Themed dinners give chefs an opportunity to bust outside the mundane repetition of reproducing their regular menu, and flex their creativity and skills. They’re a chance to woo diners onto the dark side of eating things they’re not familiar with; dishes that might not sell on an everyday menu. At Coya, on the back streets of Cromer (part of Sydney’s Northern Beaches), Chef Ashraf Saleh is flexing his formidable skills with a well-priced, six-course Game Dinner ($69/person). Before you turn up your nose and tell me you don’t eat camel, in Saleh’s capable hands, the intensity of game is gentled into easy-to-like, approachable creations. Dishes, like our opening venison nayeh, meld strong French technique with Arabic influences to come up with harmonious cross-cultural collisions. Seasoned raw...

Located in the suburban area of Cromer, this restaurant is tucked away and you could easily pass this gem without noticing.

Service is fantastic and we had a specialty degustation made for us by the chef. It encapsulated the best of the flavour of the produce and wonderful presentation. Definitely punches above its weight.

We started with Salmon which was served raw and flavoured with chilli and lime. A sumac vinaigrette finishes this off. Great beginning to the evening. Next was a Pork Belly served with three types of apple (gel, pickled, and fresh) with hints of chilli to lift this. Delightful dish. King Prawns were next and presented like on a flower on the plate with the swirls of piqullo pepper purée and raspberry vinaigrette. Devoured quickly by the table! The fourth dish is Barramundi Fillet. One of the highlights as the fish was moist with a crispy skin served on top. The cauliflower purée was so smooth and complemented the dish well. The green harissa gave it a pop of flavour. Our savoury section was finished off with a Grill Organic Chicken Thigh. It was tender and accompanied by dollops of chickpea purée and harissa. Stunning plate of food that was savoured by all on the table and challenged to be the best dish.

We finished off with shared desserts and we were so pleased by them. All three had great elements to them as well as top notch presentation. Chocolate Gateau was served warm and pungent with chocolately goodness. Served on an oreo crumb and decorate with flowers, strawberries, and macarons. Umm Ali was an unexpected surprise. Topped with a colourful tuile, it covers a delicious bread and butter pudding like cake underneath served with pistachio anglaise, strawberries, and ice cream. Fragranced with rose water. Finally a Passion Fruit Soufflé Mousse. Light and pillowy. It packed a passion fruit punch!

Overall this restaurant is worth seeking out and if you want an upmarket middle eastern meal then give this place a shot. Reasonably priced as well.