A lively dinner option in Reservoir where reviewers say you can watch the cooking, the room stays chatty without drowning conversation, and the staff are described as attentive.

A very small Brunswick sandwich spot where reviewers flag limited seating, and you can watch your order assembled in front of you, with a personable team mentioned.

If you find yourself down in Prahran, this is a small café reviewers describe as warm and welcoming, and some mention sitting outside when they visit.

A busy counter-style lunch place where reviewers say first-timers get a clear walkthrough, and the team handles peak-time crowds with a calm, steady approach.

A calm Carlton North room reviewers describe as warmly welcoming, with an example of thoughtful service recovery when something small went wrong.

Music-led city bar where reviewers praise the vibe and bartenders, and it’s called a best spot to pop a seat at the bar.