Cugini's

With its home made pastas, wood fired pizzas and a whole menu dedicated to Spritz’s (that's right...a whole section of the menu!), Italian inspired Cugini’s is a welcome addition to Nicholson Street in Fitzroy North. 

The home made pastas were definitely a highlight of the night - opting for the entree serves of the pappardelle alle polpette ($12) and the chicken and ricotta agnolotti ($15).  Not only was the pasta clearly home made, it was cooked al dente, smothered in a rich flavoursome sauce and was a generous serving for an entree size. 

The Diablo’s wood fire pizza ($24) was also done well, with a thin but still crispy crust and a generous amount of toppings. 

If you’re in Fitzroy North and looking for some delicious carb fuelled Italian comfort food, that’s great value for money, look no further than Cugini’s. 

Food: 4/5 

Value for money: 4.5/5 

Service: 5/5 

Venue: 4/5 

Total: 17.5/20 

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon 

 The New Fave dined courtesy of Cugini’s

Albert Park Hotel

It was a shame to see such a beautiful venue as Albert Park Hotel empty for so long - but what I definitely didn't expect was that on its reopening, gone would be the days of its pub fair, with the Hotel instead offering Asian Cuisine. 

The Hotel now offers a front bar, cocktail bar, formal restuarant and take-away counter. On this occassion we visited the front bar, ordering the xiao long bao (4 for $15), the chicken and chive pan fried dumplings (5 for $18), prawn wontons (5 for $20), five spice silken tofu ($18) and salt and pepper calamari ($26).

The higlight of the dishes was definitely the prawn wontons - fat, juicy and filled with large chunks of pranws.  Whereas the lowlight was the chicken dumplings - the chicken meat being far too pink inside for my liking. Otherwise, while the other dishes were "tasty", they certainly weren't anything to write about (especially the xiao long bao which fell to peices to matter how gently I tried to lift them from the steam basket), and to be honest I expected more for the price point. 

While I definitely won't be going back just for its food, with it's heritage-style Albert Park charm, friendly service and stunning outdoor area, I would definitely recommend Albert Park Hotel for a few drinks, and potentially a snack if you're starving. 

Food: 3/5

Venue: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Value for money: 2/5

Total: 13.5/20

Verdict: Like - get around to trying it for drinks at some point 

Pontoon

Nestled on the bottom floor of the Stokehouse is its more casual, some would say party-animal sister Pontoon. With one of the more stunning views in Melbourne, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing your dinner with DJ working his decks even before the sun has gone down, with a bustling room of people who already have a glimmer of a big night ahead in their eye.

Pontoon’s menu is gastro-pub in style - offering classics such as fish and chips and steak, as well as a large offering of seafood, such as skewered octopus, barramundi calamari and oysters. On this occasion I went with the fish finger burger with cocktail sauce and house pickles.

Unfortunately there was an overpowering smokey taste to it, and the fish was definitely on the scarce side - so while a reasonably tasty meal, not the best fish burger going around.

But who are we kidding, no one is coming to Pontoon for its food. Pontoon is definitely all about its stunning venue, and would be a great choice if you’re looking for a Sunday afternoon drink with an epic beachfront view

Food: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 11/15
Verdict: Like - get around to trying it at some point

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

Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel

Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is a delightful array of lights, sounds, smells and colours. Offering Indian inspired cuisine from chef-restaurateur Jessi Singh (think Horn Please and Daughter in Law) Mr Brownie is four stories tall offering a different style of bar on each level. 

Being Melbourne Summer, we couldn't go past trying their rooftop bar which was absolutely pumping for a Saturday night.  Service was friendly but incredibly slow - but hopefully it's just the growing pains of being open in this new post-lockdown world. The tikka chicken pizza was definitely a highlight in terms of food, but the nachos (done Indian style - and stone cold) could definitely be missed. 

Definitely a great addition to the South Melbourne bar scene, and given it's eclectic originality, one that will likely stick around for a while. 

Service: 3/5

Food: 3/5

Venue: 4/5

Total:  10/15

Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point

Atlas Dining

With the old saying ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ going through my head, to be honest I didn’t know quite what to expect when dining at Atlas Dining -  I mean, can a chef really not only cook, but master, a variety of cuisines? Well if you’re going to Atlas Dining, the answer is yes, he can. 

For those not familiar with concept, every 4 months or so, the cuisine at Atlas Dining changes based on the travels of Head Chef, Charlie Carrington. On our occasion, the cuisine was Indian, with a set menu for $85 consisting of:

                                                PRAWN, TAMARIND, POMEGRANATE 

                                HOUSE MADE PANEER CHEESE, DAHL, SQUID SALAD

DUCK CURRY

MANGO, SWEET MILK BALLS, SAFFRON

The squid salad was by far our least favourite, which was a bit chewy and difficult to share, and the palak paneer was also a bit bland. However, the prawns were an absolutely exquisite blend of textures and flavours, and the duck curry was just bursting with flavour. The accompanying naan bread smothered in duck fat was also a nice touch. Not being a sweet tooth, I was surprised however that my favourite dish of the night was the desert - with the syrupy blend of mangoes and cream, it was like a summer holiday in the mouth. 

For an additional $55 you can add matching wines - an absolute must based on our dining experience, with each wine coming with its own story. If you’re looking for an exquisite dining experience that’s a little different from the norm, look no further than Atlas Dining. 

Food: 4/5 

Venue: 4/5 

Value for money: 4/5 

Service: 5/5 

Total: 17/20 

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

Taquito

It’s places like Taquito in Carlton that remind me why I missed dining out in a Melbourne so much. With its great food, amazing service and fun vibe, it was definitely a great choice for a Friday night. 

What sets Taquito apart from the usual Mexican haunts in Melbourne is Taquito’s house-made tortillas and totopos. There’s no doubt that you can taste the difference it makes - especially when we were lucky enough to be served a warm crispy batch of totopos straight from the oven. So with that in mind, the Guacamole de la abuelita with totopos ($14) and a serving of the tacos (a flight of four setting you back $26) are definitely a must when ordering - with the baja syle crispy fish taco being so good, we both ordered another. 

While the churros ($12) came out like any good churro should be - warm and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside - the sauce was definitely an interesting choice, reminding me more a brandy custard to go with Christmas pudding, rather than a dipping sauce.  The churros themselves, however, were delicious. 



If you’re looking for a venue that’s elegant but trendy, service that’s friendly and efficient and food that is utterly delicious - then look no further than Taquito - which is what makes it the new fave.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Venue: 5/5
Total: 19.5/20

Verdict: The New Fave - put it as number one on the to do list. 

Half Acre

Bottomless brunches are becoming as Melbourne as our graffitied laneways, or our love for wearing black.  Half Acre’s bottomless brunch is no exception.

$69 will get you bottomless cocktails and Proseccos, as well as much as you can eat from their extravagant buffet table which is akin to a (classy and refined) medieval feast.  On one end of the table are your savory options, which includes a range of exquisite meat and Ottolenghi worthy vegetable dishes, including grilled chicken with mustard dressing, and cabbage with torched goats cheese and chimichurri. 

The other end of the table will satisfy your sweet tooth – with the likes of a pavlova station to ensure you leave on a sugar high. 

 

The venue itself is wedding worthy – with its exposed brick, generous greenery and glasshouse-esque main dining room, its nothing short of charming.  

While the crowd (and the dress code) will make you feel little like you’re heading into a night club rather than a brunch spot, if you don’t mind a room of squawky and excitable drunk females, given the quality of food  Half Acre is definitely a great option for a bottomless brunch.

Food: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Venue: 5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 16/20

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon

 

Hazel

With cafes such as The Kettle Black and Top Paddock under its belt, the Mulberry Group is no stranger to Melbourne’s food scene. So when it opened its first restaurant Hazel late last year, it’s no surprise that there was a buzz of expectation. Although I’m pleased to say, after dining at Hazel myself last week, it did not disappoint.

Situated in a historical building on Flinders lane, the venue itself – spanning across 2 levels – is nothing short of exquisite, blending sophistication with a welcoming sense of Hamptons charm.

Being such an exquisite venue, it only seemed appropriate to commence our meal with just as an exquisite starter – so fresh, plump, juicy oysters with salted chilli mignonette had to be on our menu.

With a whole section of their menu dedicated to toast, we knew we had to give at least one toast a try.  The beef rump tartare on toast with anchovy sauce was without the doubt the best tartare I’ve had in Melbourne.  Smooth, tender and rich with flavours, it’s the sort of dish that people will make plans to come back for.

For mains we shared the Eggplant Putttanesca, grilled zucchini, creamed corn and why scalloped potatoes.  While none of the dishes were standouts, all of the dishes were tasty and left myself and my fellow diners feeling satisfied.

With its exceptional service, delicious food and exquisite venue, I’d highly recommend checking out Hazel soon.

Food: 4/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 18/20

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon

 

Betty Burgers

There’s certain places in Melbourne where you’d expect to see a long line of people waiting – I’m talking along the lines of your Mamasitas, Chin Chins and fave dumpling houses.  But a burger restaurant? When I saw Betty Burgers constant lines, I knew it was worth checking out.  And Betty’s Burgers didn’t disappoint.  

Offering a range of chicken, beef and veggie burgers, I couldn’t go past trying their ‘Spicy Chicken’ with Southern Fried Chicken, bacon, spicy pickles, lettuce, tomato, cheese and siracha mayo.  While I didn’t love the bacon in the burger, the Spicy Chicken was otherwise delicious and definitely a repeat order (sans bacon).

It would be rude to go for a burger and not have a stab at the fries, so Betty’s fries (with special sauce!) and onion rings were also the menu.  While they were some of the best onion rings I’ve had in Melbourne, I’m sad to say that the fries were on the disappointing side.

The icing on the cake for Bettys? It’s licenced so the ideal place if you’re in the mood for a cheeky beer or wine.

If you find yourself in the CBD craving a burger, Betty Burgers is definitely worth a try.  

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Venue: 3.5/5

Value for money: 3.5/5

Total: 5/15

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon

Chilangos Mexican Cantina

Before you think I’ve gone completely mad by blogging about Chilangos Mexican Cantina let me just point out 3 things:

1. It serves beer AND some of the best margaritas I’ve had in Melbourne;
2. The food is actually quite tasty; and
3. It’s in the Docklands, so let’s face it, there’s still not a great deal of competition.
   

Chilangos serves up all the usual Mexican culprits - think burritos, tacos, nachos etc. If you get in early enough, you might even be able to grab one of their enchiladas with the special filling of the day - pictured below was the beef enchilada and I am pleased to say I was not disappointed.

The venue itself has plenty of seating, and the staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. So while your meals will be served up in cardboard boxes, it’s hard to go past ordering tasty Mexican accompanied by delicious margaritas if you find yourself in the Docklands looking for somewhere for lunch.

Food: 3/5
Value for money: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 13/15
Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point