IFTAR, offering a bold, modern approach to Middle Eastern cuisine to open in Merrylands on January 18
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA | JANUARY, 2025 (REFRESHED ON 08 FEBRUARY)
IFTAR, a new dining destination in Merrylands offering a bold, modern approach to Middle Eastern cuisine.
Led by Jeremy Agha, IFTAR is more than a restaurant – it’s a celebration of heritage, family, and culture. Inspired by his mother’s cherished recipes, Agha has crafted a menu that balances authentic Middle Eastern flavours with fresh, contemporary twists.
Menu highlights include:
- Wood-fired Manoush – A beloved family recipe passed down through generations.
- Shawarma Tacos – A playful nod to traditional shawarma, reimagined.
- Wagyu Kofta Dumplings – A modern creation packed with bold, spiced flavours.
The interiors, designed by acclaimed architect Matt Woods, reflect IFTAR’s ethos—elegant yet rooted in tradition, with clay walls, travertine floors, and natural timbers creating a warm, inviting space.
Located in the heart of Merrylands, IFTAR offers a bold approach to Middle Eastern cuisine. Led by Jeremy Agha, the restaurant delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavours with a fresh, modern twist. Each dish on the menu reflects a connection to heritage, crafted to honour Agha’s family legacy while redefining Middle Eastern dining.
IFTAR’s name, meaning “break-fast” in Arabic, is both a nod to the joy of sharing food and a heartfelt tribute to Jeremy’s mother, Rita. Her cherished recipes form the backbone of the menu, with every dish honouring her influence.
Agha reveals, “The hidden meaning is, IFTAR can’t be spelt without the letters of her name – there’s no IFTAR without Mum. It’s as much her story as it is mine.” This surprise tribute is woven into the very fabric of IFTAR, creating a dining experience that feels deeply personal, warm and welcoming.
The menu invites guests to gather around a table overflowing with small plates and hearty mains, designed for sharing in true Middle Eastern fashion. Signature offerings include richly spiced manoush, batata harra, lamb shawarma tacos and eggplant fatteh, alongside modern creations like
wagyu kofta dumplings. Central to the menu is the woodfired sourdough bread, a family recipe and special tradition that has been passed down through generations – a menu item you can’t dine without.
Middle Eastern dining is about so much more than food, it’s the experience of filling a table with loved ones, sharing stories and savouring flavours together. At IFTAR, we want every guest to feel that warmth and generosity, as though they’ve been welcomed into our home,” says Agha.
Agha’s journey in hospitality began at his family’s Lebanese bakery, where he cultivated a passion for food, tradition and community. At IFTAR, this passion is brought to life through a thoughtful balance of authentic recipes and contemporary influences. By respecting the roots of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing fresh ideas and techniques, IFTAR offers an elevated dining experience that stays true to heritage while appealing to modern tastes.
With a commitment to honouring the past, embracing the present and pushing the boundaries of what Middle Eastern food can be, the venue aspires to redefine Sydney’s evolving dining scene. IFTAR is about more than just food – it’s about sharing, celebrating, and connecting.
“IFTAR isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place to connect. Whether you’re sharing a meal with family, celebrating with friends or simply exploring new flavours, IFTAR is here to create moments and memories,” Agha says.
Designed by acclaimed interior architect Matt Woods, IFTAR’s interiors mirror the menus ethos – elegant yet deeply rooted in tradition. Travertine floors, textured clay walls, and accents of aged brass and natural timbers create a modern, yet timeless space, evoking a connection to the Middle
East through textures and tones.
IFTAR will officially open its doors on Saturday 18th January.
For more details, visit https://www.instagram.com/iftarmerrylands/
Address:
IFTAR, Main Lane, Merrylands NSW 2160
Trading Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 7am – 3pm
ABOUT IFTAR
Located in the heart of Merrylands, IFTAR is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant redefining Sydney’s dining scene. Known for its vibrant dishes and inviting atmosphere, IFTAR combines authentic Middle Eastern flavours with a fresh, contemporary twist, offering a menu that balances tradition and
innovation. Whether it’s through bold flavour combinations or a commitment to bringing people together, IFTAR provides a dining experience that celebrates the richness of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing a modern approach to food and community.
