Dottee Charcoal Chicken — Restaurant in Sydney

A Hidden Gem for Charcoal-Grilled Perfection – A Must-Try Experience for Meat Lovers

If you’re a fan of rich, smoky flavours, tender meats grilled over open flames, and hearty, soul-satisfying meals that leave you licking your fingers and planning your next visit before you’ve even left your table—this is the place for you.

From the moment we walked into this charcoal grill haven, we were hit with the most mouth-watering aroma of slow-roasted meats, herbs, and burning wood. The entire place had this warm, rustic vibe with open flames, sizzling sounds from the grill, and a casual yet elevated atmosphere that instantly made us feel at home.

We were seated promptly and welcomed by staff who clearly knew the menu inside out. You could tell they were passionate about the food and proud of what the kitchen was serving. The open charcoal grill was fully visible from our table, and watching the chefs work their magic—flipping skewers, fanning the coals, checking temperatures—was a show in itself.

Let’s talk about the food, because that’s where this place shines brighter than any other charcoal spot we’ve tried.

We started with a mixed platter of charcoal-grilled entrees: lamb koftas, spicy chicken wings, and grilled halloumi drizzled in lemon and olive oil. The smokiness from the charcoal infused every bite, but never overpowered the seasoning. The wings had the perfect char on the outside but remained juicy inside, and the koftas were packed with spices and flavour.

Then came the main event—and it did not disappoint.

We ordered the Mixed Charcoal Grill Platter for Two, which came with lamb chops, chicken shish, beef skewers, sujuk sausage, grilled veggies, and a generous helping of fragrant saffron rice and fresh salad. The lamb chops were hands-down the best I’ve ever tasted—charred beautifully on the outside, medium-rare on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. The chicken was succulent, smoky, and incredibly tender, and the beef skewers practically melted in your mouth. Each protein was cooked with care, and you could taste the difference the charcoal made—it added that bold, slightly sweet smokiness that gas grills just can’t replicate.

The grilled eggplant dip and homemade garlic sauce on the side were perfect companions to the meats. We kept dipping, spreading, scooping—there wasn’t a single bite that wasn’t packed with flavour. Even the flatbread served warm off the grill had that subtle smoky char on the edges that made it irresistible.

For drinks, we went with house-made lemon mint iced teas and a pomegranate soda. Both were refreshing and paired beautifully with the rich flavours of the meal.

Now for dessert—we were already full, but we had to try the charcoal-grilled baklava (yes, you read that right). It came out warm, slightly crisped on the edges from the grill, and served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Absolutely insane. The smoky twist added a whole new layer to the sweetness and nuttiness of the baklava.

The service throughout the night was exceptional. The staff were friendly, fast, and checked on us just enough to make sure we had everything we needed without interrupting our experience. You could tell they genuinely cared about the quality of the food and making sure each guest had a great time.

Another thing worth mentioning: the portions were generous. This is one of those places where you truly get your money’s worth. Every plate was piled high, but the quality never suffered—everything was fresh, balanced, and cooked to perfection.

The atmosphere, the aroma, the fire, the flavour—it all comes together into something special here. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an experience that celebrates the art of grilling with fire and tradition.

Whether you’re a meat lover, a charcoal grilling enthusiast, or someone looking for a hearty, flavour-packed feast in a relaxed but vibrant setting, this place is a must-visit.

I honestly can’t wait to go back. Five stars...

Well, there’s charcoal chicken and then there’s charcoal chicken that makes you smile and lick your lips with every mouthful. Dottee’s fits the bill here. It’s perfectly balanced spices and seasoning with an innate sense of how to cook chicken rotisserie style. If you’ve ever had Spit-roasted chicken in the French countryside, then you’ll know the vibe. Flavourful, lightly-crisped skin and beautifully succulent meat, cooked through, but just the right amount. There are plenty of other delicious Lebanese inspired delights to enjoy, from sambousek, kibbeh and falafels, to a great range of salads. If you’re on the go, my favourite is the chicken wrap, as it’s incredibly tasty, easy to eat on the road and totally slays the hunger dragon! I love food, so the fare alone is worth the trip, but the wonderfully warm Antoinette and Tony make you feel like you’re a cherished first cousin. They are awesome and sometimes I cruise by when I’m not even hungry, just to get a good old dose of mood enhancement. I can’t recommend Dottee’s highly enough. You can spend small fortunes in fancy restaurants and leave without feeling sated, inspired and embraced by fellow humans. Thanks for feeding me guys. I did say I’d share the love eventually. It’s...

Dottee Charcoal Chicken is an absolute gem! The chicken is full of flavor and incredibly juicy—definitely the best I've had in a long time. The food is divine, and it’s so nice to finally have a local spot with reasonably priced meals without sacrificing quality. The family-friendly service is top-notch, and it feels like a step back to the good old days of personal care and attention.

As someone with multiple food intolerances, including dairy and gluten, I was so impressed by the variety of options available to me. It made dining out so much easier, stress-free & enjoyable!

My 4-year-old absolutely loved his dinner too—he gave a big thumbs up 👍 !

We dined in, but Dottee is also perfect for a quick, tasty family meal to grab and go for us busy working Mumma’s!

Highly recommend this local treasure! We’ll be back Dottee, keep up...