My man and I went to Zaatar a few weeks ago, the result of a serious craving for my native Middle Eastern fare. After hearing that Zaatar is run by the sons of ever-popular A1 Lebanese Bakery also on Sydney Road, I was both curious and confident that the food would be authentic, reasonably priced and reminiscent of home.
Zaatar is just what I've been looking for - a friendly Middle Eastern place that serves real Arabic snack food, with signature Levantine hospitality... AND that goes a cut above the rest with its sleek, youthful interior. I love the old-school, bare-bones style of similar eateries but it's about time a place like this opened, a place that encourages you to linger, order another coffee, and maybe a second (or third!) baklawa from the pastry offerings of the day. It's bright and spacious, with a communal table in the middle and smaller tables around the windows. Just order at the bar, and your food is brought to your table super quickly and piping hot from the oven.
We tried the kafta zocaccia, which is not to be missed. It's Zaatar's version of a focaccia but in zaatar-coated flatbread, filled with spicy Lebanese kafta (meatballs), baby spinach, roasted peppers and tangy labne. We raved about it all the way home. We also downed a few mint teas (they have a varied tea selection) and a classic spinach and cheese pie, bursting with sharp feta and juicy greens in a pillowy-soft, home baked dough.
Wholeheartedly welcoming Zaatar to this stretch of Sydney Road. If you're driving, park in the shopping complex lot across the road, on Munro St. read more