Jafa has reopened with a fresh new look, handmade pasta and a more elevated take on Italian dining
For the past few years, Jafa has quietly built a loyal following in the suburbs for its approachable Italian dinners – the kind of place locals return to for midweek pizzas, pasta and affordable nights out. But after a recent renovation and a major menu refresh, the restaurant has entered a noticeably new chapter, one that still holds onto its comforting Italian foundations while pushing further into more refined, experience-led dining.
When Roshan Dhoju took over Jafa back in 2022, he was in no hurry to change things. Instead, he spent years getting to know the local community and understanding the kinds of meals people genuinely wanted to come back for week after week. So when the time came to renovate, the focus was on evolving the experience rather than erasing it – introducing more handmade elements, seasonal produce and a stronger modern Australian influence while holding onto the warmth and familiarity locals had already grown attached to.
“We never wanted to lose that identity,” Roshan says of Jafa. “We’ve introduced a more modern Australian influence through seasonal produce, refined presentation and a stronger focus on handmade elements, while still keeping the warmth and comfort people already know Jafa for.”
The refreshed direction has been shaped closely alongside chef and co-owner Manoj Shrestha, whose background spans modern Australian and Italian-inspired kitchens, including several years working in Italy. Together, the pair have rebuilt more than 60 percent of the menu, introducing handmade pastas, alongside new snacks, steaks and rotating weekend specials.
Among the standout dishes are handmade gnocchi, seafood marinara, hot-honey pepperoni pizza and premium steaks, while weekend chef’s specials allow the kitchen to experiment further with seasonal produce and more modern Australian influences. Handmade porcini arancini and king butterfly prawns are already emerging as early favourites.
The renovation itself has dramatically shifted the feel of the space. The bar has been repositioned, new seating configurations introduced and a large mural now anchors the dining room – a surrealist artwork imagined by the team as an Italian chef “teleported from Italy to Australia”, subtly reflecting the restaurant’s blend of traditional Italian inspiration and contemporary Australian dining culture.
The overall atmosphere now leans warmer, moodier and more intimate, designed less around quick dinners and more around lingering over wine, shared plates and long conversations. That sense of connection was central to the redesign, with Roshan noting that dining habits have shifted significantly in recent years.
“People are looking for more than just a meal now — they want an experience and somewhere they can genuinely connect with,” he says. “Customers want quality food and atmosphere, but they also want comfort, warmth and a place that feels memorable and welcoming at the same time.”
While the venue has evolved, JAFA’s core philosophy remains firmly rooted in hospitality that feels accessible rather than overly formal. The ideal visit, according to the team, starts with shared bites and wine before moving into handmade pasta or artisan pizza, all enjoyed slowly rather than rushed through.
And yes, before you leave, you’ll still receive a little bag of the similarly named sweet treat at the end of dinner.
Head to The Directory for opening times.
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