A1 Bakery — Restaurant in Melbourne

A1 Bakery is without a doubt one of my all-time favourite spots in Melbourne. Tucked away on Sydney Road in Brunswick, this gem has built a loyal following for all the right reasons — and I’m proudly one of them. Every visit feels like coming home, and I keep going back for more.

This family-run business has been serving authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern food for generations, and you can taste that legacy in every bite. The food is fresh, full of flavour, and incredibly affordable — a rare combination these days. Whether you're grabbing something to go or sitting down for a relaxed meal, A1 always delivers.

One of my favourite things to do is stock up on their freshly baked bread — soft, warm, and perfect for dipping or wrapping. I rarely leave without a bag full to take home. Speaking of dips, their house-made dips are a must. The hummus, baba ghanoush, and labneh are all creamy, flavour-packed, and served with a very generous portion of bread that could easily be a meal in itself.

Another standout is their Zaatar, a simple yet satisfying flatbread topped with herbs and olive oil — comforting, aromatic, and seriously addictive. I’ve tried nearly everything on the menu, and it’s hard to go wrong.

The venue itself is unique — a converted warehouse with high ceilings and old-school, no-fuss furniture that adds to the charm. It’s casual, bustling, and full of character — much like the food. Add in the consistently friendly service, and it’s easy to see why A1 Bakery is one of Melbourne’s most beloved spots. A true...

I couldn't help but notice A1 Bakery on my bike rides to Coburg over the past two weeks. The place is always bustling with people in the morning, and the charming setup with locals dining in piqued my curiosity. Last week, I gave in and asked the friendly lady behind the counter for a recommendation. She suggested the signature spinach triangle, and it was a delight – the soft pastry combined with the tender spinach and feta was just perfect. Before leaving, I took a closer look at the menu, already planning my next visit.

Today, I finished work early and rushed to get a classic zaatar before their 5 PM closing time. Even with only 15 minutes left and rain pouring outside, the place was still busy. I greeted the same lovely staff member from before, and she recommended their meat pizza as a must-try, even giving me one on the house! I couldn't wait to get home and toast it on a skillet. In my eagerness, I even bumped my head, but it was all worth it. The meat pizza was unlike anything I'd ever tasted – the lamb was incredibly flavorful, and the tender texture melded perfectly with the sweet, doughy base. The zaatar, true to its reputation, was a harmonious blend of rich yet refreshing spices atop a fragrant bread base, making it irresistibly delicious even without meat.

Having such a comforting and delicious meal for dinner made for a particularly restful night. This delightful culinary experience, paired with the warm and friendly atmosphere, makes you want to explore more of the rich food culture behind it. Truly a...

A1 Bakery on Sydney Rd. Possibly THE MOST iconic restaurant for Middle Eastern food and on all of Sydney Rd. Easily distinguishable by the long queues outside the door and has a lively atmosphere, very spacious indoor seating and a grocery inside the restaurant.

Have known the restaurant for 7+ years in that I always come with my family for a superb Middle Eastern feast whenever we come to Brunswick; and on this occasion, we did just that.

We ordered the falafel platter with extra falafels, kibbie platter, shanklish pie, spinach triangle, meat pizza and the A1 Special with the beef sujuk which is my favourite dish on their menu. All the dishes taste absolutely still tastes the same as I remember from a few years ago. What also makes this restaurant special is the freshness of all their foods and ingredients. If that's not enough, their grocery allows to take home that Middle Eastern experience if you still crave it afterwards.

It's important to note that this restaurant has a weekend surcharge of 10% in case you don't want to be surprised.

Overall, an amazing restaurant that I'll definitely return in a heartbeat whenever I'm craving for Middle...