La Piccolo

La Piccolo is a cafe bakery on Wattle Street in Punchbowl, and it has the feel of a neighbourhood spot. The menu leans Lebanese and bakery-style: pizza, wraps, rolls, cakes, plus speciality coffee and tea for those who come for a proper brew.

Locals rave about the oregano wrap and the cheese pizza, and we hear the manoosh filled with cheese gets regular return visits. The haloumi pocket, crunchy outside and soft inside, has its fans too, and so does the fuul, served with airy puffs of bread, mint, lemon and pickles. Breakfast is a big part of the appeal, from a traditional Lebanese spread to a vegetarian scramble, and there are vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. Food comes fresh from the oven, and people keep describing it as full of flavour. If you're feeding a group, there's a share platter that one couple found more than enough for two, and catering is available.

Prices are a talking point in a good way. Wraps in particular are known for being affordable, and breakfast gets called reasonably priced for the quality. The coffee is strong, which suits the tagline, and takeaway coffee is on offer.

You order at the counter and the food is brought to your table, or you take it away. Dine-in, takeaway and delivery are all on offer. There's indoor seating and outdoor seating, and it's good for kids, so it suits a family catch-up as easily as a quick coffee run. You can also pick up fresh bread, yoghurts, cheeses and sweets to take home.

The staff earn plenty of praise. People describe a friendly, welcoming room with a "coming home" feel, and the service gets mentioned as often as the food. One visitor mentioned wanting to return.

La Piccolo opens early most mornings and runs through to the afternoon, but check the hours before you head in. It's at 77 Wattle Street, Punchbowl, NSW.