I discovered Castle Bake almost by accident. Driving along 127 Street after a particularly long workday, the modest storefront caught my eye only because I was actively searching for something new to try for dinner. Little did I know this unassuming spot would become my go-to recommendation for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Edmonton.
Walking in, the warm aroma of freshly baked manakeesh immediately wraps around you. It’s a scent that’s become familiar to northside residents who’ve discovered this hidden gem, though surprisingly many Edmontonians still haven’t heard of it.
“We focus on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than trying to do everything,” explains Mahmoud, who greets customers from behind the counter with a genuine smile. His family has operated Castle Bake for nearly seven years, building a loyal following through word-of-mouth rather than flashy marketing.
The restaurant specializes in manakeesh – a Lebanese flatbread that’s often described as “Lebanese pizza” though that comparison hardly does it justice. Each one is made to order, the dough stretched by hand before being topped with za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend), cheese, or ground meat and then baked in their stone oven.
What strikes me most is the value. In today’s economy where food prices continue to climb, Castle Bake offers generously sized manakeesh starting around $5. A recent visit with my colleague from the Edmonton Arts Council confirmed you can feed a family of four for under $30 here – practically unheard of for quality restaurant food these days.
Beyond the manakeesh, their falafel deserves special mention. Crispy exterior giving way to a perfectly seasoned, herb-flecked interior. These aren’t the dense, hockey puck versions found at many quick-service spots. The falafel here is light, aromatic, and clearly made with care.
Castle Bake’s reputation among Edmonton’s Lebanese community speaks volumes. On weekends, you’ll often hear as much Arabic as English spoken by customers who recognize authentic flavors. As Ahmad Moussa, president of the Lebanese Cultural Association of Edmonton, told me during a community event last month, “When Lebanese people in Edmonton want a taste of home without cooking themselves, Castle Bake is often where they go.”
The restaurant’s space is modest – just a few tables and a counter for ordering. You won’t find elaborate décor or fancy plating. What you will find is food made with integrity and traditional methods that haven’t been watered down for mass appeal.
Their spinach pies deserve particular praise – the slightly tart filling balanced with subtle aromatics and wrapped in a dough that achieves that perfect balance between chewy and crisp. According to data from the city’s business license department, Castle Bake is one of just three establishments in Edmonton specializing in this particular style of Lebanese baking.
“Many people discover us through food delivery apps,” Mahmoud mentioned, noting that while convenient, the apps don’t always represent the freshness factor. “The manakeesh is best eaten right away, when the cheese is still slightly bubbling and the crust has that perfect texture.”
For north Edmonton residents, Castle Bake has become something of a neighborhood treasure. Janet Williams, who lives just blocks away and heads the Calder Community League, shared that she brings visitors there specifically to show off the neighborhood’s diversity. “It represents what I love about this part of the city – authentic cultural experiences without pretension.”
The restaurant recently expanded their hours to meet growing demand, now staying open until 8 pm most evenings. This decision came after collecting feedback from regular customers who wanted to pick up dinner on their way home from work.
What I appreciate most about Castle Bake is how it represents Edmonton’s evolving food landscape. As our city grows more diverse, these family-run establishments offer genuine cultural connections through food. They don’t need flashy interiors or social media campaigns – they simply need to continue doing what they’ve done for generations.
If you haven’t ventured to the northside for this culinary experience, it’s worth the trip. Castle Bake stands as a reminder that sometimes the most memorable food experiences aren’t found in high-end dining rooms or trendy new spots, but in humble spaces where tradition, skill, and hospitality come together.
Just don’t expect to keep it as your own secret for long. Word is spreading, one manakeesh at a time.
