melbourne – on weekends, we brunch

Golden Lily (Box Hill)

Yum cha $$ Good quality yum cha. A little bit hidden in Whitehorse towers, took me a little while to find! Highlights included the pork ribs, cheung fun (thick rice noodles), chicken feet (not a fan personally, but others said was great!), and bbq pork buns. Sadly they’ve stopped the traditional yum cha method ofContinue reading “Golden Lily (Box Hill)”

Calia Grill (Chadstone)

Japanese $$ Upstairs from Calia in Chadstone is it’s sister store Calia Grill. It’s still Japanese but more focused on the bbq aspects of the cuisine. We had one of the wagyu sets, tasty and fun to do! But expensive. Decent place for special occasions. 🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩 8/10 https://calia.co/pages/calia-chadstone-grill

Oushou (Camberwell)

Japanese $$ A nice Japanese spot in Camberwell. Tried the gyoza, salmon taco, teriyaki chicken, and one of their sushi platters. Decent quality, on the pricier side, but good value for money. Worth a try if you’re in the area. 🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣🍣 8/10 Homepage

Rumour (Camberwell)

Brunch $fantastic service A little bit further away from Camberwell junction, this cafe is a little hidden away, but has fantastic service and good food. Fish tacos were crispy and well seasoned. ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ 8/10 https://www.rumourhasitcv.com.au/

Half Acre (South Melbourne)

Modern European $$ First time having a bottomless brunch! And this place delivered. Not a large selection but enough great dishes to make a hearty meal. Favourites included the bread and dips, smoked salmon and cauliflower. And you can make your own drinks as well. Beautiful venue as well, on a quiet street. Great valueContinue reading “Half Acre (South Melbourne)”

Ippudo (CBD)

Japanese $$ Ipuddo is a famous ramen franchise from Japan. The CBD restaurant has a beautifully decorated Japanese interior. Everytime I pass this place it has a long line. Very rich and wholesome ramen; I tried the original chashu, noodles had a good bite to it and a very comforting hot broth. Not too saltyContinue reading “Ippudo (CBD)”

San Churro (CBD)

Dessert $ This place was insanely busy the day I went. Located in QV, it’s clearly a favourite to go to after dinner in the city. Pretty pricey for what you get, and the churros are a bit oily, but if you don’t put your expectations too high, it’s a decent place for a hotContinue reading “San Churro (CBD)”

The Cookie Box

Dessert $ These cookies are pretty expensive at $5/$6 each, but if you’re craving a classic thick cookie with gooey chocolate and don’t feel like baking them yourself, this is the place to go. Comes in a cute bag with its name on it. My favourite is the classic, a standard choc chip cookie. ServedContinue reading “The Cookie Box”

Bibelot (South Melbourne)

Dessert $ Had always been meaning to try this place, cakes look so enticing! Beautiful interior, a block away from the South Melbourne market. Coffees are pretty good, and cakes are delicious. 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 8/10 https://www.bibelot.com.au/

Bambu (South Melbourne)

Asian $$ Came across this place in the South Melbourne Market. Always so busy there, you really have to pick your timing! They have both a takeaway and dine-in option, if you buy at the outside stall, you won’t be allowed to sit at the designated tables (something I discovered after I bought food!) TriedContinue reading “Bambu (South Melbourne)”

Jour (Collingwood)

French/Cafe $ A beautiful little cafe on a side street of Collingwood, the interior almost looks better than the food. Would definitely come back one day to try more of their food. 🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐 8/10 https://www.instagram.com/jourcafe/

Purple Yum Cafe (Chadstone)

Filipino/Cafe $ This quaint little Filipino joint has a fantastic ube cake that I just keep going back for. It’s not too sweet and incredibly moist, and the icing is the perfect finish. It’s very popular, and I can see why! They also sell a few traditional dishes for lunch, mostly rice based. Great simpleContinue reading “Purple Yum Cafe (Chadstone)”

Pasta Classica (Collingwood)

Italian $ Was lured in by the fresh pasta in the window. Decided to try a couple, pretty decent! Could use a bit more flavour. Will definitely go back next time I’m in the area to try others, they have quite a pasta variety. 🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝 7/10 https://www.pastaclassica.com.au/

Blackstar (Chadstone)

Dessert $ Of course their famous watermelon cake is delicious, but their black sesame cheesecake is really great too! Have to say the watermelon is still my favourite though, perfect balance of light and creamy but not too sweet. Also tried their limited edition hot cross buns; sweet and sticky on the outside but softContinue reading “Blackstar (Chadstone)”

Phuoc Thanh (Chadstone)

Vietnamese $ Tried the pork banh mi at this new place; not bad! Wouldn’t say it’s my favourite banh mi, and bread was a little dry, but if you’re craving a fob roll it will do the job. 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯 6/10 https://www.phuocthanh.com.au/

Pho Hung (Springvale)

Vietnamese $ Classic Vietnamese restaurant; fast and super tasty. Had the beef brisket pho and prawn spring rolls. Beef was super tender, great quality broth, and spring rolls were super crunchy. And super cheap! Definitely a go-to if you’re in the area. 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜 9/10

Otao (Richmond)

Cooking Class $$ This Japanese class was so much fun! About 16 people in the class, and cooked around 4 dishes, including home-made ramen noodles. Well paced, and steps were straightforward to follow. And best of all, get to eat everything you make! They send you all recipes after as well. Pricey for sure, butContinue reading “Otao (Richmond)”

Pafu (CBD)

Bakery/Dessert $ This place always smells amazing, thought I’d finally give it a try! Tried the puff pastry with matcha pistachio, very flaky and a decent bite, but could’ve been a bit sweeter. 🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐 6/10

Morecake (Mount Waverley)

Dessert $ This taro bento cake looks beautiful, but sadly a bit bland! Next time may try a different flavour. 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 6/10 https://www.morecake.com.au/

Marble Yakiniku (Glen Waverley)

Japanese $$$ Wow. What a hidden gem! Can barely see anything from the outside, but inside is a modern Japanese delight. Got the plum banquet set menu, absolutely delicious, very decent amount for $130. Highlights were the BBQ meat and the foie gras rice, insanely rich and flavourful. The cheesecake was also amazing! Fantastic placeContinue reading “Marble Yakiniku (Glen Waverley)”

Grill’d (Chadstone)

Burgers $$ Got Simon Says and Summer Sunset; have to say they nailed the beef burger! Despite advertising I’m sure it’s not exactly healthy, but sure tastes good. Chicken burger was a bit dry, but still pretty tasty. The truffle wagyu is nothing special, a bit bland. The ‘healthy’ fried chicken is decent, hits theContinue reading “Grill’d (Chadstone)”

Dumpling Empire (Glen Waverley)

Chinese $ A great place for a solid Asian meal. Very decent dumplings, noodle soup and fried chicken. Good place if you’re having Chinese food cravings. 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜 8/10 http://dumplingempire.com.au/

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)”

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. I particularly like the steak bacon and cheese pie. Not too heavy or buttery.Continue reading “Piece of Cake (Oakleigh)”

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. Have since tried it in person, not bad!Continue reading “Scoopy (CBD)”

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.