When I visited Macelleria in Merrylands for the first time on Tuesday, 17 February, the friendly, family vibe was obvious from the outset….the focus there was squarely on food, family and a fully halal experience.
Macelleria’s story began in Bondi in 2015 under the direction of founder Peter Zaidan, whose concept “The Butcher That Cooks For You” helped distinguish the restaurant early on.
Derived from the Italian word for butchery, the name Macelleria neatly captures the essence of Mr Zaidan’s original vision.
Diners select their preferred cuts, which are then prepared for dinner – a straightforward idea that reflects Peter’s deep understanding of the hospitality industry.
Expansion to Newtown in 2017 marked an important chapter.
Located on busy Enmore Road, just metres from the iconic Enmore Theatre, the Newtown restaurant has become a ‘go-to’ venue in one of Sydney’s most active dining strips.
Visionary….Macelleria founder Peter Zaidan outside the Newtown restaurant.
While busy for lunch and dinner seven days a week, it is particularly alive from Thursday through Sunday, buzzing with theatre patrons and late-night diners.
Yet it is in Merrylands that the brand has taken on a truly community-focused character.
Directors Mostafa Alam, Aktar Hossain, Ashraf Hossen and Nur Mohammad have shaped the venue around a clear intention: a family-friendly, fully halal restaurant with no alcohol.
“We saw the need for a family halal community steakhouse in the west,” said Mostofa Alam, who is also involved in the Newtown restaurant.
“Most of our youth are born here and they are coming out from their ethnic roots and enjoying Australian food – but they can’t afford to go into the city all the time.”
“We thought it was time to build a steakhouse closer to home where they can save on travel time and costs, and enjoy a good quality steak or a butcher burger, so we opened Macelleria Merrylands a little over 12 months ago.”
“Everything here is halal, and the environment reflects our values; families can feel completely comfortable and we even have groups of young sisters, locally employed and university students, among our regular clientele,” he added.
Mr Alam speaks warmly of Zaidan. “Peter is a visionary who truly understands the hospitality industry, and we’ve all learned a great deal from him.”
That instinct is again evident in Zaidan’s recently opened Sambousek, next door to Macelleria Newtown.
Serving Lebanese street food in authentic surroundings, it is already doing a roaring trade and earning rave reviews.
As far as Macelleria Merrylands is concerned, its ongoing success would fulfil the directors’ vision of a safe, welcoming space where young Muslims can enjoy a quality meal and feel at home.
“We hope that it becomes known not just for great steaks and burgers, but as a meeting place for friends and families – a hub where community, halal values and shared meals come together in a relaxed and secure environment,” Mostofa Alam concluded.
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