Bar Jayda

Overview

Tucked away on the quietly charming Bond Street next to sister venue Maha, Jayda feels like stepping into a glamorous old-time jewellery box. Through the entrance marked by a glowing red canopy overhead, you'll find a sleek, dimly lit den and private event space that feels like the perfect fit for the 1930s Art Deco building in which it lives.

While the venue has previously served as a supporting act to its sibling, Maha, next door, it has entered a new chapter, with its own substantive offering. Jayda has evolved into a Levantine bistro and bar, expanding its service to lunch for the first time. The dining room, which previously served as a space for private events, is now open for general bookings.

Crisp white tablecloths create an air of excitement and anticipation for the meal ahead. The dishes that will adorn said tables are, of course, imbued with Shane Delia's signature Middle Eastern flair. The generous and approachable food lends itself as easily to a quick lunch as to a dinner enjoyed over several rounds of drinks, which still remain central to its offering. A concise wine list, focusing on emerging Victorian producers, is bolstered with seasonal and innovative cocktails, such as the Honey, I Burnt The Quince with lemon, burnt honey and Amaro Montenegro.

You might snack on mussels on toast with harissa tomato fondue and torched guanciale, fried zucchini flowers with muhamarra, and fluffed-up focaccia with whipped za'atar butter. You'll then move on to the likes of a minute steak with chermoula butter and fries, lamb kefta ragu with tagliatelle, and ras el hanout roast chicken with pumpkin pearl cous cous. There's even a wagyu cheeseburger jazzed up with harissa burger sauce. Finish with a perfumed, baked-to-order rhubarb, rosewater and Turkish delish clafoutis.

"I'm really excited about the evolution of Jayda. We're seeing people return to the city and look for places that offer more than a quick takeaway lunch — somewhere they can dine quickly, affordably and still feel like they've had a considered experience. Maha remains refined and immersive. Jayda is freer, more spontaneous, more about dropping in for a drink, a plate of something delicious, or settling in for the whole afternoon," says Delia.

Images: Supplied. 

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