Thai $$ A nice Thai place in Chadstone shopping centre. Huge amount of menu options, cute decor, decent pad thai. Thai’s not my go-to food, but still very tasty! 🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘 7/10 http://www.delephant.com.au/
Tag Archives: melbourne
Scoopy (CBD)
Dessert $$ 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.
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 $$ A new addition to Chadstone shopping centre, this modern brunch place is a great way to start a day of shopping. Fancier brunch menu, on the pricier side. Looks very classy, and tastes pretty good. 🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳 8/10 https://industrybeans.com/
Baker Bleu (Caulfield)
Bakery $ Bakeries are a newly discovered love of mine during lockdown. And this one is famous for good reason; busy days have lines round the block, but bread and pastries are certainly worth the wait. My favourites are the vegemite cheese pastry and the feta croissant. After 11 they also have decent pizzas, goodContinue reading “Baker Bleu (Caulfield)”
Taquito (Carlton)
Mexican $$ 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)”
Mr Sister (Malvern)
Cafe $$ Cute brunch place in Malvern East with a lovely enclosed courtyard at the back. Nothing outstanding, but great for a basic brunch. 🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳 7/10 https://www.mrsistercafe.com/
Chin Chin (CBD)
Asian $$ A quintessential Melbourne restaurant; i.e. hipster and fusion. Great quality modern Asian fusion. Mains were the highlight, super tasty, went basic with the butter chicken and pad seuw, both were delicious, butter chicken was super creamy, and beef very tender. 🥡🥡🥡🥡🥡🥡🥡🥡🥡 9/10 Home
Fuji Tei (St Kilda)
Japanese $$ Down a very unassuming street of St Kilda, this small restaurant is a hidden gem. Even upon entry we weren’t sure we were in the place; but what a find! For $35, got a filling and great quality meal of sashimi, tempura, tofu, pan-fried salmon, rice, salad, miso soup and black sesame ice-cream.Continue reading “Fuji Tei (St Kilda)”
Nene Chicken (Chadstone)
Fast Food $$ Had heard a lot about this Korean fried chicken, so tried it to see what all the fuss was about! Had the classic range with original and freaking hot flavours; definitely tasty and not nearly as oily as KFC. I enjoyed their cheesy mayo chips too; quite crunchy and salty. Fried chickenContinue reading “Nene Chicken (Chadstone)”
Supernormal (CBD)
Asian Fusion $$ A cute Asian fusion restaurant in the CBD. Opted for the banquet so we didn’t have to make any decisions! Highlights were the prawn and chicken dumplings, and the peanut butter parfait for dessert. Lowlights were the kingfish, and the lamb shoulder; it was very tough and chewy, and the kingfish wasContinue reading “Supernormal (CBD)”
Blue Bamboo (Braybrook)
Vietnamese $$ A true Asian mama’s favourite; when Vietnamese people like a Vietnamese restaurant you know it’s the real deal! With a huge menu and a cute bamboo garden out back, this is a nice place for families. Prices aren’t bad, and portions are decent. http://bluebamboo.net.au/ 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜 8/10
The Mess Hall (CBD)
Italian $$ On a street full of great Italian restaurants, it must be tough to stand out! But this quaint little restaurant has an authentic vibe, with great quality pasta. Duck ragu pappardelle was delicious with good bite! The seafood tagliatelle had a decent amount of prawns, but was a little salty. Gnocchi was anotherContinue reading “The Mess Hall (CBD)”
Punch Lane (CBD)
Modern Australian $$ Comfy wine bar with a casual vibe. Highlights were the gnocchi (so so pillowy), John Dory fish and the chips, super crunchy! The bread was a little tough, and the steak tartare could be more flavourful, but mains were a real winner. PUNCH LANE 🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝 9/10
Handpicked Wine (CBD)
Wine Cellar $$ Stumbled across this place after the nearby bar was full, what a great find! Simple but classy menu of cheese and wine. Great for a post dinner snack and drink, and without the noisiness of a bar! Fairly new place according to the waiter; the idea was to have a restaurant withContinue reading “Handpicked Wine (CBD)”
Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar (Chadstone)
Chinese $ Was craving a good bowl of noodle soup, so came here! House-made noodles, warm beefy broth, definitely hit the spot. I had the signature handmade beef noodle soup (minus coriander so looks a bit bare!) and the spicy and numb beef noodle soup. The signature was okay, personally I feel like it’s tooContinue reading “Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar (Chadstone)”
Din Tai Fung (CBD)
Taiwanese $$ One of my favourite places for xiao long bao (pork dumplings). Super juicy with a light dumpling skin, mmm. They even have instructions on how to eat it printed on the chopstick packets! Food comes very fast and you order everything (with pictures to guide you) on an ipad. My other favourite hereContinue reading “Din Tai Fung (CBD)”
Brew Sisters (Parkville)
Cafe $ On the corner of Grattan and Swanston St of Melbourne Uni, definitely a meeting place for students. Had one of their chicken schnitzel wraps; veges tasted like packet veges, but the chicken was okay! For a cheap, fast, student meal, not bad at all. 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯 6/10 https://www.facebook.com/brewsisters/
Pho Hung Vuong (Springvale)
Vietnamese $ For the true pho lovers. They don’t do anything except pho, and they do it well. Don’t expect service with a smile or a menu, just look on the wall and choose your pho topping and size. Two minutes later, you’ll have a beautiful bowl of hot noodle soup. You’ll feel like you’reContinue reading “Pho Hung Vuong (Springvale)”
Osteria Ilaria (CBD)
Italian $$$ In terms of Italian in the city, had never heard of this place! But this place is a gem! Everything was beautifully flavourful and buttery. Highlights were the croquettes (wonderfully crunchy), duck pappardelle (nothing like that bitey fresh pasta) and fried potato. On top of that, desserts were also incredible, ricotta gelato hadContinue reading “Osteria Ilaria (CBD)”
Little White Duck (Chadstone)
Chinese $$ Been meaning to try this restaurant in the Chadstone foodcourt for a while! Tried the shanghai pan-fried black truffle pork buns and the homemade buns, pretty good! Couldn’t taste any truffle, not as flavourful as I’d like, but still delicious. And I know the homemade buns are easy to make, but I’m aContinue reading “Little White Duck (Chadstone)”
Meet Fresh (Glen Waverley)
Dessert $ A bit of a misleading name, but a popular Taiwanese dessert franchise, famous for its shaved ice. A relatively light dessert that suits an Asian palate. Had the Q Mochi Snowflake Ice, mochi was soft and chewy, and shaved ice was light with a delicate condensed milk flavour. But my new favourite isContinue reading “Meet Fresh (Glen Waverley)”
The Grand Tofu (Glen Waverley)
Malaysian $ Great Asian food for the soul. Cheap, good quality, and fast! I had the Yong Tofu, where you can choose your soup, type of noodles, and extras (dumplings, meat, veges). Also had the Combination Crispy Fried Noodles, delicious. Noodles so crispy and good mix of meat and prawns. The Teh Tarik (both hotContinue reading “The Grand Tofu (Glen Waverley)”
Lulu’s Char Koay Teow (CBD)
Malaysian $ When you’re after authentic, good quality Char Koay Teow, this is the place. Taste was on point, prawns were delicious, and decent amount of noodles. Love these little places that only do a couple of dishes but do it well. 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜 9/10 https://www.facebook.com/lulucktmelbourne/
Grazeland (Spotswood)
Food market $$ A new foodie haven on the westside, this place has a multitude of food stalls and cuisines for anyone’s taste. And open every weekend! For just a $2.50 entry fee, you can access all the food and live entertainment. Family and pet friendly too! Busy, as expected, but lines weren’t too long,Continue reading “Grazeland (Spotswood)”
Marion (Fitzroy)
Wine bar/Modern European $$ In the streets of Fitzroy, this classy wine bar is the first of a row of hip quintessential Melbourian restaurants. Elegant interior with a tapas like menu, it’s a nice place for a fancier night out with friends. I enjoyed the homemade Cavatelli pasta and I’m a sucker for croquettes. Wouldn’tContinue reading “Marion (Fitzroy)”
Galleon Cafe (St Kilda)
Cafe $$ A cute cafe in St Kilda, that focuses on quality food. A local favourite. While food isn’t always Insta-pretty, it tastes great! Highlight was the sweet potato and feta mash. https://galleoncafestkilda.business.site/ 🥯🥯🥯🥯🥯🥯🥯🥯 8/10
Lulabelle’s (Camberwell)
Cafe $ A family friendly lunch spot. Chicken schnitzel sandwich was decent, and nothing like a warm scone with cream and jam. Little play area in the back for kids. http://lulabelles.edan.io/ 🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪 7/10
JoJo Little Kitchen (CBD)
Malaysian $ Hidden in a little alleyway is this little Asian gem. Great noodles, hits the spot. You can pick if you want dry or soup noodles, and what thickness. Fried pork wasn’t as good as I hoped, but still decent. https://www.instagram.com/jojolittlekitchen/ 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜 8/10
Cornershop (Yarraville)
Brunch $$ Popular brunch in the middle of the hip part of Yarraville. Nice covered outdoor area out back, and can’t go too wrong with a smashed avo. Good chai latte, you get at least 1.5 servings out of the pot. https://www.cornershopyarraville.com/ 🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳🍳 8/10
Seven Seeds (Carlton)
Coffee/Brunch $ Well known coffee place near Melbourne University. Popular, expect a line! ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ 8/10 https://sevenseeds.com.au/
Black Star Pastry (St Kilda)
Dessert $$ Famous watermelon cake lives up to the hype! Not overly sweet, absolutely well balanced. Other cakes weren’t as great, but still tasty. https://www.blackstarpastry.com.au/ 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉 10/10
Koko Black (South Yarra)
Dessert $$ This chocolate is next level. My favourites are the coconut dotties and the Australian wattleseed biscuits! Eating in was less impressive, brownie was a bit dry. Mango white chocolate smoothie was too thick. The chocolate honey joys were surprising great. And the easter ‘eggs’ were praline chocolate! https://www.kokoblack.com/ 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 8/10
Pancake Parlour (Malvern East)
Dessert $$ Great range of pancakes and huge size, but quite expensive. https://www.pancakeparlour.com.au/ 🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞 8/10
The Westin (CBD)
High Tea $$ There was a ‘high cheese’ at the Westin, serving baked camembert and gouda scones. Delicious! I never feel full after high tea, but was fun to try. Not always a cheese themed high tea there, as themes change with the seasons. https://www.westinmelbournedining.com.au/ 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀 7/10
Gami (Maribyrnong)
Korean $$ Love the boneless fried chicken and cheese corn. Kimchi pancake isn’t bad either! Not cheap, but tasty stuff. https://gamichicken.com.au/ 🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗 8/10
Sapa Hills (Footscray)
Vietnamese $ A more modern and slightly westernised version of a typical Vietnamese restaurant. Has all the classics such as beef skewers wrapped betel leaf and papaya salad. http://www.sapahills.com.au/ 🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢 8/10
The Loft (CBD)
Cafe $$ On one of the top floors of Peter Mac hospital, this has a large outdoor area with beautiful views akin to a fancy hotel. Decent lunchables. Home 🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪 8/10
Mr Brooks Stonegrill and Bar (Braybrook)
Australian/Steakhouse $$ Surprising steakhouse/Australian restaurant in the ‘burbs of Braybrook. Good quality food and decent range. Not pictured but great stonegrill steak. Homepage 🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩 8/10
Hakata Gensuke (CBD)
Japanese $ When you can’t go to Japan for ramen this is the next best thing! Always a huge line, but moves fairly fast and quick service once inside. My go to place in Melbourne for ramen. I’m basic and like the Signature Tonkotsu, the gyoza and chicken kaarage are great sides. 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜 10/10
Particle Cafe (Avondale Heights)
Vegan/Brunch $$ Didn’t realise we’d stumbled onto a vegan cafe, but food was great! Mango smoothie with almond milk was one of the greatest smoothies I’d ever had, and tacos were delicious! Fake cheese was even quite tasty. Not a fan of fake bacon though. Had some games to play while you waited for foodContinue reading “Particle Cafe (Avondale Heights)”
Bahari (Richmond)
Greek $$ Probably the best Greek restaurant I’ve been to. Loved the saganaki (cheese) and the Taramosalata ‘Caviar’ dip. Soooo delicious. https://www.bahari-richmond.com.au/food 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯 10/10
Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana (CBD)
Italian $$ A great little Italian place in an alleyway of the CBD. Good quality pasta and pizza. https://www.maccaronitrattoria.com/ 🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝🍝 8/10
Rockpool Bar and Grill (Southbank)
Steakhouse $$$ Some of the best steak in Melbourne in a chic place in Crown Casino. Obviously the meats are good, but shoutout to the mac and cheese, I’d go just for that. Home 🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩 9/10
The Kiosk by D’Asporto (Williamstown)
Cafe $ A nice cafe on Williamstown beach. Good for a light lunch/snack or smoothie. Perfect for a beach lunch. https://www.facebook.com/thekioskdasporto/ 🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪 9/10
Sargon Cafe (CBD)
Brunch/Cafe $ Great coffee, even by Melbourne standards! Goes fantastically with their range of bagels. ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ 8/10
Curry Smuggler (Fitzroy)
Indian $$ In the middle of Brunswick St, a tasty Indian restaurant. I’m basic, but the butter chicken is fantastic. And cheesy roti is amazing! Home 🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘🥘 8/10
Meet Sando (CBD)
Brunch/Japanese $$ Located near Queen Victoria Market, a hipster corner cafe. Their Katsu Sando (Japanese style sandwiches) was definitely worth the trip! Chicken was so tender, and bread was so soft. Highly recommend for a good brunch/lunch! Home ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ 8/10
Jaspresso (North Melbourne)
Japanese $ Fantastic place for Japanese curries and jaffles for an inexpensive but delicious lunch. Close to Parkville hospitals if you’re in the area. They also do an excellent matcha and white chocolate cookie, definitely worth a trip! https://www.instagram.com/jaspresso.melbourne/ 🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛🍛 10/10
on weekends, we brunch 