Della Nonna, Hawthorn

There are a few surprises at the place that’s named after your mother or father’s mother in Italian. More about that later. First, let me tell you that you’ll find pizza, pasta, cheeses, and a healthy dose of mains prepared in simple Italian style, forming the rustically arranged dishes with the care of a commercial Chinese chef. Not that you’re offered much light anyway to view your plate with the Venetian blinds half closed and a dimly lit room.

Now something a little bit different are the names that have been bestowed on the pizzas but where the Gandolfini (seafood with prawns, unshelled pipis and mussels, fish, garlic and chilli) and Bada Bing (pork sausage, oregano and fennel seeds) do well on top are let down by the structurally sound yet slightly dry and overcooked base that lacks finesse (see Pizza Espresso, Barbagallo). Gnocchi roman style looks like it belongs in the side of a house does this semolina slab but is refreshingly nice. Some will question if chocolate in the ravioli pastry, filling and sauce with a vanilla ice cream will work. Workable, for two or three sweet-toothed persons.

So there are a few surprises, but flavours of Della Nonna’s food are unsurprising. Not like that’ll stop you from going back for more a little later.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 844 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, VIC
What? Pizzas around $20

Tatra Receptions, Mt Dandenong

I’m sure you’ve been to a few weddings in your time. And I’m sure there’s been some ceremonies that are right up there with SITC #1 only to suffer Big’s cold feet when it comes to the reception dinner. Beef that could feature in a groomsman’s loafer. Playing chicken Russian roulette. Microwaved fish cakes. Not at Tatra Receptions though, where they focus on the basics: simple, agreeable flavours.

There might be the elegant looking salmon stack or less successful Thai chicken salad for starters. The mains might be a bit pubby but the crumbed chicken breast topped with a pleasant mango sauce is shockingly moist through beautiful cooking and the roast pork bound by a thin crackling with apple sauce is a cracker. Rumour has it the lamb shank is the best of them all. Avoid the white chocolate pannacotta that’s a tad grainy and hope you get the delicious sticky date pudding instead.

Choosing the Tatra Receptions will be one less thing to worry about on the big day. Food that doesn’t have the Vivienne Westwood status, but more like Carrie’s functional wedding.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 1401 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong, VIC





Left to Right: Salmon Stack, Thai Chicken Salad, Roast Pork, Mango Chicken, Sticky Date Pudding, White Chocolate Pannacotta

Shyun, Carnegie

A little unassuming spot in Carnegie might be the Pocari Sweat that quenches my thirst for authentic casual Japanese in Melbourne. The real Japanese at the counter and beyond deliver the usual suspects, from the dons of oyako, katsu and teriyaki, udons and garnished by a few chef specials, karaage and agedashi tofu sides. A very mild yet delicious curry topping sliced crumbed fried chicken and a beautiful sushi and sashimi platter have put a massive smile on my face that will ensure I’ll go back to replenish my body.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 126 Koornang Rd, Carnegie, VIC
What? Around $10





Left to Right: Takoyaki, Curry Katsu Don, Sushi & Sashimi

Circa, St Kilda

Circa… it’s the case of long time admirer, first time reviewer. The Gold 1 Oh Four point 3 great times and classic hits of the Melbourne dining scene that’s “recently” had a Fox FM make over. This (being me) Gen Y might have missed the wave to enjoy the Frankie Goes to Hollywood revered dishes, but the menu at Circa v2.0 has moved with the times in a Lady Gaga album way with plenty of fresh hits. Though those looking for something outrageous should be served the “Telephone” video clip, but the food is just as contemporary and as pleasing as a Matt and Jo show.

Beautifully presented dishes, as relaxed and laid back as the organic surrounds where table clothes are absent. While the mains sounds promising, I suggest taking a co-host and enjoy the producer’s selection to share. Feast your eyes below:



Cured ocean trout, kingfish, crispy calamari, pickled cucumber: is Alexander Cabot, legally hot.



Crab and nettle ravioli, Hunter Valley snails, samphire: shades of green that tastes better than it looks.



House cured meats, carrot & ginger chutney, grilled bread



Roasted Milawa Chicken: my chook is better than your chook.



48 hour Wurrook mutton shoulder: we got it because anything cooked that long has to be tender. Teeth are not required to consume.



Smoked duck breast, a very cheeky bubble ‘n’ squeak, pistachios, corn



Baklava, blue vein cheesecake, honey roasted pear: a Gotcha call on a plate, not quite right as the honey can’t hide the mold.



Chocolate, salted caramel, honeycomb, banana: liking Kyle Sandilands, a guilty pleasure.

A thoroughly enjoyable meal that I’d love to wake up to. I’ll have to tune into Circa more often.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 2 Acland St, St Kilda, VIC
What? Entrees around $23, Mains $38, Desserts $15

Kim Chi Grandma, Carnegie

I’ve been missing my Korean gran at Box Hill, and although it’s a bit of a trek across town, the trip to Carnegie to get a kim chi fix is worth it. I’m glad the old, original gal is still going strong and doesn’t look a day over 10 years. All greatest hits are featured, from the slippery translucent glass noodles of Jap chae, to the pork and beef bulgogis, kim chi pancake and stews. Bibimbap is soft though, missing the charring heat of a stonepot that doesn’t provide justice to the julienned veg, rice and shredded cow meat. A small blemish that you can easily forgive, it is the grandma cookin after all.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 125 Koornang Road, Carnegie, VIC
What? Average Main - $15







Left to Right : Pork Bulgogi, Kim Chi Stew, Beef Bulgogi, , BiBimBab, Japchae, Seafood pancake

Petaling Street, Glen Waverley

Just about every other Asian cuisine has been pimped out on the G-Wave strip, but not since Oriental has there been a proper hawker Malaysian joint on Glen Waverley’s Golden Mile. With a menu that’s littered with classics such as mee goreng, assam and curry laksa and teh tarik, it’s sure to invoke giddy daydreams for those living within the secondary school boundary zone.

But when the number of choices rivals that of a Hong Kong café, you’ve got to wonder if the talent gets too spread. The rendang lacked a bit of oomph, sar hor fun noodles could have benefited a bit longer in the wok. On the bright side, fried kuay teow spent enough time on the heat, and the lobak’s bean curd sheet is nice and crisp.

Petaling Street brings Malaysian street food to the streets of GW, and judging by the wait for a table, the other streetside vendors should be worried.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 111 Kingsway, Glen Waverley, VIC
What? Around $10

Turkish Place, Brighton

There is a little place in Brighton on Bay Street. They sell shaved lamb and chicken doner, skewered shish in a peppery spice and chopped herbs cooked on a chargrill in kebabs or meals with rice, Turkish bread, salad and a yoghurt and carrot dip. It is really yummy. The humus and eggplant dips also look yummy. I want to try the baklava next time. I like that Turkish place.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 344 Bay St, Brighton, VIC
What? Kebabs $8.50 – 11, Meals $14-16