Team behind Nour and Aalia to open tapas bar in Bondi (with a hatted chef in the kitchen)

Sydney Morning Herald

by Scott Bolles

February 26, 2026

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Team behind Nour and Aalia to open tapas bar in Bondi (with a hatted chef in the kitchen)

Besa, a new tapas bar helmed by the team behind popular Sydney restaurants Nour and Aalia, is set to open on March 1, 2024, in Bondi. Located in the former Pasticceria Papa space, Besa aims to bring a vibrant, high-energy dining experience to Bondi’s bustling Hall Street Hub. The venue, designed with moody red tones, spotted gum timber, and circular booths, draws inspiration from Spain’s tightly packed culinary spaces, promising a lively atmosphere complete with a DJ on weekends. The restaurant is led by ESCA Hospitality Group, known for its upscale offerings like Nour and Aalia. Besa’s kitchen features executive chef Ibrahim Kasif, formerly of Nour, and head chef Alan Kropman, who brings his expertise to the table. The menu focuses on bold flavors, with standout dishes such as fideua negra (squid ink egg noodles) and raw beef carpaccio. Besa skips a traditional dessert menu, opting instead for rotating daily specials like Basque cheesecake

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026