Massaya — Restaurant in Sydney

In the midst of a fast food enclave that boasts bad food giants McDonalds, Subway, Oporto and KFC, you’ll find Massaya: Authentic Lebanese Cuisine. While the exterior architecture that sees it tucked underneath a gym in bland, corporate-style, might not imbue you with confidence, the big, 170-seater space is actually a great place to eat an honest and authentic Lebanese meal. Plus it’ll be way tastier (and better for you) to smash a heaving plate of Chicken Shawarma ($26) than pick up a bucket of fried chook after your session at the gym. Resting on a mountain of chicken salt dusted chips, the lemon and garlic marinated chicken topped with sumac-sprinkled Spanish onions is lean and tasty against house-made vegetable pickles and pots of garlic and tomato sauce.

You can either eat your shawarma inside in the voluminous function-centre style space, complete with long tables all pointing toward the entertainment stage, or in a booth on the indoor-outdoor patio. The latter is set up for smoking, with a row of colourful hookahs (or as the Lebanese call them, nargiles) lining the wall. Ducking in for an early dinner, nobody was currently imbibing, but I imagine it could get quite hectic out here later in the night. I advise pulling up under the chandelier at an inside table if smoking isn't your vibe.

On Friday and Saturday nights, I'm told the the crowds all order banquets to take care of all their grazing needs for between $50-$85 per person. Dining earlier in the piece, we opted to create our own feast, kicking off with a selection of hot and cold mezze. Before we can blink, dishes start to arrive, starting with a generous bowl of mint-heavy Tabouli ($15) that is refreshing and light on a hot and smoky Sydney night. The Shanklish Salad ($15), based on chalky aged cheese, is particularly good at Massaya. The cheese is bound up with olive oil, capsicum, shallots, tomatoes and mint, meaning it’s neither too crumbly nor too dry.

From the hot mezze selection, the Makanek ($15) are an easy favourite. The short, lean Lebanese sausages are sautéed with pomegranate molasses and topped with sweet burnt onions and pine nuts, which is particularly good with a squeeze of fresh lemon when mopped up with pliable flatbread. Ladies Fingers ($13), stuffed with non-greasy cheese and mint come with a clever dipping sauce made with za’atar, lemon juice and olive oil. The combination is particularly good, edging out big, golden brown slabs of Grilled Haloumi ($19) interleaved with fresh tomato under a dusting of olives, slivered almonds, sesame seeds and dried herbs.

To a soundtrack of generic pop, we take a brief breather with smooth, dry Martinis ($16/each) washed down with Almaza ($12) Lebanese beer. By this stage our table is heaving with food, with Hummus with Shawarma ($19) the latest to arrive. The smooth, creamy puddle of hummus has artfully ramped up sides, allowing it to hold in meat juices and tender grilled lamb morsels. Beautifully decorated with sumac, and other garnishes, it is easily the evening’s best dish.

While I found it hard to pull my flatbread away from the hummus, there was a homely charm to the Kousa Bil-Laban ($25). Served with nicely separated long grain rice, it’s a little clay pot of zucchinis stuffed with marinated lamb mince, floating in tangy yoghurt sauce. I reckon it would have been more appreciated if it had arrived earlier in our...

Massaya Restaurant offers authentic Lebanese food as well as modern Middle Eastern and Western dishes. Located in Strathfield in the west of Sydney, it's only about 30 mins drive from the central CBD. Massaya Restaurant occupies a large space that is well suited and capable for functions, events and large family get togethers, it also caters to smaller dining groups. The main dining area is quite large, fit with a stage, chandelier, marble floors and a fully stocked bar. There is also a casual dining space in the next room, with booth style seating, this is also an area to enjoy some shisha and dessert. The menu is extensive and varied, with Middle Eastern and Western Cusine, something for everyone. We were excited to try the Mezze Plates which were great value, sampling both the mixed grill plate $32 and the Massaya mixed vegetable plate $25 and each could easily feed two. Both were very enjoyable, with plenty of variety. The mixed grill includes some delicious char-grilled meats, which were succulent and full of flavour; lamb, chicken, and kafta skewers. This came with a generous serve of dips; hummus, baba ganouj and garlic sauce. It is not all grilled meat as you can also try tabouleh, falafel, lamb and sambousik. The mixed vegetable plate comes with quality falafel that are nice and fluffy. You also get Tabouli, as well as dips; hummus and baba ganouj. There is also a good mix of Lebanese favourites including cheese ladies finger, pretty much a cheese spring roll, amazing! There is also spiced cauliflower, vine leaves, and spinach triangle and spiced rice. This really is a great spread. The western options include burgers, as well as a range of seafood and pasta. The salt and pepper squid was good starter and a popular choice. The squid is nice and tender with a crisp batter and vinegar, which was a pleasant addition. The favourite dish of the outing was the Seafood rigatoni - pasta cooked al dente and packed with plenty of seafood, including prawn, blue swimmer crab and a delicious creamy tomato sauce with chili and garlic. Massaya is also well suited for a casual catch up over sweets or a beverage. Perhaps some waffles, churros, coffee, tea, juice or a smoothie or mocktails. We had a delicious berry smoothie, which was super impressive and one of the most beautifully presented drinks we have come across. Massaya Restaurant is well worth a visit and well suited to any occasion with plenty of choice. We're sure that you will find something to...

Stimulating all of the senses, that's what Massaya is all about. If your looking for a venue that has the swagger of an upmarket sophisticated chilled classy vibe then look no further !!! 5 star service, the staff across the board were brilliant on every level.....I felt as if I was a King or President while at Massaya with the best service and food ever !!!! This is the perfect place to meet with friends for a catch up.... The place to congregate with associates to wheel and deal....its BEST environment to "break the ice" and get relaxed to get that business deal across the line. Your family and friend will have memories that will last a life time..... The fit out !!!! WOW what an immersive experience. The perfect equilibrium which allows all elements to fuse together making all of your taste buds tingle tingle!!!( a notable mention to Design Choice Enterprises - Brilliant Furniture Fitout HEY!!!) The location of the stage allows you to view from every angle getting up close and personal or chilling in a cosy corner !!! Well the line up food is very generous and the most delicious superbly made food in the entire universe!!!Super HOT ooooooooohhhhhhh Yeah baby! The selection of Wine - spirits was exceptional - Bar staff were Super Super friendly FYI. The venue was perfectly designed for every occasion - being able to cater for small crowds or huge groups. The Menu was great value for the money $$$ across the board. So much to select from - they catered for all my needs from A-Z so happy 😃 I would say it was an investment in life for memories that last for ever..... Take the time to go to meet the team at Massaya im sure that you will be very impressed!!! Keep up the great work - Ill be seeing you again sooner than later !!! Thanks for the Night...