Amanie's Bakery

Amanie's Bakery is a Lebanese bakery in St Albans, Victoria, and the kind of place people head to for fresh manoush. Locals talk about the zaatar and cheese versions, the herb and meat pizzas, and the ka'aki. One local summed up the dough as fluffy inside and crisp at the edges. Just don't expect Italian-style pizza. These are the traditional Lebanese bakes, and that's the point.

There's more on the counter than manoush. Pies and meat pies come up often, along with spinach and cheese triangles, and the falafel wrap gets mentioned too. One regular calls it the best they've eaten. Vegan options are on offer too, and the menu covers dine-in, takeaway and delivery, so you can eat at one of the tables, grab something on the go, or have it brought to you.

Ask around St Albans and you'll hear much the same story about the people behind the counter. The owner is known for remembering faces and greeting regulars with a smile, and one longtime customer says she still remembers them and their family after close to twenty years of visits. Others describe it as walking into a family member's place, with good chats and a welcoming team. The prices get plenty of praise as well, with people calling it a cheap, filling bite that's honestly good value.

One visitor found the zaatar bread too firm and the chicken sandwich lacking flavour for the price, so what you order may matter. People tend to leave happy and come back.

It's easy to get to, with a free car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and they take cards and tap payments. Hours run through the week and into weekends, so check before you head in, especially if you're after something fresh early in the day.