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 

  

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