There’s a new kid in town who moved into Melbourne that serves up Hong Kong style food. With restaurants opening up around the world, they’re bringing their snow buns to Melbourne. Located on the quiet part of Carlton on Queensberry Street, it still gets super busy. The venue is sleek on the inside with beautiful murals painted on the back. The staff were efficient and you won’t be waiting long by the door before you get shown to your seat.
Shujinko Express – St Collins Lane, Melbourne
Shujinko has made a name for themselves and has been popping up new stores here and there. In St Collins Lane, Shujinko Express opened up and they don’t have the whole menu because, well, it’s an express venue. There are a few seats inside and out and I can imagine that it would get full at lunch throughout the week. Now, back to Shujinko, choose your dish out front, pay and grab a seat whilst the staff brings your food over to your table.
Burwood Teppanyaki House, Burwood
On the long stretch of Burwood Highway sits a Teppanyaki restaurant that doesn’t catch your attention unless you’re actively looking for it. There’s plenty of parking in front and behind the restaurant, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about. Walking in you’re greeted with friendly staff, laughter and loud noise. If you walked in wanting a quiet night, you’re in for a big surprise.
David’s Spicy Pot, Melbourne
DIY hotpot is picking up speed in Melbourne and every corner you turn, there seem to be more DIY hotpot popping up. David’s have their sichuann hotpot restaurant and have opened up DIY hotpots. What do I mean by DIY hotpots? Pull up a seat, sit down and let me show you a whole new world. David’s Spicy Pot does get busy so if you plan on dropping by in peak hour, be prepared to wait. We decided to have an early dinner and there were plenty of seats available.
Kobe Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant, Doncaster East
Japanese cuisine is one of Mr D’s and my favourite food and when there’s a place close to home, we couldn’t say no. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try the teppanyaki side this time but the a la carte side was quite cosy. The staff were efficient, quick yet very friendly.
Shonan Kamakura, Melbourne
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.
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.
Lux Foundry, Brunswick
Lux Foundry, known for their brunches and coffees and always super busy in Brunswick. The venue itself is large warehouse space and it looks oh so rustic. It’s been a few years since I was here last and I’ve always had an itching to revisit. This time around I brought Mr D and we found plenty of parking around the corner and it was free too (SCORE!).
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.