Sydney’s Martin Place has just gained a sophisticated new destination for wine lovers. ESCA Hospitality Group has officially opened the doors to AALIA Wine Room, an intimate, wine-first extension of their acclaimed two-hatted Middle Eastern restaurant, AALIA.
Designed as a sanctuary for discovery and community, this new venue offers a refined counterpart to the main restaurant. It combines a 235-label wine list with a bespoke menu crafted by Paul Farag, the Sydney Morning Herald’s 2025 Good Food Guide Chef of the Year.
For those seeking a spot to unwind after work or enjoy a curated tasting experience, AALIA Wine Room promises to be a standout addition to the city’s hospitality landscape.
A Natural Evolution
The concept behind the Wine Room is simple: deepen the AALIA experience without altering its fundamental DNA.
Ibrahim Moubadder, co-founder and creative director of ESCA Group, sees the new space as a logical step forward for the brand.
“AALIA Wine Room felt like a natural evolution of AALIA,” says Moubadder. “It’s a more intimate, wine-led environment that celebrates and encourages wine exploration while staying true to the values that define AALIA. As a glass-fronted wine room in the heart of Martin Place, it offers nowhere better to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine.”
This opening also marks a significant milestone for ESCA Group as their first dedicated wine bar, signaling a new chapter in their growing portfolio.
A Philosophy of Discovery
At the heart of the venue is its impressive wine programme, curated by sommelier Sarah O’Dwyer. With 31 wines available by the glass, the list is designed to be accessible yet intriguing, focusing on both emerging and established labels from local and international producers.
“The wine program at AALIA Wine Room is built around discovery,” explains O’Dwyer. “Each bottle is selected for the story it carries – of place, people and perspective – bringing together emerging and established producers. The list is inviting and unpretentious, and perfectly complements Paul’s menu.”
The selection features limited releases, lesser-known varietals, and innovative techniques. Connoisseurs will appreciate rare finds such as the exclusively held Henschke Julius Riesling 2007 and Domaine Dujac Les Gruenchers Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru. The list also introduces producers new to the Australian market, including Guy Brocard and Cascina delle Monache.
To foster a deeper connection with the wine, the venue introduces “Discovery Hour.” This signature experience invites guests to enjoy a sommelier-selected wine revealed tableside, accompanied by a personalised note. The venue will also serve as a cellar door of sorts, hosting corporate tastings and guest-led wine experiences where visitors can craft their own tasting journeys.
Middle Eastern Culinary Storytelling
While wine takes centre stage, the food is far from an afterthought. Executive Chef Paul Farag has distilled the flavours that define AALIA into a refined selection of snacks designed to pair perfectly with a glass of wine.
“We’ve taken the flavours that define AALIA and distilled them into a selection of Middle Eastern snacks that pair perfectly with wine,” says Farag. “They’re designed to be shared, to complement the wine, and to encourage a relaxed style of dining.”
Menu Highlights:
- Basturma: Served with pickled chilli and a quail egg gilda.
- Beef Nayyeh: Accompanied by rhubarb and freekeh crisp.
- Pickled Kokotxas: Enhanced with tamarind and Aleppo pepper.
In addition to the evening snack menu, AALIA Wine Room introduces a relaxed lunch offering available Tuesday to Friday. This menu reimagines familiar favourites through a distinct AALIA lens. Lunch guests can look forward to a Murray Cod shawarma with toum and pickles, steak frites with café de Cairo butter, or a beef cheeseburger served on a milk bun.
Design and Architecture
The intimate 42-seat venue, designed by architect Matt Darwon, draws inspiration from the original restaurant and the modernist architecture of the surrounding MLC Centre.
Split over two levels, the space echoes the existing AALIA aesthetic with spotted gum timber ceiling battens, banquette seating, and mood lighting. The result is a seamless blend of contemporary allure and mid-century influence, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Visit AALIA Wine Room
AALIA Wine Room is open to the public from today, operating on a walk-in only basis.
- Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday
- Lunch: Tuesday to Friday from 12pm
The launch of the Wine Room is just the beginning for ESCA Group in 2026. It will be closely followed by the opening of BESA, a Spanish tapas bar set to launch in Bondi this February.