As the sun sets over Western Sydney this Ramadan, a transformation is taking place. IFTAR, already a beloved daytime destination, is shifting gears.
Traditionally known for its bustling 7am to 3pm service, the venue is extending its hours to bring back Ramadan Nights, a special activation designed to bring people together over shared plates and stories.
Launching on Tuesday, 18 February, this refreshed evening service offers more than just a meal; it offers a place for community connection. The concept positions IFTAR as a true day-to-night destination, welcoming families, friends, and food lovers to gather, break their fast, and celebrate the spirit of the holy month.
For founder Jeremy Agha, this evolution is natural. “Middle Eastern dining has always been about coming together at the table and sharing food. Ramadan Nights allows us to bring that experience into the evening in a way that feels generous, social and welcoming,” he says.
A Menu Designed for Connection
At the heart of Ramadan Nights is a dedicated menu crafted specifically for post-sunset feasting. Moving away from individual servings, the focus here is on long-table dining and shared plates—a style of eating that encourages conversation and connection.
Jeremy Agha has led the creation of a menu that views Middle Eastern classics through a contemporary lens. The result is a spread that feels both familiar and excitingly modern.
New Culinary Highlights
Several new dishes have been introduced exclusively for the Ramadan Nights service, adding innovative twists to traditional flavours:
- Burning Cheese: Served hot and designed for interaction, this dish is made for tearing, dipping, and sharing immediately.
- Beef Tartare: A refined addition that brings a modern, raw edge to the table.
- Fried Fish Sando: An indulgent and unexpected item that offers a playful texture contrast.
- Sambousek Cigars: Crisp, golden, and built to be the centrepiece of the table.
These standout items sit alongside a thoughtfully curated spread designed for iftar. The meal begins traditionally with dates and lentil soup to break the fast gently. Diners then move through a progression of mezze including kibbeh nayeh, cheese cigars, chickpea fatteh, and fresh woodfired bread.
The feast continues with substantial main plates such as lamb shish, accompanied by cucumber yoghurt, mujadara rice, hummus, and fries. Finally, the meal concludes on a refreshing note with seasonal fruit.
The Story Behind the Name
While the word ‘iftar’ is the Arabic term for breaking the fast, for Jeremy Agha, the name holds a much deeper, personal significance. It is a tribute to his mother, Rita.
“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,” Agha explains.
The venue is built on memories of breaking fast together at home, where Rita’s recipes and her approach to food shaped the family’s culinary life. These foundations are now woven into the spirit of the venue itself.
Agha’s background is steeped in this tradition of hospitality. Growing up working alongside his family in their traditional Lebanese bakery in Guildford, he developed a deep appreciation for flavour and connection. These values—generosity, hospitality, and quality—are the pillars that support the Ramadan Nights concept.
Western Sydney’s New Night-Time Destination
The return of this activation marks a significant moment for the local dining scene. By evolving from a daytime café into a fully-fledged evening destination, IFTAR is providing a vital space for the community in Western Sydney.
It offers a setting that is inclusive and celebratory, where the cultural significance of Ramadan is honoured through exceptional food and service. Whether you are observing the fast or simply looking to experience the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality, the venue promises an atmosphere of celebration.
How to Book Your Table
Ramadan Nights commences on Tuesday, 18 February. Given the communal nature of the event and the popularity of the venue, booking ahead is highly recommended.
Reservations are now open and can be made via Seven Rooms. For the latest updates, menu teasers, and information, you can follow the journey at @iftarsydney.
This Ramadan, IFTAR invites you to pull up a chair, break bread, and share in a feast that celebrates family, heritage, and the joy of eating together.
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