Zaatar and Zaytoon

Zaatar and Zaytoon is a Lebanese-style bakery cafe in Wakeley, and manoush features on the menu. These are flatbreads baked to order and topped with things like za'atar, cheese or minced meat. Locals will tell you the plain za'atar version is the one to try first: simple, fresh and full of flavour, and one visitor up from Melbourne called it the best they'd had in Sydney. Pide also comes up, along with sujuk for those who like something with a bit more spice.

The bread arrives fresh from the oven, and people mention generous portions and food that tastes authentic rather than toned down. We've heard the odd note that a folded manoush can be messy to eat and that some like the dough crispier, so if crunch matters to you, it's fair to mention that when you order.

It works as a proper sit-down spot too. There's coffee, a pot of tea, breakfast and brunch (the breakfast board gets a good word), plus lunch, dessert and vegetarian options. Takeaway, dine-in and kerbside pickup are all available, which suits a quick morning run as much as a relaxed meal. Families seem comfortable here. One parent says it's the only place their toddler will happily eat manoush, and the staff once carried a stack of pizzas out to their car without being asked.

That friendliness is a big part of the story. One customer describes a quick, welcoming team who answer the phone straight away, have orders ready when you arrive, and keep the place spotless. Some drop in nearly every day for the coffee and the atmosphere. Johnny's name comes up as a warm face at the counter, and one local tells of the owner giving a regular a free coffee while he was unwell.

The entrance is wheelchair-accessible and they take cards and mobile payments. Hours run through the day on weekdays and weekends, though it's worth confirming the opening times, especially if you're planning a late lunch.