The south-side spin of Shane Delia’s Middle Eastern dining institution Maha is always popular – now it’s giving you access to members-only tables.

 

There’s a brooding handsomeness to Maha East, a classic neighbourhood wine bar that also happens to be one of Melbourne’s best Middle Eastern eateries. Black and white tiles chequer the floor, stretching back along a narrow, dimly lit room. Take a seat at the counter or at one of the large chestnut tables for a feast of meze-style snacks and contemporary spins on traditional Middle Eastern mains.

 

Our top picks on the à la carte-driven menu are fried buns filled with taramasalata and salmon caviar; cured and charred kingfish topped with saffron pickled onions, whipped cod roe and carrots; and the fall-apart North African lamb tagine with coriander and lemon. We also love discovering new and old-world wines from Israel, Turkey, Lebanon and Morocco from the restaurant’s 120-strong wine list. 

 

Every day of the week, Maha East is giving us access to tables that have been made available for the first time through Broadsheet Access. 

   

We’ve got a table for two or four at 12.30pm on Saturday and Sunday; for four at 6pm and 8.15pm from Sunday to Wednesday; and for two at 6pm and 8.15pm every night of the week, reserved just for Access members.

 

You can book 30 days in advance (and a minimum of two days prior) of your desired booking date.

 

Check out our other tables at Shane Delia’s flagship restaurant Maha and mezze joint Maha Bar.