Daniel Sorridimi (owner of Blackwood Bondi and Cronulla) and Joel Bennetts have teamed up to open Sana, a Mediterranean restaurant offering casual, fast dining.
Not your typical fast-food joint, Sana will prioritise premium produce and healthy and delicious meals. Sorridimi developed the concept after identifying a gap in the Sydney market for fast, health-conscious dining options, which was inspired by the sector’s growth in the United States. The concept is referenced in the name itself, which means healthy in Spanish.
Sorridimi says Sana has been years in the making and “is built on both taste and nutrition equally”.
The eatery is set to open in February next year in Sydney’s South Eveleigh precinct which houses commercial clients including the Commonwealth Bank’s largest office, the CSIRO’s research facility Data61, and Seven West Media.
Bennetts led the food development, establishing the range of house-made pickles and seasoned proteins. The bowls are constructed by choosing a base (Mediterranean basmati rice, cauliflower rice, lettuce, or cabbage), a protein (such as salmon, lamb mince or shoulder, chicken, or falafel), and additional ingredients.
The fast casual dining restaurant will offer the option of a customised bowl, seven signature bowls, protein plates, and six rolls. Signature options include The Sana with lamb mince, pickled zucchini, cucumber, red onion, pickled jalapeno, coriander, garlic and jalapeno dressing, and spiced almonds; and the red harissa protein plate, with poached chicken, house slaw, spiced almonds, and house pickles.
Sana isn’t Bennetts first foray into fast dining. The chef formerly collaborated with fish bowl’s co-founders on Bondi Fish Shop, an elevated takeaway fishmonger, and Burger Park.
“We have put so much consideration into designing a menu that is beautifully balanced and feels good to eat. We know that people are going to love the whole experience at Sana, from the customisable ordering, the fresh ingredients and the balanced flavours,” says Bennetts.
“Mediterranean cuisine is new to this category and having Joel drive the menu direction has been very exciting to watch,” says Sorridimi.
“I am beyond excited to launch Sana and bring Australia a fast casual dining option,” says Sorridimi.
