Get ready, Byron Bay – the much-loved Bondi institution, Sefa Kitchen, is finally making its debut in your coastal town. Set to open its doors on 28 August 2024, this marks the third venture at Nourishing Habitat by restaurateurs Utku Ayhan of Foxy Luu’s Byron Bay and Sefa Kitchen in Sydney, and Nicolas Degryse of Gratia & Folonomo in Sydney. Following the runaway success of Commune Canteen in June and Gitana Spanish Wine Bar in July, Sefa Kitchen promises to add a new layer of culinary excitement to Byron’s vibrant food scene.
Known for its rustic yet refined take on Middle Eastern cuisine, Sefa Kitchen celebrates the rich, diverse flavours of the Levantine and North African regions. For over 400 years, the ancient cooking traditions of these culturally rich areas have blended, creating a cuisine that transcends borders. With an emphasis on legumes, dairy, grains, spices, and seasonal produce, Sefa Kitchen brings the essence of this culinary heritage to life.
At the heart of Sefa Kitchen Byron Bay is its wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, where the magic truly happens. Dishes are crafted around the unique, smoky flavours that this style of cooking imparts. Most of the menu is served on generous share platters, perfect for wrapping in bread and enjoying with your hands. While plates and cutlery are available upon request, owners Utku and Nico encourage guests to dive in with their hands and get messy – it’s all part of the experience.
Expect a menu filled with mouthwatering dishes like ľooba bread with saltbush za’atar and spiced butter; Organic Spring Bay mussels with whipped tarama, heirloom radishes, and baby herbs; Jersey halloumi with local smoked bush honey, calendula, and pistachio; and Crispy Brussels sprouts with almond tarator, sorghum dukkah, and barberry salt. ľhe showstopper? A slow-roasted baharat lamb shoulder with cauliflower purée, sumac onions, and pomegranate. For dessert, indulge in a saffron panna cotta with date molasses, Persian floss, and mandarin biscuit.
Pair these dishes with some seriously sippable cocktails, like the Egyptian Hibiscus Spritz (hibiscus tea, vodka, ginger, prosecco) or the Musky Istanbul (house-made limonata, mezcal, and mint).
Sefa Kitchen, a beloved Bondi institution since 2013, has brought its adored dishes to Byron Bay, inviting locals to dive into the same rich, flavourful experience that has captivated Sydney for over a decade.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
