Yagoona Lebanese Bakery

If you're in Yagoona, New South Wales, and after a proper Lebanese bakery, this is one locals have been heading to for a long time. Manoush is the main event here, and it's baked fresh on the spot. People talk about the generous toppings, a well-done base and a good kick of seasoning, with meat, cheese and spinach versions all getting a mention. One longtime local still stops in whenever they're nearby for a meat and cheese and says it tastes the way it always has.

Beyond manoush, the pies are a drawcard, and the bakery's own pitch is authentic Lebanese pastries, with baklava and fresh bread alongside the manakish. There's also a deli side, with pickles, yoghurt, cheeses and drinks on the shelves, and vegetarian options if you're not after meat. Coffee and breakfast are on offer too, so it works for a morning stop as well as lunch.

Service is quick and friendly, and one regular describes the man behind the counter as the heart of the place. It gets busy, and the odd local mentions running out of a topping now and then, but the wait tends to be short and most reckon it's worth it. Prices are a regular talking point, with plenty of people calling it very good value for what you get.

It's a no-frills shop, and a couple of folks have commented that the front could use a tidy-up and that they weren't happy with smoking inside, so it's fair to say first impressions won't be glossy. What keeps people coming back is the food and the welcome.

You can take your order away or eat in, with some seating inside and outside. Parking is easy, with a free car park and street parking, and there's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Cards and tap-and-pay are accepted. They open early, so check the hours before you head in.