Little Ramen Bar

Little Ramen Bar epitomises many of the things I love about Melbourne's "budget eats" scene - cheap price tag, warm and welcoming venue, friendly staff and, most importantly, incredibly delicious food.

You won't be surprised from the title that Little Ramen House specialises in, well, Ramen. Although, it would be a mistake to come here and just order their signature dish of ramen - their veggie gyozas are absolutely sensational and some of the best gyozas I've had in a long time.

There's a range of Ramen to chooses from - from your classic ramen to Hokkaido Ramen. For me, I couldn't go past the spicy miso Ramen and I'm glad I didn't - the sauce was rich and full of flavour, and the dish itself was packed full of noodles and veggies.

Situated on Little Bourke street right near GPO, this cosy little venue is so small you'd be forgiven if you blinked twice and missed it. However, during lunch and dinner times it's packed to the brim and it's pretty hard to miss the place with its line of hungry patrons waiting outside its doors - a true sign of any good Melbourne budget venue.

Food: 4.5/5
Venue: 3/5
Service: 3.5/5
Total: 11/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

The Crux and Co

Often breakfast/brunch menus with their eggs benedict and smashed avo on toast are victims of being 'same same but different' - but not Crux and Co! Pushing the boundaries on brunch items, Crux and Co offers the likes of elderflower yogurt and squid ink toast.

For me I couldn't go past the Bisque Benedict with tiger prawns, poached eggs and a lobster bisque hollandaise served on squid ink toast. Whilst slightly nervous to order prawns for breakfast, it absolutely worked! With its perfectly cooked seafood, rich and creamy sauce, and much needed textual crunch to the dish, this benny was an absolute delight. 

 

 

Situated opposite Melbourne instigation The Kettle Black, Crux and Co definitely faces some tough competition. But with its edgy menu, great coffee and friendly service, Crux and Co is a Melbourne café which is likely to stick around for awhile.

 

Venue: 3/5

Service: 4/5

Food: 4/5

Total: 11/15

Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon

 

35 Albert Road, South Melbourne