At a glance - Donovans

Donovans offers modern dining with a focus on using the best of local produce amidst a relaxed vibe with fireplaces and sofas plus a terrace with ocean views. Donovans' Handmade Gnocchi was an absolute showstopper. It was a superb dish showcasing flawlessly executed “melt in your mouth" gnocchi accompanied by tender, wonderfully flavoursome braised duck leg, earthy roasted chestnuts and organic Australian Raclette cheese. A luxurious, indulgently comforting dish that left us craving more. 

At a glance - Lona

Situated in the heart of St Kilda and boasting one of St Kilda’s largest outdoor dining areas, be prepared for Lona’s unique experience of high quality Pintxos, wines, cocktails, pink neon lights and fun. Lona's Flinders Island salt grass lamb ribs were tender, falling off the bone, juicy and packed with flavour.  

At a glance - Claypots Seafood Express

Seafood Express by Claypots is a popular seafood joint in the St Kilda area. The menu features a wide array of seafood specialties that are fantastic value for money. The entire menu is also available to takeaway if you prefer to enjoy them in the leisure of your home. Claypots Seafood Express' Steamed Blue Swimmer Crabs and Mussels with Indian Spiced Tamarind were lovely. We loved the spicy kick from the sauce.

At a glance - Bay City Burrito

Bay City Burrito is taking burritos to another level serving the best, healthiest and most authentic food to Melbourne. Bay City Burrito's Mexican Tortilla soup with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, sweet corn, jack cheese and tortilla chips on the side was heart-warming simple comfort food done well.

At a glance - Rococo

Rococo Acland Street’s atmosphere is both seductive and vibrant, with a focus of social dining and shared experiences. Set amongst some of Melbourne’s most loved sites,  Rococo continues to attract diners from all over Melbourne some 10 years later. Rococo's slow cooked ricotta gnocchi was delicious. We loved the depth of flavour from the use of san marzano tomatoes, basil, garlic, mozzarella and fresh herbs with the crispy pangrattato adding a great textural element.

At a glance - Abbey Road Café

Influenced by the owners Greek Cypriot heritage, Abbey Road Café delivers fresh home-style food, fantastic drinks, soul moving music, friendly efficient service and a crackling good time. Abbey Road Café's  served up a winter must - traditional cottage pie, beef mince and Australian garden peas topped with a cheesy mash, served with a garden salad. It was good ol' hearty food, perfect for winter.

At a glance - Big Mouth

Big Mouth is a relaxed watering hole with vintage chandeliers, dishing up breakfasts, share plates and burgers. Big Mouth's whole baby snapper was as pretty as a picture and tasted even better. We loved the crisp fried baby snapper served with mussels, prawns and calamari in a luxurious seafood sauce.

At a glance -Claypots Seafood Bar

Claypots Seafood Bar is a bayside restaurant in St Kilda serving up delicious, varied fresh seafood. Claypots is ideal on any night - the outdoor courtyard is romantic where tiny boats swing from the trees. Claypots Seafood Bar's whole baked Red Emperor was flavoursome and boasted a wonderful charring. Eaten together with steamed Bok Choy and Sticky Rice it was a very comforting dish.

At a glance - Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio serves breakfast, hearty lunches and snacks from their extensive selection of baked goods. We absolutely adored their soufflé matcha pancakes. Served with wonderfully tart dehydrated berries, these pancakes are to die for.

At a glance - Blu Nite

Forever on the lookout for new cafes, we popped in briefly for a coffee at Blu Nite while passing through the area. The venue is a bit of a confused space with dated furniture and bright blue neon light which radiates from the coffee machine. Unfortunately the coffee served to us was burnt and, as a result, was extremely bitter. It's a shame but we will be looking elsewhere for our future caffeine fixes.

At a glance - Saint and Rogue

Tucked away on Little Collins St, St Rogue is an old school pub which takes you right back - think wood panelled walls, booths and a long dark wood bar. Having stumbled across Saint and Rogue, we ventured in briefly for a drink. The staff were lovely, warm and friendly and keen to help, on this occasion offering numerous beer tastings to an indecisive friend. With plenty of little private corners, this is a great place to catch up. Will definitely have to go back to try the food. 

At a glance - Five Plus Smoothie

Yum. Just yum. And no guilt either. That's our  summary of Five Plus Smoothie, which serves up some of the most wholesomely delicious drinks in Melbourne. How can you resist the peanut butter cup, made from homemade peanut butter, banana, oats, dates and almond milk. Or muscle matcha, made from spinach, matcha, green tea, silken tofu, dates and almond milk. Those are our favourites but there are plenty more worth your time. The only issue? The cost. At $7.50 for a regular and $9 for a large, these fall within "meal replacement" territory. But once in a while, spoil yourself. Your body will thank you. 

At a glance - Oli & Levi

It's 10 am and a constant stream of people flow in to Oli & Levi's tiny location on Collins St looking for their caffeine fix. Bearing Oli & Levi's signature bright yellow accents, the space melds industrial chique with a warm relaxed vibe. It's standing room only inside, but there is now a large amount of seating on the pavement outside. The coffee is Allpress and is pleasant, but not exceptional. Unfortunately coffee can be inconsistent at times. Whilst hardcore coffee snobs may look elsewhere, Oli & Levi is obviously hitting the right notes with a critical Melbourne mass. 

At a glance - Toby's Estate

Located in the space that used to house Glicks Bagels on Flinders Lane, Toby's Estate seems to have struck a balance between a the niche, hipster laneway cafes that Melbourne has become accustomed to and a more mainstream offering. The space is modern with plenty of seating and a the wall of glass provides a great view. And the verdict on the coffee? The coffee is very good and, importantly, consistent. Toby's Estate is popular for a reason and is definitely worth checking out. 

At a glance - KONG

A Melbourne favourite, Kong draws on age-old Asian barbeque and smoking techniques with Dan Briggs at the helm.

The menu comprises a variety of old and new favourites. Everything we sampled was delicious. 

KONG offers a winning casual dining experience with a delicious and approachable Asian-focused menu and great drinks in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.