Raqs Sharqi in Sydney

There are many, many middle eastern restaurants in Sydney. But bellydance entertainment is limited to only Friday and Saturday. I had only one evening free for this, so after much asking around, I settled on Almustafa.

It turned out to be a very good choice.

The decor is all textile and texture; low-lit lamps and an eclectic display of bric-a-brac make the place feel more like a home than just another restaurant.

The menu offers just about everything anyone can want in a middle eastern restaurant. Every item is better than good. I know - I find that hard to believe too.

The bellydancer started her show sometime between the end of dinner and the beginning of desserts and coffee. How more perfect can the timing get?

I have to hand it to this bellydancer - her interaction with the audience was superb. She managed to allocate just enough time for the obligatory picture posing, jammed with the crowd and delivered a drum solo that was exhilarating as it was mesmerizing. I wish they do more than one set for the evening, but on the other hand, maybe one set of really superior performance is what makes it so special for everyone there that night.

Almustafa Lebanese Restaurant is located at
23 Glebe Point Road,
Glebe, NSW 2037
Tel: 61 2 96609006