Make the pilgrimage to Kings Cross for a taste of one of the world’s coolest cities.
Owned by Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden, formerly of Bistro Rex, the new venue was inspired by the vibrant food and energy of one of the world’s coolest cities – Tel Aviv. “We love Tel Aviv, it’s a city that’s so full of life with so many great rooftop bars and places to eat and drink,” says Kirk.
“We also worked in London and there are some amazing Middle Eastern restaurants there, obviously Ottolenghi has a few, then there’s the Palomar and the Barbary. This kind of food doesn’t have the same level of exposure over here, so we wanted to share that.”
Heading up the kitchen will be Ben Sears, the former head chef of Moon Park and Paper Bird, who will be trading up the gochujang for bahārāt. The menu, which is still a work in progress, will revolve around charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, as well as fresh and zingy pickles and vegetable dishes.
“It’s food that shares well, it’s also light and healthy and delicious,” says Kirk.
The menu will include fresh hummus, which will be whipped up daily alongside radishes and soft-boiled eggs, as well as a take on the Ashkenazi dish of liver and onions, served with an amba mango pickle. Proteins, such as flathead and quail, will be grilled whole over a charcoal robata in the kitchen. To finish there’ll be malabi, a traditional almond milk pudding and an ice cream baklava.
The new diner will slot into a heritage townhouse off a side street in Kings Cross, with the venue boasting two garden courtyards, decked out in greenery and string lighting, perfect for those balmy Arabian nights.
Inside, the slender dining room will be home to a long walnut counter, where diners can prop themselves up for a few snacks and a glass of wine or fragrant cocktail, with views into the kitchen.
Ezra is slated to open in Kings Cross in late August. More details to follow.