Oregano Bakery — Restaurant in Sydney

Oregano Bakery appeared on my radar when I saw their famous scrolls promoted across various news outlets and social media. So I was stunned to discover that one of its branches was located in our quiet neighbourhood of Peakhurst. Their brand is a thoughtful fabrication with sleek, modern packaging, uniform and a bright white interior like stepping into a bakery in heaven. However, I wouldn't be charaded by angels but receive the stony-faced politeness that was given out of courtesy than hospitality. In spite of this, I was already out the doors with the tremendous anticipation of their Lebanese pizzas and scrolls in my hands.

The pizza dough is non-traditional and very individual to Oregano with a thin crust that is actually quite dense on the inside. Hence, it is almost bread-like or bagel-like with a tinge of europhic sweetness. On my first bite, I was delighted with chewy texture of the dough, its golden sheen lining my lips with a light oiliness.

Malleable yet stable, the dough serves as an excellent foundation for the stringy softness of the mozzarella and salty feta, uniting to concoct a luscious and delicious cheese pizza. Similarly, the zaatar and cheese pizza is sown with enticing aromas and piquant cheeses that tickle the taste buds. But the thin, uneven spread of cheese combined with the grainy zaatar develops a harsh and displeasing mouthfeel.

You'd think the only difference between zaatar and cheese and zaatar, garlic and cheese pizzas would be the additional garlic. So you'll be just as rattled as I was to have my mouth drenched with oil from a single slice. The pizza is extremely greasy to the point that the oil dribbles off the dough and saturates the cardboard box. After a few bites, it gets to the point where all the fantastic ingredients are stifled and the pizza becomes unpalatable.

But the real proof lies in their renowned scrolls that span multiple sweet flavours. Seeing that I was staved of a good cinnamon roll, I had high expectations. Their original scroll calculates a precise ratio of cinnamon and dough that distributes a spicy warmth throughout the picturesque layers. Unfortunately, the dough failed to finish its half of the job as it was dry and only is dehydrated more by the chalky powdered sugar on top.

The raspberry, chocolate and coconut scroll is to be handled with care otherwise you'll be covered with a heaping of coconut shavings. But if you don't mind the mess, the coconut's crunchy texture and gentle sweetness are remarkable when paired with the rich chocolate butter. It is exactly like a lamington except the cake is substituted with a chewy dough that cuddles all the lovely flavours together. A marvellous reimagining but to this day, I'm still looking for the raspberry that's in the name.

While I'll commend the craftsmanship behind their baked goods, what makes me reconsider coming back is the prices. The majority of their traditional Lebanese pizzas are $1-2 more expensive than your suburban Lebanese bakery. For instance, $10.50 for a cheese pizza at Oregano is steep ask compared to a $6-8 pizza from a local joint. Although it's not egregious, the ordinariness for me does not substantiate the price. Personally, I'd travel further to a mom-and-pop for a scrumptious pizza than a passable one in a fancy box. I really do wish Oregano well as I believe it was born from and remains a family business. So after several visits, I can't say I will become a regular for the pizzas. The scrolls are a different...

Ordered through an online delivery service. The zaatar was cold, hard and stale even though it only took them 10 minutes to deliver it. This meant it was probably just sitting there for God knows how long.

I also ordered cinnamon rolls, now one would think cinnamon rolls come with cream cheese icing or some sort of icing, instead there was a dusting of icing sugar on top. I've never had a cinnamon roll like this and never will. The rolls were quite sticky, wet and overwhelmingly tasted of vanilla extract. Highly disappointed with my order as I've been looking for cinnamon rolls that were closer to home, than Cinnabon, this was not the place. My order went right into the trash.

Edit review: Wow, I just saw the feedback of the owner, and I am honestly shocked at how poor the customer service is. I can only imagine going into the store and having the owner yell at me for any negative feedback that is given. I can understand that this review wasn't what you would like to read and perhaps your food is usually good on other days. However, instead of getting angry, defensive, and condescending. Perhaps, look at the feedback, and ask yourself what can I improve. With an attitude like this, you will begin to lose customers. Sure at the moment you may have a few loyal customers, but any business knows they need to grow with their customer base and that includes accepting all feedback. Good...

I am a regular customer, have encouraged my friends to come to Oregano Bakery as well. However, I have been disappointed by my experiences lately. Today I spent $17.55 on only 1 iced latte & 3 small pastries. I do not get an extra shot or syrup, only lactose free milk. I usually get the iced latte & 2 pastries which is $13.50, so today the extra pastry makes it $16.50 (not $17.50)? They also put my pastries in a paper bag & as I was walking to my car the paper bag ripped and they all went on the ground, not sure why it was not placed in a box. I didn’t go back because when I confronted the employee regarding being charged extra, he said the prices went up. But I am so confused because the Owner charges me the same amount. He also ensures my food is properly cooked through & my iced coffee is filled to the top (what I am paying for). But when he is not there, the pastries are not cooked through & the iced coffee is not filled to the top & I am charged extra. I always feel like I am being ripped off. It is about the principal & looking after your loyal customers.

UPDATE POST Thank you so much to the owner for speaking to me in store. Your friendly and professional manner immediately made feel heard and appreciated. Thank you once again for the mate good and refund for the earlier issue. Consider me a happy repeat customer, see you again soon...