Cumulus

Andrew McConnell's Cumulus is Melbourne institution. Situated on Flinders Lane in the CBD, it's soon easy to see why this venue is still brimming with patrons after 10 years of service.

Whilst the venue is slightly cramped and quite noisy, you will soon by distracted by the food that is nothing less than exceptional. To start with we had the Tuna Tartare with goat's curd and crushed green pea, as well as the Foie gras parfait with toasted brioche. Whilst both dishes were exceptional, the foie gras parfait was without a doubt the best foie gras I've had in Melbourne, even giving Heston's meat fruit an unexpected run for its money.

And you can't go to Cumulus without trying their famous slow roasted lamb shoulder with almond and roasted pepper. Often appearing on lists along the lines of "Melbourne dishes to try before you die" and "You're not a Melbournian unless you've tried these dishes", it is clear to see why this dish has become as much of a Melbourne institution as the restaurant - tender, juicy and rich with flavour, it's the sort of dish that's easy to dream about. 

You know it's a good meal when you can't pick a favourite from an exceptional line of dishes - which is why Cumulus has earned itself the title of The New Fave.

Food: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 13.5/5
Verdict: The New Fave - put it as number one on the To Do List.

Scarpetta

When thinking back to my experience at Scarpetta, the story of Goldilocks and the three bears comes to mind - Scarpetta isn't too fancy, it isn't too casual - it's just right. With staff that make you feel at home from the second you walk through the door, this Italian inspired restaurant in Albert Park serves food which can be described as nothing less than drool worthy.

Whilst it was hard to pass up ordering the fresh local scallops topped with a homemade Atlantic Salmon chive mousse, or the pork rib cutlet butterflied and filled with provolone and basil, crumbed in bread, cheese, herbs and then grilled, I couldn't go past ordering a couple of their incredible looking pizzas.

Both the Funghi pizza (with Fior di latte, exotic mushrooms, garlic, grana padano and truffle oil), and the Salame Piccante (with Fior di latte, hot salami, black olives, roasted capsicum and fresh herbs), are excellent options. Whilst I'm often told a traditional Italian pizza should only have a few toppings on it, the highlight of my meal at Scarpetta was the abundance of toppings on my pizzas - fresh, flavoursome and ridiculously delicious!

Great service, impressive price tag, incredible wine, and food to drool over - I will definitely be back to Scarpetta soon.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Total: 12.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon

Jethro Canteen

When you see a bowl of crickets on the menu (for the bargain price of $6), you start to get a little bit nervous - is this cafe actually any good, or do they need to rely on the shock factor of serving insects to get people through the door? But luckily for me, on dining at Jethro Canteen, it didn't take me long to realise there was nothing to be nervous about.

Situated on Burnley street in Richmond, with it's exposed brick walls, internal archways, and lime green features, Jethro Canteen is rustic, character loaded, breakfast/brunch/lunch venue. Offering menu items such as 'Orange Waffles' with caramelised candied oranges, mandarin cinnamon pana cotta, honeyjoy crumble and dark chocolate sauce, and the "Buffalo Tray" consisting of mozzerella wrapped in prosciutto with roasted eggplant sugo, sourdough soldiers, poached eggs and basil oil, there's many options for both the savory and the sweet tooth diner.

On this occasion I couldn't go past the Old Bay Fried Chicken Burger on a black brioche bun with corn and chili mayonnaise and herbed salad. An absolutely delicious dish that I will definitely be back for. The best point of difference? It was served with tater tots.

With its delicious food and incredibly friendly service, Jethro canteen is definitely on my recommendation list.

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

Tipico

If you're looking for one of the best salad's in Melbourne, then look no further than Tipico on High Street on Windsor. Having only opened it's doors about 3 months ago, Italian inspired Tipico is already brimming with customers - and with a venue that's both modern, but warm and welcoming, and staff that make you feel right at home - it's easy to see why.

But back to this mouthwatering salad - comprising of radicchio, salt baked beetroot, pistachio and goats cheese, it was the perfect blend of sweet, salty, creaminess and tang.

Unfortunately the pastas didn't quite hit the same mark - whilst the pasta itself in both dishes was cooked to perfection, the pappardelle with beef ragu and spinach ravioli with saffron were both lacking in seasoning and flavour.

Whilst I myself am unfortunately allergic to chocolate, my fellow diner had the chocolate mousse, commenting that, whilst she wasn't usually a chocolate mousse fan, it was the highlight of her night.

But most importantly, if you're heading to Tipico for dinner, make sure you're not the designated driver - the House Pinot Grigio is absolutely to die for!

Food: 3/5
Venue: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 11.5/15
Verdict: Like - get around to trying it at some point

The New Fave dined courtesy of Tipico

Little Buddha

Little Buddha is a Thai inspired restaurant situated on the main strip of Middle Park. Often brimming with locals, this small (but full of character) Thai restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and serves up all of your Thai favourites.

The pad thai and satay chicken are both excellent options.  Whilst they may fall on the sweeter side of what some would find palatable, the dishes were still fresh, fragrant and full of flavour.

And what Thai meal is complete without roti bread.  Coming out hot and buttery, Little Buddha’s roti bread which is served up with lashings of rich peanut sauce, does not disappoint.

Little Buddha is exactly what you want your local Thai joint to be – friendly service, delicious food and all at a reasonable price Tag. 

Food: 4/5

Venue: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon.