Aalia Restaurant Sydney

Unclaimed

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

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.

Good: Lamb tartar was fresh and nice texture. Dry aged Murray cod has crispy skin and silky flesh. Not my liking: Cuttlefish with couscous was a bit mushy and not my favourite texture. Duck was not special. I preferred Lily Mu duck. Lion mane mushroom was too oily. Complementary chocolate truffle was lovely.

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.