Kazbah – Balmain, Sydney
You know those restaurants that you keep hearing about and so you promise yourself that you will definitely visit one day. Kazbah has been one of those places for me but it has not just been hearing or reading it over and over. It has also been one of those places I drive past (usually on my way to Zumbo) and point out to my passengers and say ”I really want to try that place…”. Well, I haven’t had a Zumbo fix for a long time but recently I was finally able to add a big tick next to Kazbah.
On our way there, I was peeking into other restaurants and quite a few of the other places around only had a couple of patrons or was totally empty but when we got to the front door of Kazbah, we were welcomed by a blast of chatter and a room full of munching customers. This was always a good sign… but also meant a small wait for a table.
Cool water jug
I was a bit confused at the small handle but then spied how to hold it properly from the staff *smacks forehead*. Browsing through their menu, there were quite a few dishes we wanted to try but as it was only for a light lunch we had to restrain ourselves. Here Comes the Food
Fresh pineapple juice with mint
I could taste the freshness from the sourness of the juice but it was a refreshing sourness and with the subtle hint of mint I felt like it was cleansing me.
Za’atar Pita Bread ($8.50)
I am a breas… bread man. I love all things bread from the crunch of a good crust to the soft and fluffy insides. This bread had both the wonderful crust and the fluffy texture and when mixed with the dips that came with mixed platter, this was the perfect start to the meal.
Kazbah’s Mixed Mezze Plate to Share ($16 pp)
A gorgeous platter of all sorts of mixed goodies on top was presented to our table. My eyes darted wildly from the crispbread, dips (hummus, babaganouj and taramasalata) and tabouli to the char-grilled quail with pomegranate sauce, crumbed halloumi cheese with quince sauce, lamb kafta and finally the tomatoes stuffed with rice and zucchini. The highlights for me were definitely the crispbread, quail and halloumi. The bread just crack and crunched under each bite and with the dips, they were given different dimensions of flavour. The quail was sweet (from the sauce and the natural sweetness of the meat) and tender with a slight burnt caramelized flavour from the sauce. The halloumi didn’t have the usual squeak to it as it was crumbed and deep fried but it was still very good and tasty… chhheeeessee ^^!
Roast Duck with Falafel, Honey Baked Quince and Sweet Potato Chips ($32)
There was a reason this was in the Speciality section of the menu. Every component of this dish worked beautifully with each other in flavour and texture. The crunchy sweet potato chips (I could just eat plates and plates of this stuff) balanced by the soft and squishy quince. The falafel were nice and juicy from soaking up the sauces and the duck was beautifully tender; with crispy skin and juicy meat the duck really shone out in this dish as it should.
Yayyyy crayonnnsss!
Having had such a wonderful meal here, and the service was as helpful as they could for such a busy place, I am definitely coming back fro more. To try their breakfast and dinner menus too!
Kazbah
379 Darling St
Balmain, 2041
Ph: (02) 9555 7067
FFichiban
July 1st, 2010 at 11:24 pm
halloumi woot woot!! dope pics mate.
July 1st, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I have never ever noticed their sign at the top of the building! I love Kazbah, so glad you finally got to try it. You must try their breakfast menu, I’ll come with you next time
Hahaahaha (self invite = awkward).
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 am
Hahaha chheeeeeeese! At first when I saw the bread I thought they were biscotti, but pitas? They’re incredibly thick! This restaurant looks really good. I hope you guys do a review of their separate menus!
Wei-Wei
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:29 am
I really want to go back to this place and try the breakfast! Last time we had mezzes, including the halloumi which was really nice
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:24 am
Aww you drew your logo too!!! I can’t believe I still haven’t been to Kazbah, I’ve heard so many good things about it and that roast duck looks awesome. I am also including myself on Betty’s awkward self invite now
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
oh this is one of those ‘must try’ places for me as well!!!
i hear the breakfast lamb tagines are the BEST!!!
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I keep meaning to try here as well! Last time we were in the area, they were full with hordes of people waiting at the doorway so we had to give it a miss. Next time! *fingers crossed*
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
So you finally got your Zumbo fix? It’s also great that you had a good experience at Kazbah, as they can be a bit hit-n-miss sometimes (the meze plate is always good, though).
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I love that sweet potato fries are showing up in restaurants. this makes my heart smile
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:01 pm
I went there a few years ago and tried their breakfast/brunch/lunch set menu! It was absolutely divine!!! I was stuffed by the end of it but boy did I enjoy it. You guys should head there for the set menu (but be aware that you need at least 8 people for the set menu!)
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Looks great
Can’t wait for my next mid eastern meal now 
July 5th, 2010 at 11:36 am
I still havent been here for breakfast! =| I have for dinner though which was fairly pricey? That water jug brings back memories haha silly boyfriend and friends kept trying to see who could lift the jug high (height of our heads) and aim it for the water glass…=| turned out to be a huge mess with water everywhere oh dear
December 10th, 2011 at 10:42 am
How could you go to Kazbah and not have the breakfast tangine?!!!!