Maydanoz is an Aegean Turkish restaurant about a ten minute walk from our hotel, the Hyatt Regency Sydney. The restaurant sits in the bustling part of the sprawling city, giving off a financial district vibe. One of my closest friends really enjoyed this spot and brought Jen and I during our first trip to Australia. Here’s the full review!
Table of Contents
Location
As mentioned, Maydanoz was just a short walk from our hotel Hyatt Regency Sydney. Sitting in the busting hear of Sydney’s Inner West, the restaurant is neatly tucked into one of the towering skyscrapers.
Atmosphere
Maydanoz borders between fine dining and luxury dining. The excellent décor and green/gold color palette provide a vibe that resonates with the Great Gatsby or traditional luxury.
Food
It would not be poetic justice to simply ramble about the overall food. I will go through each dish ordered and the distinct flavors I enjoyed.
Stone Baked Bread with Whipped Feta
We started with stone baked bread and a delicious whipped eta with pistachios and sour grapes. The bread was hot, moist, and fluffy when paired with a the chilled feta dip was a perfect match. Feta typically is tougher but through the whipping process, the dip became light and airy.
Tilba Haloumi
I have tried Haloumi several times and it was similar to paneer. Haloumi is a Greek cheese originating from Cyprus made from a combination of goat and sheep milk. The Haloumi was grilled then smoked to imbue creative flavors and finished with a Rosemary Honey. The contrast sweet and salty flavors along with the smokiness work perfectly together to elevate a simply cheese.
Hünkar Beğendi (Lamb)
We also had the lamb loin with a smoked eggplant puree. This dish known as Hünkar Beğendi was one of my friends favorites along with the Haloumi and recommended as a must try. The smoked eggplant puree was interesting, but the lamb was tender and well seasoned with a mixture of spices which easily removed the natural game flavor.
Kingfish Collar
We also tried the Kingfish Collar which was finished with a molasses, crispy shallots, and herbs. The smokiness of the Grilled Kingfish collar paired well with the sweet flavors of the spices and molasses. The fish was cooked to perfection giving it a tenderness.
Wood Fired Oyster Mushrooms
Last of all, we tried the Wood Fired Oyster Mushrooms with a tamarind glaze. This dish was particularly interesting as it felt more South East Asian than Aegean. It was still mouth watering delicious!
Final Thoughts
Maydanoz was one of my good friend’s favorite eats in Sydney, and after finally trying it myself, I completely understood the hype. Tucked away as a casual, no-frills spot, Maydanoz delivers bold Middle Eastern flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. The menu leans heavily into generously filled wraps, juicy meats, and vibrant herbs and sauces that pack a punch without feeling heavy. Everything tasted fresh, well-seasoned, and made with care — the kind of place where one bite instantly tells you why locals keep coming back. It’s the perfect example of an unassuming gem that turns into a must-visit once someone who knows the city points you in the right direction.
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