Reviews by Jessicah
Oggi's combines quick Italian fare, with classy service in a nicely built restaurant atmosphere. The food is varied - from your traditional pastas and pizzas, to your more adventurous entries, such as the Roast Vegetable and Ricotta stack.
The staff are always pleasant, and it's a nice change to see mature adult waiters, rather than snotty teenagers. The dining room is massive, but it's spaced out nicely, so you don't feel as though you're packed in. It's definitely somewhere between cheap & easy, and high-class = combines the best of both worlds!
Mercadante's are the best pizzeria on Lygon St. Their pizza's are inventive and scrumptious, their food is quick and reasonably priced, and the staff are friendly and attentive. I have eaten here many times after long days at uni, or before heading out to Bruswick St. And I've also held an 18th birthday here - which was great fun! The staff were attentive and made everything a breeze, and everyone had an excellent time.
Do try the chocolate pizza - it is famous Australia wide. So Good!!!
Pancake Parlour Forest hill is great for a quick eat before or after going to the movies next door. The food is the same quality of all pancake parlour's i've been to, the only disappointing factor would be the service - the staff are generally disinterested and not overly present. This is largely because it's very quiet. Good food though!
Nando's in Ackland street is greet! It's in a great location, has 3 levels of seating and you can just sit up stairs, eating your favourite burgers, watching the world go by on the street.
The staff are always friendly, and make that extra effort to ensure that your meal is exactly how you'd like it!
Approximate cost: $12
I have always been disappointed with Michelangelo's. They're a cheap and easy eat - much in the same line of thought as Sofia's and Colombos, except Michelangelo's aren't as crowded and their menu is a little more adult-minded.
That said, I have never had a dish here that i liked (I'm a vegetarian if that helps). The vegies have always been disappointing and of a rather cheap quality. still, the servings are generous, and they're dessert cupboard looks appetising.
Colombo's is good for a large group looking for a cheap night out. The staff are in general, friendly and personable...but you do feel hurried sometimes, and it is rather chaotic and disorganised.
You don't go to Sofia's expecting a fine dining experience. But if you're after cheap Italian food of a relatively edible consistency, then Sofia's is for you. It's a big place - lots of families and teenagers. Good for a large group of people who want a relatively inexpensive meal. Lots of choice, so everyone's happy.
I've been going to the Box Hill pools for years (long before it was aqualink). Definitely one of the more interesting pools in the area, the big diving board keeps the kids interested, and the shallow pools are perfect for the little ones.
Pumpkin's is a great cafe for a lazy afternoon or morning, with great food in a relaxed atmosphere. All newspapers are provided, and their are heaps of magazines as well. Perfect for a quiet cuppa and a good read.
Pancho's Mexican Cantina (formerly Nachos Mexican Cantina) is a family-friendly dining experience. The staff are personable, the food is very yummy. Generous portions leave you feeling satisfied for hours. If you're after a laid back dining experience with great food, great company and a friendly staff, you can't go past Panchos.
Approximate cost: $20