Blog
Arabella Newtown’s Signature Dishes You Cannot Miss
The first rule of enjoying Lebanese cuisine at Arabella Newtown is to come hungry! The second is to prepare to redefine what you thought you knew about Middle Eastern food. But which signature dishes from Arabella Newtown should be at the top of your must-try list? Here, mezzes of Hummus, Baba Ghanouj and main course dishes like Moloukhieh, Bamia and Fasoulia steal the spotlight!
While food trends change frequently these days, the delicious Lebanese food Sydney from our kitchen is nothing short of an edible art. We do that by honouring Lebanon’s age-old culinary heritage while embracing the bounty of Australian produce.
Let’s explore each of these blockbuster mezze offerings and main course dishes that have made us a standout destination in Sydney’s exceptional food culture.
Must-Try Mezze Selections at Arabella Newtown
The mezze experience at Arabella Newtown offers an ideal introduction to Lebanese cuisine. These small plates encourage exploration and sharing, allowing diners to sample a variety of flavours from the top-notch Lebanese cuisine.
Hummus
Our Hummus stands out from others across Sydney – silky smooth and whipped to perfection with just the right balance of tahini, lemon and garlic to pair perfectly with warm, freshly baked Pita bread. A generous pour of olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac strike the perfect harmony between nuttiness and zest.
Baba Ghanouj
Arabella’s Baba Ghanouj is no ordinary dip. This smoky eggplant dip is a result of proper charring over open flames and being blended with tahini and seasoning. Carrying a mesmerising complexity, many regulars claim it’s the best Lebanese food Sydney has to offer.
Chilli Walnut Dip
For those who enjoy a touch of spicy twist, our Chilli Walnut Dip offers roasted red pepper dip with walnuts and pomegranate molasses. It gives a sweet-savoury combination that showcases the diverse flavour profiles of Lebanese cooking.
Exceptional Meaty Delights
While mezze might steal the spotlight, the main dishes at Arabella Newtown demand your attention with their meaty offerings.
Shawarma
The Shawarma at our Arabella Newtown restaurant is one of the tastiest Lebanese foods Sydney has in store for you. The thinly sliced, marinated lamb or chicken meat is slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie, developing deep, zesty flavours before being wrapped in thin bread with garlic sauce, pickles and fresh vegetables.
Moloukhieh
Moloukhieh is our wholesome dish that is incredibly filling. Served with rice, this dish offers a generous dose of shredded breast chicken fillet. The mallow plant here is cooked slowly with coriander, garlic, chilli and lemon for a flavourful indulgence that oozes Lebanese traditions!
Bamia
Arabella’s Bamia is a slow-cooked masterpiece where lamb shanks are braised with okra in a luscious tomato sauce. A punchy seasoning of garlic, coriander, and a dash of pomegranate molasses can truly make your taste buds relish them with a touch of tart. Served over fluffy rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of earthy, savoury and slightly tangy flavours, bringing authentic Middle Eastern warmth to every bite.
Fasoulia
Another traditional Lebanese hit is the Fasoulia we offer at our Arabella Restaurant! It is a distant cousin of our Bamia. The onion and basil give it a fresh and slightly peppery herbaceous taste, while butter beans add mild, nutty creaminess. This exquisite dish is for exploring a rich, comforting side of the Middle Eastern flavours in Sydney.

Spectacular Vegetable Dishes
Harvested fresh and served deliciously, we offer the crispiest of Australian produce with authentic Lebanese flavours that make you drool!
Grilled Halloumi
Lebanese cuisine celebrates vegetables in ways that make them stars rather than side dishes. Arabella’s Grilled Halloumi or cheese is accompanied by a delicate mixture of tomatoes, cucumber and fresh rocket with lemon juice. The slight tanginess complements the delectable filling perfectly.
Fattoush
Our Fattoush salad refreshes the palate with crisp vegetables, herbs and pieces of toasted pita bread, all dressed in a tangy sumac and pomegranate molasses dressing. It’s the ideal accompaniment to the richer meat dishes.
Foul(beans)
The Foul(beans) are crushed and served with tomatoes, lemon, and garlic. The addition of Arabella’s pickles showcases how Lebanese cooking transforms simple vegetables into something extraordinary. The beans become tender while maintaining some bite, absorbing the flavours of the veggies and herbs.
Seafood, Spice and Everything Nice at Arabella Newtown
Tides of taste await you at Arabella Restaurant as we get you hooked on the ocean’s finest on your plate.
Samakeh Harrah
Given Sydney’s coastal location, Arabella Newtown cleverly incorporates fresh seafood into traditional Lebanese preparations. Our Samakeh Harrah – whole fish marinated in a spicy tahini sauce with coriander and chilli – bridges Lebanese tradition with local Australian seafood.
Woodfire King Prawns
Jumbo-sized king prawns are prepared with herbs and rich spices to give you the best Lebanese-styled seafood. Our Woodfire King Prawns arrive plump and juicy, carrying the distinct aroma of charcoal grilling, a hallmark of authentic Lebanese cooking.
The One Dish To Rule Them All
What to do when your cravings are larger than our endless offerings? You demand us to give you all!
Mixed Plates
Our Mixed Plate has become legendary among Sydney’s Lebanese food enthusiasts. It features perfectly seasoned Lamb Skewers, Tender BBQ Chicken and Kafta that balances spices with the natural flavour of quality meat. Each piece comes off the grill with just the right char, remaining juicy on the inside.
And that’s not all! We go beyond vegetarian culinary excellence by offering you our Vegan Mixed Plate. With this guilt-free offering from us, you’d enjoy the best of Lebanese food Sydney offers with zero compromise on the taste, guaranteed!
The Arabella Newtown Experience
What sets Lebanese fine dining at Arabella Restaurant apart in Sydney isn’t just the quality of individual dishes but the overall dining experience we create. Our staff gives true devotion when explaining menu items to our guests, guiding them through the best combinations and traditional ways to enjoy Lebanese food.
From being intrigued to impressed, our guests are always in awe of this unparalleled experience at our Newtown Lebanese Restaurant. By striking a perfect balance between casual and special occasion dining, our space buzzes with conversation and the clinking of glasses, creating a rare feat of an energetic yet comfortable environment.
The Best of Lebanon, Tasted in Sydney
For anyone exploring NSW for the ultimate Lebanese food Sydney offers, Arabella Newtown is the hottest destination in 2025. We shine in traditional recipes, top-notch ingredients and generous hospitality to offer the true essence of Lebanese dining culture.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lebanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, the signature dishes at our restaurant in Sydney offer a wide variety of dishes worth experiencing. From the first scoop of creamy Hummus to the last sip of Ksara wine, each dish tells snippets of Lebanon’s rich food story.
Our restaurant continues to draw crowds not just for special occasions but for everyday meals, a homage to how we’ve successfully brought the warmth and flavours of Lebanese cooking to Sydney. For foodies in NSW seeking authentic Lebanese food in Sydney, Arabella Restaurant remains an indisputable destination that consistently delivers both tradition and excellence on every plate.