SEFA KITCHEN NOW OPEN AT HABITAT

A TASTE OF THE MIDDLE EAST IN BYRON BAY

Getting spring off to a spectacular start, Sefa Kitchen launched last week to a full house of Byron locals keen to savour the enchanting flavours of the Middle East.

We’re thrilled to welcome this much-loved Sydney eatery into Habitat’s community of culinary hangouts. After earning a devoted following in Bondi for over a decade, Sefa is now set to win the hearts (and tastebuds) of Byron with its rustic but refined take on Levantine and North African cuisine.

Following the success of Commune Canteen and Gitana Wine Bar earlier this year, Sefa Kitchen completes the trio of exciting new venues at Habitat from restaurateurs Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse. 

The owners collaborated with favourite local stylist and creative, Mr Jason Grant, to design a welcoming space with warm aesthetics, banquet seating, and homely touches that perfectly complement the wholesome, share-style menu, designed for gathering and feasting.

At the heart of Sefa is its wood-fired oven and open-flame grill, infusing every dish with an irresistible smoky, charred flavour. The food is a celebration of ancient cooking traditions, with dishes crafted to highlight the rich heritage of the Middle East.

Dive into platters designed for communal feasting. From the warm, pillowy Tooba bread with saltbush za’atar and spiced butter to crispy Brussels sprouts with almond tarator, sorghum dukkah, and barberry salt, and organic Spring Bay mussels with whipped tarama and heirloom radishes - each bite is a journey through centuries of tasty tradition. And if you only order one thing (a crazy idea, but okay), let it be this - Sefa’s slow-roasted Baharat lamb shoulder, tender enough to make you weak at the knees, served with cauliflower purée, sumac onions, and juicy pomegranate. Thank us later.

Pair your meal with signature cocktails like the Egyptian Hibiscus Spritz (hibiscus tea, vodka, ginger, prosecco) or the Musky Istanbul (housemade limonata, mezcal, mint).

If, like us, you find it liberating to skip traditional dining etiquette, ditch the cutlery and dive in hands-first! Wrap, scoop, savour and get messy (there’s cutlery available of course, but where’s the fun in that?).

Sefa Kitchen is where food, tradition, and good times come together. For authentic, heartwarming and belly-filling fare in a laid-back and lively setting, you won’t be disappointed.

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1 Porter St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Open Wed-Sat, 11.30am-9pm
@nourishing.habitat