A1 Bakery

A1 Bakery is a Lebanese bakery and cafe in Brunswick, Victoria, that has been going since 1992, and it has the kind of reputation that gets passed along between friends. Their line is authentic Lebanese bread, pies and pizza, and that's a fair summary of what comes out of the oven here.

The pies get the most talk. Cheese and spinach triangles, halloumi pies and the meat pizza (essentially a manoush, and locals say it's best with chilli and lemon) are what people line up for. One person who grew up with great manoush elsewhere said this was the first place in Melbourne that matched it. Another heard about it from a Lebanese friend and said the pies and zaatar bread tasted fresh out of the oven, even when they arrived close to closing. The pastry is on the softer side, so don't expect a crisp, flaky shell.

Beyond the baking, there's a full Middle Eastern menu: platters, wraps, falafel, kebabs with labne, and Lebanese coffee. Opinion on the platters varies a little. The chicken tawouk gets high praise, while a couple of other dishes have been called more average, so it pays to ask the counter what's good that day. You order at the counter, and staff are friendly and quick with the food and coffee. Prices are described as cheap and good value for the portions.

Expect it to get busy at lunch, with a queue and plenty of noise, though there's a lot of seating and most people find the wait manageable. Going a bit earlier helps. The atmosphere is warm and casual, good for coffee with friends or a family lunch.

You can dine in, take away, arrange delivery or pick up in store, and they also do catering. A small grocery and confectionery section stocks Arabic treats and specialty items. There's free street parking nearby, and the entrance and seating are wheelchair accessible. Check the hours before you head in, and ask about the other stores in Fitzroy and Highpoint if Brunswick isn't convenient.