Team
Executive Chef
Paul Farag
Paul Farag, has gained a wealth of experience in his 15 year career, having worked in Michelin starred kitchens across Europe and Australia. As Executive Chef of AALIA, Paul has created a truly unique menu showcasing the diversity of the region and breaking the mould on what Middle Eastern cuisine is. Diving into the rich Arabic culture and history, has inspired Paul’s ethos in a way that shows an elegant representation of a culture centuries past. One that takes you on a journey through a selection of standout dishes.
GENERAL Manager
Adrien Bourda
Adrien arrived in Australia from Toulouse, France in 2014 after obtaining a masters degree in hospitality management. His career in hospitality started in Monaco, and here his passion grew in ensuring he provided impeccable service to all of his guests whilst working at a number of luxury hotels. Since moving to Sydney, he has worked at some of the best venues across the city, priding himself on his honesty and humility to make him a well-respected leader within the AALIA team.
Precinct Sommelier
Sarah O’Dwyer
Canberra native Sarah O’Dwyer plays a central role in shaping AALIA’s wine identity across both the restaurant and AALIA Wine Room. With over a decade in hospitality, she brings clarity, confidence, and strategic direction to the wine program, ensuring it evolves with intention while remaining grounded in AALIA’s ethos. After relocating to Sydney in 2018, Sarah refined her approach through senior roles in luxury hospitality before stepping into leadership positions that defined her curatorial voice. As Precinct Sommelier, she oversees wine strategy across the CBD precinct, curating the lists, guiding cellar direction, and mentoring Head Sommeliers to deliver consistency, depth, and excellence across both venues, creating wine experiences that feel considered, generous, and quietly assured.
HEAD Chef
EMRE Kilic
A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Emre transitioned from a corporate career to pursue his culinary passion, deeply rooted in his upbringing surrounded by the flavours of Turkish cuisine, thanks to his mum. After enrolling in culinary school in 2017, he ventured to Australia, where he honed his skills in esteemed establishments such as Agnes, Monopole, and NOUR. Rising through the ranks from Sous Chef to Head Chef at Aalia Restaurant, Emre seamlessly blends his Turkish traditions into Aalia’s Middle Eastern menu. His journey underscores a relentless pursuit of excellence in the kitchen, driven by a profound love for food and a commitment to creativity and innovation.
RESTAURANT MANAGER
ALISON LEE
With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Alison Lee has honed her expertise across renowned venues in Melbourne and Sydney. Her journey has seen her master every aspect of restaurant life, blending hands-on experience with strategic insight. As Restaurant Manager, Alison brings a fresh perspective that harmonises operational excellence with genuine hospitality. Her passion lies in creating an environment where both staff and guests feel valued, ensuring each visit becomes a memorable story worth sharing.
BAR MANAGER
BIVIT GURUNG
Bar Manager Bivit is a long-standing member of ESCA having worked with us for nearly a decade. He originally hails from Kathmandu, but now calls Sydney home after falling in love with the vibrant bar scene here. A man of the people, Bivit always prioritises the guest’s experience and takes pride when people feel at home in the venue after experiencing one of his creations. Bivit’s favourite drink at AALIA is the Mandarin Americano, which he recommends to all guests alongside the beef nayyeh.
RESTAURANT HEAD SOMMELIER
LÏA GOUAULT
Originally from Bordeaux, France, Lïa Gouault brings a refined yet contemporary perspective to AALIA’s wine program. Classically trained, she earned her sommelier diploma in France and was awarded Best Sommelier Apprentice of France, before gaining early experience at Château Valandraud, a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion. After relocating to Australia, Lïa joined Sydney’s dining scene as a sommelier at Felix, before becoming part of the AALIA team in 2023. Now Head Sommelier, she oversees the wine list, works closely with producers, and leads the team with a curious, modern approach. Known for her thoughtful guidance and intuitive pairings, Lïa believes the best wine experiences are generous, relaxed, and quietly memorable.
ASSISTANT RESTAURANT MANAGER
FRANCESCO ESPOSITO
Originally from Naples, Italy, Francesco Esposito has been part of Sydney’s hospitality scene since 2013. With over 12 years of experience across casual and fine dining venues, he has developed a strong foundation in service, leadership, and guest experience. As Assistant Manager at Aalia, Francesco supports daily operations and the front-of-house team with a calm, attentive approach, ensuring every detail contributes to a seamless dining experience. His passion for people, steady presence under pressure, and commitment to thoughtful service help create an environment where guests feel genuinely cared for and eager to return.
Wine Bar Assistant Manager
FULVIO CAVALIERE
Known for his warmth and effortless charm, Fulvio brings over sixteen years of hospitality experience to AALIA. His career has taken him from hotels across Italy to London’s acclaimed dining scene, where he led teams in both fine dining and high-volume venues. As Wine Bar Assistant Manager, Fulvio brings that depth of experience to every service — calm, switched-on, and instinctively guest-focused. Originally from a small town near the Amalfi Coast, his approach to hospitality is rooted in generosity, rhythm, and joy. Whether guiding a guest through the list or setting the tone on the floor, Fulvio believes great service should feel natural, not rehearsed. His favourite pairing? Dry-aged duck with an AALIA Negroni — a little Italy, reimagined.
JOIN THE AALIA FAMILY
Join our team at AALIA and unlock the boundless potential of your career. We cultivate an environment that nurtures creativity and professional growth, forging strong connections with each team member to ensure their individual success. As ESCA is quickly expanding, numerous opportunities abound and we consistently prioritise internal talent. Explore the opportunities available at ESCA and apply today.