Syra — Restaurant in Hobart

I had high expectations coming to Syra after reading all these positive reviews, and was excited for a unique blend of Middle Eastern food to enjoy.

Unfortunately, we were disenchanted and quite disappointed. I never post lower-rated reviews but felt that I didn't want others to fall into the same trap that we did by going off of ratings.

To start, the space felt crowded and noisy, and didn't hold the charm or atmosphere of coziness or romance. It felt rushed, as the 2 waiters were running around all night and barely had a chance to explain what we were receiving with our "feed me" order. Typically when ordering something you're meant to be surprised with, you receive an explanation of what you're eating and a bit about how it was prepared but not in this case as descriptions were rushed and mumbled, making us feel like part of a convoy order.

Additionally, music plays a huge part in a dining experience and I'm not exactly sure why today's pop hits were the ones on rotation.

Lastly, the food was plain and lacked the typical middle Eastern spices you expect. It felt like the use of a few ingredients like tahini and pomegranate seeds were used to compensate for actual cultural flavours as if to please a gentrified clientele. The squid was rubbery and harsh, the lamb was full of fatty chunks, and the oiliness of the dishes left us feeling unwell and lacking an appetite for 2 days henceforth.

Absolutely not worth the $85pp feed me options and genuinely baffled as to how these reviews are so high. Hopefully improves in the future, or maybe it was just a poor one-off...

If you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, Syra is a must-visit! Tucked away behind the bustling Salamanca Markets, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Food: We strategically skipped appetizers to save room for dessert, and it was a wise decision!

Mains: We opted to share the 18-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder served with a flavorful mojo sauce, refreshing cucumber yogurt, and a medley of Persian lentils, chickpeas, spiced eggplant, harissa, feta cheese, and a vibrant fattoush salad sprinkled with sumac. The highlight was the incredible combination of Persian lentils, chickpeas, spiced eggplant, harissa, and feta – a symphony of flavors that perfectly complemented the tender lamb shoulder.

Dessert: Our attentive waiter warmly recommended the orange blossom custard with coconut booza (Middle Eastern ice cream) and pistachio crumb. It was simply divine! While I can't recall the exact dessert my partner ordered, the empty plate spoke volumes.

Verdict: The food at Syra was nothing short of sublime. The explosion of flavors was truly remarkable. The restaurant buzzed with a vibrant atmosphere during our visit, adding to the delightful experience. Exemplary service completed the evening – our waiter was readily available and ensured a smooth dining flow.

Overall: Syra is the perfect choice for a special occasion or a night out to surprise...

Outraged. These guys are dishonest liar's! Came from Melbourne and booked with these guys l. Realised i had forgot my Gourmet gift card in Melbourne and messaged them to let them know they said that "it's ok" so we made our way there and ate. When it came to pay they said it didn't work and they said we had to pay the full amount!! Our budget for it trip ruined!! We couldn't go to Port Arthur because of you. My wife and I fight about this. It's disgusting guys. We asked you venue we came to make sure The food was ok. I found the cauliflower bitter, the eggplant super sour, the calamari bland and the lamb way way too salty. The mint didn't need to be in the chicken. Pretty disappointed. Expected a ton more and at least some...