Al Aseel Lebanese Restaurant, Bankstown
The Bankstown community is in for a treat with the opening of the latest Al Aseel restaurant. Renowned for its traditional family-style feasting and flavoursome recipes, the Al Aseel name sets the benchmark for exquisite Lebanese food and will instantly transport guests to the villages of Lebanon thanks to its traditional, authentic cuisine and hospitality.
Located within Bankstown Sports Club – one of the largest clubs in NSW – the new restaurant features some incredible décor and design brought by the award-winning Creative Design Agency, DS17. Upon entry, your senses are instantly engaged by the sweet scent of aromatic spices.
With a family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates its local community through the love of food and gathering, it’s a bright space with eight metre ceiling heights and an abundance of natural light coming through the glass roof. The restaurant also features a large double-sided banquette with three-tiered timber shelving and large feature pendant lights to bring the space together with various seating arrangements to suit groups in the general dining area.
While its interiors are impressive, you’ll be even more impressed when your food hits the table. But choosing what to have will be the biggest hurdle as there’s a smorgasbord of dishes available on the menu that are well worth exploring.
To begin your food journey, we recommend starting with an option from the Cold Mezza. Whether it’s their renowned Hommos, Baba Ghanouj, Labneh, Dip Platter, Vine Leaves or Kibbeh Nayeh, you simply can’t go wrong. Then warm it up with at least one item from the Hot Mezza. Options here include Arnabeet, Lunyeh, Lebanese Sausages, Sujuk, Haloumi and our starter favourite, Falafel. Flavourful with a heavy texture and comprising chickpeas, fava beans, garlic, herbs, a secret spice mix, tahini, pickles and tomato parsley, you’ll devour these in no time!
If you’re not quite done with the starters, there are hand-crafted options you can try including Fried Meat & Fried Vegetarian Kibbeh and Sambousek, salads such as Tabouli or the famous Fattoush, and some mouth-wateringly delicious options from the grill such as Chicken & Meat Shawarma, Shish Tawook, Lemon & Garlic Chicken and our top pick – Kafta Mishwe. These kafta skewers are absolutely scrumptious and beautifully flavoured with garlic dip, onion and parsley mix.
The fun continues when it comes to the mains. You can choose from Mjadara, Mansaf Chicken, Mansaf Lamb, Lamb Shank, Kousa Mehshi, Warak Enab Bi Lahme, Shish Barak or the deliciously spicy Samkeh Harrah. Basically an oven baked barramundi with tahini and chilli sauce, coriander, roasted nuts and siyadieh rice, it’s the perfect dish to finish with and ensure you walk out satisfied with a full stomach.
It would however be criminal to end your food journey there without tasting something from the delectable dessert menu. Top picks include Riz Bel Halib, Knafeh Bel Ashta and Mafrouke but you cannot go past the Baklawa Tasting Plate – a heavenly combination with unique textures and flavours that will guarantee you end your night on a high.
With its appetizing food, friendly staff and bright surroundings, you will find Bankstown Sports’ own piece of Middle Eastern paradise at Al Aseel. As Zintego.com would say, highly recommended!
Al Aseel @ Bankstown Sports Club
8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown
Open 11am–10pm daily
