Huxtable, Fitzroy

Designed to share and gets better with each course. Excitable.

3.5 / 5 yums! 
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Where? 131 Smith Street, Fitzroy, VIC

Huxtaburger, Collingwood

This is how you do old school burger joint new school style.

3.5 / 5 yums! 
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Where? 106 Smith St, Collingwood, VIC

Moor’s Head, Thornbury

Pizzas Lebanese style. Sticking up to the Italians… what ever they can do, they can do it better, or just as good.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 2/774 High Street, Thornbury, VIC

Estelle Bar & Kitchen, Northcote

Take me on a trip, I’d like to go someday. I will be your Australian boi. Bringing that regional finesse to the city’s north.

4 / 5 yums! 
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Where? 243 High Street, Northcote, VIC

Naked for Satan, Fitzroy

I certainly would. You know what. Great pintxos, great bar. And be honest.

4 / 5 yums! 
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Where? 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC

Jim’s Greek Tavern, Collingwood

Meat. Salt. Lemon. Oregano. Grill. Letting natural flavours shine since, like forever.

4 / 5 yums! 
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Where? 32 Johnston Street, Collingwood, VIC

The Commoner, Fitzroy

Showin' 'a Robin Hood british In The Nude can be. Ay guv'nor!

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 122 Johnston Street, Melbourne, VIC
What? Smalls $4-16, Mains $26-32

Moon Under Water, Fitzroy

Taking summer back: rose jelly, poached meringue, sheep's milk yoghurt and rhubarb.

Easy Tiger, Collingwood

I think an “!” is warranted at the end of the name of this pumping modern Thai eatery that’s so Collingwood. Where else would have you eating under a hot tin shed out back on classy outdoor sets?







Easy there tigers, there’s plenty to go around in the banquet. Though you might not want to go too easy as you’re chinking silverware, jousting for that last spoon of curry or betal leaf.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 96 Smith St, Collingwood, VIC

Hellenic Republic, Brunswick East

Masterchef George is so hot right now and will soon give the people of Kew the Calomabis tan. I’ll freely admit that I’m a gusher, so it’s embarrassing that I’ve never been to his second child, until now. And it’s every bit as good as his first, albeit in a different way. There’s none of the typically stodgy and bloating meat fest of an old school Greek Tavern, Hellenic Republic rejoices in the simplicity of the cuisine. Sharing is Mr Calombaris’ philosophy, and we’re glad that he does. But you’d want the mildly salted white cod roe dip and plenty of warm triangles of pita all to yourself. Don’t feel guilty though, for selfishness is a common emotion for most of the dishes.

Peppered figs are beautifully caramelised, their delicate sweetness the perfect foil on top of the pan fried grilled cheese. You’ll get a combination of beautifully charred and tender garlicy lamb from the spit, a squeeze of lemon all that’s required. Parsley and lemon slices stuffed in grilled whole baby snapper the perfect way to enjoy fresh catch. Had to pass on the cured meats, salads, Thalassino Youvetsi (braised seafood “casserole”) and the Yia Yia’s Moussaka to save room for the velvety olive oil white chocolate and lavender mousse and sweet preserved cherries that read as a standout on the menu and duly delivers.

Hot food at a hot place. Slip, slop, slap to avoid the sunburn at Hellenic Republic.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 434 Lygon St, Brunswick East, VIC
What? Smalls $8-19, Grills and Mains $20-32, Desserts $13









Left to Right: Taramosalata, Pita Bread, Saganaki, Lamb Spit, Baby Snapper and accompanying lemon sauce on ice, White Chocolate Mousse

APTE

Just because I’m hanging around APTE doesn’t mean I’m a stalker right? Yup, I’m loving the food that’s given rise to an unhealthy obsession. This quaint corner foodstore somehow manages to make a really bare white room homely with a few branches in a vase, framed scenic photos and a feature designer lightshade. Scan the menu and you’ll won’t find anything too out of place from a regular menu, but somehow they are extraordinary.

All components of a big breakfast are carefully prepared without a hint of black burn, feta gives the pea and corn fritter a smoother texture and brings out a savoury flavour, a good contrast to the smoked salmon, peppery rocket, dill sauce and avocado. Veal, tomato and basil get to know each other really well in a ragu that smothers just cooked penne. Finish off your lazy brunch with a delicious coffee and selection of baked sweets.

This is not just a place to eat. Judging by the crowd in here it’s THE place to eat.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 538 Heidelberg Rd, Alphington, VIC
What? Around $15