Miss Kasumi

Whilst I absolutely love Japanese, with the price of fresh raw fish, I often find myself going in, spending a lot of money, but coming out still hungry. However, Miss Kasumi’s $55 all you can eat menu definitely solves this problem. 

Situated in Kew, the venue itself whilst large, still carries with it an intimate oriental feel - think orchids on each table, cherry blossoms adorning the walls and a quaint little wooden bridge separating two parts of the restaurants.

Off the $55 all you can eat menu, the salmon carpaccio, mushroom and truffle spring roll, sushi and sashimi, gyoza, and prawn and vegetable tempura are all a must. 

  

However, definitely skip the baos - both the fried chicken and soft shell crab baos were incredibly dry, with the bao crumbling to pieces the minute they were handled. 

I would also suggest sticking with the $55 spread rather than venturing to the premium dishes (which cost extra)  with our lobster coming out over cooked and chewy. 

 

However, with so many delicious options on the $55 all you can eat menu, Miss Kasumi is definitely a place I would recommend if you’re in Kew and in the mood for some Japanese. 

Venue: 4/5

Food: 3.5/5

Service: 5/5

Value for money (a new criteria suggested by fellow diner Anna Poteri): if you stick with the $55 option - then 4/5

Total: 16.5/15

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon if you’re in Kew and in the mood for some Japanese 

 

The New Fave dined courtesy of Miss Kasumi 

Hofbrauhaus

Hofbrauhaus’s new Bavarrian Brunch menu takes the hangover cure to a whole new level. Whilst perhaps not the ideal option for anyone looking for a breakfast on the lighter side, Hofbrauhaus will have any hangover sorted with its variety of meats, carbs and boozy breakfast cocktails.

The Hofbrauhaus take on eggs benny is a must for any Benedict lover. A more generous serving than the average benny on offer, the Hofbrauhaus version consists of a Bavarian Bretzel Knodel (German dumplings) topped with poached eggs, lashings of ham and a generous amount of bearnaise sauce.



However for the real Bavarian experience it's hard to go past the the Big Bavarian Breakfast consisting of freshly baked Bretzel with poached eggs, Kassler, Bratwurst, roasted tomato, Saurekraut and Bavarian mayo.



If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch, I would highly recommend Hofbrahaus’s new Bavarian Brunch menu.


Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Venue: 4/5
Total: 13/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

 

The New Fave dined courtesy of Hofbrahaus

A25 Pizzaeria

Italian loving vegan’s rejoice - offering a full range of vegan pizzas, vegan antipasti and vegan deserts, A25 Pizzeria has got you covered. Also offering a range of meat lover options, A25 is a casual Italian eatery (think +39 style, with more menu options) with restaurants in the CBD, South Yarra and Docklands. 

Whilst I wasn’t quite brave enough to try one of their vegan pizzas, I did have a crack at their vegan roast pumpkin arancini balls. Whilst they were surprisingly flavoursome and the Napoli sugo was a nice touch, I must confess that I was definitely missing the oozing cheese that you sometimes get when pulling an arancini apart. 

However, I definitely got my cheese fix on ordering the ‘Sexy Truffle’ pizza - smothered with fior di latte, porcini mushroom crema, mushrooms, grated Parmesan and truffle infused radiccio - it was a marriage of flavours made in heaven. 

The highlight though? The rocket salad with pear, candied walnuts, parmesan and truffled honey - whoever thought to the pear in the salad was an absolute genius - I will never be able to go back to the thinly sliced style! 

If you’re vegan or vegetarian and in the mood for an Italian feast, A25 is definitely a great option. 

Service: 4/5

Food: 3.5/5

Venue: 3.5/5

Total: 11/15

Verdict: Like - get around to trying at some point 

 

The New Fave dined courtesy of A25

Lux Foundry

The first thing you notice about Lux Foundry is the venue - situated in a heritage listed landmark, the once power station turned warehouse stays true to its character whilst offering a Brunswick-lux vibe.

Offering plenty of outdoor seating, Lux’s breakfast/lunch menu was made for the age of instagram - offering menu items such brioche French toast with espresso marscapone, dark chocolate crumb, poached spiced pear, fresh berries and salted toffee.

For me, my fellow diner and I couldn't go past the grilled calamari with herb salad, and the chicken and black bean tostadas. Whilst both dishes were fresh and full of flavour (and the calamari was cooked to prerfection!), the calamari salad was too sweet side for my liking.





A gorgeous spot to eat on a beautiful morning, Lux Foundry is worth checking out if you find yourself looking for brunch in Brunswick.

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

 

Mansae Korean BBQ

I used to think that Korean BBQs were a bit like Teppanyaki joints - a lot of show, without always the best quality and flavour. However Mansae Korean BBQ on A’Beckett Street in the CBD has completely changed my mind - fresh and full of flavour, I’m a Korean BBQ convert.

Whilst their menu is extensive, it’s hard to go past their BBQ meats. Mansae’s specialty is its wagyu beef - and after just one bite of the incredibly tender meat, it’s easy to see why. Served up with sauces and sides - the wagyu short ribs that are cooked before your eyes are an absolute must.

And for sides? There's a dish made of cheese and corn....need I say more.

Fresh and full of flavour - Mansae is definitely an excellent option if your in the mood for Korean BBQ.

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


The New Fave dined courtesy of Mansae 

Shakahari Too

Shakahari Too is the sort of place that proves you don’t need meat in a meal for it to be tasty. Situated on Clarendon Street in South Melbourne, and sister to its more famous restaurant in Carlton, Shakahari Too serves up a variety of Asian and Italian vegetarian dishes. Whilst some may say that the combination of Asian and Italian on the same menu is confusing - I’d prefer to say varied. But the biggest highlight of the menu for me would have to be the absence of fake meat - why try to fake it when there are so many delicious real vegetables to choose from.

Our order for the night consisted of mushroom hempseed ravioli in broth, papaya salad, satay skewers and laksa. 

Whilst all the dishes were tasty, and clearly consisted of fresh ingredients, all the dishes were lacking any form of spice (even a mild spice would have given the dishes the flavour punch I love about Asian food) and came out lukewarm. 

The service however was the absolute highlight. Not only were they warm and friendly, they were incredibly accommodating - pre-dividing some of our meals into two bowls as they knew we were sharing.

With its warm service, fresh ingredients and tasty meals, Shakahara To is definitely an option for a vegetarian looking for a tasty meal in South Melbourne.

Food: 3/5
Service: 5/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Total: 11.5/15
Verdict: like - get around to trying at some point