Byron Bay foodies, get excited! The much-loved Bondi institution, Sefa Kitchen, has arrived in our coastal town. Now open, this marks the third venture at Nourishing Habitat by restaurateurs Utku Ayhan of Foxy Luu’s in Byron Bay and Sefa Kitchen in Sydney, and Nicolas Degryse of Gratia & Folonomo in Sydney. Following the success of Commune Canteen and Gitana Spanish Wine Bar, Sefa Kitchen adds another layer of culinary excitement to Byron’s vibrant food scene.
Sefa Kitchen is celebrated for its rustic yet refined Middle Eastern cuisine, inspired by the rich flavours of the Levantine and North African regions. The ancient cooking traditions of these culturally rich areas have merged over centuries, creating a cuisine that transcends borders. At Sefa, legumes, dairy, grains, spices, and seasonal produce take centre stage, offering a true taste of this culinary heritage.
At the heart of Sefa Kitchen in Byron Bay is its wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, which create the signature smoky flavours of the menu. Most dishes are served on generous share platters, designed to be wrapped in bread and enjoyed with your hands. While cutlery is available, guests are encouraged to dive in and embrace the messy, hands-on experience.
The menu features mouthwatering dishes like Tooba 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. The star dish? A slow-roasted baharat lamb shoulder with cauliflower puree, sumac onions, and pomegranate. For dessert, indulge in a saffron panna cotta with date molasses, Persian floss, and mandarin biscuit.
Pair your meal with signature cocktails like the Egyptian Hibiscus Spritz (hibiscus tea, vodka, ginger, prosecco) or the Musky Istanbul (housemade limonata, mezcal, mint).
Sefa Kitchen has brought its adored dishes to our coastal town, inviting locals to experience the same rich, flavourful journey that has captivated Sydney since 2013.
Bookings:
nourishinghabitat.com.
1 Porter St, Byron Bay
Opening hours Wednesday to Saturday, 11.30am to 9pm
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