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. 

 

Manhattan

Whilst Indian food is generally know for being cheap and oily - Manhattan in Toorak is the perfect example of how to use Indian flavours to create exquisite dishes that leave you feeling light but still satisfied.

In a creative twist, Manhattan serves its Pani Puri in shot glasses - sending you on a flavoursome journey as you work your way down the board.



Manhattan’s goan prawn curry is fresh and flavoursome - boasting the fragrant spices of Indian food while not being too overpowering to drown out the delicate prawns.



Keeping with the creative flair of the Pani Puri, Manhattan’s most notable desert is their Pot of Surprise - a sweet biscuit and foam desert at the bottom covered by chocolate "soil".



If you’re in Toorak and in the mood for Indian, Manhattan is an excellent choice. 

Food: 3.5/5
Service: 3/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Total: 1/3.5
Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point





The New Fave dined courtesy of Manhattan

Two Birds One Stone

With its friendly staff, drool worthy menu and excellent coffee, it’s no surprise that Two Birds One Stone is bustling to the brim on a Saturday morning.

Two Birds’ menu embraces the Instagram age with items such as ricotta pancakes with rhubarb and raspberry compote, vanilla mascarpone, seasonal fruit and toasted pistachio ($18.50), while still staying true to classics such as eggs your way on toast ($11).

Long blacks are served with sparkling water (as they should be) and staff are quick to ask whether you’d like another coffee (when is one ever enough on a Saturday morning?)

The baked eggs with chorizo, capsicum, feta and olives with warm crispy pita ($23) are an excellent choice - especially if it’s a cold Wintery Melbourne day.



The sautéed mixed mushrooms with cauliflower, kale and goats cheese ($23) are another excellent choice - especially for all those mushie lovers out there.



A delicious brunch spot that ticks all the boxes - Two Birds One Stone is definitely on my recommendation list to check out soon.


Food: 4/5
Service: 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 Two Birds

 

Platform 28

I always thought that Platform 28 was good for one thing and one thing only - being pre and post footy drinks. But when I finally got around to having an incredibly delicious meal there the other day, I was quick to realise how wrong I was. 

Platform 28’s menu is expansive - including all your pub favorites, and a few items that are a little but fancier.

On this occasion I couldn’t go past the special of porterhouse steak covered in blue cheese, with buttery broccoli and mash ($33). I even got to choose a steak sauce to smother on top of all that - so of course I opted for the mushroom sauce which went beautifully with the blue cheese. 

The service at Platform 28 was quick and friendly, and was made better by the fact that you can order and pay for your meal at the bar - perfect for splitting bills. 

Delicious food, quick service and split bills made easy - Platform 28 is definitely a great choice if you’re in the Docklands and looking for a place for a group of people to eat. 

Food: 4/5

Value for money: 4/5

Venue: 3/5

Service: 4/5

Total: 15/20

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon