Arcadia Hotel - Pub Food - South Yarra

Good beer on tap: tick. Rooftop: tick. Pub menu: tick. Once an isolated and boring pub in the middle of South Yarra, the Arcadia Hotel has revamped into a modern and friendly local. The highlights comes during the week at the rooftop when specials range from a thick, hearby patty $10 burgers with fat chips and a pot of Fat Yak, $12 juicy, tender Poterhouse steaks and hearty $12 Parmas. Be careful not to get caught on a Friday or Saturday night as tradition still plays a role in this almost perfect local. 

Verdict: A

Arcadia Hotel

2 Toorak Road, South Yarra

98665380

Il Carusi II - Pizza - St.Kilda

At Il Carusi II, there seems to be all the ingredients one could crave for in a pizza; delicious prociutto, fresh sweet tomato and -oh I want an entire pizza with- roasted eggplant. Most pizzas are well balanced with veggo/meat combinations and if you have some time - and space- to spare, try the mixed platter in the upstairs bar with a Peroni gran reserve and you may forget you are next to Acland Street. It's a perfect start for a night south of the river!
Verdict: A-PLUZ
Il Carusi II
231 Barkly Street, St. Kilda
95936033

Hooked - Fish n Chips - Windsor

Few things are better than good fish and chips. And few places does fish and chips like Hooked. The decoration will make you feel you're in an old pier were you can still hear rumors of a giant octopus which controls the seas. Another rumor hard to miss is how good the hand-cut chips with salsa verde or sambal are. The Tuna burger with wasabi mayo is also a winner. Add a serve of sticky rice and bok choy and you're off on a voyage of luciousness!

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Hooked

172 Chapel Street

95291075

China Bar - Chinese - City

Peking Duck at 4a.m? As you order you'll probably see how the duck is taken from the window rail and chopped into bite-size pieces that go into your wonton noodle soup. Pay attention to the walls as you'll find a list of specials - most of them in Chinese - posted on a coloured paper mosaic. For those feeling less adventurous, there's all the basics including an amazing fried rice with beef or pork, lemon chicken and steamed or fried pork dumplings. It's messy, it's fast, it's deliciously chinese!
Verdict: A-PLUZ
China Bar
235 Russel Street, Melbourne
9639 1633

London Tavern Hotel - Pub Food - Richmond

Going to the see a game and wondering where to go before or after? For pre-game drinks, The London Tavern Hotel has one of Melbourne's best-equiped coutyards for you, your friends and another 200 people. The bar selection is not the most diverse, but it covers all the basics. If you're after food, what about Kangaroo meatballs braised in tomato & olive sugo or chorizo stuffed chicken breast? Try coffee merengue with hazelnut & Khalua cream for dessert for a full buzz of energy.
Verdict: A
London Tavern Hotel
238 Lennox Street, Richmond
94286894

Lentils as Anything - Vegetarian - Abbostford Convent

There's gourmet food, fast food and food for the soul. At Lentils as anything you'll be introduced to a pay-as-you-feel philosophy where regarless of what you pay, you will be welcomed and treated as another person part of this magic community. The menu varies regularly. It can include pumkin or eggplant curry, lentil and rocket or spinach and beetroot salad or even japanese pancakes. You may also find owner Shanaka around all three restaurants, perhaps playing the bongos or helping out in the kitchen. Best thing is, anyone is welcome to do so!

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Lentils as Anything

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford. Also in St.kilda @ 41 Belssington St. & Footscray @ 233 Barkley St.

(03) 9419 6444

Supper Market - Food, Music, Art - Abbotsford

Some say a city is known by it's markets. As a hub for food and fresh produce, markets have become a melting pot of home cooks, food lovers and magic talent. Every Friday night during summer, the Abbotsford Convent becomes an epicentre for families and neighbours to get together and share the talent. You'll find amazing beer from Artic Fox, a micro brewery in Dandenong, spicy herbed Argentinian chorizos, home-made samosas and a number of stalls with local artwork. Music varies from Latin American Folk and salsa to Blues and Jazz. There's also the convent's eateries including Lentils as Anything, Convent Bakery and Boiler Room. Just another good reason why summer is the best season of the year!

Verdict: A-PLUZ

Supper Market at Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford