'Modern eastern' restaurant Lillah opens in Lane Cove

With former Sake and est. chef Richard Slarp in the kitchen at The Alcott, which arrives in late June, Lane Cove is in the midst of a rush of food openings.

Lillah swings open its doors this week with Nour chef Roy Ner its chef consultant. "It isn't trying to be at Nour's level … but we've used texture, and lots of flavour," Ner explains.

Lillah owner Trevor Blye, who has a number of cafe ventures already under his belt, is hands on. "I've built all my venues myself," he says.

Ner describes the menu as modern eastern "with touches of Lebanese, Turkish, Israeli cooking".

Its menu is peppered with dishes including a slow-cooked beef humus bowl and smoked zaatar lamb tacos. "I think the laffah rolls are going to go really well, they're like gourmet wraps."

Lillah will also do brunch on weekends.

Open Mon-Fri noon-10.30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-11pm.

128 Longueville Road, Lane Cove, lillahkitchen.com.