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

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. 

Il Caminetto

Leaving Italian inspired restaurant Il Caminetto in Moonee Ponds, my fellow diner and I turned to each other said “What more could you want” – and I couldn’t think of a better way to sum up our experience.

As soon as we were served up warm fresh bread (made on the premises) and offered Aperol Spritz’s (on tap!) I knew we were in for a great experience. 

For starters we shared the seared scallops served with cauliflower puree and fish croquettes ($19), the eggplant parmigiana ($16) (a strong favourite for me) and the special for the evening, fried cod balls.

 The Cassunziei All’Ampezzana ($25) served up for our main, however, was my fellow diner’s favourite dish of the night – consisting of traditional pasta filled with beetroot and parmesan served with burnt butter, sage and poppy seeds.  For me, however, it was all about the Black ink risotto with grilled calamari and seared scallops – which was a complete surprise to me as I’m never usually a big risotto fan – but the flavours in this dish were just bursting from the seams and the seafood was cooked to perfection.

It’s Il Caminetto’s clear passion for food and great service, in a casual but welcoming setting, which is what makes it the new fave.

Food: 5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 4/5

Value for Money: 4/5

Total: 18/20

Verdict: The New Fave – put it as number 1 on the to do list.

The New Fave dined courtesy of Il Caminetto

 

Marion

Situated next to Cutler & Co on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Andrew McConnell’s more relaxed wine bar Marion serves up an exquisite menu with the same exceptional service you’d expect from next door.

Marion’s complimentary warm flat bread will set the scene (and your tastebuds) for the delicious meal you’ll have ahead – you’ll be forgiven if you ask for a further serve.

The prawn and horseradish roll makes Andrew McConnell’s famous lobster roll seem like yesterday’s news, while the tomatoes with seaweed will make you question how a simple dish can manage to contain so many flavours. Both dishes are perfect pre-cursors to the agnolotti with goats cheese which will make even the biggest carnivores on your table drool.

Marion’s desert is worth saving room for, with the strawberries & cream being a textual delight with its sweet strawberries, crunchy meringue and rich cream to tie the dish together.

While the mark up on some of the wines is on the cheeky side, being a wine bar, the wine list is expectantly noteworthy, with the staff being completely across Marion’s offering.

Marion is the epitome of Melbourne’s first class foodie scene – which is what makes it the New Fave.

Food: 5/5

Venue: 4.5/5

Service: 4.5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 18/20

Verdict: The New Fave – get around to trying it soon

Marameo

Marameo is akin to a newly released Gucci bag – completely on trend at the moment and the talk of the town – but clearly also a classic that won't go out of fashion and will withstand the test of time.

Marameo is one of the newest Italian restaurants to hit Melbourne’s food scene, replacing the once much loved classic, Sarti. 

The warm and welcoming service is definitely one of its highlights.  With their personal touches, and in depth knowledge of their menu and wine list, they manage to make every patron feel like a VIP.  

It wouldn’t be an Italian restaurant in Melbourne without burrata appearing on the menu, and Marameo is no exception. It’s burrata with heirloom tomatoes, basil and pine nuts ($19) is a fresh and zesty start to the meal which will leave your taste buds excited for the next course.  

 If you’re in the mood for pasta, the cavatelli with pork sausage and broccoli is hard to go past ($25) – a generous serving of perfectly cooked al dente pasta which balances the saltiness of the pork, with the freshness of the rich and creamy broccoli. 

 

As soon as I walked out Marameo’s doors, I couldn’t wait to return again soon – that’s what makes it the New Fave.

Food: 5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 4/5

Value for money: 4.5/5

Total: 19.5/20

Verdict: The New Fave – put it as number 1 on the To Do list. 

 

Code Black Coffee - Brunswick

When I first saw that Code Black Coffee had four venues across the city, my first thought was "crap, my friend has asked me to a mildly fancier version of the Coffee Club".  But to my absolute pleasure (and surprise), Code Black Coffee is miles above the Coffee Club - the two aren't even in the same league.

The Code Black cafe (slash coffee roaster) in Brunswick oozes industrial-chic, offering up a drool-worthy menu with the likes of truffled eggs benedict with mushroom duxelles, sausage and black truffle hollandaise on offer.

Whilst perhaps not the most insta-worthy meal on their menu, the Buttermilk fried rockling burger with japlepenos, green chilli mayo, cheese, cos lettuce and dill pickles, was the best fish burger I have ever had. A big call, I know - but the freshness of the fish, the fluffiness of the bun, and the richness of the generously smothered sauce made me eat it SUPER SLOW as I knew I would be sad when my meal was over.

My friend went with the slow cooked lamb shoulder with roasted baby carrots, babaganoush, sumac tabbouleh and poached eggs. Not only did the dish look beautiful - after being allowed a sneaky taste, I am pleased to confirm that it was also delicious.


Oh, and the potato tots are non-negotiable. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on this inside, it was definitely a rookie error of mine agreeing to share.

Whilst the venue was packed to the brim, our meals were quick and the service was friendly - it's is an absolute must if you find yourself in the area.

Food: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Venue: 4.5/5
Total: 18.5/20
Verdict:The New Fave - put it as number 1 on the To Do list.

Greek Me

Greek Me is the sort of place you look forward to going back to even before you’ve finished your main meal. With a Greek inspired menu that's nothing less than drool-worthy, this casual but classy new Middle Park eatery is sure to do well.

The double saganaki is non negotiable (that’s right, I said DOUBLE saganaki). Why have one cheese when you can have two? 

In terms of mains, the lamb shoulder is also pretty hard to go past -  juicy, well seasoned and falling to pieces, it’s exactly what a good chunk of lamb shoulder is meant to be. The accompanying crispy oregano seasoned chips, fresh garden salad, warm fluffy pita bread and zesty tzatziki also didn't disappoint.

With hospitality as warm as what you'd expect from a grandma, you are guaranteed to feel at home from the minute you walk through the doors. This paired with the exceptional food and it’s fantastic value makes Greek Me the new fave. 

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 4.5/5

Value for money: 4.5/5

Total: 18.5/20

Verdict: the new fave - put it as number one on the to do list 

 

SUD Food and Wine

"That was the best meatball I have ever had" was the resounding sound across the table on trying SUD's pork and duck meatballs - but the praise for SUD Food and Wine doesn't stop there.  Situated on King Street in Melbourne CBD, SUD is a little slice of Italy.  Whilst some would call the venue outdated, I'd prefer to say it has charm - oozing with the elegance of old school Italy.

The starters are served up from a share plate by the waiter - which certainly gives the experience a warming sense of popping over to a friend's house for dinner - however, doesn't necessarily give the greatest photos.  The duck and pork meatballs are non-negotiable for a starter if they make their way on the specials board again, and the Caprese salad is also an excellent option.

For main, it's hard to go past one of SUDs exceptional pasta dishes - with myself opting for the pasta with spicy pork, spicy n'duja, tomato and red wine ragu.

With it's exceptional food, and even more exceptional service, there's no wonder this little slice of Italy has earned itself the title of "The New Fave".

Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Venue: 4/5
Verdict: The new fave - put it at the top of your To Do list.

Cumulus

Andrew McConnell's Cumulus is Melbourne institution. Situated on Flinders Lane in the CBD, it's soon easy to see why this venue is still brimming with patrons after 10 years of service.

Whilst the venue is slightly cramped and quite noisy, you will soon by distracted by the food that is nothing less than exceptional. To start with we had the Tuna Tartare with goat's curd and crushed green pea, as well as the Foie gras parfait with toasted brioche. Whilst both dishes were exceptional, the foie gras parfait was without a doubt the best foie gras I've had in Melbourne, even giving Heston's meat fruit an unexpected run for its money.

And you can't go to Cumulus without trying their famous slow roasted lamb shoulder with almond and roasted pepper. Often appearing on lists along the lines of "Melbourne dishes to try before you die" and "You're not a Melbournian unless you've tried these dishes", it is clear to see why this dish has become as much of a Melbourne institution as the restaurant - tender, juicy and rich with flavour, it's the sort of dish that's easy to dream about. 

You know it's a good meal when you can't pick a favourite from an exceptional line of dishes - which is why Cumulus has earned itself the title of The New Fave.

Food: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 13.5/5
Verdict: The New Fave - put it as number one on the To Do List.

Atta

Atta is the place to go if you're in the mood for Indian, but looking for somewhere a little bit fancy (and Tonka is booked out!). With its white tablecloths and incredible architecture (think heritage listed building meet New York loft-style gallery), this relatively newly opened establishment oozes charm and style, whilst still feeling warm and welcoming.

The menu contains all of your Indian favourites - but many with a twist, including the samosa chaat that will come out looking like a masterpiece from Mona.

The curries however - stick to their traditional appearance - with the butter chicken and palak paneer both packed full of flavour.  Although make sure not to miss ordering the garlic naan while you're at it (and ask for EXTRA hot for your curries if you prefer a bit of spice).

But whatever you do, make sure to save room for desert.  The Chidiya ka ghosla (blueberry and cardamom kulfi, white chocolate nest, pistachio floss and rabri) looks magnificently like a scene from Chucky's bride, but tastes absolutely delicious

Stylish, sophisticated and with dishes unique and full of flavour - there's no wonder that Atta has made it to the New Fave.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 4.5/5
Total: 13.5/15
Verdict: The New Fave - Put it as number 1 on the to do list