“Hospitality is in our blood,” says Carol Salloum of her longstanding family-style Syrian restaurant. For the past decade, sisters Sharon and Carol Salloum have been churning out authentic Syrian hummus, kibbey nayeh and chicken mukloubi, a spiced rice, eggplant and chickpea pilaf, from their tiny Darlinghurst restaurant.

The menu is an unembellished, wholesome translation of what was on the sisters’ plates as children, their intention being to transport diners to their family table, where a plate of almonds was always present for visitors.

In the classic style of Middle Eastern hospitality, generous platters are tumbling with pickles and fragrant with spices. Crispy wedges of traditional flatbread are seasoned with toum, a creamy dip made from garlic and eggwhites. Mixed pickles are surprisingly floral, the hit of wild cucumber giving an unusual and pleasing twist to the classic turnip and chilli. The signature calamari are quickly grilled and tossed with lemon, olive oil and oregano. It’s incredibly tender and perfectly charred.

The Sunday brunch menu is equally as generous, with share plates of salads, dips and hot dishes such as ejjit sujuk (Syrian omelette with spiced sausage) and ful mudammas (fava beans cooked in a garlic and lemon sauce, served with tahini, tomato and parsley) covering the tables like confetti.

With service that’s warm, sincere and welcoming, you’ll feel like part of the family.

Must eat dish: chicken mukloubi
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