Melbourne Restaurants

So after about 20 minutes of 'seeing' Acland St, i was bored and wanted to move on, and felt like a slurpee (they are godsends on 30deg days!) and found a 7/11 just down the rd, and in the process stumbled across Blessington St, with a slew of 6 cafes all in a row! (score!)
If i had to describe it, i would say- picture Acland St, and then think of the total opposite- a place where all the 'real locals' go to get their coffee and lunch!
There's something for everyone, from spuds and pizza's to vegetarian-
but my fav was cafe 47!

I almost missed this place, but i'm so glad i didnt!! This small but charming place, is obviously one of those places where the owners know everyone's name- making you instantly feel like a local for even 'knowing' where it is!
The main draw of the cafe is their massive salad bar- where you can make your own salads.
I had to resist the temptation to stuff everything available in the the salad- it all looked so good! They also use organic coffee (suprisingly hard to find in Melbourne!) which, once you taste, you'll never want to go back...

So if you're looking for a place with great coffee, great lunches and friendly staff, without the decadance and overkill of most cafes in the area, make the 2 minute trip off Acland St, to this cool little street!

Favorite Dish: I made my own salad- there's practically everything you can think of to choose from- and it was amazing, and realllly filling! So you really cant go wrong if you pick your own!

If you are on a tight budget, The Mekong is the best place to get a huge bowl of noodles for just AUD$8! The restaurant is simple and always busy. The menu is extensive and you would be spoilt for choice! I had the beef noodles and it was fabulous! Many locals eat here and that is always an indication of a good place to fill your empty tummy!

All you can eat buffets are not the sort of place to take a weight watcher - loads of food, great variety of almost everything. Even the strongest of those watching their waist lines may be tempted.

Templetowe Hotel has been on the same spot for over 100 years and is a "pokies" venue for those who like a little flutter, but there's far more than that including the all you can eat buffet.

Open Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week, with prices for Lunch from $17.90 for Mon to Sat to $24.90 for Sunday. Dinner is $24.90 Monday to Sunday, kids 12 and under $11.90, 4 years and under free. Seniors discount applies lunch Mon to Fri only and dinner Mon to Thurs only.

Kids playground and plenty of free parking.

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SPECIAL LUNCH DEAL - MON-THURS: 2 courses and a glass of wine for $28.50.

I am glad that we had the lunch special, as if i had paid full prices for what i was served, I would have been very unhappy.

The food was excessively salty and even a simple salad was over dressed and heavy. Atmosphere was great, but i wouldn't be rushing back.

Go hungry - very hungry, as the servings are huge in the Bistro.

Typical pub-grub cuisine - variety of steak, seafood and a chicken parmagana that is more of a challenge than a meal - want something bigger? - then try the big bird option which is more of an emu size rather than chicken. Seniors and kids meals.

Kids playground, gamblers playground in the pokies area, sportsmans bar, disco.

We first discovered this little restaurant one night before going to the theatre to see a live show (can't remember which one now). We had plenty of time to kill so wandered to an area we probably wouldn't normally go to looking for somewhere to eat.
It certainly doesn't look anything flash from the outside (or the inside) but the sign got me! It says "The first to introduce middle eastern cuisine in Australia, est 1959." How could we not check it out? I don't think the decor has changed since then either!
I love middle eastern food and I'm always game to try a new place.
If you're not sure what to order just ask the boss. He'll take care of it all.
All the usual dishes are on the menu. I have to start with dips and bread of course. Hummus is very nice.
It's BYO, but we love their homemade lemon squash.

Open 7 days.
Lunch 12.00pm - 3.00pm
Dinner 6.00pm - 12.00am
Halal food

Belly dance on Friday & Saturday nights

After a tiring morning of shopping, we wanted to have a quick meal before resuming our shopping. Next to The Walk Arcade, we found Tokio Japanese restaurant which focuses on quick take-aways which seems to be popular with the working crowd here.

Food is decent and reasonably priced. Ok for that quick lunch.

We met up with a couple of my friends in Melbourne and as usual, being fans of Italian food, they took us to Tiamo 2 at the very happening Lygons Street.

A very tiny restaurant you need to go very early or very late as they do not accept reservations on weekends. The pasta was fantastic and you have a chance to peep into the kitchen too.