LOCATION
On Marion Street, off Leichhardt’s Norton Street; 15 minutes’ drive from the city.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
It’s only been open a week but Massayah Lebanese restaurant has already converted the crowds with its traditional Lebanese cuisine and opulent function setting. Mesmerising belly dancers and traditional Arabic music set the scene for a traditional Lebanese feast – be it in the elegant, white-walled dining room overlooking Marion Street or the ornately decorated function area at the back. This family owned and operated restaurant opened its doors in late April 2009, offering quality Lebanese fare in a sophisticated restaurant setting. Inhabiting an attractive corner site in Leichhardt, and named after the Arabic term for “night”, you can be guaranteed an entertaining evening out at Massayah.
The menu offers a delicious array of dips, salads and hot mezza to start, so order a few plates of nibbles and settle down to a feast. Mince and pine nuts are a tasty pairing inside burak pastry, or try the fried kebeh – scrumptious spheres of minced lamb, crushed wheat and pine nuts. Vegetarians will find a few options on the menu, but carnivores will be well sated with a main of munsef – a delicious combination of mince meat, chicken, rice, spices and roasted nuts. Signature mains of freaki – premium lamb shanks, smoked pearl barley and roasted nuts – and samkeh harra – whole snapper with coriander, garlic, chilli relish, walnuts and lemon juice – are equally aromatic repasts. Groups are wise to tuck into the Massayah banquet, available Friday and Saturday nights, for a delicious spread of traditional dishes, from kishki and tabouli to fried banei wings and chicken rolls. For the sweet course don’t go past the namura, a sticky semolina cake baked in honey syrup. Open for lunch and dinner seven days, Massayah also offers takeaway from its adjacent eatery.
Lauren Barker, May 2009
FUNCTIONS
Massayah is a great venue for a function, offering an excellent well priced banquet menu on Friday and Saturday nights as follows:
MENU - Baba Ganouge, Hommous,Kishki,Tabouli
Fatoush Salad, Kebeh Neyeh, Vine Leaves, Falafel,Fried Banei Wings, Chicken Roll
Kebeh Balls, Lamb, Chicken and Hafta skewers. (per person)
Dessert: Coffee and Sweets
$39.00 per person
optional - unlimited soft drinks for additional @ $4.00 per person