walked in around 12 on a Sunday and was seated straightaway. With a view of Coles there is not much in terms of ambience. As I waited for my friends I perused their menu of non pronounceable dishes. I got the zucchini haloumi fritter with hazelnut and warercress salad. My skim cappucino was great but the food was not. My fritter was raw mushy and tasteless. And I only got one. No cheese was found. My friends beetroot salad just tasted like bottled beetroot. No flavours. My other friend ordered a burger and didn't like the burger bun Quite disappointing They are no longer affiliated with ygap. There was no feast and their food was not of merit read more

Feast of Merit - Middle Eastern Near Me - Richmond, VIC

There is a lot to love about Feast of Merit. A quick scan of the menu instantly shows that this place cares about quality ingredients and healthy food offerings without a gouging ticket price. In addition to taking care of your insides, Feast of Merit is also a YGAP initiative, which means all profits are put back into youth and leadership projects locally and in third world communities. It's feel-good food with a feel-good outcome. The space is large and airy, the perfect place to unwind over breakfast, lunch or dinner. I came for breakfast, but it appears they've got a few beers on tap and a bar so I am keen to check out their evening offerings. For breakfast I was torn between their 'Yeusli' (Organic puffed quinoa, chia seeds, activated buckwheat, figs, goji berries, pomegranate seeds, coconut flakes, almonds, currents, raw cinnamon, your choice of milk on the side) and one of their incredible looking smoothies. I opted for the Yeusli and had no regrets. Delicious, super-charged with raw food goodness and a reasonably-sized, filling portion. No overload of oats and yoghurt like most cafe muesli offerings. Normally I don't give 5 stars if the coffee isn't amazing, but I loved the different food offering and concept enough to bump it back up. Coffee is totally fine but the black coffee is not amazing. If you're a latte drinker you probably won't notice at all and there's the bonus of being able to choose different milks if you're not into soy or lactose. The staff were friendly and accommodating, all menu items were well priced and can feed you for $15 or less. Winner. read more

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There's a lot to like about Feast of Merit. - The interesting drinks list the runs the gammit of healthy to sinful. Think: Ayuverdic tonics, fresh coconuts and lavender infused almond milk to St Ali coffee, Jalapeno bloody mary's and giant serves of rum punch to share with dfriends. -The cool interior, complete with nooks and crannies and cute window seats that offer prime people watching over Swan Street. - A food menu that is true to the seasons and keeps most people happy from paleo-saurs to vegetarians. My pick: a plate of beautiful vibrant salad, a mere $11 for a plate that kept me full for hours. The only thing I don't like about Feast of Merit? The music boarders on loud and obnoxious at times. read more

Feast of Merit - 2 salads for $11 - Middle Eastern Near Me - Richmond, VIC

Wow I'm the first reviewer here? WTF Melbourne Yelpers?!!! Feast of Merit has a very diggable vibe. The concept was born in Nagaland, NE India, I know this because I read the blackboard. And I think it's worth repeating (short version, the blackboard is lonnnng...) Basically when someone from the Naga community comes into money or I guess a good harvest, they hold a 'feast of merit' for the village. And the feast lasts until all the wealth has been shared. That's socialism people! OK blurb done, time for the consumerist aspect. It's a lovely open-type restaurant with great staff and would be perfect for groups to share dishes- although it's high-ceilinged and open it wasn't overly loud. A hungry vegetarian like myself would have to spend at least $30 to even touch the sides though. The vegetarian mains ($15) are things like an amazing sounding broccolini dish or falafel (they'd run out) but nothing that qualifies as a meal (and they don't do rice). CARNIVORES however, can get a shared slow-cooked lamb shank typa thing for $15 each so go here carnivores! I ended up snacking on smoked eggplant dip (divine) & a couple of glasses of wine. If this was more veg-friendly I'd be back for brekky tomorrow. read more

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Feast of love! A cafe with a farm to table seasonal menu, effortless cozy interiors and a social conscious. After an early morning hip hop yoga class, I excitedly walked into Feast of Merit and decided I was never leaving. I started with a warm shot of Ayurvedic digestive tonic and mentally high fived myself for getting up at 5.30am. I ordered salt smoked Tasmanian salmon, green eggs and avocado with sumac on gluten free toast - a satisfying savoury hit - and Prana Chai with Almond Milk Co. - served in a creamy self pouring jug using two favourite local makers. I noticed the whole menu reads like a 'who's who' of Melbourne's most reputable food crafters. Feast of Merit use Saint David Dairy (inner-Melbourne's only micro-dairy), Larsen and Thompson Tea, Matcha Maiden, Hepburn Springs, St. Ali Coffee, Extra Mile Kombucha and Mork hot chocolate. The service was flawless - as in, down to earth, knowledgeable and I'm marrying my waiter (he just doesn't know it yet). The place feels like the ultimate neighbourhood hang out, and I noticed they have a rooftop open for dinner - want to be my friend? read more

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This is a great little find in Richmond. There is some meat on the menu but it is mostly vegetarian. Nice big restaurant and a good atmosphere. There is also a terrace upstairs. So we started with the eggplant dip and some delicious warm bread. Then into the highlight - the fried cauliflower with onions and yogurt and some other delicious spices. Next up was zucchini - the zucchini was barbecued and also came with barbecue squash. And I had a lovely glass of Sauvignon fume from Tasmania - well I think that might have been 2 glasses... A great meal! read more

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All right, so on a Balmy night in late January we decided to try this place that we had heard so much about. So we packed up the car (not really) we jumped on a tram, with our guide dog, and off we went. Walking up Swan Street I noticed that it is becoming popular again with some great restaurants and eateries. In we walked without a booking, and looking at all the set tables it was not looking good. It was early(ish) and we waited patiently to be seated. After oohing and aaaahring over the puppy, we were seated at a table towards the back. Promptly given some menus and offered water to start the night, we quickly ordered some Vodka, Lime and Soda's. From there a great chat with the waitress about the day, and the insincerity of asking how people are, because we don't really care about the answer, and hearing the specials, we took to the menu. And although the menu is short, it is well refined and has something for everyone's palette. For entree it was the grilled flatbread with za'atar, and some beetroot dip. This was accompanied by some oysters, both natural and with Red wine and pomegranate shallots. Although this sounds simple, the flavour of the oysters was complex, the red wine pairing well with the tartness of the pomegranate. As for the beetroot dip, this was silky smooth. For mains we decided to share (As the menu recommends) and went for the Roasted Heirloom/common carrot salad, The local tomato and basil salad, and also the Cherry Tree Organic 12 hour slow cooked lamb. Oh god, where do I begin, well lets start by saying if you order these dishes be prepared to be ready, because the food was delicious. The Carrot salad, was deliciously seasoned, and was under a well cooked poached egg, just breaking the yolk added another dimension to this salad, although very fresh, it had a depth well beyond its bowl. The seeds and nuts added some texture and finished this salad off perfectly. It was then on to the Tomato Salad. And this, this is something I would be happy to walk 20 minutes for (And I am a true carnivore). The tomato felt like it had been soaking in the juices of the lemon oil and pomegranate, however it managed to hold its integrity, amazing only begins to describe the combination of flavours and construction of this salad. And now for the meat of the meal. To say that this lamb fell of the bone, would be an understatement, I am pretty sure it was just falling through my fork, on the way to its demise in my mouth. Did my tastebuds appreciate this dish, lets just say, if I don't go back soon, I fear the will pack up bags, and leave. The flavours were deliciously Arabic. So all in all this was a great night, the food was amazing, the service matched with friendly and genuine staff. Will be definitely coming back soon. 5 stars is hard to get in my eyes, but they deserve all 5 of these. read more

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My current experience here has left a very bitter feeling inside me regarding Feast of Merit. When an establishment that works on table service has outdoor seating and one sits at said outdoor seating you expect service? Yes? Please correct me if I am wrong. After sitting at said outdoor seating for roughly 10 - 15 mins I thought ok maybe I am wrong lets go inside and ask. Having a dog who goes crazy upon being tied up makes walking inside the venue rather difficult but alas I dealt with the barking walked inside and requested some service outside, I was acknowledged and told someone would be out shortly. 5 mins later I am still sitting there with no service, now those who know Feast of Merit know the walls are glass windows making inside and outside visible to all involved. Safe to say I walked away and went to one of the other multiple cafe's on Swan street that would actually serve me. I don't often write negative reviews and will always give a place another chance but I found this lack of customer service very disappointing. read more

We really liked it. It's a solid 4. This is like a middle eastern bistro with lots of twists. The food is solidly and consistently good. There's not one dish that we didn't like. Octopus, lamb, hummus, a whole snapper etc, etc. Every single one of them was good. I/we prefer Rumi which is sort of middle eastern fine dining with a modest price tag (if you choose the seasonal feast), but for modern middle eastern on this side of town Feast of Merit is a very good option. Service was good too with Madi an absolute stand out top draw performer. It was ridiculously hot in here tonight but you can sort of forgive it a little when the temperature hovers near 40 during the day. I'd even admit to a bit of a thrill going near the Sahara desert air like AC outflow on the way to the loos. A nice place that's I'd happily revisit. read more

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For dinner: book a table in advance and come with a group of friends. So. Much. Delicious Middle Eastern inspired food to share! If you love spice and all things nice then this place is for you. The organic slow cooked lamb is a-mazing, and a massive portion. Choose some sides to go with your protein and you're all set for an amazing feast. Upstairs they have just opened a new rooftop bar where they have happy hours ('Hours of Merit') on Fridays from 3-6pm which includes $5 prosecco, basic spirits and Coopers. Get here early to snag a seat, as it is quite a small rooftop bar. You can also order snacks from downstairs- delish! Gluten free bread is available for the dips, and it is by far the best gluten free bread my GF friends have ever tasted! Best of all, Feast of Merit is a YGAP initiative, which means 100% of their PROFIT goes towards people suffering in poverty. Just another reason to love this place. Feast of Merit is also open for breakfast and lunch- two courses which I am dying to try here. read more

I love love love this place. Anything that's combines wholesome food and a good cause gets my vote. The polished concrete floors and exposed brick ambience is a bonus. A social enterprise set up by the clever peeps at YGAP, FOM features locally produced and grown food in wholesome food combos. I only came here for breakfast and can vouch for the tasty almond milk porridge with honey and toasted almonds. I also ordered an almond milk chai latte which also rocked. Yes, I seem to have an almond fetish, don't judge. Planning to go back to try the lunch and dinner options. Recommend if you're in the hood. But if you're seeking deep fried stodge, this place won't work for you. read more

Love this place! great cozy atmosphere with friendly service and excellent food. The slow cooked lamb was my favourite dish of the night as it just fell apart off the bone so easily. They have some great veggie sides as well - highly recommend the cauliflower. read more

It would be ridiculous to give this place anything but a 5 star rating. Before I begin to rave about the food (and, trust me, there is much to rave about) let me talk about the fabulous enterprise that they are. It's a not for profit business that has plans to support local community entrepreneurs all over the world, in a quest to combat poverty. I forget the actual numbers, but I believe they plan to fund 1000 locals within the next few years. Admirable indeed. Anyway, whilst that's wonderful, you probably just want to hear about the food, right? Where do I start? Every single thing I ate was having a party in my mouth! Yes, seriously! These guys take flavour and ramp it up like I have rarely experienced! We started with oysters that had a super zingy topping sauce. I don't even usually like anything other than a squeeze of lemon and a shake of salt on my oysters, but this had me converted. Completely delicious. We also had salmon croquettes, which were probably too salty, but none the less, I could not stop eating mine. Our main was built around the fish of the day, which on this night was Blue Eyed Cod. This was a huge piece of fish, slathered in a spicy, spicy, delicious sauce, that somehow managed to get the taste-buds dancing, but not interfere with the delicate flavour of the perfectly flaking and moist fish. Hats off, Feast of Merit..Clever juggling act! There was a salad of mixed carrots that was another kabang in the mouth, and an intriguing blackened cauliflower, which was not my favourite dish of the night, but was the favourite of our friend who pretty much took care of the ordering, as he is a regular. I should add, saying "Not my favourite" is kind of nit picking, because it was pretty delicious anyway! The staff are fabulous, funny and accommodating, the surrounds are contemporary and ambient and the cocktails are pretty good too. Sadly, it was a tad dark, so none of my photos were worth sharing. Definitely one of my highlights of the year so far. read more

What a strange, fun noisy cafe this is. I've always gone on weekends and it is always packed to the point of having to wait in line. The wait is worth it though with food being excellent (although I'm not a fan of their bacon) and the coffee being well worth the while. It is slightly alternate and was apparently intially funded by YGAP. If you want something a little different, socially responsible with a large splash of happy and noisy this is a good place to go. read more

Walked in with my partner and was approached upon entry, quite nice and welcoming. After being asked what we would like to eat, we advised the waitress that we would just like some coffees. At that point, the attitude completely changed, was short and was leaning towards rude. When our drinks came out, the waitress more or less just placed the drinks on the table with no care, carrying the same attitude she had left with. After feeling quite put off, we noticed the approach to other customers being completely fine and even uplifting! Quite a shock considering they were not busy, and we were more than polite from the get go. Overall a disappointment! read more

It was only coffee on this visit. Well chai actually. I have eaten here before and can only recall that the portion was huge. The chai is served steeping in a cute little glass jar with optional honey on the side. I've got to say it wasn't the most aromatic or flavoursome I've ever had but also wasn't artificially sweet. That's a good thing. Service here is dedicated and if you didn't already know they're a social enterprise doing great things for entrepreneurs around the world with less access to opportunity. And that's a most excellent reason to opt in here instead of the glut of other options in Swan St. read more

Went for brunch/breakfast and half the items weren't available and the salad option had been pushed back to a later time then stated in the menu. Quite expensive- won't be going back read more

This place is awesome for lunch, especially on week days. Pick one or two salads, and a protein (if you are so inclined) and you have a delicious, but healthy meal. On my last visit I had the pumpkin & chickpea salad with roasted Milawa chicken as my protein. So. Good. And only $15! Bargain for the quality! The pumpkin salad came as a big roasted piece with the chickpeas and other bits and pieces (pepitas, some greens and the dressing) piled on top. You get a decent serve of protein too with the chicken including a drumstick plus wing and some breast. It was roasted in spices and came with lemon. Hello, yum. Have also been here a few times for a coffee and service is usually friendly. If you work in the area, I would definitely frequent this place for lunch regularly! read more

Social enterprise restaurant - feel good food. Beautiful design and fit out, sustainable produce, and the staff love being here. St Ali coffee, chef Ravi Presser in the kitchen, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. read more

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Dropped in was feeling peckish , the staff were so friendly and accommodating . Wine list was good and great food selection good for my latest fad paleo . Place very cool read more

Feast of Merit - Middle Eastern Near Me - Richmond, VIC

Stepping inside Feast of Merit was like stepping inside another world. From the din and bustle of the outside world, the ambience of this restaurant offers you an escape into a relaxed, peaceful and content atmosphere. There is a distinct charm to the place that comes collectively from the décor, service, food and drinks. We came to learn that Feast of Merit is a communal dining space and a YGAP initiative. YGAP is a social organization that focuses on education and youth programmes in several different countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ghana, Rwanda, Malawi and Australia. The concept of a communal dining space was inspired by a practice called 'Feast of Merit' practiced in Nagaland, a state in North East India. There is a beautiful hand written board inside for the readers to understand more about this concept and what it means. Since we walked in early evening, the staff informed us that lunch time was over but there was a small snacks menu that we could choose from. We were comfortably seated though we would have preferred a larger table; when the dishes eventually came, there was a fair bit of juggling happening. There is a well stocked bar with a really good mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; also on the menu were healthy options like smoothies (for breakfast) and kombucha. The menu is predominantly Middle Eastern with a touch of Modern Australian; a delicious combination I must say. Sam opted for the Bicycle Beer while I chose a glass of '14 Alta 'for Elise' Pinot Noir Rose. The wine was refreshing, light and went beautifully with the snack menu while Sam couldn't stop raving about the beer. From the snacks menu, we opted for a couple of dishes since the portions were small. The first to arrive was za'atar flatbread with hummus and beetroot dip. Oh my! Delicious is the word. I fell in love with the bread which was soft, generously spiced with za'atar and olive oil. I make a great hummus myself so was impressed with the quality of this one too. But it was the beetroot dip that stole my heart. Luscious, sweet and spiced just right to bring out the sweetness of the beets. The next dish we ordered was the soup of the moment (like the surprise factor!), again served with the delicious za'atar flatbread. The soup turned out to be a delicious carrot soup, yet another dish to fall in love with. Luscious, creamy, sweet and spicy, I totally recommend this one if you are a soup lover. Next was the Makaneh sausage with tahini labneh and pickled onions. Absolutely delicious, this one took me back to my childhood, the aroma of old Dubai. There is a fair bit of spice in the sausage which goes beautifully against the labneh; another great dish to sample. And finally came the triple cooked spiced lamb croquettes with whey dressing....yet another delicious dish to complete the meal. We also got a plate of pickled vegetables to accompany this amazing feast. The croquettes were crispy with a delicious lamb filling and spiced just perfectly. Overall, an amazing experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and drinks making it a point to visit again for lunch or dinner. The prices are on the slightly higher end but with a good cause being supported, we were only glad to contribute. A place I would totally recommend to all those who love Middle Eastern flavours. read more

Left with a bitter taste It is surprising how an otherwise good experience can be quickly ruined by one bad management decision. The food was fresh and tasty, the friendly service reasonable and the large dining area, spacious and comfortable. Why then go and ruin it all by 'nickel-and-diming' the customers on bread? I use this American phrase as possibly the owner had recently been to the US and experienced the same thing. If so, shame on you! So, I ordered some bread and butter, which in most good Melbourne restaurants comes with the meal without having to be asked for. It took an unusually long time, and having already eaten a good part of our meal, as I was about to ask the waitress, she brought out two pieces of toast and some mostly melted butter, sloppily, thrown into a small bowl (not even some specialty butter, nicely prepared and kept in a fridge). When I told the waitress I ordered bread, not toast, she replied "that is all we have." Right then and there I should have asked how much it cost or sent it back, but stupidly I didn't and felt guilted into keeping it. I ate one slice under my poached egg to soak up the egg (poached eggs should always come with bread) and left the other piece, which we probably would have eaten if it were not toasted. Imagine our surprise when we were charged a whopping $8.00!? Bread and condiments $8.00! Any of their of their delicious sounding sides would have been half the price! When I asked "what condiments?" the waitress replied "the butter"!? You kidding me? We paid and left with the very bitter taste of feeling ripped off, and nobody likes that. I advise all, if you don't want to fall into the recent American trap of ordering bread and waiting until you've almost finished your meal, before finally receiving some old bread they need to toast to serve you, AND pay through the nose for it, complain, complain, complain. If not, this sly and cheap tactic will slowly seep into every restaurant in town before you know it. read more

A friend who's a local recommended this place for dinner. It's her fave haunt. Sadly, the experience left a bitter taste in both of our mouths. The horrible service downplayed the fab food and great atmosphere. Our waitress was rude and should perhaps make a career shift to a job that doesn't require dealing with the public. I've been told Australia is famous for less than great customer service and this place is a prime example. Melbourne has heaps of restaurants which serve delicious food and probably provide a more enjoyable experience. I'd recommend eating at any of those and avoiding Feast of Merit. read more

Are here for brunch on a weekday and fell in love. I ordered the zucchini haloumi fritter and my partner had the hotcakes. Both were fresh and absolutely delicious. The service was also spot on. This would be a cute place to come to chill or do some work. Can't wait to try this place for dinner. read more

A perennial favourite. Delicious food, relaxed and friendly service, and consistently excellent music make Feast of Merit one of our "go to" eateries when we need a quick, healthy, tasty and reasonably priced meal. The presence of Milawa organic chicken, free range lamb and sustainably caught fish on the menu make this one of the very few restaurants in Melbourne where I will chow down carnivore style, but there are also plenty of options for our vegetarian brethren. The fact that the proceeds go to supporting youth education initiatives in disadvantaged communities in Africa, Asia and Australia, is simply outstanding. I would feel compelled to support such a business even if they served hippy tofu gruel, but luckily, like I said, the food here is truly top notch. A socially conscious business with a triple bottom line that aims to ensure that the customers, the community and the planet also win. All without being preachy about it. That makes it a big win in my book. Five "feel good" stars!! read more

Good eats and socially responsible. Love this place. Gets really busy for a workday lunch so make sure you book. Nice staff, they are enthusiastic about their food. Go there for a healthy meal and some good karma. read more

Feast of Merit - Cauliflower salad and eggplant salad. These people know their vegetables and make them taste unbelievable. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Richmond, VIC

I had heard of feast of merit from a friend of mine and when I saw it one day on swan street the atmosphere inside was buzzing !!! So I arranged to go with my girlfriends last night for our fortnightly dinner catch up. All the tables you could book were taken when I called (so I recommended to call up early to book! ). We sat at the communal table which was fine for us. The menu is designed to be shared and I recommend that's the way you do it! Being a vegetarian I shared the new season pumpkin,almonds,barberries, moghrabieh, aioli and pickled green chilli and also some roasted Jerusalem artichokes, sunflower seeds with tahini dressing !! We also had some flat bread and eggplant dip to share between the four of us as a starter and the other girls shared the "evening feast" of milawa free range chicken, balgar, preserved lemon and green olives as their main. Well let me tell you I walked out of there feeling like I hate eaten so much food but yet I had only spent 25 dollars and that was with a cider! . I can not recommended this place enough, the food flavours and presentation was insanely good and the food portions are defiantly great for sharing ! . It Looked like a great place for a date too. It was such a great funky atmosphere and decor is great! Deff a cool place to check out ! I will defiantly head there with my boyfriend one night (and make sure I book early for a table for two!) Ohhh and I'll also head to lunch with one of my girlfriends who was there for dinner as well! read more

Feast of Merit - This was the new Season pumpkin, almonds , barberries , moghrabieh , aioli and pickled green chilli! A must try! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Richmond, VIC

The lamb shoulder is define and an absolute must if you're dining here.. We had some specials to start and they were on par too. Decent service. read more

Great brekkie/brunch place. Always busy to the point of having to wait in line. You know it's good when it's like that