I had an hour to burn between two house inspections in Carlton North, so I phoned a friend who…read morelives in the area and we popped into Enoteca Sileno's wine bar on a whim. I'd always been curious about the place - I figured for such a big restaurant/food store to survive on one of Lygon Street's most residential stretches, it must be good as it couldn't rely on pedestrian traffic. Customers need to travel specifically to Carlton North to eat here. Given it was only midday (which, on a Saturday is equivalent to 9am) I wasn't hungry, so we asked the charming waiter for the wine list. Oh my god, what a list. I have no idea what half of the bottles were, but I'd say a good 20% were over the $300 mark, and there were a few above $700. Needless to say, I stuck to the cheaper end and picked a dry Prosecco for $50. I've never met a Prosecco I didn't like, but I would happily have babies with this one. Amazing. Despite just drinking and snacking on free (free!) olives, the waiter treated us as though we were $700 bottle customers. We started chatting to him about the food, and he showed us the menu - unlike some of the wines, the traditional Italian meals are extremely affordable. As such, I've written Enoteca Sileno on my 'to eat' list and will be back soon. Watch this space for an updated review...

Who knew there was this lovely Italian restaurant-cum-deli on this particular section of Lygon…read moreStreet? It's not near the concentration of Italian places, down south a bit near Cinema Nova/Readings (you know, all the gelaterias, D.O.C., the touts waiting outside for you). Rather, it's a standalone place near Pigdon and Lygon. But it's worth the tram ride up! It's huge inside, with a bar up front, a restaurant section out back -- and in between, a deli jam-packed with all kinds of imported goodies. We're talking jars. Tons and tons of jars, and pots, and cases, full of delicious Italian food. Pickles, sardines, vegetables, truffled honey -- everything you never knew existed, but now can't leave without. I went for the launch of the Italian Film Festival, and was treated to lots of prosecco that Enoteca Sileno sources -- complete with adorable paper around the base of the glass telling you what you were drinking, which I found out was the brainchild of the owner for the evening. It's the little touches like that -- the Italian dedication to detail -- that really shows through.

Mankoushe is named after the main food source here - mankoushe. It might be best described as…read moreLebanese pizza, but really, it is its very own thing and it very good indeed. This teeny, tiny take-away is run by two brothers with a little help from their mama, which is kind of adorable, no? Tables are limited but there is space if you can find it. Otherwise, the wait is never too long for your take-away treat (unless it's mega busy, which it can be at times) and you get to jig along to whatever rocking tune is blasting out whilst you are there. Then it's just a short walk home or to the closest bench, curb, car bonnet, wherever is convenient to park your arse, and chomp! Thus far I have tried the haloumi, the spicy feta, the rocket cheese and the ton. For $2 extra you can have your dough made of organic spelt too. I'm not going to stop till I've tried each and every different mankoushe on the menu. There are 26 different kinds, or 52 if I try each one made with organic spelt as well. I've got some eating to do.

The odd hours of operation may leave you high and dry, but this Lebanese bakery is a newbie to…read moreLygon St. Opening in 2011, it has much of what those found on Sydney can offer - cheese pie, spinach and cheese pie is a winner - but is located closer to the East Brunswick Club than any other of it's kind. Nice people and you're served quickly, and while eating in is possible most choose the takeaway option. A good after lunch bite or late night pick up.

I have been going to Danish Nosh for a long time. I go there for meals or coffee or anything I feel…read morelike. I just love it to bits. The owner, Yaniv is always friendly and welcoming and very easy to talk to. i have also ordered take home meals especially for Shabbat. The chopped liver, dips and salads are exceptional and I always enjoy my experience over there. I highly recommend this lovely friendly place. Esther Chait

We've been to this cafe twice in 2 weeks because our kids just love it!…read more The standout items have been their bagels, generously filled with slow-cooked brisket, pastrami, smoked salmon, and more! If my cholesterol-levels would allow it, I'd have the chopped liver every time :) Our kids love their meat pies with tomatoey minced beef and tasty chicken sausage rolls. And the kids schnitzel and chips is a steal for a huge serve at just AU$8. There are cute cookies for kids, and seriously yummy biscuits for adults. Don't go past their chocolate babka or poppyseed Danishes. You won't regret it! Best of all, service is attentive and amazingly friendly. A gem of a cafe on a deserted row of shops in Glenhuntly.

Think Fitzroy Street is nothing but bogans and backpackers? You've clearly never been to the…read moreamazing Bakery D. Chirico! Everything is made fresh in-house -- I should know because I lived upstairs and had to suffer the smells of heavenly pastry prep each night. Prepare for a long wait if you venture in on a weekend -- this local hot spot is always busy. Always. The inside seats all of about two patrons, but there are plenty of tables outdoors, rain or shine. The plain croissants are a perfect hangover cure, totally worth the crowd. Next time you're in the beach 'burb, you'll definitely want to stop by this incredible lil artisan bakery.

I love this little shop! We don't have places like this in America. So charming and quaint. You…read morewalk in and you've been transported into a beautiful bakery. Everything is homemade and delicious. I would eat here every day if I lived here. A wonderful selection of breads, desserts, lunch items and much more! I would definitely rate this as a must stop if you are visiting or live here!

Breakfast or lunch....Down The Rabbit Hole has got you covered. They make a great coffee and the…read morefood is excellent. Outdoor areas can be found at the front and the rear of the café. Staff are always happy and helpful. We will definitely be returning soon!

Unexpected little spot that is super popular with the locals. The menu is a modern take on regular…read moreclassics, so you'll always end up trying something new. The TFC (Templestowe Fried Chicken) Sliders were great and my little girl liked them too. I probably over ordered when I got the Yuzu Benedict as well. I feel like I ordered a watermelon juice with mint because I remember it being a super hot day as we sat in their outdoor area with my dog. Very easy spot to come and go from or meet up with friends, ample parking around too. A hidden gem if you want a menu with a difference.

On my favourite strip in Elwood, this quaint and beautiful cafe and bakery makes for a nice place…read moreto get some fresh bread, a coffee and a smile in the morning. There's something so appealing about these shops along Tennyson where I've only visited as an outsider but been envious of the locals there. If the House of Bread and Pastries was my local bakery I would be very happy and my jealousy runs deep with those that can casually get up and go for a walk to this strip, get a coffee, some fresh bread and that alluring smile on a daily basis.

This place is a god send! Just down the road from us it does a huge selection of breads, pies,…read morecakes etc. We've been multiple times and everything we've tried has been great. While it's not speciality the coffee is good quality for a bakery, staff are friendly, prices are reasonable and there's so many different things to try you'll never get bored!

I've been to Chez Dré now twice, and each time was great. Friendly staff and delicious food. I…read moremust say, I prefer the lunch to breakfast, but I'd still highly recommend this gorgeous cafe/restaurant. The decor is definitely French inspired, and funky, and it's always busy which gives it a great atmosphere. If you want a delicious, fresh breakfast or lunch, or simply a stunning cake and coffee, this is for you. The cakes are magnificent and you can taste the quality in them, and know they're not mass produced. My new favourite place :-)

Great brunch place with a French twist and an amazing advantage of an efficient wait list!…read more Pretty sure there'll be something to cater to everyone's needs given the wide range of options available. Go at 11.30 and both the breakfast and lunch menu will be available to you. So will the range of sandwiches and sweets in the display cabinet. I've heard great stuff about their breakfast menu and was tempted by the brioche French toast with seasonal (spring) fruits and caramelised pecans! On par with those from hardware societe, the French toast was a good combination of refreshing sweet fruits, rhubarb, cream and crunchy pecans. There were some pretty mouthwatering selections on special and savoury options for breakfast too. Think croque monsieur, croque madame, baked eggs etc... Great brekkie staples one would expect to find in a South Melbourne cafe. We also took away some cakes... The cake display cabinet was a work of art! Individual cakes looked as pretty as they were delicious! Can't wait to go back for some savoury options! And unlike other popular hole in the wall brunch locations, chez dre has a huge space, both indoors and outdoors. The queue moved surprisingly quick too given the number of people waiting at the entrance. Two thumbs up! The kitchen probably struggled a little with the volume of orders as we had to wait a fair amount of time before our coffees and food arrived. On the plus side, food and coffee arrived at the same time which made for a good meal..! Will definitely recommend this to anyone who's in the neighbourhood!

Il melograno has got to be my favourite gelato/ice cream store in melbourne. A spectacular local…read morebusiness, this place provides some of the most delicious and abstract icecream flavours there is. And with 2 scoops in a cup for $6.00, what more could you ask for. I decided with the dutch chocolate and the blackberry swirl (a special at the time), and the partner chose rockmelon sorbet (a special, but im hoping it becomes permanent after stealing some out of her cup) and vanilla bean. And both cups were amazing. Only get the Dutch chocolate if you like a rich chocolate flavour though. I could have tried anything on the menu as they all sounded spectacular. Well worth it if you are searching for an after dinner treat.

Fantastic home made gelato and chai and friendly service + wifi. There's also some (but not a lot)…read moreof seating on a well-lit patio in the back.