Hakoya Izakaya

With its private booths, touch screen menus and a call button that brings a smiling staff member to your table, Japanese inspired Hakoya Izakaya in the CBD mixes modern technology with a warm, welcoming, good old fashioned charm. 

Hakoya’s nori tacos with tuna, salmon, ponzu, egg roll and fish eggs ($12) are literally some of the most tastiest morsels in Melbourne. With their incredibly fresh sashimi, perfect amounts of wasabi and beautifully balanced flavours - they are nothing less than moreish. 

  

Their okonomiyaki ($16) is also up there as one of the best in Melbourne. Moist on the inside, crisp on the outside and served with lashings of sauce, it’s definitely a must for your order. 

One of their specialties is serio-mushi ($49) which is essentially an array of seafood, veggies and wagyu beef steamed on wooden trays Japanese style before your eyes. Novelty aside, it’s an incredibly healthy way to enjoy your meat and veggies if you’re eating on the lighter side. 

Great staff, great atmosphere and incredible food - Make sure to plan a visit to Hakoya Izakaya soon. 

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 4.5/5

Venue: 4/5

Value for money: 4/5 

Total: 17/20

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon 

 

The New Fave dined courtesy of Hakoya Izakaya 

Village Cantina

Village Cantina in Yarraville is a casual Mexican Cantina that serves up some of the more common Aus-Mexican culprits including a range of burritos, tacos and quesadillas. 

On Sundays, Village Cantina offers $10 nachos - so of course we had to give them a try. With a generous smothering of toppings, they were both tasty and generous in size. 

However, the mushroom quesadilla with cheese and spinach ($16) unfortunately had far too much garlic which drowned out the flavour of the mushrooms. 

 

The pulled pork burrito ($17) was definitely the highlight though - the pork was juicy and tender, and the burrito was rich with flavours. Although the side salad served with it was flavourless and definitely a miss.

Whilst the venue itself was quite chilly - the staff were warm and incredibly welcoming, and were quick to bring out our meals. If you find yourself in Yarraville craving some Mexican, then I’d recommend giving Village Cantina a go. 

Service: 4/5

Value for money: 4/5

Venue: 3/5

Food: 3/5

Total: 14/20

Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point 

 

Masizzm

Korean inspired Masizzm is one of the latest restaurants to hit The Glen's trendy (and surprisingly vibing) food zone. With some popular neighbour's such as Betty Burgers, it's fair to say that Masizzm will be facing some pretty tough competition - but after my recent visit to Masizzm, I'm fairly confident that it will be able to hold its own.

Being part of a larger international chain, it definitely has a casual, "we've got this" vibe. Its specialty is its marinated meat stews (with a choice of either udon or glass noodles) ($16.50) - which very charmingly come out on their own personal burners.

The highlight for me, however, was the tuna rice balls ($8.50). Coming out as a bowl of ingredients, it's the diner's job to get down and dirty (well not really with the glove provided) and create their own delicious balls of goodness.  Novelty aside, I was pleasantly surprised at how flavorsome the balls were and how much the ingredients smooshed together just worked.

Another highlight for me was the pan fried Korean pancake with beef mince and kimchi, topped with mozzarella cheese ($10).

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to save room for desert. The Korean's have created a desert that combines shaved coconut, fruit, icecream AND cheesecake.

With its warm and friendly staff, delicious food and large range of soju, Masizzm is definitely the place to go if you're in Glen Waverly and craving Korean food.

Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 3/4
Value for money: 4/5
Total: 15/20
Verdict: Get around to trying it soon if you're in Glen Waverly and craving Korean food.

James

It used to be the case that the fanciest place you could find on Clarendon street to eat was Hunky Dory - but with James entering the scene, it’s lifted the entire ballgame. 

Half wine bar, have modern day Japanese restaurant, the warm and friendly service is definitely one of the first things you notice when entering this (relatively) new neighbourhood establishment bought to you by the makers of Winyard. 

The menu is decadent but familiar, with items such as crispy scallop boa, tempura eggplant and one of the best pork katsu currys that I’ve had in Melbourne to date (all pictured below). 

 

Just as important - the wine list is fool proof, with each glass tasting as exquisite as the last.

Great food, great wine and great service, James is the perfect place for any occasion.

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 4/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 17.5/20

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon