MFWF: Return To Terroir | Summer 2015 Restaurant Snapshots

A unique gathering of exceptional winemakers from Europe, North and South America, South Africa and Australia, Return To Terroir is an opportunity to try some of the purest and most remarkable wines on the planet. We thoroughly enjoyed the event - meeting and greeting the who's who of the greatest names in wine and discovering what makes them regard Biodynamics as the preferred method. 

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Uncle

Uncle fuses Vietnamese cuisine with clear Chinese and European influences to produce tasty, twists on the familiar. With a large, outdoor dining area upstairs, Uncle is a great place to lounge on a sunny afternoon.

Bonnie

The new, sophisticated kid on the coffee making block, Bonnie is an elegantly casual space. High quality, smooth, chocolatey coffee (which might be too mild for some) courtesy of Allpress is the name of the game here all washed down with complimentary glasses of sparkling water.

Altius

A counterpoint to grungy hipster cafes and almost too cool in its fit out, this tiny space on Flinders Lane is serving quality cups of coffee albeit at high end prices. Worth checking out.

Meatmaiden

The "sister" restaurant to Meatmother is definitely a more mature, well traveled lady. The walls are adorned with images of axe wielding seductresses in its unquestionably moody fit out. If you enjoy high quality, smoked meats and lobster in your mac and cheese, Meatmaiden is a must visit.

Dukes Coffee Roasters

A narrow, warm space which is packed to the brim on weekends - and for good reason. Great coffee if you can find a seat.

Beluga at Chevron

Never going to set the world on fire, Beluga cafe offers solid food and acceptable coffee for reasonable prices.

Cafe Domain

Cafe Domain is a pleasant, nicely located cafe. Acceptable food and decent Italian style coffee - not worth a special trip but if you're passing by you could do a lot worse.

South Melbourne Trader

South Melbourne Trader's biggest problem is the stigma that comes from being located inside a shopping centre. The coffee served is very high quality (it would be impossible to survive in South Melbourne otherwise) and the food is simple and reasonably priced but prepared with care.

Code Black Coffee Roasters

Hiding in plain sight, Code Black Coffee Roasters opened at its Collins Street basement location last year. Whilst the sparse fit out does not take full advantage of the unquestionably cool space, the staff are always friendly and the coffee is top notch. 

Ajisen Ramen

Well-priced and enjoyable ramen with some other great Japanese staples as well. We particularly enjoyed their kimchi ramen which is wonderfully spicy with just the perfect amount of tartness.

Tivoli Road Bakery

Having been MoVida Bakery in a past life and now under the ownership of Michael James (previously head baker), Tivoli Road Bakery is still serving up high quality, artisan breads and sweets. Treat yourself to one of their delicious doughnuts - our recommendation is the salted caramel.

The Town mouse

Fine dining without the pretence is the foundation upon which Christian McCabe, sister Amber McCabe and her husband Jay Comeskey have built Town Mouse. If you're into delicious food, warm service and a casual vibe, you will not go wrong with The Town Mouse. Oh, and try the snapper.

Trunk

Church turned hip restaurant and bar, Trunk presents a solid dining offering of American fast food staples - think burgers and hot dogs. If fine dining is what you're after, don't even think about it. But for a casual catch up with friends, not a bad option at all.

Sir Charles

Set within a jet black facade is the bright, high ceilinged interior of Sir Charles. Offering good food and excellent coffee, Sir Charles is a wonderful new addition to Fitzroy. 

Secret Kitchen

Although relatively pricier than the other yumcha options in the area, the yum cha offerings are impressive and of a good quality and the general ambience is a notch up. Service standards have also improved in recent times.

Credit: Images for Uncle are courtesy of Marigold Meagher.