The restaurant had a cozy yet elegant feel, with warm lighting and tasteful decor that transported us to a Mediterranean setting. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering helpful recommendations and ensuring that we felt welcome throughout our meal.

Overall, Shaffa stands out as a gem for Middle Eastern food enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a memorable dinner with loved ones or simply want to savor authentic flavors, Shaffa delivers an exceptional dining experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more. We can't wait to return and explore more of their menu!

The service was impeccable and friendly.. the food was an adventure to the tastebuds.. a fine dining experience of upscaled Greek/turkish cuisine… loved it! The building is fantastic and adds to atmosphere 🥰

Went here and was delighted with the cuisine, personal friendly service and ambience.
A true gem not to be missed.
I doubt you’d find anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this culinary delight. Whether it’s a date, small group of friends or a special dinner for two, it will definitely surprise you and all your senses.

Delicious food in a stunning setting with excellent service. All of our dishes were superb and the cocktails were exceptional. Can’t wait to return and try more of the dishes.

Incredible way to spend a Friday night! Ordered the set menu and Ivan, Julio, and the chef took care of me at the bar! So good and so much food! You'll probably leave with leftovers. Yummy, full of flavour, wow!

We had such an incredible time here. I came with a group of girlfriends tonight - we all couldn’t fault the food and vibe of the restaurant.
The food was delicious and also had such yummy dishes for one of our friends who is vegan.
The staff were amazing and made our time so enjoyable. We will definitely be returning and I can’t wait!!

My husband and I went on Saturday for the first time. LOVED IT! The restaurant has a really cool vibe, and the food is fantastic. We had the chef's selection set menu, and were both surprised by the quality and the care put into each dish. We will come back for sure! :)

Shaffa Middle Eastern Restaurant is a culinary gem led by Chef Vincencio, a true maestro in the kitchen. His culinary finesse creates a delightful dining experience. The French waiter adds to the excellence with top-notch service. The food is among the best we've had in a long time, and Shaffa's inviting ambiance completes the perfect dining atmosphere.