I love the variety, selection and quality of food at Aviv. There's a good mix of savoury and sweet…read moreitems, and you can always find something to buy to satisfy a craving or to organise a work lunch/party or whatever. Their bagels aren't my favourite, but they have great quiches, and often at work we get their cakes for various occasions and they never disappoint. However ... with all of that said, the only real negative I can say is that they are a tad overpriced and to me, it lets them down. I also happened to buy a birthday cake, a mini quiche and a cookie and I had some sticker shock for sure. When the cookie was rung up and it said $5, I thought that was the mini quiche and cookie added up together. So that day I spent $51 and when I was leaving, I asked if there was a bag to put the cake in. The only bags were the cloth ones, and they were going to charge me .50c for one when I just spent $51. I had to do a whole separate transaction on EFT-POS just to pay for this .50c bag. I feel that not only are they a bit overpriced, but they need to use common sense when charging for a bag after someone has spent a certain amount. It's a bit off putting, however I'm sure the lure of their bubka (the best I've ever eaten anywhere) will get me back there eventually down the road ...

If I could travel the world on a journey just to find the best vanilla slice I would go in a…read moreheartbeat. Until I book that flight I have found Melbourne's contender in the challenge and it is located inside what some say is also one of the best places to buy bagels in town, Aviv's. If you are planning to have people over for brunch I highly recommend pre ordering some mini bagels. Your guests will be as happy as I am when I go to someone's house for brunch and I see those little circles of holy dough.

The cheesecake and lemon tart were delicious, but the woman at the counter wasn't particularly…read morefriendly. Maybe she's tired of tourists?

Run by a nice lady which is family owned til this day, I felt the history etched into the walls…read more The place have seen better days though for a cake shop that have been in business since 1934, they should keep its history intact. From the use of the old cash register to the posters and old bookshelves of old magazines. They cater for Birthdays to Weddings and all round Celebrations. I got myself the traditional "lemon tart" while my brother, the "100 year old Polish baked cheese cake" with coffee on the side. It taste how it looks. Delectable, delightful, scrumptious... Just before we left we got the classic Carmel Slice, Cherry Crumble and Sacher Torte (Slice) to go. Just as pleasing as the others. For a shop that is located in St Kilda with its steep history, I was surprised to see that the pricing wasn't too expensive or cheap. It was just right... In conclusion, I would come back for after dinner desserts and have them cater for my future celebrations. If you haven't been and or haven't heard of this place then your missing out on a little slice of what Melbourne has to offer. A business that as gone through the Second Great War, the hippy movement through to our second longest running Prime Minister John Howard, it says a lot.

Not only is the food excellent, I had a meat pie, but the staff was exceedingly kind and helpful. I…read morewas having an issue contacting the American Embassy upstairs, and the staff went out of their way to make sure I had internet access. What nice people! Oh! Did I mention the coffee? Superb! Laura-Alaska

A most wonderfully warm cafe. I haven't eaten here in over 2 years & Sunny still remembers me…read more Thursday lunchtime is great if you like pork with crackling. Always a joy to eat here. Food is solidly good & fantastic warm care & service

Random find. But one of the best spots on St Kilda road by far. Along with the usual sandwiches and…read morebagels available in most place along here, RedTux also has a great lunch menu! Updated often! But always good. Keep an eye out for pulled pork sliders and open souvlaki!! A bit pricey but nothing you don't see anywhere else on St Kilda Rd. If you're working in the area it's worth stopping by.

Cavallini is fantastic if you not looking for friendly enthusiastic service staff, then the place…read moreis 5* the quality is with many quite unique items. even the macarons who very popular France pastry made by thousands, are exceptionally good.!! well, must try if you in da area.

I was brought here by a French friend who said that this was the only place in Melbourne she had…read morefound to make authentic eclairs that matched up to those she was used to in France. That sounded like quite a qualified reference, so I decided to indulge. Like Kate, I was sucked in by the macaroons. They look incredible and they taste even better than they look. As for the eclairs, they were also amazing. If you suffer from a sweet tooth, I'd stay well away from Cavallino. You might just start spending the whole of your pocket money here when you should be saving those pennies. It's a good job I don't live around the corner! Go in and everything you see in front of you is just TEMPTATION!

I never would have found this place had it not been for a friend who lives nearby suggesting it for…read morea quick catch up lunch. This is the Indonesian food of my dreams. A counter filled with a myriad of options that you can mix and match with a mountain of rice depending on the size of your appetite. This style of eating is common in Indonesia and while the bain-marie style might at first be off-putting, it really shouldn't deter you as the food is made fresh and turned over in such quick succession that you can be assured that it's not sat there for days on end. If you're in the mood for more veggies one day, or more meat the next you simply point and say "a little" or "a lot" as the kind staff pile everything on to your plate. Try and arrive early to order a tea and take a seat otherwise you will be fighting the office crowds of nearby buildings (the Indonesian consulate is next door and they all know where the good stuff is at!)

Hidden away you would never know this place exists. The sign on the sidewalk gives no indication,…read moreto my inexperience with Indonesian culture, that this is a gourmet Indonesian cafe. The food is prepared with quality ingredients and never disappoints. I work next door so this is a regular haunt and I hope more people come and support businesses who serve good food and smiles. Better than most Indonesian places I have had in Oz. Try the beef rendang and curry vegetables. I recommend this place for lunch dine in or takeaway each $10 or less.

Back in the States, we have a preponderance of dining establishments that think they can slap on…read morecertain key words such as "fusion" or "bistro" to their name and then jack up the prices 50% and cut down the serving size 50%. Most of these places don't last very long (unless they can supplement their meager dining offerings with something like a lounge or nightlife area). Bistro Bakini seems to fall hard into this category of restaurant. I get it - Australia (and Melbourne) is a very expensive place to eat / live. That does not justify a $25ish small plate of bland risotto that I could have gone to A&P (that's Safeway for you Victorians) for and bought pre-made. I will give them this - their decor is nice and their manager was very personable. Have a drink or a coffee here and skip the food.

MY FIRST 5 STAR EXPERIENCE!…read more This place is truly amazing. I first happened upon this place a few months ago when the coffee shop that I usually go to was just a bit too packed for my liking. Bakini is located at the bottom of an apartment/hotel complex and is decked out in a very modern design. The music they play here is a mixture of chilled out jazzy songs and Spanish flamenco (think Gipsy Kings or Santos Bonacci [those guys that play the classical Spanish guitar on Bourke St outside of Myer]) which makes it feel very cool. The staff here are genuinely friendly and helpful. Over the past few months, I've gotten to know Andre, Renee and Stavros (although the 1st 2 have recently left) and I'd have to say outside of Pearl Restaurant in Richmond it's the best service I've ever received (note to self: write up of Pearl coming soon). When you sit down for a coffee, you get CHILLED water in a nice glass and a few biscuits. Everything about this place oozes class, and it's my favourite place to take clients for lunch where they have a pretty nice tapas menu (particularly the fried calamari that comes with this amazing dip) as it always leaves a terrific impression.

I came here because I'm a huge fan of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe over on Collins Street and my friends…read moreand I passed by Southgate Complex for some dessert. Those noobs went over to Trampoline while I walked into Lindt Chocolat Cafe and they have absolutely no clue what glorious desserts they were missing out on. And my friend had the nerve to take a bite of his gelato and tell me that I made the wrong decision. Ohohoho~ Cookies and Cream Ice Cream with Hot Fudge drizzled on top and 3 delicious macarons. I most definitely did not make a wrong decision. The Ice Cream had the perfect flavour and consistency not to mention brilliantly complimented the fudge. The macarons were absolutely delicious, but were a bit too pricey for what they were worth I think but that's okay. Overall, Lindt Chocolat Cafe is cheap, but a bit more expensive than other dessert spots you'll find in Melbourne. However, they don't skimp on the quality so definitely treat yourself to Lindt every once in a while.

Just opened last Friday, although the outdoor seating area is not open as yet; it will be great…read morewhen this happens. The entrance is inviting and sparkling, yet there is a bit of disappointment as you enter the establishment. The chocolate is tempting, however your much better off financially buying Lindt chocolate in any supermarket around Melbourne looking at the price tags. It is small and crowded (the latter would be expected for being the first day of opening) although the small layout is disappointing; and it was nice to have been given a two for one drinks voucher and one of their Lindor balls on the house. The staff are friendly, yet the prices can be a little over the top. Their iced and hot chocolates (milk varieties) are to die for, enjoy and experience at least once. Decided to give their ice cream a go. One scoop is $7 here, so again a bit pricey - you would be better off heading to nearby Calatrava or Baci. Tried their Black Forest ice cream; it was filling and did leave a bitter Lindt dark chocolate aftertaste in my mouth. Sorry guys, however I am not coming back here in a hurry.