AALIA Restaurant Sydney

Absolutely stunning setting tucked inside Martin Place, surrounded by architectural buildings and a sculptural pool. The interior is just as beautiful, with modern, neutral tones and a warm, refined atmosphere. We booked a table in the inner dining room (as opposed to the heated outdoor area or bar), and despite booking a week in advance, the earliest dinner time available was 8:15 pm. When we arrived, our table wasn’t ready, and we had to wait about 15 minutes outside. However, once seated, our experience was exceptional. Our waiter for the night, Sam, was outstanding — professional yet genuinely friendly and welcoming. He even allowed us to swap the tuna from the set menu for the bone marrow from the Classic Banquet, which was greatly appreciated. The food was nothing short of phenomenal, easily the best meal either of us has ever had. Even the pita bread stood out as the best we’ve ever tasted. Every dish was beautifully balanced, and the set menu was generous. We were both extremely full by the end. The standout surprise of the evening was the dessert: Milk chocolate tart with Egyptian tea and plum. Smooth, salty, creamy, and unlike anything we’ve had before. Worth returning for the dessert alone. An unforgettable dining experience. Worth every second.

We went to AALIA for our 6th anniversary on a whim, looking for a new place to try, and the experience was absolutely amazing. We were welcomed with complimentary sparkling wine for the occasion, which was such a thoughtful touch, and chose the signature banquet menu. The food was beyond expectations — absolutely divine, full of flavour, creativity, and authenticity. I came in expecting an average experience and was blown away by the complexity of the flavours and the uniqueness of the ingredients. Every dish felt like a celebration in itself. As someone with a Middle Eastern background, I especially loved how genuine and soulful the food felt — it brought me so much joy and really satisfied my inner Middle Easterner. I would 100% recommend AALIA to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience.

Very delightful and delicious experience of middles eastern cuisine with a fine dining twist. We had the signature banquet and it was amazing and very thoughtfully prepared. Staff, especially Aleyna, were very knowledgeable and explained the dishes well. Great value and definitely returning for more.

We had a wonderful dining experience at AALIA. We ordered the set menu which was well thought out, and an appropriate amount of food. The beef rib main was deliciously tender and the duck add on was reasonably priced for fine dining. The uni ‘snack’ was also delicious and a highlight, despite me not usually enjoying sea urchin. Overall, a great experience and I would highly recommend.

Food was interesting, not the typical middle eastern as it has an African twist to it. Uni wrapped in sesame leaves was not worth $18 per piece we reckon as u can’t really taste the uni with the rice and the leave. And the sesame leaves was extremely oily. Pita bread and the dips were not bad, except the bread was quite oily too. Cod was pretty normal and the duck was not bad. We tried chocolate and the date for dessert. Chocolate was normal, my friend who tried the date quite like it. Interesting taste but nothing to wow about. Probably good to try it out but don’t think we would come back again.

Brought one of my best friends here for a birthday lunch and the premium banquet menu was stunning. Every dish was an explosion of flavours and had very good portions of food. Together with prompt, friendly service in a wonderful atmosphere, this restaurant was a winner for us.

Impressive modern middle eastern cuisine in Sydney CBD. We came here as the steak was rated one of the best in the world but had the degustation menu instead (which sadly didn’t feature the steak) so we could try different dishes. We were taken on a delightful gastronomical journey with lots to love throughout the courses. The standouts were the opening cured tuna appetiser, the hand stretched grilled halloumi and of course the cod murray with crackling-like crispy skin. Some dishes, though interesting, I didn’t enjoy as much as others. The eggplant puree-like dish felt quite gluggy and the course immediately after of labneh with dipping leaves was too sharp. Clearly the two courses were thoughtfully positioned for contrast but the juxtaposition was too steep for my liking. Also, the portion size for the main felt too small for the price tag. Overall, a very enjoyable and unique experience worth checking out.

Excellent food I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. The food is excellent really worth going here for the food. As you know my ratings are about the whole experience. The service is a bit pushy at the start and once the order is in no interest. The location is convenient CBD and looks out onto the water feature of MLC centre. The decor sophisticated and tables nicely set. The tables are a bit too close for comfort and the music a bit too loud to have an easy conversation. I would go here with friends or family of older children not a date place, it just doesn’t have that feel about it. Sitting at the food bar with your bestie or alone would work too. I also think this would be a good pre- theatre place and I know they do a special for this. Toilets a walk away into the Theatre Royal. Love your local guide- M ❤️ Follow me for more reviews