Nineteen43

Nineteen43 is a cafe in Brighton-Le-Sands with a Lebanese-leaning menu, and it's one for people who like their breakfast, lunch or dinner with plenty of flavour. It's not a traditional bakery counter, so go in expecting a proper sit-down kitchen, though the flatbreads and kaak are a real part of the appeal.

The kaak sandwiches are a big talking point. One local called the smoked wagyu kaak and the brisket sando two of the best they'd had in Sydney, and the chips on the side get a mention too. Hummus comes up often, especially with brisket or pulled lamb, along with shakshuka, knafeh and sujuk. For something a bit different, there's lahmacun, a thin spiced-meat flatbread that one diner compared to an open pizza. The breakfast pan and the big breakfast have their fans too, and one couple calls it their favourite breakfast spot for the flavour, the generous serves and the fair price.

You can dine in, take away or have it delivered, and they do catering as well. The menu has vegetarian and vegan options, there's good coffee, and the place serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. It's open late on most nights, though it's worth checking the hours before you head in.

The room itself gets noticed. Historical photos line the walls, each with a story behind it, and the feel is relaxed and warm. Staff are friendly, with one local mentioning the owner's welcome and another a waiter named Kas who made them feel at home. Regulars who followed the business from its earlier Rockdale days say the food hasn't lost a step.

We'll be fair: one diner found a dish arrived cooler than expected, though they still liked the flavours. Most people leave full and happy, and a following of its own has built up around the food and the welcome.

If you're after a hearty, shareable meal in Brighton-Le-Sands, Nineteen43 is worth considering.