This isn't the closest fruit and veg shop to my house so I don't come here unless I happen to be on…read moreSydney Road and it happens to be a convenient time to do some vegetable shopping. The first few times I came here I thought they were rather pricey compared to my local fresh produce shop, but a recent visit has led me to change my mind. La Manna had lots of good deals going, and I managed to find tarragon there, which I hadn't found in other stores in the neighbourhood. I don't know if I just never get the nice, smiley staff member at the cash register, or if none of them smile or make an attempt to be friendly, but that's just how it goes in La Manna. It would be nice if they were nicer to me, but if it were that easy for everyone to be nicer to each other, there would probably be less fighting in the world. How on earth did I go from fruit and veg to more peace and love in the world please? I think it's time for afternoon tea break.

Last Sunday my partner and I did something we've never done before... we awoke before 9am. But more…read moreimportantly, we got our butts out of the house and decided to stock up our fridge for the week (and stock it healthy.) La Manna is just a short walk away and is an absolutely gem of a local grocer. Piles of fresh fruits, veggies, flowers and all that other healthy stuff that you look at in the supermarket but always walk right past. You know the ones - quinoa, freekah, sunflower seeds and anything green... We stocked our basket sky high with enough veggies to feed a small family and smugly strutted out on to Sydney Road - proud smile on our face for all that we had achieved before 10am on a Sunday - and all for just a few clams! A highly recommended destination when you want the best and freshest veggies without the hefty price that can often come along with them.

Quick summary: nice spot, good option for a quick healthy salad and coffee with speedy, friendly…read moreservice. I liked this place. I was nicely greeted by the manager when I looked at the board. I was after a nice healthy salad and a coffee without any fancy trimmings. I really enjoyed my salad or veggies rather - broccoli, pumpkin, cauliflower, spinach leaves. Everything was a tad rough hewn which I liked. Nothing fancy just straight up and down tasty stuff with a bit of added seasoning. I also love the fact they've got sparkling water on tap here. A great initiative which more places should adopt. I love a sparkling water and would much prefer it be delivered sustainably like this rather than in bottles with eye watering food miles involved. I concluded my visit with a long macchiato which was very well made too. A lovely coffee right up to the best Melbourne standard. Nice service from the young female server here too. Top notch. Really nice place. Good place to eat, have a coffee and watch a bit of Station St life. I will definitely return.

How hard is it to make one drink? I ordered an iced chai to take away. First she tried to give me a…read morehot chai, then she gave me an iced coffee (*vomit*), which I didn't realise until after I left and was sitting in my car. When I returned to rectify the situation, she blamed me for "picking up the wrong drink", when she was the one who gave it to me, and there were no other drinks that I could have picked from. I'd give zero stars if I could.

If you are trying your hand at cooking something with an Asian flavour, more often than not the…read moreFitzroy Coles does not cut the mustard and you have to go and find somewhere that has more obscure ingredients. Located right next to the Beautiful Launderette, is Korea Kim Chi Asian Grocers. They are one of the few Asian grocers that I am aware of in Fitzroy and on Brunswick Street. Although they are a Korean grocers, they seem to have pretty much anything Asian. Their prices are also pretty cheap too and in some cases a fair bit cheaper than Coles. You can also get hold of alcohol here so the stock is really varied. The people who run it are always really smiley and friendly.

If you love Asian cookery, you'll adore this supermarket, which is simply the best place to go if…read moreyou're planning a feast that requires anything a little out of the - mainstream supermarket - ordinary. Stocking a range of Asian cookery necessities such as lemongrass, gyoza and dumpling skins and an astonishing array of sauces, noodles, rices, mushrooms, preserves and seasonings at excellent prices, this place is a brilliant discovery for keen cooks. And with massive bottles of things like soya sauce selling for $1 rather than $8 odd at Coles, you'll save a few bob too. This awesome Asian supermarket also sells a great variety of niche cookwear such as bamboo steamers for next to nothing and traditional Chinese bowls, platters and tea sets that are cheap as chips but very, very pretty. One of my favourite food shops in Fitzroy, if not Melbourne.

There's always an employee that hands you a basket as you're on your way in. I like this. I always…read moreshop here after we see a movie, so it's never busy. The deli is still open at 9:30pm which is nice. When I was here last night though, there was nobody at the checkouts so we had to use the self checkouts which was a bit of a pain with a bigger cart or shopping.

When it comes to a supermarket chain where each branch if nearly identical, you have to look at a…read morefew things... ~ Location. Is your trip to the supermarket just going to be an "errand"? Or are there other activities in close proximity so getting groceries won't be just a chore? ~ Cleanliness. Nothing is worse than heading a supermarket where the products that are supposed to be new feel dirty and cheap. I'm a cheapass, but I don't want to feel like it! ~ Service. Supermarkets are big and sometimes when you can't find something, you need to swallow your pride and ask for it. Do the staff give you shit, or are they actually helpful? This particular Coles hits 2/3. It's located just at the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, so you could do a bit if shopping after a film, quick browse at IKEA, whatever floats your boat. It's relatively clean and spacious with a wide selection inside as well. The only mark that Coles doesn't hit is the customer service. I've experienced a lot of staff members that stare blankly like deer caught in headlights whenever I ask them a question. Convenient and moderately priced! Just try to avoid asking anyone for anything.

Great market with all the usual suspects - deli's, butchers, poultry, fruit and veg and seafood…read more(including a sushi bar). Many of the stores have eftpos which is an added bonus. Perhaps not as cheap as some other markets but excellent quality produce and not as busy as you would expect on Saturdays.

The Camberwell Fresh Food Market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It's a major…read moredraw card for anyone living in the local area from Balwyn to Malvern. Greengrocers, fishmongers, florists and enormous delis are just some of the things you'll find inside. I recommend getting in early (around 9am) and just taking a walk. You'll pick up some bargains, but I'll give you a run down of my favourite places. The chicken store stocks some great deals including enormous fresh chicken lasagna for around $17 - big enough to feed 4, you can freeze them or pop them in the oven for half an hour and get a delicious and hearty meal. The juice bar is a great place to refresh. The have low-fat creamy yoghurt, fresh juices and really excellent smoothies made with yoghurt and milk, or sorbet. Nick and Sue's gourmet deli is a must if you love dips, bread or any sort of meat. Prosciutto sliced freshly, soft pasta and a wide range of cheeses are also sold here. Nick and Sue's is your one stop shop inside the market. I'm constantly surprised by the quality and price of the ingredients (in a good way), and even though you may have to jostle around a counter to get served, it adds to the rustic atmosphere of the market.

You get what you pay for! Yes, you might pay an extra 20…read morecents for standard milk but you also get to choose between that and the best Almond, Soy and any other high end milks and creams. The store is big enough to offer the old staples mixed with a few pricer items for the more developed palettes. Gluten free options and pre-made meals High quality fresh produce Clean and fresh cut meats Mac and Cheese for the kids Every cheese you need for a snooty wine and cheese party. Wine too! Glicks Bagels and bread Lafayette salads Amazing vegetarian pre-made lasagne... The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it is 20 cents more for milk:) Accepts American Express

What more can I say has all the needs for groceries prices are ok and great parkign at the rear…read more You get that small town feel in the store, staff are friendly aisles are not crowded, it is clean and has a great vibe for a grocery store. It even has a liquor department too. Trams are at the door #16 #75 #70 so hop too it and visit this gem for some last minute groceries.

Another overpriced health food store that I've been completely sucked in by. Chances are you'll pay…read moretwice as much doing your groceries here than at a standard supermarket. For this reason I save my visits to Gum Tree Good Food only for special occasions and moments of weakness. If only I had the budget to make this place my regular because the produce they have is just amazing. Highlights include the thinnest of pizza bases that you can take home and make your own gourmet inspired meal with. Not to mention the range of delicious dips, sauces and chutneys. There are also crusty sourdough loaves by the dozen and pre-made meals that leave Lean Cuisine et al for dead. This is the place to go to pick up nibbles that will be sure to impress.

Expensive yes. Over priced no…read more Gum Tree is an excellent gourmet grocer stocking an curated selection of vegetables, groceries, meat and alcohol. Although a small store they provide the 'necessities' for a gourmet quick meal. I found the prices to be very good for a store of this type. Yes, you are going to pay $45 a kg for meat but, prices appear to be about 10% cheaper than gourmet grocers like Broadbean, Passion Foods and Essential Ingredient. Gum Tree is a great one stop shop for the time poor local resident who can make it to South Melbourne Market, with the added bonus of Toby's Estate coffee served while you shop. All very civilised :)

I'm happy I live closer to Glenroy because I much prefer the small, market like grocers and the…read moreTouch of Asia store. Whilst the market business owners and sales staff are only too happy to help you out and teach you a thing or two in Glenroy, this upper class gourmet Indian spice store is intimidating, if you know what you want and need you'll be fine, but don't expect the arrogant people who work here to help you out, or in fact know anything more than you do. Stocking a wide range of Middle Eastern and Indian herbs, spices and groceries at exorbitant prices; they get an extra star for the beautiful curries and tradish Indian dishes (butter chicken, masala, naan breads) available for takeaway. Yummmmmo!