A1 Bakery: Brunswick’s Beloved Lebanese Hub

Since opening in 1992, A1 Bakery has stood as a cornerstone of Sydney Road—equal parts bakery, café, and Middle Eastern grocer. Founded by Elias Farah, Chafic Choueiry, and their wives Nadia and Noha, it’s a warm, bustling spot that’s as much about community as it is about food.

Everyday Dining, Extraordinary Value

Inside, wooden tables are shared by students, locals, and Lebanese families, creating a lively and unpretentious atmosphere. The menu is a celebration of classic Lebanese flavours—manoush (Lebanese pizzas) fresh from the oven, spinach and cheese pies with melting haloumi, and trays of house-made sweets. Most items sit at just a few dollars, making it a rare mix of quality and affordability.

More Than Just a Bakery

Beyond the food, A1 doubles as a specialty grocer, stocked with all the essentials for Middle Eastern cooking: sumac, rose water, pomegranate molasses, tahini, za’atar, and more. It’s the kind of place where regulars shop for dinner ingredients, then stay for a za’atar flatbread and strong coffee. More than three decades in, A1 Bakery remains a vibrant gathering place and an essential stop for anyone craving authentic Lebanese fare in Melbourne’s north.