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 

 

The Rising Sun Hotel

In terms of Melbourne'a pub scene, nothing much beats a place that offers live music.  Often packed to the rafters, this hidden gem tucked away among the leafy streets of South Melbourne offers live Jazz music on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as a various array of other live music events throughout the year. 

Offering all the pub classics, the Rising Sun Hotel serves up the likes of fish and chips, pie of the day, veal schnitzel and of course the classic Parma. But with so much competition out there on the Parma front - what actually makes a good Parma? A big juicy piece of chicken breast is a must, so too is a generous slathering of cheese and flavoursome sauce, and a generous accompaniment of well seasoned chips that are crunchy on the outside, but light and fluffy on the inside is also a requirement. Luckily for The Rising Sun Hotel, it's Parma managed to tick all of these boxes. 

And what pub menu would be complete without an offering of sticky date pudding, and The Rising Sun Hotel's serving of this classic is both generous and delicious.



Good food, great service and great entertainment, The Rising Sun Hotel is quite the hidden gem of south Melbourne.


Food: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Total: 11/15

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

 

Paco Y Lola

Situated at the South Melbourne Market, Paco Y Lola is unsurprisingly packed to the brim on market days - however, even on non-market days Paco Y Lola is still bustling with patrons. Serving up Mexican inspired cuisine at an incredibly reasonable price tag, the venue itself that has a relaxed but colourful vibe.

Paco Y Lola's chicken burrito with corn, red peppers, beans, sour cream and cheese was a highlight of our evening. Whilst it may be a diet's worst nightmare - oozing with meat and cheese, this fat juicy beast was definitely worth the calories.

The Sopes (i.e. those strange purple looking things below which you'd be forgiven for mistaking as hamburger patties) with slow cooked Chilli Colorado beef was also a highlight - served with lettuce, feta, corn and salsa, the dish had an incredible array of flavours and textures, and the juicy slow cooked beef just melted in the mouth.

The pulled pork quesadillas, however, were unfortunately a miss - whilst presented beautifully, they came out cold and claggy.

With its friendly service and great price tag, Paco Y Lola is definitely worth a visit - especially for their burritos.

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

Three Little Dumplings

For a city that it is renowned for its dumpling houses, it came as quite a surprise to realise that South Melbourne was missing one for quite some time.  But Three Little Dumplings has come along to fill the void.

As with many other dumpling houses, Three Little Dumplings offers a cheap and cheerful no frills (cash only) experience (with byo of course).  Also as with many other dumpling houses, your safest bet is to stick with the dumplings.  The highlights of our meal were by far the pan fried pork dumplings and the steamed scallop dumplings.  Juicy, flavorsome, and coming out in a flash, they were so good we ordered another plate.

The fried rice and the chicken satay were okay - but nothing to write home about, with a few bits of grisly chicken making an appearance.

he wontons in spicy soup, however, can be given a miss.  The wontons were soggy and the soup was flavourless.

With friendly staff, a cheap pricetag, and let's be honest, a monopoly of the South Melbourne dumpling house market, Three Little Dumplings is definitely on the list if in the mood for a dumpling sesh in South Melbourne.

Food: 3/5
Venue: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 10/15
Verdict: Like - get around to trying it at some point if in the mood for a dumpling sesh.

The Kettle Black

The Kettle Black in South Melbourne is part of the Higher Ground/Top Paddock family, and similar to its siblings, is located in anything but your run of the mill venue, situated in a rather grand white Victorian style building. Serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch options, its menu includes the iconic hotcake with ricotta, blueberries, double cream seeds and nuts (also available at Higher Ground and Top Paddock) and the incredibly delicious looking chilli scrambled eggs with Mooloolaba Crab.

Known for its Instagram worthy menu items, I was actually quite disappointed when my avocado on toast came out looking less than grand, with my companion even commenting "I hate making my own food".  However, on constructing the individual elements of lime, kelp salt and Meredith's goats fetta, the result was actually quite amazing - a delicious dish that shows how simple but fresh flavours can be married magnificently together.

With its friendly and attentive staff, stunning venue and tasty food, I will definitely be back to The Kettle Black if I'm looking for somewhere for brunch in South Melbourne. However, as with many Melbourne breakfast and lunch spots, if you're heading to The Kettle Black, be prepared for a short wait - at least there is a coffee cart out the front to keep you entertained!

Food: 4.5/5
Service:4/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 12.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon

Gru Thai

They say that you should never judge a book by its cover, well when it comes to Gru Thai, you shouldn’t judge a restaurant by its shop front. Looking cheap, dark and dingy from the outside - you’d be forgiven for thinking this place doubled up as a brothel. However, on walking through Gru Thai’s doors I was surprised to find a light and bright restaurant brimming with patrons.

From fish cakes to Thai green curry, Gru Thai has all of usual culprits. The drunken noodles with minced pork and green beans however was by far the highlight of the night, and definitely a dish I would go back to Gru Thai to order again.




The pad chicken satay was also on our menu for the night.  The chicken was cooked well, and the vegetables remained crisp, however the sauce was verging on watery and lacked any depth of flavour.

 

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the service was petty dismal - not only was it slow, they forgot our entrees, served two of our mains without rice, then served the last main about 45 minutes later. But service aside, the drunken noodles were enough to make Gru Thai a contender for takeaway.


Food: 3/5
Service: 2/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 8/10
Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point - but perhaps stick to take out

Lamaro's

Exquisite is just one of the words that I'd use to describe South Melbourne's hidden treasure Lamaro's. Tucked away on Cecil Street, Lamaro's dining room is the place to go to if you're after fine dining with a local touch - there won't be a glimmer of pretentiousness or snobbery whilst your being served up your French champagne and oysters - just a friendly smile and a 'how else can we help'.

Lamaro's menu is Modern Australian scattered with international influences, offering the likes of red duck curry and seared yellowfin tuna in their formal dining room, and pork belly kim chi Baos and Soft Shell Carb Sliders in their more casual bar. Opting for the more formal dining room menu, we couldn't go past kicking off our meal with a serve of oysters, which were so plump juicy we ordered a second serve.

The whole deep fried baby snapper with coconut caramel sauce and Asian salad was nothing short of exquisite. Coming out as a whole fish, the way it was prepared made it surprisingly easy to navigate - and it certainly wasn't just a pretty face, whilst deep fried - the fish was still fresh and juicy, and the tangy Asian salad was the perfect accompaniment.

Offering the option of a formal dining room, a bar with a more casual menu, and even a scattering of outdoor seating, Lamaro's has you covered for any occasion.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 13.5/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

Park Street Pasta and Wine

What makes a good local? Somewhere modern but still inviting is a good start, delicious and nourishing food is a must, and warm and friendly staff (who are passionate about what they do) is non-negotiable.  If the owners just happen to be rather good looking too, well that's just a bonus. Park Street Pasta and Wine, one of the latest eateries to join the South Melbourne food scene, manages to tick all of the boxes.

Offering authentic Italian cuisine, the menu is nothing less than drool worthy.  With its fresh flavours and generous portions of seafood, the home made fettuccine with prawn and mussels is absolutely divine.

If your looking for something on the heartier side (and don't worry, it doesn't actually come with that much cheese, the staff were just graciously appeasing my parmesan addiction), the casarecce with wagyu beef cheek ragu is a must.

Whatever you do, make sure to save room for desert. Whilst I don't generally have a sweet tooth, the bombolini, lemon curd, marscapone and passionfruit is definitely worth saving room for.

However, it's really the small touches that sets this place apart. No boring bread and better dumped on your table in sight - instead you will be offered warmed herbed focaccia with whipped lardo.  Also, too shy or sophisticated to lick your plate clean (and trust me, you'll want to)? No worries - they will offer you even more complimentary bread to mop up the delicious juices.

When you leave a place already planning when you'll return, you know it's a good sign. Watch out the likes Tipo 00 and Grossi Florentino Grill, you better watch your back - there is clearly a new contender in town.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Venue: 4.5/5
Total: 14/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon

Limericks Arms Hotel

Limericks Arms Hotel in South Melbourne is what I consider to be your classic Australian pub. I'm talking an open roaring fire that makes the no-frills décor seem warm and inviting in the colder months, various TV screens for all of the local sport fanatics, staff so friendly you'd think you'd known them for years, and the sort of prices which are affordable even on the day before pay day.

Offering up traditional pub fare, it's menu features all of the pub culprits including Ale battered fish and chips, Pie of the day, Ceaser Salad and the Chicken Parma. On this occasion I couldn't go past the 'Rodriguez Parma with Napoli, ham, two types of cheeses, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, fries and spicy slaw.

The parma itself consisted of a plump and juicy generously sized chicken breast covered with juuuust the right amount of toppings, and the accompanying chips were crisp and well seasoned. The spicy law, however, must have been having a bad day, as it was far from spicy and was verging on bitter.

Spicy slaw aside, with its warm ambiance, friendly staff, decent food and reasonable price tag, I will definitely be back again.

Food: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Total: 10.5/15
Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point

Miss Chu - South Melbourne

Miss Chu epitomises everything I love about Melbourne's Asian food scene - fresh, cheap, quick and absolutely delicious.

Owning three stores in Melbourne (and a few scattered across NSW) the vibe of Miss Chu's venues is a bit like the Tiki Room in Disneyland (if anyone's ever been?) - bright, funky with a distinct Tiki Hut feel. The way they take your order is also a point of difference - providing each table with an order sheet to be filled in, you just tick the boxes of the food you're after with the pencil provided and away you go!

For me, when visiting Miss Chu, I can never go past the prawn and scallop dumplings and the steamed rice crepes with pork and wood ear mushroom (or, as termed by the Vietnamese, banh cuon). The prawn and scallop dumplings are always packed to the brim with delicious chunks of prawn and scallops, and the banh cuon balances textures and flavours like an absolute pro. Almost the Asian version of cannelloni, the banh cuon manages to the mix the sweet with the spice, the fragrant herbs with the meatiness of the pork mince and wood ear mushrooms, and the silky smoothness of the steamed rice crepes with the crunch of fried spring onions.

On this occasion we also tried the salt and pepper calamari - another win on their menu. Tender on the inside, crisp and flavoursome on the outside, these little morsels were absolutely delicious.

Also offering delivery, Miss Chu is an excellent option if you're in the mood for some Vietnamese.

Food: 4/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Total:11/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

Penang Road

For far too long I was voyaging across the city to Flemington to find a decent bowl of Laksa.  But luckily for me, the voyages are finally - I have managed to find an incredible bowl of fragrant creamy laksa just a stone's throw away from my front door.

Penang Road on Clarendon Street in South Melbourne is everything you want from a cheap and cheerful Malaysian restaurant - byo (wine only), quick service, cheap price tag and ridiculously delicious food. The vegetable laksa at Penang House is hard to go past - filled to the brim with fresh, crisp vegies, this bowl of fragrant soup is just oozing with flavour.

The satay sauce that comes with the roti bread also deserves a favourable mention, so too does the roti bread that comes with it. However, I would probably give the pan fried pork dumplings a miss - it's not that they were terrible, they were just "meh" and probably not worth the calories.

For the laksa alone, Penang Road would have to be one of my new go-to spots on Clarendon Street - a must if you're in the neighbourhood and are in the mood for Malaysian cuisine.

Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 10/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon.

177 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

 

Pho Cycle

Pho was my dish of 2016 - whether it was for a hungover Sunday night take-out, a late night order at work, or a meal out along Victoria Street in Richmond, pho was often my dish of choice. So, whilst coining myself as an expert is probably going too far, I like to think I am qualified to spot a good pho. Pho Cycle is one such place which offers a good pho - indeed, it's probably one of the best phos I've had in awhile.

Situated on Clarendon Street, the venue is casual but quirky, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu offers all of the Vietnamese suspects - banh mi's, vietnamese salads and a variety of rice paper rolls. For me I couldnt go past trying the spicy mince pho - and I'm glad I did. With its deliciously fragrant broth, perfectly cooked rice noodles and tender bits of spicy meat, it was one of the best phos I've ever had.

We also couldn't go past trying the peking duck rice papers. The duck was tender, and the flavours in the roll tasty, but the accompanying (overly garlicy) sauce was very underwhelming.

There is no doubt I'll be back to Pho Cycle soon for another serve of their spicy pork mince pho - and boy do I look forward to it.

Food: 4/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 11.5/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon.

The Olive Tree Bistro

Whether it was just because I thought it had some sort of association with America's famous 'Olive Garden' - there was something about The Olive Tree Bistro on Park Street in South Melboyrne which drew me in.

On arriving at this surprisingly bustling bistro on a Tuesday night, I had one word for the place - 'interesting'. The decor was interesting with its random array of logs secured to the walls, the crowd was interesting, comprising of a mismatch of ages and backgrounds, and the food, well, was interesting....

For example, the caprese salad was a bowl of cherry tomato and little balls of mozzarella - not a basil leaf in sight. 

The small boiled potato and the half roasted tomato was also an interesting touch to the veal parmigiana.  The veal schnitzel, however, whilst tender, could have done with a touch more cheese and sauce and came out luke warm.

 

The gnochhi was the stand out of the night - the little parcels of gnochhi were soft and fluffy and the sauce was deliciously rich. Unfortunately though, this dish too came out luke warm.

 

Also, I'm pretty sure the waiter thought we could do with going on a diet as he forgot our entree of garlic prawns, initially forgot our caprese salad and changed our main gnochhi's into entree sizes. 

But look, the wine is cheap (and good!) and the food is pretty decent, so if you are staying at The Quest on Park Street, there are definitely worst places you could go. 

Food: 3/5

Service: 2.5/5

Decor: 2.5/5

Total: 8/15

Verdict: like - worth a try if in the area

 

Chez Dre

Chez Dre was actually one of the first venues I visited on moving to Melbourne. I was absolutely enchanted by the hidden café nestled down the South Melbourne alleyway which had the most delicious looking array of cakes on display - the types of cakes that belong in an art show or, at the very least, a Zumbo episode of Masterchef.

On this occasion, we were visiting Chez Dre for a spot of lunch - somehow managing to resist the temptation of gorging ourselves on their sweets. To eat I ordered the Pulled Pork Toastie with slow braised pork shoulder, provolone cheese, caramelised onions and white miso BBQ sauce. Whilst delicious (and the lamb shoulder was cooked to perfection), thank goodness I was hangover as it was a very sweet, buttery and greasy dish. The side salad was a nice touch though, and definitely helped cut through the rich flavours of the toastie.





The service was an absolute stand out. The gentleman that served us had just started, and was the perfect balance of enthusiasm, playfulness and charm - attentive but not overbearing, he was definitely a refreshing encounter in my hungover state that morning.

Whilst perhaps not on the top of my list of lunch recommendations, I will definitely return to Chez Dre to satisfy my sweet cravings.

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

 

Rear Of 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

 

 

Patony Pizza

Every suburb needs a family-run-type, traditional pizza joint and for South Melbourne, this is none other than Patony Pizza.

Offering both take away and eat in options, it's the type of place which would draw in families and regulars - a no frills kind of place offering up hearty pizza and pastas at a reasonable price. It does, however, offer outdoor seating which is an appealing draw card on a warm summer's night.

To eat I had the half / half large pizza with Margherita and the Patony special. The Patony special was ok, but nothing overly inspiring. The must have on the menu though is the Margherita pizza. Crispy crust, lashings of cheese and bursting with flavour - often coined a 'boring' or 'safe' flavour of pizza, this Margherita is anything but ordinary. 

Whilst I wouldn't recommend going there for a wine (great value, but not the nicest wine going around), Patony pizza's is a must have if craving a Margherita pizza. 

Food: 2.5/5

Service: 3/5

Decor: 2.5/5

Total: 8/15

Verdict: like - get around to trying the Margherita at some point