Jimmy's Falafel

Overview

Merivale's latest George Street addition is thanks to the talents of Lebanese Australian Head Chef Simon Zalloua (The Collaroy, Rockpool). Part of the group's latest plan for the Ivy Precinct, which has also included the openings of Little Felix and Bar Totti's, Jimmy's Falafel is now open for both takeaway and dine-in — slinging mezze-style share plates, $16 cocktails and pitas aplenty.

The Middle Eastern eatery boasts a late-night takeaway kiosk at the front and a lively bar at the back, both of which take design inspiration from kebab stores of the 1960s and 70s. The menu pulls influence from countries all across the region, including Egypt, Israel and Lebanon.

As the name suggests, falafel is the star of the show here. Zalloua spent weeks travelling across Lebanon researching his recipe, which he then perfected over about three months (and 50 kilograms) of trial and error. The rest of the takeaway menu is especially vegetable heavy, too, with pitas filled with za'atar cauliflower, eggplant and falafel varieties (all $15) — as well as a late-night edition with lamb kafta, sumac onions and toum.

Nikki To

Meanwhile, in the bar, share plates are the name of the game. Expect mezze dishes like slow-cooked beans, barbecued eggplant salad, harissa-spiced fries and cabbage rolls. Another specialty is the kibbe nayeh, a Lebanese dish of raw beef, bulgur, seven spices and toum (garlic sauce). Off the charcoal grill come more Middle Eastern dishes, including chicken shawarma, za'atar calamari with pistachio and lamb kafta with hummus and aleppo peppers.

For drinks, the wine list focuses on Lebanese and Greek drops, while the cocktail list offers six classics for just $16 a pop — including a spicy watermelon margarita, a rose old fashioned and a cobbler made using Havana Club rum, fino sherry, pomegranate and mint.

Images: Nikki To