Just In: Paul Farag To Leave Middle Eastern Fine Diner Aalia

Aalia is Arabic for “highest point”, referencing exactly what executive chef Paul Farag has done at the Esca group’s Martin Place restaurant since it opened in 2022: put on a show of technique, flavour and creativity from across the Middle East.

Today, Farag announced his departure from the restaurant, and the wider hospitality group, via Instagram.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life,” the chef shared. “The last six years have been some of the most interesting and rewarding, filled with both highs and lows. Like I said, it hasn’t been an easy decision for me to make. I truly have loved making this restaurant and creating it and inspiring others. It’s been one of the greatest honours to be a part of the renaissance of Middle Eastern cooking both here and in Australia.”

The 150-seater’s curvy timber ceiling and moody lighting overlooks the Seidler “mushroom”. And on the menu, instead of tabouli, falafel, meat skewers, hummus and baba ganoush, it’s Murray cod masgouf, tuna rishta, silky lamb nayyeh and blotchy woodfired clouds of khorasan bread.

Until six years ago, Farag had “never cooked” Middle Eastern food professionally. “It was only really my heritage … Then, to have people across the road reach out – in both cooking and not cooking – to be proud and to really resonate with what I was trying to achieve, it is something I’ll always have with me.”

His departure comes soon after the team launched Aalia Wine Room in the neighbouring two-storey space. Here Farag was snackier: quail egg Gildas, fattouche-topped crackers and that standout khorasan bread, ready for a punchy, tamarind-spiked serve of kokotxas (fish throats).

“Paul has been instrumental in leading the vision behind our two-hatted restaurant Aalia, and establishing a bold, contemporary approach to Middle Eastern cuisine that has earned widespread industry recognition,” Esca co-founder Ibrahim Moubadder says. “Paul’s commitment to excellence has left a lasting impact on our team and our guests, and we thank Paul for his leadership and dedication over the past six years.”

As for his future plans, nothing’s locked in. “I will be taking some time off, really looking at opportunities and doing something new and exciting.”

Paul Farag’s final service at Aalia will be Saturday March 28, 2026.