At a Cook for Syria charity dinner in Rosebery this year, sisters and Almond Bar owners Sharon and Carol Salloum reflected on what food means to them. A meal on the table is an offering to sustain and nourish, as well as honouring the culinary heritage of their native country.

Their strong food and hospitality ethos resonates for diners at the small Darlinghurst restaurant, from the warm greeting at the door, through to each dish that appears on the table.

A trio of dips from the mezza menu whet the appetite: silky chickpea hummus, a piquant muhammara of roasted capsicum and a house-made labne flecked with za’atar, a fragrant spice blend of thyme, oregano, sumac and sesame seeds. With a focus on utilising local, free-range and ethically produced meat, seafood and produce, the quality really shines through.

Slices of tender calamari are heavily seasoned with lemon, oil, oregano and sumac – the ingredients are simple but the flavours are punchy. Chicken skewers are marinated in “Mum’s marinade,” a family recipe, and served with a creamy garlic dip.

It’s spice-heavy, moreish food, and the history of the cuisine resonates throughout the menu.

Must eat dish: Signature grilled calamari with lemon, oregano and extra virgin olive oil