em – on weekends, we brunch

Pepe’s Italian and Liquor

Italian $$ The Pepe pop-up at the aus open had the lasagna, which I am always a sucker for! Sadly it lacked flavour, would not say was worth the price. Hopefully the restaurant version is much better. 🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝 6/10 https://www.pepesitalian.com.au/

Marameo

Italian $$ Got to try the pop-up of Marameo at the Aus Open. Had their black pepper pasta, can’t say I was blown away, fairly peppery, and could’ve used more cheese! It was peak dinnertime so may have been made in a rush, if I try the actual restaurant one day I hope for better.Continue reading “Marameo”

Ichi Ni (St Kilda)

Japanese $$ Just across the road from St Kilda beach, this is a perfect light lunch for a hot day. Huge variety in the menu, with fresh sushi, sashimi, rolls, baos, curry, bbq and more. We tried the Dragon and Kaisen Maki rolls, Teppan Kasu (miso eggplant), salmon tacos, Mint Ginger Smash mocktail. Eggplant wasContinue reading “Ichi Ni (St Kilda)”

Nico’s

Sandwich Deli $ Came across the pop-up at the Australian Open. Tried the chicken schnitzel and the Cubano sandwich, and wow were they delicious! The schnitzel really did not look like much, but it was well crumbed, tender meat, soft bread, and a fantastic salad! I never care for salads, but this one was slightlyContinue reading “Nico’s”

Sushi Kona (Forest Hill)

Japanese $ Stumbled across this place in a rush at the Forest Hill shopping centre, looks like a typical sushi takeaway joint, but fairly decent quality! The box I bought had great variety too. The wasabi was a bit bland but the price wasn’t bad at $16.50, would definitely get again. 🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣 9/10 https://www.foresthillchase.com.au/store/sushi-kona/

Delight Kitchen (Mount Waverley)

Chinese $$ I haven’t had decent Chinese food in a while, this place hit the spot! Known for their Peking duck which you need to order at least 24 hrs in advance. Peking duck was delicious, skin was very crispy and more filling than it looked, and the wrappings were nice and thin. The duckContinue reading “Delight Kitchen (Mount Waverley)”

Guzman y Gomez (Chadstone)

Mexican $ This place is so popular! I think it’s because they pitch themselves as ‘healthy’ and they have a drive-through. I can’t argue against the tastiness. The burritos are very filling, nachos are nothing amazing but pretty decent, and the hard tacos are super salty but very flavoursome. Chicken is mediocre quality, fish andContinue reading “Guzman y Gomez (Chadstone)”

Food&Desire

Caterer $$ Attended the tasting menu for the Food & Desire catering company. Overall, very impressed by the quality of the food! Highlights were the tuna canape, scallop and pork belly entrees, beef cheek and barramundi mains, and oven baked vegetable sides. Desserts were sadly less impressive given how great the rest of the foodContinue reading “Food&Desire”

Aru (CBD)

Asian $$$ Fine dining version of southeast Asian food! The mains blew me away, the duck was super tender and the skin was so crispy, and the clay pot rice was the best I’ve ever had, crunchy on the outside and super flavourful. Would go back just for the rice! Aru also has fancy AsianContinue reading “Aru (CBD)”

Dao Noodle (CBD)

Chinese $ Famous for it’s DMX noodles i.e. knife sliced noodles, this is a cute Chinese restaurant gem hidden away from the busy CBD streets that makes it’s own noodles. The Shanxi traditional pork noodles are beautifully fresh with a tomato sauce, almost like a perfectly balanced Asian spaghetti bolognese. The braised beef is notContinue reading “Dao Noodle (CBD)”

My Modern (CBD)

Bubble tea $ It’s definitely hard to keep up with the numerous bubble tea places in Melbourne CBD, but this was a fun one we passed and decided to try. Went for the dragonfruit tea; it was sweet but refreshing and served in a cute transparent can! My Modern is a decent choice if youContinue reading “My Modern (CBD)”

Azuo (CBD)

Asian Dessert $ Heard of this Asian cake shop and decided to try it! Beautifully presented in an individual clear casing. I tried the pork floss and taro; taro was light and sweet, but pork floss for a bit too adventurous for me, wasn’t for my palate! Might try more mainstream flavour next time. It’sContinue reading “Azuo (CBD)”

Society (CBD)

Modern Australian $$$ This fine dining restaurant was a little hard to find, within the small laneways between Collins and Little Collins in the CBD. Relatively new with an la carte menu, Society definitely has some delicious dishes, but overall did not feel worth the incredibly steep prices. The standout was the lobster ravioli, incrediblyContinue reading “Society (CBD)”

Maguro (Chadstone)

Japanese $ I thought Chadstone had enough sushi places, but this is definitely better quality than most takeaway sushi. Certainly pricier, but worth it. If you’re keen, this place even has oysters. 🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣 9/10

Cafe d’ Hong Kong (CBD)

Cantonese $ If you ever feel like eating Cantonese without going to Hong Kong, this place will curb your cravings. Displaying a variety of Hong Kong’s unique blend of Asian and Western food, the food isn’t fantastic quality but fairly decent with generous serving sizes. I’ll never get over how odd it is to seeContinue reading “Cafe d’ Hong Kong (CBD)”

Brioche by Philip (CBD)

Bakery $ I’ve passed this place a few times and always wanted to try it. Great pastries and good coffee! They’re famous for their brioche and sourdough. The tuna melt was a favourite of mine, although the ham and onion roll and ham and cheese croissant were still tasty. Would like to come back toContinue reading “Brioche by Philip (CBD)”

Seoul Station (CBD)

Korean $ On the prominent corner of MC in the city, this Korean fast food place serves unique Korean hotdogs. Dipped in batter and coated with sugar, this hotdog is then topped with tomato sauce and mustard. Certainly not a combination I’d ever tried before! Other options included being coated with potato or ramen. AnContinue reading “Seoul Station (CBD)”

Joomak (CBD)

Korean $ An old student haunt, this bar has great peach rice wine served in a bowl. It’s a bit hidden and hard to find being down an unassumingly staircase, but worth the initial confusion. Great for Korean snacks and drinks, definitely a fun place for a late night. 🍶🍶🍶🍶🍶🍶🍶🍶 8/10 http://www.joomak.com.au/

Ruyi (CBD)

Chinese $$ An interesting modern take on Chinese food, Ruyi sits in one of Melbourne’s city laneways. It’s not overly expensive, but it is a slightly fancy fusion take on some classic dishes. Tried the numbing beef, was a bit tough, probably wouldn’t get again, although the numbing effect was pretty cool. The pork bellyContinue reading “Ruyi (CBD)”

Costco (Moorabbin)

Wholesale Warehouse/Fast Food $ There is always a huge line for hot food at Costco, so was curious to try it! Not amazing, but pretty decent hotdog for $2. The pizza is not bad either, definitely easy to chow down after a big Costco run. They’re even diversifying, with banh mi and bubble tea nowContinue reading “Costco (Moorabbin)”

Butcher and the Farmer (Sydney)

Modern Australian $$ Located in the modern Tramsheds of Sydney, this place looks and tastes amazing, great for a weekend brunch or lunch. Smashed avo hummus and wagyu burgers are delicious. 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔 8/10

Hanaichi (CBD)

Japanese $ If you ever want cheap, fast, filling Asian food in the city, you should go to Hanaichi. A student’s dream lunch. Situated in QV, this place has a filling rice meal for around $10, great value for money. The Kay’s chicken has surprisingly decent quality fried chicken, highly recommend. 🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛 8/10 https://hanaichi.com.au/

Robota (CBD)

Japanese $$ Famous for it’s Japanese grill style, this place has a great set menu with a mix of sashimi and grilled meats. The chicken meatball with it’s egg yolk sauce and wagyu beef are must-trys. Beautiful interior as well, modern Asian vibes. 🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢 9/10 https://robata.com.au/menu

Calia (Chadstone)

Asian $$ I’m conflicted about this place, because the food was amazing, but I got food poisoning from it! The fact that I’m still considering going back just shows how tasty the food was. To be fair, I’ve been a few times with no problems, so go at your own risk! Miso eggplant, salted eggContinue reading “Calia (Chadstone)”

Sushi Hotaru (CBD)

Japanese $$ Love a good quality sushi train! You can either take right off the train or order through the touch screen. Dishes certainly add up, but worth it! Great quality fish. Often a line so get in early! Seared salmon and chicken karaage are my favourites. 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣Continue reading “Sushi Hotaru (CBD)”

Future Sushi (Collingwood)

Japanese/Vegan $ A very unexpected vegan cuisine! Almost couldn’t tell it was vegan, fake seafood was still delicious. A fun try if you want to be vegan for a day. 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 🍣 8/10 https://futuresushi.com.au/

Hochi Mama (CBD)

Asian fusion $$ Modern Asian food is such a staple of Melbourne! Beautifully presented food, could have richer flavours though. The curry and sashimi were my favourites. 🍚🍚🍚🍚🍚🍚🍚🍚 8/10 https://hochimama.melbourne/cbd/

La Tortilleria (Kensington)

Mexican $ A little north of the city, this place is halfway down a very unassuming street of Kensington, but is definitely a hidden gem. The $32 feed me menu is great value, with a range of food. My favourites were the pork tacos, the beef quesadilla, and the chicken tostada. The pork was veryContinue reading “La Tortilleria (Kensington)”

Pokéd (CBD)

Hawaiian/Japanese $ I feel like a poké bowl is uniquely satisfying; it is filling and warm from the rice but doesn’t feel too heavy from the toppings and sauces. A fantastic lunch meal when you don’t want to be too unhealthy but are very hungry. The menu looks a little complicated, but essentially you canContinue reading “Pokéd (CBD)”

Ichiro Izakaya Bar (Burwood)

Japanese $$ Just outside the Burwood Brickworks shopping centre, this Japanese restaurant has good quality sushi and a pretty good ramen! Katsu is fairly decent, and always fun ordering on a tablet. Would recommend when you’re having a Jap craving! 🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱 8/10 https://www.ichiroizakaya.com.au/#/

Sideshow Burgers (Rosanna)

Burgers $ Cute concept of a store, this place has pretty good burgers, and fantastic mozzarella sticks! If you’re tossing up between chips and sticks, go with the cheese! The burger was pretty nice, but the meat patty was a bit dry. Still a decent burger place. 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔 7/10 https://sideshowburgers.com.au/

St.Derby (Pascoe Vale)

Cafe $ In the lovely suburb of Pascoe Vale, this cafe feels like a great local family go-to. Very generous portion sizes, tasty burgers, and the chips definitely worth a buy! 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔 8/10 https://www.stderby.com.au/

Hibiki Future (Camberwell)

Japanese $ This Asian grocery sells great take-away eats and snacks. A must-try are the Hibiki Bento’s, the tuna and chicken katsu are my favs! And you can get 3 for $12. It also has some baked goods and sweets. Next to the dine-in Hibiki restaurant, the Future store is a great take-away alternative whenContinue reading “Hibiki Future (Camberwell)”

D’Elephant (Chadstone)

Thai $$ A nice Thai place in Chadstone shopping centre. Huge amount of menu options, cute decor, decent pad thai. Thai’s not my go-to food, but still very tasty! 🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘 7/10 http://www.delephant.com.au/

Frankie’s Tortas and Tacos (Collingwood)

Mexican $$ Doesn’t look like much, but this little place has the best soft tacos I’ve ever had! Would order a whole batch of chicken tacos next time. Pork tacos were less impressive, a bit chewy. Tried the fried fish sandwich too; fish was beautifully crumbed and well cooked, and went very well with theContinue reading “Frankie’s Tortas and Tacos (Collingwood)”

Laksa King (Glen Waverley)

Malaysian $ As my first dinner out of lockdown, this blew my mind. Incredibly delicious. Our waiter was a lovely older asian man who was super friendly and chatty. The food exceeded our expectations, the five spice chicken ribs are an absolute favourite, followed by their chicken curry laksa. Probably a lot of MSG, weContinue reading “Laksa King (Glen Waverley)”

Red Rooster (Mount Waverley)

Fast Food $ 🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗 8/10 Already love their roast chicken, but was curious to try their fried! And wow did not disappoint. Super tender chicken, and the skin was so crispy. Flavours were great too! I think could use even more flavour, but still tastes great. Would compare to korean fried chicken; crunchy and notContinue reading “Red Rooster (Mount Waverley)”

Pinchy’s (CBD)

Seafood $$ When a pop-up appeared near home, decided to give this place a try! The lobster rolls were crunchy and flavoursome, the fries worked well with the truffle aioli. The other tacos were nice, but not particularly memorable. Everything was well-presented, but still felt hungry after; given the price, was hoping for more. 🦞Continue reading “Pinchy’s (CBD)”

Kurimu (Glen Waverley)

Bakery $ Fantastic Asian dessert place; famous for its cream filled crispy pastries called Choux, that are wonderfully light and sweet. My favourite is the lychee and raspberry. Not a large portion size so you don’t feel too guilty about eating it! The Glen Waverley store also sells Asian flavoured croissants such as pork floss,Continue reading “Kurimu (Glen Waverley)”

Bread Club (Albert Park)

Bakery $ When I heard Bread Club was expanding to Albert Park, I knew I had to try it! And it did not disappoint. The best pies I’ve ever had; the pastry is next level, unbelievably buttery. The mortadella sandwich is delicious as always, but with slightly different bread to the North Melbourne. The pepperoniContinue reading “Bread Club (Albert Park)”

Little Hof (South Melbourne)

German $ Passed this place at the South Melbourne market, and got drawn in by the wall of pretzels! The cheese kransky is delicious! Very cheesy, and incredibly tasty. Sadly the pretzels were a bit dry and pretty disappointing, the cheese dip also did not taste like cheese at all! Would suggest skipping that andContinue reading “Little Hof (South Melbourne)”

Agathé Pâtisserie (South Melbourne)

Bakery $ There’s always a huge line outside this store in South Melbourne Market, now understand why! Beautifully delicate, and sweet but not overly so. My favourites are the custard heart and the pandan croissant. But you may be waiting for quite a while, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry! 🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐 10/10 https://shop.agathe.com.au/

Piece of Cake (Oakleigh)

Bakery $ One of those hidden gems of the suburbs, Piece of Cake has some of the best pies! The pastry is super flaky on the outside, but soft and buttery on the inside. Highly recommend if you’re in the area. 🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧 8/10 https://www.pocbakery.com.au/

The Home Chef

Lockdown special $$$$$ A few pics from my fav home chefs. (*Not actually a restaurant)

Scoopy (CBD)

Dessert $$ It’s been a long time since I’d tried Bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert. But then Scoopy had a pop-up near me! With condensed milk and mochi pieces, the taro flavoured Bingsu was a great way to finish the day, not too sweet, but delicious. 🍨🍨🍨🍨🍨🍨🍨🍨🍨 9/10 https://www.scoopymilkbar.com.au/

Saul’s (Carnegie)

Sandwiches $ 🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪 9/10 https://m.facebook.com/SAULSSANDWICHES/ Another great lockdown discovery! Try to get there outside peak lunch hours, or you might face a line. The chicken parma is my fav, but would like to try the tuna someday! Great for a takeaway lunch.

Clubhouse Malvern

Cafe $$ In the less busy side of Malvern, this cafe has a nice open space and a standard Melbourne brunch menu. Tried the burrata cheese, not particularly flavoursome, but nothing bacon can’t save. 🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳 7/10 https://www.clubhousemalvern.com.au/

Alfa (Seddon)

Cafe $$ Decent brunch place in Seddon; nice modern decor. Had the BLT; bacon was crispy, but the bread was a bit dry. Nice place to go with friends if you’re in the area. 🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪 7/10 https://www.alfabakehouse.com.au/

Mörk (North Melbourne)

Dessert $ Great cinnamon buns! Super buttery and sweet. If you buy a 6 pack you can put them in the freezer as well if you can’t finish them. The cookies and twice baked chocolate cake are also delicious. 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪 9/10 Home

Momo Sushi (Carlton)

Japanese $ Great sushi place near Melbourne Uni, good for a quick decent take-away lunch. Packaging of the onigiri keeps the seaweed nice and crispy; my favourite is the tuna! 🍙🍙🍙🍙🍙🍙🍙🍙 8/10 https://m.facebook.com/MomoSushiAustralia/

Miss Ladybird Cakes (Elsternwick)

Dessert $$ Cute cake place in Elsternwick that also does cakes for special events. Red velvet flavour was best, moist and well-balanced! Nutella was the next best; passionfruit and champagne were a bit dry. https://www.missladybirdcakes.com/ 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 8/10

Hawker Chan (Chadstone)

Asian $ Sadly, since eating here between lockdowns, the Chadstone branch has closed! But there is still a store in the city! Which I’m sure is just as delicious. For me, this is a perfect Asian comfort food; chicken rice with charsiu (roast pork) is just a classic! Definitely worth it’s Michelin star, and notContinue reading “Hawker Chan (Chadstone)”

La Petite Creperie (CBD)

French $ The wonderful buttery smell of crepes alone is enough to draw crowds at this small stall on Little Collins St on the CBD. The service is lovely and friendly, and while not super cheap, you can’t go wrong with crepes! Great if you’re craving dessert at night in the city. A nice sliceContinue reading “La Petite Creperie (CBD)”

Sal’s (CBD)

Italian $ For a traditional New York pizza slice, go to Sal’s! Wasn’t expecting a simple Margherita to taste so good! Will come back for more one day. 🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕 9/10 Home

The Waiters Restaurant (CBD)

Italian $$ A cute Italian restaurant that’s hidden away in the city, this place has a wonderful stripped back vibe that feels like you’re eating at Nonna’s house. Order from a no-fuss menu for a pleasant Italian meal. Wouldn’t be my favourite Italian place and was more expensive than I expected, but a lovely restaurantContinue reading “The Waiters Restaurant (CBD)”

Culprit (CBD)

Cafe/Deli $$ Only tried a coffee and a cookie from this place, but looks like it has quite the variety! The red velvet cookie was a bit dry, but coffee was decent. If I was ever in the area again, would like to try the deli. ☕☕☕☕☕☕☕ 7/10 https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/melwh-w-melbourne/

HuTong (CBD)

Chinese $$ A popular place for dumplings in the city, this place wouldn’t be my go-to for Chinese, but has decent food. More expensive than I’d like, but a nice atmosphere, good for groups and families. 🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟🥟 7/10 https://hutong.com.au/city

Lollo (CBD)

Italian $$ A unique mix of Italian and Indian food, this restaurant in the new W hotel of Melbourne looks very chic. They’re famous for their duck lasagne, their modern deconstructed take on the traditional lasagne. If you’re expecting a regular lasagna, you might be disappointed, but if you keep an open mind, it’s delicious!Continue reading “Lollo (CBD)”

Lune (CBD)

Bakery $ This place has a lot of hype! Came late in the afternoon when not much was left, next time I’ll go much earlier. Had a chocolate croissant; flaky and buttery. Not mind-blowing, but still great. 🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐 8/10 https://www.lunecroissanterie.com/

Suzuran (Camberwell)

Japanese $$ Attached to a cute Asian grocery in Camberwell, this is a popular place for take-away sushi packs. Very fresh and authentic! Not cheap, but good quality. 🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱🍱 8/10 https://www.suzuran.com.au/

Industry Beans (Chadstone)

Cafe $$ A new addition to Chadstone shopping centre, this modern brunch place is a great way to start a day of shopping. Fancier brunch menu, on the pricier side. Looks very classy, and tastes pretty good. 🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳 8/10 https://industrybeans.com/

Baker Bleu (Caulfield)

Bakery $ Bakeries are a newly discovered love of mine during lockdown. And this one is famous for good reason; busy days have lines round the block, but bread and pastries are certainly worth the wait. My favourites are the vegemite cheese pastry and the feta croissant. After 11 they also have great pizzas. GetContinue reading “Baker Bleu (Caulfield)”

Taquito (Carlton)

Mexican $$ Hip modern Mexican near Lygon St. Got the feed me menu for $65; that came with several soft tacos, as well as lamb, beef and fish dishes for mains. Rich flavours and great range! Potatos are a must. Bit noisy for my liking, but great hangout for friends. Car parking in Carlton isContinue reading “Taquito (Carlton)”

St Gerry’s (Balaclava)

Greek Dessert $$ Nothing like a great donut covered in chocolate. Went to a pop-up stall of St Gerry’s not the actual store in Balaclava, but I’m sure it’s just as good! 🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩 8/10 https://www.stgerrys.com.au/

Danji (Chadstone)

Korean $$ A fantastic Korean place on a quieter suburban street of Chadstone. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but has some of best best Korean Fried Chicken I’ve had! Crunchy on the outside, but flavoursome and tender on the inside. Looks like a family run business; definitely deserves more customers, 100% worthContinue reading “Danji (Chadstone)”

Fonda (Chadstone)

Mexican $$ An old haunt of mine, their chicken burritos are a fav, with quinoa to add a nice crunch. Chips are fantastic too! (Also forgot to take a proper pic of their food). One of my go-tos for good quality Mexican food. 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯 8/10 Home

Hot Star Chicken (CBD)

Fast Food $ Throwback to cheap lunches in my student and early career days! Deep fried crispy goodness. However much saltier and greasier than I remembered. Perhaps much better shared with a group, but a decent late night snack. 🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗 7/10 https://hotstarmelb.com.au/

David’s Hot Pot (CBD)

Asian $$$ True hotpot dining in all it’s glory. You know when it’s full of asians it’s a great place. You’re given a paper menu to tick what food you’d like, then are given a huge pot of soup to cook your food. Meat and soup were tasty, large range of toppings available, ethnic decor,Continue reading “David’s Hot Pot (CBD)”

Milk the Cow (Carlton)

Fromagerie/Wine Bar $$ Fun place to go for a cheese and wine night. Recommend the cheese flight (cheese and wine pairing) or the baked brie. But anything with this much cheese is pretty good. Great place for a night out with friends, work drinks or a chill special occasion. 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀 8/10 https://milkthecow.com.au/

Hector’s Deli (Richmond)

Sandwiches $$ I have a new love for deli sandwiches from lockdown; tasty yet portable! Down a quiet street in Richmond, this deli serves fantastic stuffed sandwiches with lines of people down the block. Buttered toasted bread with a generous amount of filling. Tuna melt a favourite, but the beef and pickles a close second.Continue reading “Hector’s Deli (Richmond)”