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

 

Elektra

I have found my new favourite burger in Melbourne. And no, it’s not along the lines of your Betty Burgers, or your Stacks or 8Bits – it’s the cheeseburger with shitake ketchup at George Calombaris’s new restaurant Elektra.

Situated in The Press Club’s old home, Elektra is a more relaxed (and cheaper!) experience than its predecessor, while still offering the same exceptional fine dining service.

As already alluded to above, with its melt-in-the-mouth beef and flavoursome toppings, the cheeseburger with shitake ketchup ($25) is a must, and is almost too good for sharing. 

The vintage beef tartar ($22) is also a good choice, especially if you can get past the distracting thickness of the sourdough and the minimal serving of roast bone marrow. 

 

Unfortunately the Lune butter chicken Vol-au-Vent ($25) wasn’t such a hit, and fell on the “miss” list. It wasn’t by any means bad, but when I heard that a Lune croissant was being combined with butter chicken (two of my favourite things) I headed in with high expectations.  However, while the croissant was cooked to perfection, the butter chicken was borderline bland and the dish came out cold.

Bad butter chicken croissant aside, the burger alone is enough to get me through Elektra’s doors again, and the impeccable service is not to be missed.

Food: 3.5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 3.5/5

Value for money: 3/5

Total: 15/20

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon 

 

Hakoya Izakaya

With its private booths, touch screen menus and a call button that brings a smiling staff member to your table, Japanese inspired Hakoya Izakaya in the CBD mixes modern technology with a warm, welcoming, good old fashioned charm. 

Hakoya’s nori tacos with tuna, salmon, ponzu, egg roll and fish eggs ($12) are literally some of the most tastiest morsels in Melbourne. With their incredibly fresh sashimi, perfect amounts of wasabi and beautifully balanced flavours - they are nothing less than moreish. 

  

Their okonomiyaki ($16) is also up there as one of the best in Melbourne. Moist on the inside, crisp on the outside and served with lashings of sauce, it’s definitely a must for your order. 

One of their specialties is serio-mushi ($49) which is essentially an array of seafood, veggies and wagyu beef steamed on wooden trays Japanese style before your eyes. Novelty aside, it’s an incredibly healthy way to enjoy your meat and veggies if you’re eating on the lighter side. 

Great staff, great atmosphere and incredible food - Make sure to plan a visit to Hakoya Izakaya soon. 

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 4.5/5

Venue: 4/5

Value for money: 4/5 

Total: 17/20

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon 

 

The New Fave dined courtesy of Hakoya Izakaya 

James

It used to be the case that the fanciest place you could find on Clarendon street to eat was Hunky Dory - but with James entering the scene, it’s lifted the entire ballgame. 

Half wine bar, have modern day Japanese restaurant, the warm and friendly service is definitely one of the first things you notice when entering this (relatively) new neighbourhood establishment bought to you by the makers of Winyard. 

The menu is decadent but familiar, with items such as crispy scallop boa, tempura eggplant and one of the best pork katsu currys that I’ve had in Melbourne to date (all pictured below). 

 

Just as important - the wine list is fool proof, with each glass tasting as exquisite as the last.

Great food, great wine and great service, James is the perfect place for any occasion.

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 4/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 17.5/20

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon