After a movie at the IMAX, we headed to Abbotsford for some late-night grub at E-Lounge Pizzeria…read more Located on grungy Victoria Street, this area, nonetheless, is quite vibrant with dozens upon dozens of mostly Asian restaurants and food stands, with a smattering of alternatives, all set quite content amongst the graffiti and litter of the environs. E-Lounge is nothing fancy to look at. (And, to be honest, I didn't notice anything that's even worth mentioning.) Truly nondescript; but, it's the food that, ultimately, counts here. E-Lounge's has a typically varied Italian menu of pastas and sides, but the main draw is the variety of pizzas. Of course, you've gotta have some vino to wash down those pizzas, so a bottle of Mocandunda Riesling ($44) and Greenstone Shiraz ($42) were nice pairings for the mains. Our party ordered several pizzas: A couple of large Tartufo e Porcini (with truffle oil) ($27 ea.); a large Salsiccia ($25); a regular-sized pizza special ($22); and a regular-sized Porcini (with bacon) ($20). As was the case with our party, we all love thin crust, and this is definitely the place to go if that's your liking. Flavors were excellent, without being overwhelmed by tomato sauce. A couple of condiments of drizzling chili oil and ground extra-hot chili powder gave everything that added oomph! And, too, a couple in our party ordered the Insalata Mista ($13), which looked smallish in size, but, apparently, was plentiful. The service was excellent, esp. our friendly and attentive waitress. In short, if you've got a hankering for good, old-fashioned, thin-crust pizza, in a no-nonsense setting, all served by a friendly staff, then E-Lounge is the place to pop into if you're in the neighborhood...! :D

Really nice, thin crust Italian style pizzas. And some very tasty desserts too.read more

To get to Di Palma's for me on a Saturday night in traffic is almost a 45 minute drive, so I was…read morereally hoping it would be worth it. Guess what? It was. We found parking across the street (though it can be tough to find a space) and were greeted warmly at the door and shown to our table. It's a large restaurant with a few different "rooms" and even more private "rooms" if you're having a big birthday, or anniversary celebration. Needless to say, tables aren't all on top of each other and you can have a conversation and be heard. For entree, we shared the Bolognese and mozzarella arancini with basil aioli and boy, it was delish. Next time, I think I'll get my own serve, because they're too good to share. For main, I ordered the House made rigatoni with chicken, semi dried tomato, zucchini and basil pesto. It was so beautiful and flavourful, but if I'm going to be a touch picky, I'd say the pasta was just a little bit too al dente for me. But flavour is key and it was there. As if I needed dessert ... I ordered the Churros. I think they were the best I've had in Melbourne and it came with strawberries, ice cream and chocolate sauce. I didn't like the sauce at all and barely touched it. The dish was fine on its own without it. Honestly, the food was great, the service was top notch. It was a busy, busy night, yet food came out in reasonable time. I think the prices were reasonable, but we used the Entertainment Book card to get a discount. I really can't fault the restaurant much at all. I just know now that when I go next time, when making the booking, I'll request a table by the windows. And I WILL definitely go another time. It's really good.

I seem to be the only one who doesn't like Di Palmas. Friends rave about the great food, friendly…read morehospitality and reasonable prices. Clearly I was missing something. It's okay but not great. I feel like this sums up Di Palmas pretty well. The last time I went I wasn't bowelled over by the cuisine although it was perfectly respectable, nor the service that lacked a little warmth. I had the potato gnocchi with the 4-cheese sauce ($22.50) and it just didn't live up to my expectations. The flavours lacked any subtlety or finesse and this seemed to be the opinion of my companion, he had the braised duck risotto ($24.50). I left Di Palmas feeling disappointed and confused. I really wanted to like the restaurant, but every time I went it couldn't produce the same level of cuisine or service that exists elsewhere in Kew (Estivo and Mister Bianco to name a few). However, I will swallow my pride and say that even if I didn't have a great experience it was obvious that others did. You can't fail to notice the content and happy clientele that pack Di Palmas. So maybe I just picked a bad night. Maybe the kitchen and the staff were a little stressed. Di Palmas earns 3 star rating because the Jury is still out.

If you want the best wood fire pizza.... look no further!The pizza is absolutely delicious and the…read morestaff are always helpful. The character and atmosphere of the place is perfect for a night out!

Food is quality and good, price is also ok;…read more Pizza's are my style; rustic ie NOT domino's! i would recommend trying here; service with a smile and wait times are not to long......................... a nice place to spend a slow lunch any day, with a glass of what you like.

Back in the States, we have a preponderance of dining establishments that think they can slap on…read morecertain key words such as "fusion" or "bistro" to their name and then jack up the prices 50% and cut down the serving size 50%. Most of these places don't last very long (unless they can supplement their meager dining offerings with something like a lounge or nightlife area). Bistro Bakini seems to fall hard into this category of restaurant. I get it - Australia (and Melbourne) is a very expensive place to eat / live. That does not justify a $25ish small plate of bland risotto that I could have gone to A&P (that's Safeway for you Victorians) for and bought pre-made. I will give them this - their decor is nice and their manager was very personable. Have a drink or a coffee here and skip the food.

MY FIRST 5 STAR EXPERIENCE!…read more This place is truly amazing. I first happened upon this place a few months ago when the coffee shop that I usually go to was just a bit too packed for my liking. Bakini is located at the bottom of an apartment/hotel complex and is decked out in a very modern design. The music they play here is a mixture of chilled out jazzy songs and Spanish flamenco (think Gipsy Kings or Santos Bonacci [those guys that play the classical Spanish guitar on Bourke St outside of Myer]) which makes it feel very cool. The staff here are genuinely friendly and helpful. Over the past few months, I've gotten to know Andre, Renee and Stavros (although the 1st 2 have recently left) and I'd have to say outside of Pearl Restaurant in Richmond it's the best service I've ever received (note to self: write up of Pearl coming soon). When you sit down for a coffee, you get CHILLED water in a nice glass and a few biscuits. Everything about this place oozes class, and it's my favourite place to take clients for lunch where they have a pretty nice tapas menu (particularly the fried calamari that comes with this amazing dip) as it always leaves a terrific impression.

I cannot believe there are not more review's on this fabulous Sardinian restaurant…read more The menu is hand written daily depending on the produce the Chefs get in. The Waiters truly know their stuff, let them recommended a wine. If available, try the Beef Tartar with Egg Yolk.

Easy to miss this tiny shop front in Toorak Road which in a former life was Brummels photo gallery…read moreand cafe. We had an early booking as they were fully booked and were warmly greeted with offers of Prosecco. A lovely bottle disappeared very quickly. We had the degustation menu which is always a good way to get the feel of a restaurant. Many courses of antipasto arrived, small servings calamari, cuttlefish, Vitello tonnata and melanzane parmigiana etc. a small pasta dish followed,perfectly cooked spaghetti in a small mound with crab, cherry tomatoes etc,meat was a traditional Sardinian lamb stew thickened with egg yolks served with crispy roast potatoes and salad. Dolce was a delicious raspberry gelato, panna cotta and chocolate bavarois, Service was efficient and very pleasant. Highly recommended for a modern take on traditional Sardinian/Italian food.

Much like this review, this restaurant is has two separate and distinct dining area's. Each side…read moreof the fully stocked bar is a completely different experience. Which ever side you chose though, be assured that you will receive fantastic service and delicious food. Dining Room This is where you head for a special occasion dinner or if you enjoy fine dining (with matching prices.) It is a perfect anniversary type affair. For my everyday dining needs though I find it too pretentious, but I'm more your quirky and casual type anyway. Options include duck and ocean tasting plates and Angus beef fillets. The food is suitably well considered and you can select your wine to match your meal from a varied list. It is a fantastic fine dining experience. Bistro The bistro is more my speed. Casual setting but same great quality food, in fact many dishes from the restaurant are mixed into the bistro menu. The menu here retains style but includes family friendly options such as pizza, but amazing pizza. Every single dish on the menu is first rate delicious I'm not a fan of televisions in restaurants and this one is no exception. Va Tutto offers great, no fantastic food and polished service. It is extremely popular and people cross Melbourne for certain dishes. So book ahead, this restaurant stands out among the varies dining options in the Ivanhoe precinct.

Quality quality quality. Fresh produce, extensive menu, very good portion sizes…read more Service was excellent helped I think by my bestie being well known and frequent diner to this restaurant. That being said, other patrons were well attended even with a function in the private dining room. $150 for two - 3 courses each with a glass of wine.

I adore this pokey little restaurant on Rathdowne Street, with the neon sign and wood paneled…read morewalls. Yes, there are literally hundreds of other Italian restaurants in and around Carlton, some good, some bad, but La Contadina Bistro & Bar may be the most atmospheric and is right up there in terms of authenticity. The interior of La Contadina is a sight to behold. Every possible inch of space is covered with pictures, flowers and even a faux-David sculpture. The proprietors are clearly proud of their Italian heritage! The food at La Contadina is authentically home-style and very, very filling. I've been here a couple of times now, but my order always tends to involve the gnocchi, which is made in-house and is perfectly fluffy. The bruschetta is also a really winner. La Contadina also have a fantastic selection of local and imported wines - most are reasonably priced. I say skip the trash Italian on Lygon and head out here - so much better!!

I recently moved to kalkallo and I've been exploring all of our pizza options. In the past few…read moremonths we've tried 11 different pizza places and only gone back to one; and we've gone back many times. A solid collection of staple classics done well with a beautiful rich sauce. Their gourmet toppings and pastas are also excellent. My recommendation: Margherita +prosciutto and mushrooms Only down side Is that they venue is a little small and they don't do delivery. Definitely worth the drive though!

Had lunch here with a few friends place is amazing and food is top quality i was actually impressed…read morefor once would deffinitely recommond lago fino !