Neo Lemonade

Docklands is known to many as the dead zone. I’ve often heard people say there’s no where to good go, nothing good to do and nowhere good to eat - the people who have said the last part obviously haven’t been to Neo Lemonade.  Neo Lemonade serves up an exquisite modern Australian menu in a venue that has casual but still professional Melbourne-modern (thanks to the fluro pink neon sign adorning one wall) vibe.

On Fridays they serve $1 oysters (well, at least for the moment they do) so if you're visiting Neo Lemonade on a Friday, a decadent serving of them is obviously a must.



Their beef cheek is one of the best I’ve had in Melbourne - rich and juicy, the meat melts in the mouth. And for those who love their truffle, the cauliflower with truffles, white sauce and pine nuts is a side that's hard to pass by.





Great service, great food and $1 oysters - Neo Lemonade is the place to be in the Docklands.

Food: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 17/20
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

 

Bodega Underground

After all my years of hunting, I’ve finally found Melbourne’s best fish tacos. Crispy, juicy and packed with flavour, Bodega Underground’s fish tacos put all other fish tacos to shame.

Serving up Mexican inspired cuisine, with its postered covered walls, Mexican trinkets and funky Cantina vibe, Bodega Underground is a little slice of Mexico right in the CBD.

Unfortunately the lighting wasn’t the best for photos, so you’ll have to take my word for it when I say the food was delicious. To start with, the fried chicken was served up with half a bowl of dipping sauce - that’s right - half a bowl. No scrounging around at the bottom of the dish for the last skerrick of sauce here.



Coming out smothered in cheese, the elote were also an excellent choice.



But as mentioned above, the creme of the crop for me had to be the fish tacos.



Great food, great service, and great vibe - Bodega is the perfect place if you’re find yourself in the mood for some Mexican food.

Food: 4/5
Venue: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 16/20

Verdict - love, get around to trying at some point

 

Touchwood

There’s a reason why Touchwood in Richmond is always filled to the brim. With its consistently good food, great coffee and ability to split the bill (hallelujah!) it’s the perfect spot for a weekend brunch.

Their special of carrot and zucchini fritters served with minted yogurt, smoked salmon and poached eggs is probably one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne (big call, I know!). With flavoursome fritters that are moist on the inside, but still crispy on the outside, it’s the perfect combination of fresh, fried, creamy and crunchy.

 

Service is on the slow side (especially the coffee) so if you’re looking for a fast caffeine hit or a quick bite to eat, this probably isn’t the place for you. However, if you’re not on a strict schedule, then the food is definitely worth the wait.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Total: 15/20
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon