Thievery’s unique take on Middle Eastern food has Glebe locals addicted

SERVING up a fresh take on classic Middle Eastern cuisine, Thievery is one of Sydney’s hottest new restaurants.

SERVING up fresh Middle Eastern cuisine in a modern setting, Thievery in Glebe is one of Sydney’s hottest new restaurants.

From staples like baba ghanoush to modern twists on classics like wagyu beef sharwarma, Thievery’s menu reads like a Lebanese street food guide.

The restaurant is headed up by Mo Moubayed and Jeremy Yong (of Eat Art Truck) with their mates Manoli Politis and Paul Flynn (Aria).

The aim was to put their own spin on Middle Eastern food — creating edgy and fun flavours with an ambience to match.

Politis, who ditched his corporate accounting job to focus on art and food, said the entire concept was all about having fun.

“We play loud hip hop music, sit down and talk to customers — we have a very different service style, we want to make it as fun as possible,” Politis said.

Baba Ghanoush with pine nuts, sheep's milk yoghurt and flatbread ($12). Picture: Carly Earl

Abolishing the idea that Middle Eastern food is only late-night kebabs and belly dancers, the simple yet cleverly constructed menu should be eaten with your hands and shared with friends.

Former Rockpool and Chin Chin chef Jordan Muhamad leads the kitchen with Julian Cincotta (Nomad, Rockpool) and 2015 Chef of the Year, Josephine Pignolet.

Staying true to its name, the Thievery gang have stolen as many ideas from Cincotta as possible.

Moubayed said they wanted to be adventurous in their approach and show people that Middle Eastern flavours can be fun by using great ­techniques.

Equally as impressive is the restaurant’s unconventional fitout, with walls covered in Arabic graffiti and an open bar that breaks down barriers between customers and the bartenders.

Wagyu beef Sharwarma.

Fried cauliflower fattoush.

Before you know it you would have ordered most of the menu — which is okay it’s all worth it.

Just be sure your first options include the fried cauliflower fattoush ($15) and the Wagyu beef sharwarma with harissa, smoked garlic and peppers ($14) — the flavours will no doubt have you ordering more.

If you love your cocktails, order the refreshing Arab Spring to wash it all down.

And of course, what’s Middle Eastern food without dessert?

Top off the experience with Thievery’s take on the traditional Lebanese treats such as the Pomegranate Roast Figs with Sweet Labne ($12) and The Lady Finger ($5).

Baby Got Baklava with bourbon, amaretto and pistachio.

Lady finger.

Moubayed said they wanted to be adventurous in their approach and show people that Middle Eastern flavours can be fun by using great ­techniques.

Equally as impressive is the unconventional fitout, with walls covered in Arabic graffiti and an open bar that breaks down barriers between customers and the bartenders.

Inside the top floor of Thievery on Glebe Point Road. Picture: Carly Earl.

THIEVERY

WHERE: 91 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe

BOOKINGS: 8283 1329