What Are Melbourne’s Best Middle Eastern Restaurants?

The regional cuisines of the Middle East are very different from one another. Despite this, there are many things that people have in common, particularly a love of falafel, tomatoes, parsley, pickles, garlic, and chickpeas.

Melbourne boasts wonderful Persian, Turkish, Israeli, Lebanese, Armenian, or Syrian restaurants that will satiate your specific Middle Eastern culinary appetite, whether you're looking for Lebanese food with plenty of garlic to poison your eating buddy or are receptive to who makes the finest hummus in town.

In addition to the numerous kebab shops, Melbourne is home to a large number of eateries known for delivering some of the greatest Middle Eastern cuisine in the area. A vast variety of Middle Eastern cuisines are available in Melbourne's restaurant sector, catering to a wide range of tastes. These restaurants serve food ranging from Turkish to Moroccan. The best is this one.

The best 20 Middle Eastern restaurants in Melbourne

It should come as no surprise that food from the Middle East is having a moment since it is smoky, exotic, fresh, lively, and made for sharing. The following are some of our favourite restaurants in Melbourne that are bringing Middle Eastern cuisine to heady new heights. These restaurants were selected from the Good Food Guide.

Yagiz

• Restaurants
• Turkish
• Yarra, South
• price of two of four

Middle Eastern eateries are becoming increasingly popular on the Southside, and those that have recently opened here deliver real food. The cigar (liver), a common dish in Turkish taverns, is made similarly to how it is in Albania.

Sliced into cubes, the luscious lamb liver is sautéed in a heavy amount of oil and spiced up with cumin, marjoram, paprika, and chervil. Serve right away. To give it more crunch, place some lavash under it, and while you're about it, sip some raki. The borek is another dish that sticks out.

Not your typical suburban Turkish restaurant, this one. Because this is South Yarra, the lighting at your table has been deliberately adjusted to create a glamorising glow. Start with the miniature glass containers of crispy duck cigars. Move on to the meals that are supposed to be shared after dipping the puff pastry's edges in the ash-like isot pepper. You may make a sort of savoury mille-feuille by sandwiching grilled Turkish cheese, which is similar to saganaki and is popular in Turkey, between two sheets of yufka dough.

Miznon

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• Melbourne
• price one of four

It would be sage to remember this for those who appreciate Ottolenghi's cuisine. The creator of the Miznon brand of pitas, Eyal Shani, was hailed by the renowned chef in his cookbook Jerusalem as the soul of contemporary Israeli cooking.  The chef had written Jerusalem.

The outpost in Melbourne's Hardware Lane has been transformed into Shani's sixth Miznon, wherein folks line up to purchase the legendary cauliflower, so that voice is now being heard on a global scale.

Sitting at the bar is the best spot to watch dozens of cauliflowers being carefully cared for in the oven, and it's also the best place to see this busy Israeli festival. The team shouted commands like "Bag of meat!" as they sung along to 1980s hit songs.

Babajan

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• The Carlton North area
• price one of four

The roughly 20 chairs inside allow patrons to observe the entire process as everything in this tiny, open kitchen is produced from scratch right here in the restaurant. Every day, they produce teacakes, pastries, and breads that are comparable to Turkish pride and simit, as well as a tonne of robust salads that wouldn't look out of place in an Ottolenghi cookbook.

Eggs are typically scrambled with tomatoes and seasonings before being baked in the Turkish meal known as menemen. At Babajan, the eggs are baked whole so that you may dip your simit, a somewhat sugary, bagel-like bread circle dusted with sesame seeds, into the tomatoey, eggy concoction. The home of Babajan is in Istanbul, Turkey.

Maha

• Restaurants
• Melbourne
• price of two of four

The slow-roasted lamb shoulder that is Maha's signature dish has left a lasting impression on the hearts of many carnivores ever since the restaurant first opened its doors. See also the crab meat tucked in the brick pastry and topped with a mayonnaise that has a hint of harissa's fiery flavour.

And charry quail going toe to toe with garlic sauce and dried apricot in a battle to see who can achieve the highest level of delectability. The traditional Middle Eastern manner of hospitality practised at Maha has helped secure the establishment's place in the exclusive club of eateries that are more than just eateries; they are an integral component of the urban landscape.

Your only alternatives for dinner in Shane Delia's honey-toned underground bazaar are four, six, or eight-course buffet because it is a Middle Eastern meal. This is consistent with the regional culture, which holds opulent meals to be the norm.

The four-course source menu offers a more casual dining experience, with plates of garlicky lamb shoulder or doughnuts packed with Turkish delight that are meant to be shared. Also, Delia recently built a Maltese meze bar in Collingwood called MahaBar. One of the openings planned for the year 2020 is already this business.

The cuisine of traditional Arab countries is given a contemporary spin at Maha. The restaurant had a significant remodelling in 2015, and as a result, the atmosphere has been updated to be chic and modern. It now provides an upscale dining experience that is infused with an Arabian flavour. When it comes to imitating Middle Eastern flavours, Maha doesn't put any boundaries on themselves.

The main courses consist of a lamb shoulder that has been roasted for 12 hours as well as locally caught barramundi that is served with asparagus and lemon yoghurt. Cocktails with pomegranate and saffron infusions, as well as Arabic coffee martinis, are among the reviving beverages available. Traditional flavours from the Middle East are given a contemporary spin with an Australian accent in the immensely popular burger collection.

New Jaffa

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• Collingwood
• price of two of four

Hummus has been incredibly popular all across the Levant and Mediterranean since the first recorded recipe was recorded in Cairo in the 13th century. Everyone claims that their version of the doner kebab at New Jaffa which is a Middle Eastern café tucked away in Collingwood's alleyways, is the best. This dish is perhaps the most well-liked on the menu.

Moshe Ittah, the owner and head chef, creates it daily from scratch using a classic method and ingredients such as Israeli tahini, chickpeas, garlic, lemon, oil. The final result has the perfect balance of salt and acid, a velvety texture, and a powerful flavour reminiscent of nuts.

Tulum

• Restaurants
• Turkish
• Balaclava

In a stylish store on Carlisle Street with wall sconces, plants, and turquoise-colored Moorish tiles, learn about Turkish cuisine.

Turkish food may have become a cliché in Australian culture, however this cuisine is bringing a certain type of contemporary Turkish food you'd find in Istanbul's bustling food scene to Balaclava through a programme of pickling, preserving, fermenting, and hanging vegetables.

The restaurant is cosy and friendly, and the food is prepared with a sense of refinement that is laced with history and passion. Although the flavours are straightforward, they have been creatively reinterpreted. It would be an understatement to say that these beef dumplings manti, or beef dumplings, float in a scorching butter sauce. They are outstanding in every way.

Shuka

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• Windsor
• price of two of four

The name directly translates from Armenian to "marketplace." Consider a night marketplace without any noise or disturbance. Shukah doesn't follow any particular culinary tradition when it comes to its food; instead, it delivers Middle Eastern fare with Melbourne influences. When ordering the hummus as an appetiser, ask for it to be served with a massive piece of lavash that has been roasted over an open flame.

Bread is regarded as the most important component in Middle Eastern cooking, and this version does not dissapoint: it has the perfect amount of fat, and a generous sprinkle of za'atar gives it the zing that will make your entire body tingle. You might choose something from the meze to start.

Anatolia Tantuni

• Restaurants
• Turkish
• Fitzroy
• price one of four

Every bad kebab you've ever had will be made up for with Tanti. Owner of Anatolia Tantuni Burhan Kurucu creates his tan tunic with chicken or beef (or a combination of the two) seasoned with spiced with oregano, red pepper flakes, and smokey paprika.

He garnishes it with finely chopped tomato, sumac-coated red onion, and parsley to add acidity, tanginess, and a herbaceous freshness while cutting through its oiliness and redness of the spicy meat.

Just Falafels

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• The Fitzroy North Area
• price one of four

This cheery little shopfront is delivering very delicious falafel and all of its other flavorful friends to the North Fitzroy neighbourhood. The Middle Eastern equivalent of gnocchi is known as falafel. If you do it incorrectly, you will end up with rubbery pucks of disappointment. Do it well, and angels weep.

Just Falafs is deserving of having a swarm of teary-eyed spirit guides playing harps above them at all times. Still, we were oblivious since our faces were buried in a fluffy pita pocket that was crammed to the gills with those crispy balls that had a flicker of harissa fire tempered by cucumber and silky tahini.

Abla's

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• Carlton
• price of two of four

When young Abla Amad moved to Melbourne in 1954, she brought with her the love of cooking that she had gained from watching her mother in the village where they lived in the north of Lebanon. After settling in, she went to work in a restaurant.

1979 marked the first year of Abla's, which is still operating in the same location. The instantaneous hospitality is a lovely time warp that you experience as soon as you enter the restaurant. Olives and pita crisps are already on your table, and your wine is whisked away to be uncorked (you can bring your own wine for a fee of $10). There are some places, like this one, where you should really consider getting the banquet.

Very Good Falafel

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• Brunswick

Friends Before opening Very Good Falafel on Sydney Road, co-owners Louisa Allan and Shuki Rosenboim gained quite a following for their falafels by selling them at various farmer's markets in and around Melbourne.

Now, the reason the menu works in the permanent home is primarily due to the fact that it is quite straightforward. The alternatives are limited to falafel, sabih (fried eggplant), and tzitzit because the restaurant follows the conventional Israeli interpretation of the Middle Eastern pita wrap and platter (meat patties).

Bar Saracen

• Restaurants
• Middle Eastern
• Melbourne
• price of two of four

In days gone by, Christians would use the name "Saracen" to designate individuals from the Middle East without their knowledge. The word's root meaning was to steal or pillage, and Christians used it to describe these people.

Naturally, Abboud and Vlassopoulos decided, 'to hell with that,' and firmly labelled themselves as such with the phrase, 'Of Middle Eastern appearance,' in case you didn't get the memo. They did this just in case you didn't get the memo. They provide food that is reminiscent of cuisine from the Middle East, which is pretty much the only sort of cuisine they offer. If you want to get a table in the dining room, you should make a reservation in advance.

Rumi

• Restaurants
• Brunswick East
• price one of four

Rumi has raised the standard for eateries that are similar to it. The furniture has been reduced to its most basic form, and the crockery came directly from grandma's house. There are drapes that drape and wooden panels that have gold lettering engraved into them; these are the glitzy touches, but there is none of the pretension.

You have the option to order à la carte, but we strongly suggest going with a banquet. The Classic banquet features 12 of Rumi's most popular dishes and costs $55 per person, while the Seasonal banquet focuses on seasonal ingredients and costs $60 per person.

Since approximately 13 years ago, the chef has been offering bright, contemporary Middle Eastern food such as light halloumi, feta, and kasseri "cigars." These "cigars" have tissue-thin golden skins that have been dimpled in the fryer, and the ends form beautiful brown spirals. On top of succulent chicken shish kebabs, Turkish red pepper paste is combined with tahini, and the dish is finished with a dusting of sumac.

The restaurant Rumi shows its respect for Persian tradition and cuisine by adorning its walls with calligraphy written in Farsi. Rumi includes the more extensive and traditional flavours of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, despite the fact that it places a significant emphasis on the cuisines of Iran and Lebanon.

There is a diverse selection of delicious fresh meals that are suitable for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. The slow-roasted spiced lamb shoulder that has been marinated with sirkanjabin is the restaurant's hallmark dish, and it is the dish that is most suited to satiate the most voracious appetites.

Oasis Bakery

• Restaurants
• Murrumbeena
• price one of four

Oasis Bakery is a bakery, café, and grocery all rolled into one located deep in the suburb of Murrumbeena. It has developed a reputation as something of a cult gastronomic destination. It is a one-stop shop for contemporary Middle Eastern marketplaces, complete with a crepe station, a dessert bar, and a deep fryer that churns out fresh Lebanese doughnuts.

The deli is located close to the dessert bar and provides heaping plates of cured meats and cheeses that can be taken away for later consumption. But first, we will have lunch. The lamb shawarma is a safe bet that won't let you down.

Koy Restaurant

• Restaurants
• Korean
• South Melbourne, Australia

We will do just about anything to get our mitts on a piece of that delightfully light and flaky pastry that is stuffed with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs before being drizzled with lemon juice, chilli flakes, and a dollop of plain yoghurt.

Because of this, anytime the South Melbourne Marketplace is open, we head there to stand in line for gozleme at Koy's takeaway stall. We like the busy atmosphere and the fact that the grill employee is too preoccupied to tolerate any rudeness from the patrons.

Balha's Pastry

• Restaurant
• Confectionery Shop
• Middle Eastern
• Pastries

Balha's Pastry is without a doubt one of the top Middle Eastern eateries in Melbourne, especially for those with a sweet craving, since they sell more than 6000 baklavas each and every day in 10 various flavours. This is a family-owned restaurant that also functions as a candy store, and they make everything from scratch every day.

Over forty different traditional Lebanese biscuits, pastries, cakes, and desserts are available at Balha's, in addition to its world-famous baklava. If you're having trouble deciding what to get out of this enormous selection, knafeh and znoud el-sit are two tried-and-true favourites that you shouldn't pass up. Additionally, it is well-known that Balha's Pastry is responsible for the creation of excellent Middle Eastern coffee variants.

Kamel

Restaurant serving cuisine from the Middle East, Africa, and Morocco

Kamel is a restaurant that serves a variety of flavours that span the region from the Middle East to North Africa. It is located in the bayside area of Albert Park. The real flavour of Middle Eastern cuisine is best experienced when shared with loved ones, which is why banquets and mezze dishes are served family-style.

The traditional cooking methods from a large region, spanning from Yemen to Morocco, are incorporated into Kamel's assortment of spices and mixes. In spite of the extensive collection of furnishings that is designed in the classic North African style, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind gourmet dining experience. The extensive selection of regional wines offered at Kamel is the ideal accompaniment to a classic dish that is rich in flavour.

Arabesque

Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisine at a bar and restaurant.

Arabesque is a restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including those from Moroccan, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine. Sharing is encouraged with the extensive selection of mezze dishes and banquets, making them ideal for gatherings with friends and family. To evoke the atmosphere of a sultan's palace, Arabesque is decorated with fabrics in tones of gold and crimson that are draped across the tables and the ceiling.

There is a significant emphasis placed on both classic and up-to-date Turkish culinary preparations. Main courses are hearty and feature traditional favourites like lamb shish kebab and kofte. The perfect beverage to accompany a mouthwatering dinner can be a revitalising Moroccan mint tea or a Turkish baklava cocktail.

Téta Mona

Restaurant, Australian, Pastries, Salad Bar

If you were seeking for hearty, home-cooked Lebanese food, it would be tough to escape Téta Mona. This restaurant offers traditional Lebanese fare prepared like a teta, or grandmother, would in the comfort of her own home.

This cosy location provides a selection of classic and straightforward Lebanese foods, such as falafel, hummus, and lamb seasoned with various spices. An classic lamb pasty in the shape of a cigar, the Cigar Bi Lahem is traditionally served with a fresh salad and tangy yoghurt.

Sahara

Bar, Restaurant, Moroccan

Sahara is a great spot for finding tranquilly while enjoying Moroccan food. It is located up a hidden staircase located at the centre of Melbourne's bustling central business district. Sahara is the perfect spot to unwind with friends over a drink at the end of a hard day thanks to its rooftop bar, which provides a view of both the vibrant city lights of Melbourne and State Library.

The menu is simple and clear and offers both traditional Moroccan tagines and a wide variety of tapas. The entire inside is decorated with colourful Moroccan furnishings, architecture, and adornment.

In addition, the rooftop is the perfect location for those looking to sample a variety of shisha flavours. Sahara is the ideal venue to experience Moroccan cuisine and vibes in the middle of Melbourne because of its stunning setting, flavours, and atmosphere.

Visit the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant Melbourne

When you visit the Afghan Gallery in Fitzroy, you will be treated to a dining experience that is unlike any other. We have a mouthwatering menu that features some of the most delectable Middle Eastern cuisine that the neighbourhood is familiar with.

Locals in Melbourne are glad to recommend the Afghan Gallery Restaurant to visitors who are searching for some of the city's finest examples of middle eastern cuisine. In our gallery, we offer dining experiences that are set against some of the most entrancing tapestries that grace the walls of the space. We provide a multi-sensory experience that goes well beyond merely providing a delectable meal and instead places you smack dab in the middle of a cultural immersion.

The lavish interior design of the Afghan Gallery is matched by the restaurant's equally luxurious food offerings. Our restaurant, as well as the food we provide, is steeped in tradition, and we are widely regarded as one of the finest Middle Eastern dining establishments in Melbourne. Heritage can be found throughout our establishment.

Enjoy the Best Middle Eastern Cuisine in Melbourne's North

Diners in Melbourne are spoiled for choice when it comes to savouring dishes inspired by cuisine from the Middle East. Those with a hankering for what the natives of Melbourne believe to be true middle eastern cuisine will not have to seek any further than the city's numerous suburbs, which are rich in the history of immigrants.

The Afghan Gallery is located just a few steps away from the central business district of Melbourne, making it an ideal choice for diners who are interested in trying a Middle Eastern meal that locals in the area frequently frequent. We offer some of the most flavorful and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in the northern suburbs, and we are conveniently located in Fitzroy. You won't be let down by our selection of dishes, regardless of whether you have an appetite for Iranian or Persian food. A mouthwatering assortment of the following can be found among our delicacies, much to your delight:

• Qormas,
• Kebabs, and
• To name just a few instances, there are dishes made with pilau rice.

Middle Eastern restaurants in the vicinity of well-known Melbourne suburbs, such as Carlton, are visited by locals who are looking for the kind of cuisine that is popular with the city's eaters. If you have been looking for a Middle Eastern meal that is easily accessible for diners in Carlton, you could think about making a reservation at our establishment in Fitzroy.