PADDINGTON WELCOMES CANESS: MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE, REIMAGINED
-Middle Eastern flavours meet Mediterranean tapas culture in Paddington’s newest hotspot
09 May,2025/Refreshed 11 July,2025
Sydney, Australia – Paddington is set to welcome a vibrant new addition to its dining scene on April 29th with the launch of CANESS, a Middle Eastern tapas bar that’s anything but ordinary.
Step into a warm, inviting 60-seat restaurant where clean lines meet artisanal accents, and the lively hum of the open kitchen sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Helmed by hospitality entrepreneur Erez Nahum and co-owner Juan Colmenares, CANESS is a refreshing culinary destination where small plates, bold flavours, and Middle Eastern flair are reimagined through the Mediterranean tapas lens—and guests are welcomed like old friends.
“We wanted to create something truly unique – a space that captures the vibrant energy of the Middle East and the laid-back charm of tapas culture. CANESS is where those two worlds collide, offering a dining experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new,” said Nahum.
CANESS’ menu is a testament to the power of simplicity. Renowned chef Ido Zarmi, known for his innovative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, has crafted a selection of tapas-style plates that showcase the bold flavours of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Designed for sharing, each dish at CANESS celebrates quality and simplicity, with vibrant colours, bold flavours, and just a few key ingredients taking centre stage on elegant white porcelain plates.
Dive into dishes like traditional Prawns Saganaki, where succulent prawns are bathed in a rich, homemade tomato and feta sauce, or the Grilled Octopus, perfectly charred and paired with a herbs and capers salsa dressing that balances the smoky undertones.
“We believe that great food doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Zarmi. “Our menu is all about celebrating authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours with a minimalist approach. It’s about stripping things back to the essentials and letting the ingredients speak for themselves.”
This simple yet bold food menu is complemented by a carefully curated drinks list. CANESS’ wine selection features around 80 wines that strikes a balance between unpretentiousness and quality, offering a sense of discovery with every bottle with over 20 options by the glass or carafe, while the cocktail menu boasts 10 signature cocktails that highlight Mediterranean flavours with Spanish and Italian influences. Think the Clear Gazpacho, inspired by Spain’s iconic chilled soup, or the Figroni, a Middle Eastern twist on the classic Negroni.
This same philosophy extends to the space itself. CANESS is all about understated beauty – clean lines, thoughtful details, and an open kitchen and bar concept designed to dissolve boundaries and bring people together in an engaging yet intimate atmosphere. Complementing this is the team’s dedication to genuine hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for.
“Our vision was to create a home-like dining experience. With its casual, communal vibe, CANESS feels less like a restaurant dining room and we hope it’s a place where people can connect, enjoy themselves and feel at home – even in shorts and thongs,” says Colmenares.
Paddington’s newest neighbourhood hangout invites guests to ‘come in’ as they are, grab a drink, share some plates, and lose themselves in the CANESS vibe from April 15th at 348 Oxford St.
To find out more or make a booking, please visit caness.com.au
About CANESS
CANESS is a Middle Eastern-inspired tapas bar nestled in the heart of Paddington, offering a fresh take on bold flavours and shared dining. With a menu crafted by renowned chef Ido Zarmi, CANESS celebrates the power of simplicity, using just a few key ingredients to create dishes that shine. Designed to be approachable yet refined, the venue blends vibrant energy with a laid-back charm, making it the perfect spot for anything from casual bites to long, relaxed dinners.
CANESS is part of Desert Ship Hospitality Group, the team behind celebrated venues like Shaffa and Shaffa Catering Company. The group is dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences that combine bold culinary creativity with genuine hospitality.
Opening Hours:
Monday | Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 15:00 – Late
Friday | 12:00 – Late
Saturday | 11:00–Late
Sunday | 11:00–22:00
Connect with CANESS on socials
Instagram: @caness_sydney
Tiktok: @canesssydney
Facebook: @Caness
