Sahra By The River — Restaurant in Sydney

Hands down the best Lebanese restaurant in Australia! I’m constantly travelling for work and like to try different Lebanese places when on the road as it reminds me of home. This place is by far the best on quality of food, service, price and ambience. The staff were extremely attentive to our table and were very accomodating. We ordered the banquet plus a couple of extra dishes. I only used to eat tabouli at home made by my mum (the ultimate master chef) and have tried it at many different places but it was always terrible. The manager suggested I try it as it’s made by hand in small batches and all I can say is WOW! Reminded me of my childhood and how a fresh salad should be. The fattoush was also amazing and very well dressed with super crispy fried bread. The dips that were served were spot on and the flavours weren’t overpowering at all so you actually tasted the ingredients instead of just garlic or lemon. The prawn dish is something I would eat over and over again and I would highly recommend to anyone! We also had the Lebanese sausages which had a bit of a spicy kick but not too much, the fried potatoes which are super crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the calamari which was very tender and the fried sambousik, kibbe, cauliflower and falafel were delish! The 3 meat skewers were super tender and we were so full at this point but the manager mentioned dessert was still to come and to save space. We didn’t have any room left but when they came out, had to try and in hindsight we wish we hadn’t eaten all day just to be able to devour them. Honestly the most authentic place if you want a great meal and atmosphere for a very reasonable price. Thanks for a great night and...

Let's start with the positives. The food here is good. Not the very best Lebanese food I've ever had but it was tasty and well-presented, the servings were generous and we enjoyed it. There are also lots of vegetarian and some vegan options, which means everyone can dine here.

However, the experience could have been much better. From the photos on their website and social media accounts, I was expecting a really nice venue with a great atmosphere. While the front door and entryway is beautiful, the interior of the restaurant is nondescript and bright. Very, very bright. It was lit up like a 7-11 or the deli area at Coles. Not relaxing at all. (See attached pics.)

The service was also surly and unfriendly, right from the moment we arrived. Not welcoming at all.

The restaurant has dispensed with traditional menus and you have to pull out your phone and scan a code on the table to view the food and drink options. I work with computer screens and phones all day. When I go to a restaurant, I want to put my phone away and relax. We asked for menus and the waiter grumpily said he'd get some. He returned with one computer tablet (for three people) and said we could scroll through the menu on that. Not a high-end experience.

While the food was good, we weren't impressed that the bread was pre-packaged and presented in plastic bags. In Lebanese restaurants I've previously visited, the bread has come out warm and on a platter - but here it was cold and in a plastic bag. Do we really need more unnecessary plastic in this world?

The night ended on a pleasant note, with the arrival of the bellydancer, who was great fun and a brilliant dancer. She brought the mood in the restaurant up a...

I recently hosted my admission celebration at Sahra, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was nothing short of amazing — stylish, welcoming, and perfect for a special occasion. The venue’s décor is elegant yet comfortable, setting the ideal tone for our celebration.

A huge shoutout to Jad, the manager, and his team for making everything run so smoothly. Jad went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was taken care of, from helping us choose the perfect menu to coordinating the event schedule with impeccable timing. His professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made the entire experience seamless and stress-free. The staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring that every guest felt comfortable and well taken care of.

The food at Sahra was absolutely phenomenal — delicious, beautifully presented, and with a diverse range of options that satisfied everyone’s tastes. The drinks were equally impressive, and the service was fast without feeling rushed.

What stood out the most was the overall level of care and hospitality we received. It truly felt like the team at Sahra cared about making our celebration memorable. They did more than just host an event; they helped create an experience we will cherish forever.

I can’t recommend Sahra enough for anyone looking to host a special occasion. Whether it's a small gathering or a larger celebration, this place and the team behind it are exceptional. Thank you again to Jad and his team for making my admission celebration a...