Coya - Sydney

Situated in the leafy Northern suburb of Cromer is the middle eastern inspired restaurant Coya. At first we thought it seemed a little out of place. But as we found out, this was not the case. Coya is a local gem providing a quality restaurant experience with frendly service in an area not spoilt for choice. The chef Ashraf Saleh putting an innovative twist on traditional middle eastern meals.

Chef Saleh has created an amazing experience for foodies that is truly world-class. The flavours and techniques are a fusion of East and West with a refinement that you'd usually only see in the world's best restaurants. Can't recommend this experience highly enough! Bravo to Chef, Kit and the whole team at Coya! Thanks for hosting us on this memorable food journey.

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

Well this was unexpected. A small restaurant at Cromer shops (Cromer shops? making amazing food and delivering fantastic service. We did the $66 degustation and everything was delicious. They also do a la carte and brunch on Sundays. The menu changes every 8 weeks or so. I’ll definitely be back. Recommended.

In Short: Coya in Sydney’s leafy suburb of Cromer is one of those very special opportunities to experience the culmination of refined culinary creations in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Chef Saleh has used his decades of world-class talent to take diners on a journey through tastes and textures that are infused with flavours and techniques from both east and west. Coya is a rare gem in Sydney’s foodscape and needs to be at the very top of every foodie’s list. Tip: The degustation menu offers one of the best values you’ll find anywhere to experience food that is truly of a global caliber. Yes, it’s that good!