Unbiased Melbourne restaurant reviews by The Penguin — honest verdicts on the good, the mediocre and the bad, with photos of every dish.https://penguineats.com/en-auhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/mizaan-mandi-kebabs/https://penguineats.com/reviews/mizaan-mandi-kebabs/Mizaan Mandi & Kebabs punches well above its weight for what is, on paper, a small Middle Eastern takeaway on St Kilda Road. The lamb shank is a legitimate reason to drive across the city — properly braised, generously portioned, and priced at a level that makes you feel like you've got away with…Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTmiddle-easternhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/inverleigh-hotel/https://penguineats.com/reviews/inverleigh-hotel/It’s an OK feed for a country pub, but ultimately nothing remarkable. It will satisfy the craving if you are passing through Inverleigh, but it isn't one to go out of your way for.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTpub-foodhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/hoppy-dumpling-south-yarra/https://penguineats.com/reviews/hoppy-dumpling-south-yarra/Overall, the food at Hoppy Dumpling is undeniably tasty and hits the right flavour profiles. However, we found the portions to be a bit small across the board, and therefore it isn't great value for money. It’s a decent option if you’re craving well-flavoured dumplings in South Yarra, but be…Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTdumplingshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/the-foodstore-cafe/https://penguineats.com/reviews/the-foodstore-cafe/The Foodstore Cafe delivers a solid, welcoming cafe experience with a few minor inconsistencies. It's still a great local spot, especially if you lean toward their brunch and veggie-focused menu items.Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/ho-liao/https://penguineats.com/reviews/ho-liao/Overall, Ho Liao has a great vibe and the kitchen clearly knows how to build a flavourful broth, but the execution on our visit was lacking. Repurposing ingredients in a way that compromises the dish and serving lukewarm soup are fundamental missteps for a lunch service. I'd need to see some…Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTasianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/pillar-of-salt-2/https://penguineats.com/reviews/pillar-of-salt-2/Pillar of Salt consistently proves why it’s a staple in the Melbourne cafe scene. With beautifully executed dishes that balance rich flavors with fresh ingredients—like the pear in the Benedict or the perfect focaccia on the steak sandwich—it’s a spot that delivers on all fronts. Add in some punchy…Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/shanghai-street-lt-bourke-street/https://penguineats.com/reviews/shanghai-street-lt-bourke-street/Shanghai Street remains a solid staple in the CBD for a quick, comforting meal. While the noodle dish was slightly unbalanced and a bit too oily, the expert execution of the pan-fried mini buns easily carried the lunch. It is definitely worth battling the Little Bourke Street lunch crowds to…Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTdumplingshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/ilza-cafe-docklands/https://penguineats.com/reviews/ilza-cafe-docklands/Ilza Cafe offers a creative drink menu that really hits the spot, particularly if you're a fan of nutty, textured lattes. However, the food side especifically the Pork Katsu Sando fell short of expectations for a Japanese-style cafe. It’s a decent spot for a catch-up over drinks, but the kitchen…Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/cena/https://penguineats.com/reviews/cena/Cena delivers some high notes with their pasta and quality toppings, but inconsistencies in the kitchen, particularly with the over-hyped lasagna, hold it back from being a must-visit. Stick to the seafood and the pizza (and maybe ask for a little extra time in the oven).Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTitalianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/north-east-china-family/https://penguineats.com/reviews/north-east-china-family/If you find yourself at North East China Family, stick strictly to the dumplings. The kitchen clearly knows how to innovate with dishes like the pan-fried Xiao Long Bao, but they seriously drop the ball on the wok basics. Save your appetite and your cash by skipping the fried rice entirely.Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTdumplingshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/burger-boss-co-ballarat/https://penguineats.com/reviews/burger-boss-co-ballarat/Burger Boss Co is a tale of two burgers. If you find yourself here, steer well clear of the beef options; paying over $16 for a burger smaller and less tasty than a fast-food chain cheeseburger is a hard pill to swallow. However, the chicken options offer some redemption. Barryl's Dream is a decent…Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTburgerhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/the-gnocchi-project/https://penguineats.com/reviews/the-gnocchi-project/A very decent, filling, and comforting feed. If they dialed up the intensity of the sauce, this would be a winner. As it stands, it's a solid option for a winter lunch, but perhaps not a memorable flavor bomb.Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTitalianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/ellis-belly/https://penguineats.com/reviews/ellis-belly/A solid lunch spot in Northcote. The Classic Baked Egg is a standout dish with rich flavours and perfect textures. While the Harissa Chicken Sandwich was tasty and fresh, it played it a little too safe on the spice level.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/finders-keepers-cafe/https://penguineats.com/reviews/finders-keepers-cafe/Finders Keepers is a solid local haunt if you are looking for a high-quality coffee and a meal that will definitely leave you full. However, the kitchen fell short on the details today, most notably the cold spots in the toastie and the overcooked eggs. It’s a great spot for a casual catch-up, but…Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/dexter-2/https://penguineats.com/reviews/dexter-2/It's no surprise Dexter is still standing after all these years. It’s a delicious and very unique take on the genre, pivoting away from traditional expectations to deliver something much more creative. If you're bored of standard brisket trays, this is your new local.Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTamericanhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/sushi-nova-ballarat/https://penguineats.com/reviews/sushi-nova-ballarat/How do you even mess up fried chicken? It’s the bread and butter of casual Japanese dining, yet Sushi Nova managed to turn a simple comfort staple into a jaw workout. When the "better" of the two dishes is still described as "chewy," you know you're in trouble. Unless you’re looking to test the…Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTuncategorizedhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/pounding-rice-bowl/https://penguineats.com/reviews/pounding-rice-bowl/If you’re in the Melbourne CBD and craving a meal with soul and serious heat, Pounding Rice Bowl is a must-visit. The toppings are high quality and the "unlimited" perks make it a high-value lunch spot. Just come hungry, that mountain of rice isn't going to eat itself!Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTchinesehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/kikanbo/https://penguineats.com/reviews/kikanbo/Kikambo is a delicious destination, provided you know what to order. If you are looking for a Japanese ramen, then the Karashibi Miso Ramen (No Spice) actually hits the mark. On the other hand, the "Coriander Lover" with medium spice feels more like a fusion noodle bowl—still tasty and…Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTramenhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/dumpling-table/https://penguineats.com/reviews/dumpling-table/Skip it. With so many incredible dumpling institutions just a short train ride away (or even just down the street), there’s very little reason to settle for thick skins and clumped noodles. If you’re looking for authentic execution and technical skill, you won't find it at this table.Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTdumplingshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/stalactites/https://penguineats.com/reviews/stalactites/It’s sad to see an icon miss the mark this much. While the atmosphere is always there, paying premium prices for cold dishes and uninspired grilled meats makes it hard to recommend for a proper sit-down dinner. Definitely not worth the queue, and if you find yourself here, maybe just stick to the…Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTgreekhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/fais-cafe/https://penguineats.com/reviews/fais-cafe/Despite rated so highly, Fai's was a let down for sure. Hong Kong style cafes are no longer in short supply in Melbourne, and there are plenty that offer better quality, and better value all round.Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMThong-konghttps://penguineats.com/reviews/porgie-mr-jones/https://penguineats.com/reviews/porgie-mr-jones/A long awaited visit marred by multiple lockdown orders, boy are we glad to have finally made it to Porgie Mr Jones. The quality dishes on offer, coupled with a creative and well executed menu, made every mouthful as enjoyable as the next. Oh, and the latte art is pretty amazing too!Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/secret-grounds/https://penguineats.com/reviews/secret-grounds/Newly opened in suburban Doncaster, Secret Grounds is certainly no secret. Teeming with locals on a busy Sunday afternoon, it's quickly evident why they are so popular. The quality and calibre of dishes on offer is hard to beat, each item so full of flavour, perfectly balanced, and flawlessly…Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMTuncategorizedhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/113-eatery/https://penguineats.com/reviews/113-eatery/Newly opened in trendy Northcote, 113 Eatery is the latest venue by the team behind our favourite Shop 225. Bringing with it all the good things that made their pizzas so outstanding. Not only are the bold flavours a standout, but also the vegan and gluten free options that come as standard. For…Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMTuncategorizedhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/macelleria-glen-waverley/https://penguineats.com/reviews/macelleria-glen-waverley/At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, budget steak houses like Marcelleria at The Glen dishes up steaks that aren't any better than what you can fry up at home. They aren't even that cheap either! While we can forgive the mediocre steaks, the poorly executed burgers and…Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMTuncategorizedhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/beauty-and-the-beats/https://penguineats.com/reviews/beauty-and-the-beats/Situated in a converted warehouse in sleepy suburban Burnley, Beauty and the Beats offers an Asian inspired brunch menu that's affordable yet tasty. The food was undoubtedly delicious and full-flavoured, however slight refinements in execution would really bring this to the next level.Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/waku-waku/https://penguineats.com/reviews/waku-waku/With a sushi chef from Komeyui, Waku Waku newly opened in Southbank with a diverse Japanese inspired menu that's bound to satisfy. Whilst not strictly authentic Japanese, we found all our dishes simply tasty and satisfying. Most notably, the Sushi and Sashimi Set were a definite standout in quality…Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMTuncategorizedhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/st-edmonds/https://penguineats.com/reviews/st-edmonds/Tucked away in an inconspicuous location, St Edmond is a true beughbouyrhood gem. With a simple yet well executed menu that nails the basics, coupled with a fantastic cup of coffee, we certainly regret not having discovered them sooner!Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/buza-chicken/https://penguineats.com/reviews/buza-chicken/Well-exeucted Korean Fried Chicken is more difficult to come by than we'd like. Luckily, Buza knows how to do it just right. Offering the perfect crunch, abundantly juicy and succulent, with plenty of toppings and flavours to pair! Of course, the vego options are no less appetising, and we enjoyed…Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTkoreanhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/calia-grill/https://penguineats.com/reviews/calia-grill/We had no misconceptions about how overpriced Calia was from our previous visits. However the newly opened Calia Grill was still a big disappointment, especially when the product served couldn't even live up to their supposedly premium brand. For 1/10th of the price, you may as well get juicy cut…Sat, 12 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTjapanesehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/carnival-crepes/https://penguineats.com/reviews/carnival-crepes/Carnival Crepes offer up quick, freshly made and tasty crepes at an affordable price point. The thoughtful combination of ingredients is evident in both their sweet and savoury variants, offering a well balanced and enjoyable experience that was light though satisfying.Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTcrepeshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/hecho-en-mexico-moonee-ponds/https://penguineats.com/reviews/hecho-en-mexico-moonee-ponds/Offering a casual and fun take on Mexican cuisine, you can count Hecho en Mexico delivering on the fresh ingredients and bold flavours that make Mexican food so popular. Pair that with bottomless drinks, it's bound to be a fun time out with friends or family.Thu, 20 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTmexicanhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/souv-n-brew-bar/https://penguineats.com/reviews/souv-n-brew-bar/Newly opened in Williamstown, Souv N Brew offers locals an honest, no-fuss Greek feast that's bound to satisfy. Utilising quality ingredients that are served in generous abundance, coupled with bold flavours and great execution, it's only a matter of time before it becomes the neighbourhood gem.Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTgreekhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/chef-david-kew/https://penguineats.com/reviews/chef-david-kew/The newly opened Chef David in Kew offers an absolutely unique and unparalleled dining experience. From the mysterious entrance to the trendy neon layout within, nothing is ordinary here. While all-you-can-eat is often associated with quantity over quality, it's immediately clear that's not the…Sat, 08 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTasianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/kowloon-cafe-866/https://penguineats.com/reviews/kowloon-cafe-866/Upon entering this venue, you are instantly transported to a traditional Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong Cafe) right in the middle of Hong Kong. From the seating and ambience, the food and service, right down to the cleanliness or lack thereof (yes we saw someone smack a cockroach with a menu), it was…Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThong-konghttps://penguineats.com/reviews/blu-by-australian-seafood-group/https://penguineats.com/reviews/blu-by-australian-seafood-group/Coming highly recommended, Blu Seafood in Coburg has been on our to-do list for so long. We are glad to have finally gotten it out of the way because it was simply very underwhelming, and we certainly expected a lot more at over $20 per person. While the gigantic portion sizes are bound to satisfy…Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTfish-and-chipshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/dpenyetz-dcendol-melbourne/https://penguineats.com/reviews/dpenyetz-dcendol-melbourne/Spanning from Indonesia to Malaysia, D’Penyetz & D’Cendol is a popular Indonesian brand that's popular across the region. Having now established in Melbourne, their success is quickly evident. With clear emphasis of fresh, quality produce, great execution coupled with bold, appetising flavours…Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTindonesianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/hobba/https://penguineats.com/reviews/hobba/Bustling on a Sunday afternoon, Hobba has long been on out to-do list, and we are so glad to have finally made it. The seemingly simple menu was well executed and far from ordinary. Offering generous, delicious portions, our brunch certainly not disappoint one bit, and left us satiated and…Sat, 10 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/soul-soul/https://penguineats.com/reviews/soul-soul/Situated between tall apartments in the heart of the CBD, Soul Soul offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle with it's green and tranquil surrounds that's perfect for a break. The food of course was top notch, utilising quality ingredients that was well executed. We certainly couldn't have…Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/chef-david/https://penguineats.com/reviews/chef-david/While it's not our first time trying Szechuan cuisine, it is most definitely our first foray into Szechuan BBQ. Chef David artfully combines traditional Szechuan flavours and dishes with a modern and refined execution. We were no doubt impressed, thanks to the unapologetically bold flavours, fresh…Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTsichuanhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/co-cafe/https://penguineats.com/reviews/co-cafe/Launching a brand new menu, Co Cafe offers up a tasty and creative alternative to the local brunch scene of Sandringham. With complimentary flavors and diverse textures, the dishes here not only looked the part, but also satisfied as well.Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTcafehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/porters/https://penguineats.com/reviews/porters/A newly opened eatery along seaside Williamstown, Porters offers an enticing Modern Australian menu characterised by fresh, quality produce that forms the basis of every dish. Superbly executed and with bits of international influences thrown in, we found our lunch not only exceptionally tasty, but…Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTaustralianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/hot-dog-hustle/https://penguineats.com/reviews/hot-dog-hustle/Hot Dog Hustle creatively combines a traditional American classic with bold Asian inspirations. The results most certainly did not disappoint, with bold, appetising flavours and great textural diversity in each bite. Needless to say, we enjoyed every bite of our Hot Dogs!Sun, 07 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMThot-dogshttps://penguineats.com/reviews/don-taco/https://penguineats.com/reviews/don-taco/Don't be fooled by the name Don Taco. While one would expect this eatery would excel at dishing up tasty and authentic Tacos, you are instead unapologetically ripped off by a vegan joint masquerading as a Mexican eatery. With sky high prices, tiny portions and tragically flawed execution, we…Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTveganhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/china-family-dumpling/https://penguineats.com/reviews/china-family-dumpling/Terrible and inauthentic "Chinese" food, cramped seating, loud screaming kids. Not sure why we bothered to be honest.Tue, 16 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTchinesehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/taste-of-amoy/https://penguineats.com/reviews/taste-of-amoy/A good but unremarkable bowl of Wonton noodle soup, which was let down by the tiny portion sizes. Don't come hungry, or you will also leave hungry.Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTchinesehttps://penguineats.com/reviews/the-old-factory/https://penguineats.com/reviews/the-old-factory/It was overall an enjoyable though unremarkable "Feast". The BBQ meats were generally well executed though lacking in the bold, smokey flavour that marks a Texan BBQ. Much better American BBQ's can be had in Melbourne's immediate surrounds. The sides however were the biggest letdown. They fell well…Fri, 22 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTbbqhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/italiana-delicatessen/https://penguineats.com/reviews/italiana-delicatessen/This cute little family run Italiana Delicatessen brings all of the goodness of Italy to the bustling South Yarra. True to Italian heritage, the fresh quality ingredients form the basis of a simple yet well executed menu. For a taste of authentic Italian Paninis, you can't look past this cute…Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTitalianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/cuginis/https://penguineats.com/reviews/cuginis/It's clear that Cugini's is not your ordinary pizza joint. Owner Daniel aims to introduce authentic Italian comfort food to Melbournians by cooking up his family's heirloom recipes dating back 200 years. You can be sure to count on an authentic Italian experience that's full flavoured and bold…Sun, 10 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTitalianhttps://penguineats.com/reviews/donwoori/https://penguineats.com/reviews/donwoori/Being the only Korean BBQ open on New Year's Day, Donwoori was the default for many. Unfortunately this visit fell well short of our expectations and didn't love up to the standard we came to expect from our last visit.Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTkorean