THOROUGHLY MODERN MED

Follow the scent of zaatar to Za Za Ta (left and above), a sprawling Middle Eastern bar and eatery, which has just landed at the Ovolo in Fortitude Valley. Israeli-born executive chef Roy Ner, formerly of Nour in Surry Hills, Sydney, has charmed the locals with his fragrantly spiced menu designed to spill down the centre of the table. Do as they do in Tel Aviv and swing by late for Lebanese fried chicken and hibiscus rose tea from the midnight menu.