Shonan Kamakura, a little Japanese eatery hidden away in Katherine Place away from the bustling main street. It’s small (yep, whatever you see through the window is what you get) but don’t let the size fool you. The service is efficient, friendly and very attentive. It doesn’t matter how small or big your group is, you’ll get the same service. Walking in you’ll be greeted by the bar (who doesn’t enjoy a good drink by the bar) and a mural of Mount Fuji on the side at the back.
Chez Olivier Le Bistro, South Yarra
Chez Olivier is a place which has been on my list and when I finally found an opportunity to go, I seized it and booked it without Mr D knowing (my bad!). Located in South Yarra on the busy road of Toorak road, there’s quite a lot of foot traffic and if you’re driving there’s free side parking if you can nab a spot.
The Wanderer Thai Bar and Kitchen, Melbourne
There’s a new bad boy in town and they’re a little bit fancy and oh so authentic. Newly opened, The Wanderer Thai Bar and Kitchen has a very welcoming vibe with a fully stocked bar. It could be for a first date (or 5th or 6th date), catch up with friends after work drinkies, it could be basically for anything and you know that this is the place to be.
Imbue Food & Drink, Maribyrnong
Mr Burberry, of course, was still celebrating his 30th months after he actually turned 30 but we weren’t really complaining. He picked Imbue in Maribrynong since it was local for the girlies and I would be at the parentals that night. It does get quite busy so make sure you make a booking (we missed out last time). There are few parking spots in the carpark but they do get full real quick so your best bet is to park in Aldi’s carpark. Now back to the venue, it’s dim, it’s comfy and it looks a touch fancy. The staff are really friendly and treats every customer that walks in like they’re a long time friend.
Straight Outta Saigon, Melbourne
We were craving some Vietnamese food and whilst in the city we remembered twenty pho seven. However, when we got there, it has now changed to Straight Outta Saigon and is no longer 24hours BUT they were the same owners AND the menu has tweaked a bit. We thought to ourselves, well why not check it out and luckily we got a table immediately on a school night.
Sakura Kaiten Sushi, Melbourne
Dinner with Miss Pandan and it was her turn to choose and of course it was Japanese, more specifically, sushi train. We went to her favourite sushi train place, Sakura Kaiten Sushi on Collin Street and yes, there is a second one but Miss Train was adamant that we only go to the original one. She also warned me that it’ll be super busy so we got there just before it opened and there were already people waiting outside. Once the doors opened, we were all seated and the train started moving.
Enter Neighbour, Camberwell
Living in Melbourne we’ve been spoilt with brunch choices and Camberwell is no exception. Enter Neighbour is not only a warm and cosy venue but it does get super busy. Walking in we were greeted by friendly staff, sat our butts down and waited for the food to come out.
Club Colombia Cafe, Melbourne
Since visiting South America, I’ve grown to South American cuisines and when I heard there’s a Colombian restaurant in town, it was definitely on my list to go to because I’ve never had Colombian food before. Located in the CBD and having only opened for 3 months or so sits Club Colombia. It doesn’t look much from the outside but once you step inside, it was vibrant, it was friendly and with super friendly and welcoming staff.
HofbrÀuhaus, Melbourne
Hofbrauhaus, known for their German dinners, beers and dancing in the evening, you would never have thought to have brunch here right? Well good news is they’ve opened their doors for brunch now.
Anada, Fitzroy
A tradition has started for us where I would take mumsy and daddy bear out to try a different cuisine for their anniversary or even just a night out. They’ve never tried Spanish food so I decided to check out Anada in Fitzroy. We made a reservation online and we were seated at the table by the front door.