Daughter in Law

With its pink neon lights, colourful decor and buzzing vibe, Daughter in Law in the CBD serves up what the restaurant calls "Australian Indian", with items such as Aussie Lamb Ribs and Papadan Chaat on the menu. 

Daughter in Law's Colonel Tso's Cauliflower ($20) is one of their signature dishes - I was hoping for a bit more of a flavour punch, and for the larger pieces of cauliflower to be cooked through, but still a tasty option if you find yourself at this restaurant. The Balls of Happiness ($3.50 each) are another popular choice, coming out as pretty as a picture - although for me the best part of the dish were the savory and light crunchy balls sitting beneath the balls on the bottom. 

For mains we shared the butter chicken (some would say a boring choice, but I would rather call it a classic) ($30) and the Vegan Chana Masala ($20) which consisted of chickpeas cooked with green mango powder, crushed pomegranate and crushed ginger. With it's unique and delicious flavours, even if you're not a vegetarian, I would highly recommend opting for the Vegan Chana Masala for one of your dishes. 

Service was friendly but a bit patchy - we didn't get our bottle of wine (that we ordered within minutes of our arrival) until after the entrees were served.

While I wouldn't say it was one of the best Indian restaurants Melbourne has to offer, it still definitely has some highlights - including the delicious raita and roti- and is still worth a try. 

Food: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Value for money: 3/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 13/20
Verdict: Like - get around to trying it some point

Fourth Chapter

Fourth Chapter in Prahan is the epitome of why I had missed Melbourne's brunch scene so much - friendly and attentive service, great food, and an easy relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for dining in the morning. 

While most breakfast spots in Melbourne offer avacado on toast, Fourth Chapter's smashed avo on toast ($21) comes with saganaki, pepitas and fig and onion jam - a perfect blend of sweet, salty and creaminess. 

For those who are feeling a little rusty, Fourth Chapter also offers a dash of gin or vodka in your morning juice - an excellent cure for a hangover!

Definitely recommend Fourth Chapter for breakfast or brunch if you're in the area. 

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 4.5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 18/20

Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon. 

The Commons at Ormond Collective

The Commons at Ormond Collective in a word? Garden party. Well technically that’s two words, but it definitely sums up this gorgeous new venue that’s situated where the old Belgian Beer Garden used to be in St Kilda. 

With its eclectic and colourful maze of wicker chairs, cake carts, striped pillows and potted plants, The Commons at Ormond Collective is Alice in Wonderland meets the Hamptons, and all in a good way. 

The menu offers something for all appetites and tastebuds - offering dishes along the lines of their signature pizza pictured below, to their fried croquettes, healthy salads and of course the classic drinking accompaniment of hot chips. 

Perfect for a long leisurely lunch, or afternoon drinks in the sunshine, The Commons will no doubt be the ‘it’ place to be this Summer - which is what makes it The New Fave. 

Venue: 5/5 

Food: 4/5 

Service: 5/5 

Value for money: 4/5 

Total: 18/20 

Verdict: The New Fave