Shaffa — Restaurant in Sydney

Title: An Unforgettable Dining Experience at Shaffa Restaurant in Surrey Hills, Sydney

Review:

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Shaffa Restaurant in Surrey Hills, Sydney, and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for an evening of culinary delight.

The food at Shaffa Restaurant is nothing short of extraordinary. As a traveler who has explored various cuisines around the world, I can confidently say that the dishes served here are among the best I have ever tasted. The menu caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options, which is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to providing a memorable dining experience for all guests.

Every bite was a revelation of flavors and textures, expertly crafted and beautifully presented. The attention to detail in each dish was evident, and it was clear that the chefs at Shaffa Restaurant take great pride in their culinary creations. From the appetizers to the main courses, every dish was a work of art, showcasing the finest ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.

To complement the extraordinary food, the drink selection at Shaffa Restaurant was equally impressive. The bar offers an extensive list of beverages, including a wide range of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, recommending the perfect drink pairings to enhance the flavors of the food.

One aspect that truly stood out during my visit was the exceptional service. The staff at Shaffa Restaurant were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfection. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered insightful suggestions, making me feel like a valued guest throughout the evening.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was enchanting. Housed in a historic building made of sandstone, Shaffa Restaurant exudes a sense of charm and elegance. The interior design seamlessly blends traditional elements with modern touches, creating a unique and inviting ambiance. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Shaffa Restaurant provides the perfect setting.

I cannot recommend Shaffa Restaurant enough. This establishment has truly mastered the art of creating an unforgettable dining experience. The combination of excellent food, delightful drinks, impeccable service, and captivating atmosphere sets Shaffa Restaurant apart from the rest. I am already looking forward to my next visit and will certainly be bringing my friends along to share in this remarkable culinary journey.

Thanks to the entire team at Shaffa Restaurant for their outstanding efforts in creating a truly exceptional dining destination in Surrey...

Having never been here before, but loving Middle-Eastern cuisine, I was very much looking forward to the dinner date with my partner and our friends.

VENUE: stunning - super contemporary fully enclosed “outdoor” space. Very clever.

DRINKS - good cocktail and simple wine list. Nothing special but also not over cluttered with options. Simple.

FOOD - good, but over priced. Set menus do annoy me when there are an odd number of you at the table. We were a party of five. We paid for five. But I would bet that the same exact amount of food would have come out if we were a party of four. There were two of everything; two bowls of dips (one per couple, and the 5th person had to scrape for his own), two baguettes (one per couple, and the 5th person had to scrape for his own), two cauliflower pieces (one per couple, and the 5th person had to scrape for his own)….etc etc all the way through to two desert bowls.

I know someone will try to justify that “there was more dip in the bowl for the 5th person), but there wasn’t. The course that made it so obvious we were being ripped off, was two loaves/baguettes of bread. They didn’t just bake a longer baguette for one half of our table.

SERVICE - everyone was nice and friendly…but I hate, hate, HATE when they request to remove a shared plate from the table when you’re still obviously grazing from it. Food was limited anyway between our odd-numbered party, but why would I want you to remove from the table the food we are still eating.

Also, as I didn’t make the booking, I didn’t know there was only a 2 hour seating (and we sat at 6pm). But you certainly were made to feel it. You were rushed and rushed, plates being picked up by 2-3 wait staff all around you, some as you were still eating. If you were to tell them that you were still eating, that individual would apologise and walk away, only to be followed by another person clearing your unfinished dinner away.

FINALLY - we were asked if we wanted another drink at 745. We confirmed that we got the impression that “you need us gone and the table back, so why would we order another drink?” The wait- staff said “that’s true.” But then came back 3 minutes later with the same kind offer; “would you like to order another drink??”. So this time, we said “Yes please, we will order a drink,”. . But they then said that they would “need to check, as we need your table back”…..aaaggghhhh….and of course, they did not want us to have another drink as they “needed the table back”!!!! That’s fine, just don’t make me the offer.

Maybe I’m being too harsh - but it ruined the whole experience for me. There are plenty of other places to go that serve much better middle-Eastern food at more reasonable and...

During our visit to Shaffa Restaurant over the Easter holiday, we were eager to experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, but unfortunately, the overall experience fell short of expectations.

We began with a starter and an entrée from the premium menu. The hummus, priced at $19, was served in a large bowl but in a small amount, with a thin layer spread across the surface. Despite the dish’s rich tahini flavor, it lacked the customary accompaniment of bread—something we had to order separately. The bread options were either a $8 flat, oily pita or a $12 focaccia. As a Middle Eastern food enthusiast who has dined at numerous restaurants across Australia, I was surprised to find that a dip like hummus—one typically served with bread—was presented this way, with no bread included in the initial dish. This resulted in a $31 cost for the hummus alone, which felt overpriced for such a small portion.

Next, we ordered the Mediterranean Prawns ($39), which arrived in a watery soup with a pungent seafood aroma. Unfortunately, it did not meet our expectations.

For the mains, we opted for the Grilled Beef Sirloin ($69), which was the highlight of the meal and was thoroughly enjoyed. However, the Chicken Shawarma Skewer ($49) was disappointing, with the outside being overcooked and the inside underdone, resembling more of a poor-quality entrée than a proper main course. The Stuffed Roasted Eggplant with Beef & Lamb Ragu ($33) was average, with an overwhelming oily taste that detracted from the dish’s overall appeal. We also ordered the Smashed Olive Oil-Roasted Russet Potato ($17), which was decent and provided a pleasant balance to the meal.

In terms of value, the menu is significantly overpriced for the quality and quantity of food served, especially considering the location and ambiance of the restaurant. While the kitchen seems to have some professional experience, the limited menu selection left us feeling unsatisfied.

In conclusion, despite the restaurant's popularity and many patrons who enjoy the experience, I found Shaffa to be lacking in both quality and value. It feels more aligned with the concept of a bar rather than a full Middle Eastern dining experience. Unfortunately, based on this visit, I will not...