Southpaw - Bar Food & Cafe - Fitzroy

Bar food and Cafe? Coffee and Beer? It may be one of those unusual mixes, but as you set yourself in one of the courtyard tables with a coffee, you will want to stay there the whole afternoon. And Southpaw has just got what you need! On weekend afternoons there are DJ's spining classic soul or hip hop that can only be matched with an ale and slow roasted pork shoulder rolls with apple compot and coleslaw. Prefer wine? Sav Blac and NZ mussels in a chilli coconut broth with housed bread? There's a brunch menu too for those in need of fruit and protein in the morning.

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Southpaw

189 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

90042590

Sweet Basil - Thai - South Yarra

 As you walk into a family's house, it is likely you will see pictures of daughters, brothers, grandparents, books maybe an old sculpture or a colourful flower pot, all of which make you feel curious and even relaxed. At Sweet Basil you would not be only curious to know who is the man with four children next to him in the picture, but a sea of food options will have you spying on your neighbour's table. Try Pra Goong, a prawn salad mingled with lemongrass, coriander, chilli, lime juice & a dash of fish sauce or Gaeng Ped Pet, a Roast duck curry in a special sweet basil & lychee fruit red curry. It's Thai done with love, the way parents cook for their children.

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Sweet Basil

209 Commercial Road, South Yarra

98273390

Hotel Lincoln - Pub food - Carlton

It is not a secret. Food at Hotel Lincoln is fenomenal. Written on a blackboard, you will find simple and not so traditional options such as sweet corn cake with chilli, avocado and salad and Grilled Eden sardines, smokey eggplant, fennel & green olives. The hand-cut, crisp, fat chips are a highlight too. And for thirst-quenchers, there is a generous list including superb local ales and white and red drops. Sit in one of the stools inside or the large outside tables to passing pedestrians and uni students. At the Lincoln, Pub food has been redefined.

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Lincoln Hotel

91 Cardigan Street, Carlton

9347466

Arcadia - Cafe - Fitzroy

With so many great cafes opening almost every month, creativity and service have never been so important to food-lovers. Whether you're sitting inside, in the sunny courtyard or in the outside tables, Arcadia is one of Melbourne's great examples of simple creativity. Try the variety of vegetarian options like seasonal fruit salad with macadamia, honey and yoghurt, coconut curry or the wok-fried "Shanghai" eggs with oyster sauce, chili and spring onions - Yum! It's simple, it's great and it will probably change your breakfast menu at home without breaking your wallet!

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Arcadia

193 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

94161055