Samalara Lebanese Bakery

Craving a proper Lebanese bakery in Coolaroo, Victoria? Samalara Lebanese Bakery is the sort of place families have made part of their weekend routine. We've heard it described as a community staple, and one local who has been eating here since childhood says they're still finding new things to love.

The baking is made fresh and comes out hot. Manoush is the big drawcard: soft dough with a slight crisp, generous toppings and plenty of flavour. Customers often mention the spinach pie, manoush, and zaatar and cheese pies, and there's a "Sam special" lahmeh stuffed with cheese that has its own following. The spinach and cheese pie is often recommended by locals. Vegetarian options are easy to find, and the menu is extensive enough that you can go light or fill up and even customise your order.

Locals also mention the welcome. The family running the place is described as warm and kind, and the staff are friendly in a way that makes the shop feel like somewhere you'd keep returning. Prices are known for being good value, and one local said they always end up buying extra for dinner. Another stopped in for breakfast before a road trip and found a box of pies and pizzas kept them going for hours.

You can dine in or take away, and there's coffee as well. Free street parking and a car park make a quick stop easy. Bring cash or PayID in case cards aren't an option on the day.

Everything is made to order, so it can take a few minutes. We've heard the odd grumble that an order was overlooked during a busy moment, but most people leave happy. Check the opening hours before you head over, as they're closed one day a week.