Sahra by the River

Nothing says time well invested like a Lebanese feast and perhaps a sneaky arguileh (shisha pipe) on a weekday afternoon. Sit in the covered outdoor area and watch the Parramatta River meander by while sipping on ice-cold glasses of jallab, a syrupy rosewater and grape juice drink. Tuesdays to Fridays they have a three-course lunch special for $19.90. The light and smoky babaghanouj is excellent and we recommend ordering the mixed grill. It comes with chicken and lamb skewers, as well as kofta. These mince balls packed with onion and herbs are our pick, wrapped in flat bread with a generous serve of zingy garlic paste. A side of tender baby octopus with a salsa of green onions, cherry and sundried tomatoes helps balance a meat-heavy meal and the baskets of Lebanese bread ensure no sauce gets left behind. Dessert consists of a tiny piece of baclava or Turkish delight.