Located in the heart of Merrylands, new Sydney restaurant 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 Jeremy’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.
"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,” Jeremy reveals.
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 wood-fired 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,” Jeremy says.
His 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,” Jeremy 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, January 18.
