Sydney, ready your taste buds because a vibrant new gem is about to land in the heart of Paddington.
On April 15, CANESS will open its doors, bringing a burst of Middle Eastern flavours with a Mediterranean twist to this charming neighbourhood. But don’t expect your usual run-of-the-mill bar here. CANESS is something completely different, promising nights filled with great food, better drinks, and a vibe so relaxed it feels like your favourite local haunt from the moment you step in.
This isn’t an over-styled, stuffy spot where you feel out of place unless you’ve memorised a wine syllabus. CANESS does things differently. Think bold, ingredient-driven food, an unpretentious atmosphere, and a sense of warmth and approachability. It’s all about creating a laid-back, communal space where spontaneous plans quickly turn into long evenings of great conversation (and maybe one too many Figronis).
Middle Eastern vibrance in Sydney
From the team who brought you the hatted Shaffa, CANESS takes the bold, spiced magic of Middle Eastern cuisine and reimagines it through a Mediterranean tapas lens. The result? A feast of flavours you can’t wait to dig into, made with just a handful of exceptional ingredients that pack a punch.
Helming the kitchen is Executive Chef Ido Zarmi (formerly of Bistro Moncur), who has put together a tapas-style menu that’s all about delivering maximum flavour through minimal fuss. Feast on dishes like:
- Prawns Saganaki, swimming in a rich, tomatoey stew with salty hits of feta.
- Grilled Octopus, charred to perfection and served with a herb and caper salsa that sings.
- And don’t forget the house-made pita, so soft and warm there’s no resisting. Tearing, dipping, and sharing mandatory.
It’s ingredient-led and full of heart, meant to be enjoyed at a pace that lets you savour every bite – and it perfectly embodies the communal dining spirit.
Fun wine list
Who says wine has to be all highbrow and intimidating? At CANESS, the 80+ bottle wine list and 20+ by-the-glass options are all about discovery and fun. It’s accessible, exciting, and designed to nudge you just far enough out of your comfort zone. Thought you’d never drink vermouth by the glass? Challenge accepted.
Whether you’re a total wine nerd or just someone who enjoys a good drop now and again, there’s something to love here.
Mediterranean cocktails
If you prefer your drinks shaken, stirred, or, in this case, clarified, CANESS has you sorted. The cocktail menu takes its cues from Mediterranean drinking culture, with an emphasis on vermouths, amaros, and seasonal flavours. Some standouts you’ll want to keep on your radar include the Clear Gazpacho, a refreshing riff on Spain’s chilled soup, and the Figroni, a Middle Eastern take on the Negroni that blends warming spices with that signature bittersweet edge.
Feels like home
Beyond the food and drinks, CANESS is all about the vibe. The open layout breaks down barriers between bartenders, chefs, and guests, making the space feel less like a bar and more like a bustling dinner party you’ve been lucky enough to stumble into. The casual, warm energy here is infectious, and there’s no room for pretension, just honest hospitality done right.
This Paddington spot has all the makings of your new go-to for those impromptu catch-ups that somehow become the highlight of your week.
Don’t Miss It
Mark it down now, because come April 15, you’re going to want to grab a seat at CANESS. Whichever way you spin it, this is Paddington’s new must-visit, a refreshing take on Middle Eastern-meets-Mediterranean dining, and the sort of neighbourhood bar all of us wish we had down the road.
Whether it’s a cheeky midweek wine, cocktails to toast the end of the week, or a long dinner filled with daring new flavours, CANESS is where the magic is happening. See you there, and don’t forget to grab an extra round of pita. You’ll need it.