Atta

Atta is the place to go if you're in the mood for Indian, but looking for somewhere a little bit fancy (and Tonka is booked out!). With its white tablecloths and incredible architecture (think heritage listed building meet New York loft-style gallery), this relatively newly opened establishment oozes charm and style, whilst still feeling warm and welcoming.

The menu contains all of your Indian favourites - but many with a twist, including the samosa chaat that will come out looking like a masterpiece from Mona.

The curries however - stick to their traditional appearance - with the butter chicken and palak paneer both packed full of flavour.  Although make sure not to miss ordering the garlic naan while you're at it (and ask for EXTRA hot for your curries if you prefer a bit of spice).

But whatever you do, make sure to save room for desert.  The Chidiya ka ghosla (blueberry and cardamom kulfi, white chocolate nest, pistachio floss and rabri) looks magnificently like a scene from Chucky's bride, but tastes absolutely delicious

Stylish, sophisticated and with dishes unique and full of flavour - there's no wonder that Atta has made it to the New Fave.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 4.5/5
Total: 13.5/15
Verdict: The New Fave - Put it as number 1 on the to do list

Rice Paper Sister

Rice Paper Scissors’ sister restaurant (aptly called Rice Paper Sister) had a lot to live up to when it recently opened its door considering its sibling’s success. But patrons will not be disappointed when eating at this slightly more sophisticated venue (that actually takes bookings). 

Giving Supernormal’s lobster rolls a run for their money, our starter of fried lobster rolls was the sort of dish worth dreaming about.  I know what you’re thinking - why spoil a beautiful piece of fresh lobster by frying it - but trust me, if you were to try this tasty little morsel you would also be converted -  a true highlight of my night. Although for my fellow diner, the highlight was the special starter of the day ‘tuna on toast’ - sashimi grade tuna topped with black caviar. 

For our main, we had the special of sweet and sour crispy barrumundi. Being allergic to pineapple, I thought that this was definitely off the menu for me - but even on a busy Friday night, the kitchen were incredibly accommodating and re-crafted the dish for me so it was pineapple free - and with the result of a dish just bursting with flavour. 

Whilst I’ve never been known to be a fan of Asian inspired deserts, Rice Paper Sister’s apple pie is a must - wrapped in deliciously buttery roti, this pie is up there with one of the best deserts in Melbourne. They even put a birthday candle on the top for us being our fellow diner's birthday. 

 
Incredible food paired with incredible staff, it’s no wonder that Rice Paper Sister is the new fave.

Food: 4.5/5 

Service: 5/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 13/15
Verdict: the new fave - put it as number one on the to do list

 

Sunda

Serving up an exquisite fusion of Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine, newly opened Sunda on Punch Lane is already making its mark on the Melbourne food scene. Situated in a New York loft-esque venue, the walls are exposed, the kitchen is on show, the tables are shared and the seats are limited - all elements giving the place a sense of exclusivity and (border-line half renovated) charm.

With a menu that offers a twist on many of the Asian classics using well known beloved flavours, Sunda's menu is both unique, but familiar enough not to be intimidating.  The roti served with vegemite satay (you heard me, vegemite satay) is not to be missed - tasting more like a freshly cooked croissant, the butteryness of the bread was cut beautifully by the saltiness in the vegemite satay. 

In terms of the mains, cooked to perfection and dancing with flavour, the lamb rump with braised cashew, salt bush and native curry is another dish not to be missed. And with its bold flavours and generous portion, our side of egg noodles with XO sauce and chicken crackling (giving pork crackling a run for its money) was definitely a dish worthy of being considered a main. 

The best part about Sunda - it takes bookings.

Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Total: 11.5/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

 

Lello Pasta Bar

With its high quality warm and welcoming service, I really wanted to love Lello Pasta Bar.  But unfortunately, we walked out feeling quite "meh" at the underwhelming (reasonably pricey at nearly $30 a plate) pasta dishes. 

Being a blistering cold and wet Melbourne evening, my friend and I had swapped out our plans of tequila and tacos for red wine and ragu.  What we were hoping for when we walked through Lello's doors was rich, bold and hearty pastas - ordering the ragu of the day, and the lasagna.  However, what we were met with was pasta which, while cooked well, lacked in flavour and seasoning.

The sides were even less impressive - the spinach was bland and the chips overcooked.

Whilst the food wasn't terrible (and the bottle of Chianti we had was quite delicious), there are so many other amazing Italian places in Melbourne to try that don't leave you feeling underwhelmed after a $160 price tag.

Food: 2.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 10/15

South of the Wall

Offering a fresh, fun and a little bit cheeky vibe, newly opened Mexican cantina South of the Wall in Richmond forgets about constraining itself when it comes to the happy hour - offering ridiculous cheap Margaritas what feels like all day long.  With the type of service you'd expect to receive from a good friend, and a menu that's filled with all of your Mexican favourites, its not hard to quickly discover that you've made the right choice walking through South of the Wall's doors.  And don't worry if you haven't caught on to the South of the Wall reference by the time of arrival, it will soon become clear on spotting the giant Donald Trump mural on the wall. 

Offering what's potentially the best quesadilla going around town,  the chicken quesadilla stuffed with jalapenos and queso, and served with an incredibly generous amount of sour cream, is not to be missed.



The nachos, however, could have done with a lot more layering, with the cheese (which had turned into a clump of clag) and the meat just slumped on the top. However, layering aside, the meat was still tender and juicy, and the guac and the salsa full of flavour.

With an outdoor courtyard that captures the mid day sun, and plenty of indoor seating, South of the Wall is perfect for any weather condition - although for me, nothing cures a hangover better then sipping a happy hour margarita in the sun while munching down on a delicious serving of nachos.

Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon