BOUN RICORDO (SYDNEY)

Service: 5/5

Ambiance:5/5

Food Presentation:5/5

Food Taste:5/5

Price:4/5

TOTAL: 9.6

Melbourne might claim to be the food capital of Australia, but if you you needed a sister city, you will find it in Boundary Street Paddington in that of Armando Percouco's restaurant, Boun Ricordo. Maybe I am a little too passionate when talking about food, and maybe I am not a top food and wine expert but your average family man who loves food with a passion, but when I ate at this place I honestly felt like royalty. I mean if you have a rush of adrenalin and it feels good that is how I am comparing it. Firstly, the place is unbelievable, it is an Italian Villa, in the city of Sydney, in trendy Paddington. Secondly the waiters are dressed as Italian waiters. Thirdly, the host is an absolute legend. You will fall in love with him, immediately. He makes you naturally feel as if he is the leader of the orchestra, the Kinder teacher organising the class room. And then when you have settled in you are in for a night of your life. Unless you know the feeling you be able to understand the joy one gets in such experiences. Fourthly, the food is of true quality, made with love and passion, using the worlds best produce and served with care and compassion. Like passing the baby over type thing. Fifthly, the taste is unbelievable, the under boss Massimo Bianchi is a King. The two combined make this place one of Australia's finest. There are plenty of top Restaurants in Australia, but when you are drawn into this room, and you feel so at home, and then get to love the host, and not be looked at funny, or condescended to, it makes you feel special and this is what this wonderful place did for me my wife and sister. The only reason it cant get a perfect 10, and no one may ever, is that is is all relative. Pay peanuts ....... The total meal cost about $430 with two mean bottles of Valpoloicella. To Armando, you are so beautiful and well done for leaving me this lasting impression.

Summary:The Best! Next time you go to Sydney give it a go.

http://www.buonricordo.com.au/

108 Boundary St,

Paddington Sydney

(02) 9360 6729

MERCADANTE WOODFIRED PIZZERIA (CARLTON)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:5/5
Food Presentation:3.5/5
Food Taste:2.5/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL: 8.0

Situated in the blind side of Carlton this place may satisfy your palate. You by now know what a pizza is yeah? You can tell if the olives are pitted or if they are the whole Kalamata variety and you can distinguish between wild oregano and the commercial stuff? Then you know what a pizza is. Unfortunately other than all the ingredients being normal the palatable mix lacked balance, and the idea of cooking salmon is a no no. I ordered the Calabrian calzone, it came out quick but when I bit into it, it was still cold inside. Furthermore they insulted the pizza's namesake by not having any "Calabrian" sausage in it at all but a sliced Kransky instead. They warned you of it being hot but it was not spicy at all. You see for me the worst thing is not getting what you expect, even though they are top hosts and the place is buzzing you want to eat a pizza, a pizza that sells itself, a pizza that you will remember. In this case it filled my tummy and that's it. My friend ordered the salmon pizza, he loved it, he loves this place full stop. I am a purist, If I get a pizza with smoked salmon on it, I believe the pizza needs to be served plain, with fresh salmon, capers and red onions, and a drizzle of the finest EVO oil on top only, no cheese please. The marriage is perfect hot base, cool top, now we are talking. So yes this is Carlo's Blog, Carlo's review, it is only my opinion so take it any way you like but do not get turned off by what I say. You can decide for yourself, but for me I say it as I feel it.

Over all I will be back because these boys know where they are going and they make you feel part of the Carlton experience.

Summary: Nice pizza,Nice place.

123 Lygon St,

Carlton Vic 3053

Phone: (03) 9347 6974

CENTRO CITTA (CITY)

Service: 5/5

Ambiance:3.5/5

Food Presentation:4/5

Food Taste:4/5

Price:3.5/5

TOTAL: 8

If you love mafia movies where they have those mean Italian classy restaurants this is the setting they use to film them in. Wood panelled walls, hand painted mural, chandelier and crystal cabinet, sunken wine cellar, Mama Mia! Yes the waiters in their buttoned uniform all play the class part this joint offers. I walk in looking over my shoulder only to see beautiful crockery topped with black ink pasta, home made duck ravioli and risotto with cabbage and asparagus. Other than looking good it tasted bloody good too. My brother-in-law was showing off his new found eatery and all the waiters treated him like royalty. I nearly got down on my knee to kiss his hand. I have never been to a place where the waiter can tell you with every fine detail how the food is made. It made me appreciate the effort put in is making me more food smart. It was if I knew what he was talking about and as in every mob movie I just went along with it. After settling right in, I had an enjoyable Italian experience. The food here is very authentic and comforting. Cost about $200 per couple with a bottle of red and soda waters.

Summary: New York feel about it, good food, top service.

Cenrto Citta
141 Bourke Street
Melbourne

(03) 9654 7152

CONSERVATORY AT CROWN (SOUTHBANK)

Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance:5/5
Food Presentation:5/5
Food Taste:4/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL: 9

For being the number one 'Buffet' in all of Melbourne I cant believe that the staff serving me did not know about the in-cocktails. Other than taking away my plates a good waiter especially at the Conservatory should know what a Caiparoska is. Even though it is not generic or traditional it is the in thing. It took three waiters to ask me how to spell it and describe its contents. The general service was exceptional, smiling, letting you pass, thanking you so hats of to that. The food is always good, better than good its top quality and a bargain. Seriously if you would order what you ate at any other fine restaurant it would be over $150 per head. And for about $55 per person it is true value for money. The thing I love the conservatory for is that they are family friendly. Never once in all the many times I have eaten there has a staff member told me to keep my kids quiet or keep them out of the way, no, well done to that. This place is awesome, is part of our family life, highly recommended.

Summary: Book all your parties there.

Level 1 Crown Towers

For bookings call (03) 9292 6895

NOBEL GREEK TAVERN (NIDDRIE)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:4/5
Food Presentation:4/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL:9.2

If you don't know the difference between arrow tubes and fresh calamari you will find out at Nobel. If you ever wanted to try authentic flavours of the Mediterranean you can't go past this ambient, bustling eatery in Melbourne's north west. Sit down ask for the big banquet and soak it in. By the time you have had the dips and eggplants you would have already felt like you were in Santirini or Rhodes. But when the calamari comes out your brain will be cursing your companion because you want it all for yourself. The meats by now are just secondary because by now you are full. The meatballs, gyros and cutlets taste amazingly Greek. The hard part is standing up because your belly is protruding. Highly recommend this joint to any one who loves a good meal at awesome prices. Cost about $80-$100 to feed two adults, two children with two jugs of soft drink.

Summary: Book in advance or you will be disappointed.

Nobel Greek Tavern

328 Keilor Rd Nidrie VIC 3042

Phone (03) 9379 4266

CHINA MAX (ESSENDON)

Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance:2/5
Food Presentation:4/5
Food Taste:4/5
Price:4/5
TOTAL: 7.4

Chinese food is now a strong part of Australian culinary life. Long gone are the days when Jill would order Lemon Chicken and Jack Honey Chicken as the only meal. Nowadays people are aware of delicate hand made delights, steamed baskets full of treasures and exotic condiments. Many of Melbourne's outer suburban Chinese restaurants have a large and predictable menu. I want to see people really take in authentic Cantonese cuisine and leave behind the black bean. China Max accommodates for the prior rather than for the latter, however is strong in both areas. The food that comes out of the kitchen at most times is superb and better than their closest rivals by a long shot. I would love to have a seasonal menu that truly represents Cantonese cuisine. I love the steamed dumplings, garlic lobster, sugarcane prawn, seafood sun chao bow, spicy quail but would love to have the master chef prepare me a feast he would enjoy on Chinese New Year.

Summary: On the cusp of great things.

China Max
6 Keilor RdEssendon North 3041 VIC
Phone: (03) 9374 1988

KOKO (SOUTHBANK)

Service: 5/5
Ambiance:5/5
Food Presentation:5/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:3/5
TOTAL:9.2

Japanese food at times is pretty straight forward. When going to your suburban shopping centre you will find sushi packs and pancakes and yakitori etc. Koko is what you call the real deal Japanese restaurant. The most difficult thing when ordering is knowing what to order, so rather than taking a risk order a banquet, or get the waiters to suggest a meal plan for you. That's what I do, I ask the head waiter to prepare a dining experience within my budget. They suggest in most cases something they would have. In most cases they get it right. In my latest visit the head waiter highly recommended the Autumn specials, and praise him that he did. I honestly felt that I was in Japan. I was lost in the moment like you should be. When paying top dollar for high quality foods you want to be taken to a different level and that's what Koko did for me. The disappointing part of the night was the wagyu steak, though it was fine,I expected something else. Well done to the managers of this fine establishment, the energy within is totally balanced. Cost two adults $270 with two glasses of wine, a campari and three lemonades.

Summary: Best Japanese yet.

LUCKY CHAN'S CHINESE RESTAURANT (SOUTHBANK)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:4/5
Food Presentation:5/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:4/5
TOTAL: 8.8

If money is no object and you love lobster no place in Melbourne will you find a better Lobster in XO Sauce. 'Banquet C' entertains your palate on the get go. The fine Peking Duck, BBQ pork and French influenced saffron crab parcel is a real winner. The restaurant has that Chinese feel about it, the waiters have accents, and call me Carol instead of Carlo. I like this place as the service is quick, food is sensational, and ambiance appropriate. The managers are hidden not in your face and there is no six month waiting list, however they are attentive and quick in entertaining your requirements. I suggest you go and try the Lobster in XO Sauce as when eating it overwhelms you. It cost me $200 for the meal including a Campari, Shiraz and two lemonades. Great for a special occasion or romantic night. I always pay for quality, rather in my mouth than in the mouth of a pokies machine.

Summary: One of Melbourne's finest Chinese restaurants.

Lucky Chan's

8 Whiteman Street Ph: 03 9696 3966

MASANI RESTAURANT -ITALIAN (CARLTON)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:2/5
Food Presentation:5/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:4/5
TOTAL: 8

Every time I go to this restaurant I can not believe why it not packed to the rafters. Some food critics that report and pass judgement just have no idea. If you are born from Italian parents you will feel some incredible feeling in your body when eating the fine authentic Italian food this restaurant has to offer. In all the Italian eateries that I have eaten in in Melbourne, Masani's is the best. Food suppliers tell me this, critics tell me that, in my opinion it is all about outcomes. Every time I walk out of there I feel complete. My adrenalin levels pulsate and as tradition my wife takes me to Borders for a digestive stroll. When I look at the specials board and see items that my Zia (aunt) in Calabria cooked for me I order it, only to get nostalgic on the taste as well. Some big Italian restaurants lack something what Masani's delivers. All I can say is that it is something I can not describe. The rating is only 8 because ambiance is so low, low due to the small numbers eating at this rustic place. Try the baby goat, or suckling pig, or figs with gorganzola, or oysters gratinatti unbelievable. And yes bring your wallet because you pay for what you get.

Summary: Fantastico!

Masani Restaurant
313 Drummond St Carlton 3053
(03) 9347 5610

MESH - BUFFET (PROMENADE HOTEL SOUTHBANK)

Service: 2.5/5

Ambiance:3.5/5

Food Presentation:4.5/5

Food Taste:3.5/5

Price:3.5/5

TOTAL: 7

For someone that never buys seafood and wants to eat as much as they like they can not go past The Mesh. Oysters, prawns, NZ mussels, crabs are plentiful. Most meals are presented exceptionally and there is a very good diverse range of foods. The trick to enjoying buffets is not to load your plate with too many foods otherwise the curry sauce will spoil the ravioli ragu. Take it slow and go up as many times as you like. For instance pretend it is diner in the Crown Ballroom.

SAMPLE

• Starter: Make yourself an Antipasto Plate
• Entree1: Serve yourself a little bowl of soup.
• Entree 2: Six oysters and salmon with capers red onion on a piece of sour dough bread.
• Main 1: 100 gms. of Chicken Primavera with seasoned veggies and chat potatoes.
• Main 2: 100gms. of grilled Blue Eye on a bed of greens.
• Desert: Small Portuguese tart.
• Supper: Cheese and Fruit plate with crackers.
• Glass Red,Campari as an aperitif, port with crackers: enjoy.

This sample needs to be backed up by waiters clearing after you. When you come back the last thing you want is to see the dirty plate next to you. Therefore I can say that too many a time the clearance rate is too slow at The Mesh. All that being said, at any average restaurant in Melbourne the above mentioned sample menu would cost approximately $75 per head before beverages and for about $45 on a busy Saturday night with live entertainment you can not go wrong.

Summary: Top Buffet after Conservatory.

Mesh
Crown Promenade Hotel Ground floor 8 Whiteman StSouthbank 3006 VIC
Phone: (03) 9292 8289

MEZZA LEBANESE GRILL (EAST BRUNSWICK)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:4/5
Food Presentation:3.5/5
Food Taste:4.5/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL: 8.4

Lebanese food has a wonderful mix of starters, breads dips, olives etc. The Mezza Lebanese Grill brings an authentic approach to the diner by serving traditional foods that you will not find in some other Lebanese restaurants. By bringing out a bounty all at once you feel already satisfied. All that remains is the main and yet when it arrives it is sensational. A good mix of meats grilled to perfection accompanied by a beautiful tabouli salad and pita bread is lovely. What disappointed me was that I asked for the Seafood grill but never received it however I was charged accordingly. Sometimes lack of communication can make dining experiences uncomfortable. Especially if you are anticipating something you thought you ordered. This in my opinion comes down to small but significant internal control issues that occur even in many of Melbourne's finest restaurants. For desert we had coffee and biscuit and traditional Turkish delight. I highly recommend Mezza as a party event as it has that group party atmosphere.

Summary: Excellent Lebanese food at a good price.

Mezza Lebanese Grill
62 Lygon St Brunswick East 3057
(03) 9380 9766

PINARBASI TURKISH RESTAURANT (COBURG)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:4/5
Food Presentation:4/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL: 8.8

Respectful people that treat all customers wonderfully describes this establishment. The minute you walk in you feel wow this is Turkey yes! as the loud Turkish Music and aromatic grill takes you into a new world. Don't bother asking for the menu you are wasting your time. Tell them that you want the large banquet sit down and soak it in. Before you know it hot freshly made bread will be bought out to you with wonderful freshly made dips. Then as you enjoy that other delicacies begin popping up. When you go onto the main you will be asking for more bread then when you realise how much you have eaten sit back look around a see how others are enjoying it. I love this place, the owner is a gentleman, his wife is so warming, well done to them I wish them all the best. I have nothing bad to say about this place. I really strongly recommend this eatery to all. When ordering the banquet ask for an Adana as well, it pushes you belly to the edge. Cost about $70 with drinks, unbelievably cheap.(Two adults, two children)

Summary: Best Turkish restaurant in Melbourne.

Pinarbasi Restaurant
Traditional Turkish Cuisine
Coburg 279 Sydney Rd 3058
(03) 9383 4966

TGI FRIDAYS (EPPING)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:2/5
Food Presentation:3/5
Food Taste:3/5
Price:3/5
TOTAL: 6

Typical American diner . The place is beautiful yet regimental, it is very accommodating and ultra efficient yet too organised for my liking. It is designed to be fast and efficient with drinking bays set up strategically, systemic salt & pepper shelving is raised for customer convenience and colouring in materials for kids are provided. It may be too well organised for loud Aussies, before you know it, your meal is ready and you have paid, its like "next". For anyone liking this approach you can not go wrong. Top service, decent glorified fast food, a little steep in price but a quick solid eat. Not a loud bustling place that gets you wondering where you food is and then when getting it you forgot that you waited for it. No, no emotion, straight forward food hall. Best thing for me is that ironically I could enjoy my meal in peace as my kids were occupied with their colouring in. Cost $110 for two adult meals, two kids meals, one beer and four lemonades.

Summary: A good quick bite.

Epping Epping Plaza Shopping Centre High St 3076
(03) 9401 4544

PIZZE E PIZZOLI (NIDDRIE)

Service: 2.5/5
Ambiance:5/5
Food Presentation:4/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL: 8.6

If you love an authentic pizza like the ones they make in Napoli, this joint comes close to it. If you like home made Italian foods, just like mamma makes this joint definitely comes close to it. If you like loud families, kids and grandads kissing this is the closest you will come to experiencing Italy. The wait is long, the waiters are like your cousins, the ambiance is magical just what you would expect at an Italians house on Easter Sunday. They probably will get your order wrong but laugh because it is funny. They say on the menu one thing but deliver you another but do not worry they are Italians what do you expect. You and your family friends will have a fine dining experience at this cute little eatery. If you are patient and have good company you will love it. If you are inpatient and boring you will hate it. The most important thing to remember is that you are going there for the food. If they get it right it will be the best pizza you ever had in your life.

Summary: Cute Italian joint that makes a mad pizza.

Pizze E Pizzoli
376 Keilor Rd Niddrie 3042
(03) 9379 8007

CHI CHI VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT (NIDDRIE)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:2/5
Food Presentation:4/5
Food Taste:5/5
Price:5/5
TOTAL: 8

This place has to be one of northern Melbourne's best eateries. Super cheap and magic food with quick service has made me a regular at this joint. The mixed entree, rice paper rolls, whole duck is probably the best I ever tasted. Many side dishes including sticky rice combination has filled me up but not bloated me. In all you can have up to ten dishes and it might cost you $100. My kids love the big screen and Temple within, staff is friendly and they really make it feel homely. The won ton's let me down but that's about it. Check out the large menu and take your time. Ask for a pen and write what you want on the butchers paper on the table. Order as many entrees as you like and tell them that you want it served all at once. It really is a feast, and a bargain believe me. Has a family atmosphere but lacks asian ambiance.

Summary: Cant go wrong if you don't mind Asian

Chi Chi Vietnamese Restaurant 403 Keilor Road, Niddrie Phone: 9374 4266

TOOKAIYA JAPANESE (NIDDRIE)

Service: 4/5
Ambiance:3/5
Food Presentation:4/5
Food Taste:4/5
Price:4/5
TOTAL 7.6

For the limited Japanese restaurants in the surrounding area, Tookaiya takes great pride in preserving Japanese tradition. The staff are uniformed and speak Japanese, they all are attentive to customer needs and quick in getting your orders. The sashimi and sushi were superb. The soup was tasty, the starters satisfying and the main fulfilling. For a real full belly for two of us it cost $140 for food a small saki plus four lemonades.

The menu is a little simple in comparison to top Melbourne Japanese restaurants. They could bring in some exclusive items from Japan such as Matsutake mushrooms as an option.
Summary: Good hearty food at a fair price.

Tookaiya Japanese Restaurant. Ph: (03) 9374 3099, 314 Keilor Rd, Niddrie 3042