It would be a guaranteed certainty; that whenever someone publishes a “Best 5…” list of almost everything nowadays – that there would be disagreements. If you’re talking one of (if not) Melbourne’s strongest cultural selling points – the food and service industry – then we have to focus on many different aspects.
Quality of flavour, what makes each establishment unique, service standard, value for money…. We could be here all day “splitting hairs” about…ahem….taste.
As today’s internet and television channels are awash with advice and ratings, it must be a hard life for a visitor to decide between the best of such a plethora, a glut; almost a surplus of cuisine nobility. Aww, bless. Life is tough. So instead of doing the predictable, easy thing of listing the most renowned food establishments, we’ll look at things which affect choosing the most consistent and suitable food halls.
Listening to Explore English’s staff choices for the best eateries, the expected names around the CBD arise. But, how often would people have the time to queue for Movida or Chin Chin’s delicacies? How much of a budget would you have for food and drink in the CBD? How expectant are you of the best customer service?
Just for you, we have compiled a little advice for a safe-bet meal. A reliable source, or trustworthy information – depending on what you’re after, of course! Split into five categories, we’ve looked at different things to consider at different times of the week, or however you may be feeling.
CBD
For those who work or live in Melbourne’s Central Business District, you could raise a headache trying to organise an evening with friends. There are so many options, one could confuse oneself and end up at home with a takeaway! Fear no more, Touche Hombre is here! On Lonsdale Street, it has no reservation system and guarantees to raise a smile and even a little party atmosphere whichever the day. This is not your average high street Mexican restaurant. It has its own slant on cooking the well-known Mexican dishes and will not disappoint.
Based on the international choices of food around and, in particular one dish which is so good, yet probably bad for you, it is the first thing a non-vegetarian should try – the “Fatty Lamb Ribs”. If you are a vegetarian, then perhaps the eggplant (aubergine for anyone who learnt English correctly!) tacos. There is a great selection of cocktails, beer and of course, Tequila which matches expertly whichever dish you select.
SUBURBS
For those breakfasts, lunches or evenings where you can’t be bothered to travel, or even for those where you do have to catch up with friends in other parts of the city – here’s a bold selection. In the east’s Prahran and the South’s Port Melbourne, Third Wave will do the trick. As its website will tell you, it’s a “Café by day, American BBQ by night.” Its reputation in the evening has grown immensely. So much so, that people will travel from different suburbs for its food.
As for its breakfast, the “Green Eggs” served with Pesto (with any additions – mushrooms are recommended) is a fantastic way of starting the day. Or if you’ve had a rough night with too many Tequilas, the “Hangover Over” will sort you out! With friendly staff and great coffee, it is a consistent winner for any time of day.
VALUE FOR MONEY
We couldn’t really go through this without mentioning the vast bargains received from the small cafes around Chinatown and even outside the city centre.
For lunches, or meals on-the-go, you can’t go wrong with many of the Ramen, noodle, sushi or various other Asian styles available at your CBD doorstep. For as little as $5-6, you can eat a delicious, home-made soup or a pack of fresh, hand-made sushi rolls which is perfect for city workers on short breaks. These are almost always family-operated businesses which is always a satisfying feeling to be a part of funding, as well as enjoying their food.
Here, places such as Sushi Monger, Ajisen Ramen and Spicy Fish come with many seals of quality, as they are guaranteed to be busy and turning out dish after dish of quality nosh. All money savers and very tasty.
DATEABILITY DINERS
For those romantic evenings where you are trying to make a meal a little extra special by “splashing out” on a date which may define your next few years, there is certainly no shortage of high-class places in and around Melbourne. This time we have opted for the Gallic charm of Vue de Monde. Decorated like a sensual bistro with true French joie de vivre, this is the place where your first date proposal or even anniversary meal should happen. The place where the flavour will stay in the memory (hopefully with the joy of the proposal!) with culinary splendour and a feeling of satisfaction.
While it would not be on the same level as the money-saving cafes in our previous category, this is one for the special occasion. A dinner which should be savoured once in a while, to enjoy the finer things in life. Situated in the heart of the CBD on Collins Street, it has won the 2015 Travellers’ Choice award for food.
CONSISTENT STAFF CHOICE
As the staff at Explore English work so, so hard (!), we had to add our favourite places, to suggest places for you to sample, which have been trustworthy for us. For those of you which prefer the fast-food genre, but done well, Brother Burger is there, as is Hello Sam. The meaty burgers here are worth it! Breakfast choices include Las Chicas (Balaclava), Bawa (Hawthorn) and Grey and Bliss (Port Melbourne). Finally, for those evening choices which are worth the wait, TinMan (Carlton), Coda and Pastuso (both CBD) have had our tongues dribbling!
Bon appetit, bueno appetito and happy eating!