South Lamar just got a serious pastry upgrade. Matok opened on Tuesday in the former Moonlight Bakery space on South Lamar, bringing Middle Eastern flavors into the world of classic French pastry. The gleaming cases are already stocked with laminated showpieces like a knafeh croissant (about $8) and a labneh za'atar bun (about $4). The space is set up for lingering, with Parisian-style seating and an espresso machine ready for anyone who wants to hang out instead of grabbing and going.
Bright case, bold flavors
According to Axios Austin, Matok leans into Levantine ingredients like za'atar, labneh, and pistachio, pairing them with French technique. The pastries generally come in at higher prices than Moonlight's, and Axios Austin singles out the knafeh croissant as a standout in the display case.
Where to find it
Per Matok, the bakery's new home is 2300 South Lamar Blvd, and the shop opened to the public on Tuesday, March 3. The site also notes that curbside pickup is available, and that breads and cakes may require advance ordering.
From pop-ups to a shop
Matok did not start with a storefront. It began as a pickup and delivery bakery and pop-up project founded by pastry chef Michal Michaeli with partners Sash Kurgan and Oren Ben Lulu. The trio formed the Dami-Luka Group to launch Matok along with the planned BaLaFa street-food concept, according to Eater Austin. Those early pop-ups and collaborations helped Matok build an audience before locking in a permanent space.
Neighborhood context and reaction
For longtime South Lamar residents, the address is familiar. Moonlight Bakery had long occupied 2300 S. Lamar and was a neighborhood staple for morning cinnamon rolls and kolaches, per Time Out. On opening day, local food fans hit Reddit to praise Matok's croissants and orange cake, with multiple commenters noting that the new bakery appears to have taken over the old Moonlight space.
What to order
If you are plotting a first visit, one strategy is to start with that labneh za'atar bun. A pro move, as highlighted by Axios Austin, is to warm it up and pair it with Persian tea. Expect to pay more than you did at Moonlight for pastries that lean into savory-sweet Levantine flavors. With Matok's arrival, South Lamar now has a patisserie with a distinctly Middle Eastern point of view and a fresh morning option for the neighborhood.
