The standard of food here varies - sometimes really good, other times ok. The place has a great rustic feel to it and is really busy with a good atmosphere. The coffee too can be hit and miss.

Approximate cost: $18

An acceptable local hangout for a quick pizza, eat-in or take away. The pastas leave a lot to be desired and the other meals are generally average. But the pizzas are worth stopping for. Not too greasy, thick crusts and good traditional toppings.

Approximate cost: $0

If you can't find a good drop of red or white here, stick to water! The selection of both local and international wines, spirits, beers and sparklings will keep most happy. Service is quick and they give discounts for bottles bought by the dozen. Easy access, good parking.

Approximate cost: $0

This has to give one of the most frustrating supermarket shopping experiences. The place is super crowded and the waits at the checkout are really long. The product variety is ok, but it is almost impossible to weave in and out of aisles as the queues to get out are long. Service is barely acceptable.

Approximate cost: $0

The place for a steak and red wine! Choose from 250g and upwards and you have a choice of porterhouse, rump, eye fillet and more. All steaks are served with fries. The wine list is impressive and skip dessert and head straight for the cheese platter. Good, efficient service. The place is packed out most nights so plan and book ahead.

Approximate cost: $35

Good coffee and great chocolates

It looks dark and dingy from the outside and with the old sofas and kitchen chairs, you might think twice. But Mario´s do great coffees, and offer a huge selection of chocolates and Italian panettone (the sweet bread-like cake). Water is free, newspapers are available to read in the cafe and there´s a good ambience

Approximate cost: $0

The best place for seeing a Shoe Doctor!

I have had boots and shoes re-soled and have purchased leather care products and sneaker treatments. Service is efficient, no-nonsense. Prices are reasonable. They can do a quick, cheap job if you want, but you get what you pay for and they offer more expensive but better products and repairs, which are worth it. Last visit I got a pair of expensive shoes dyed black and 3 months later, they haven´t let me down.

Approximate cost: $0

Excellent tailoring services

I use this tailor all the time to take up trouser lengths. The entrance to the store is just off Glenferrie road. It costs about $11.00 per pair/trousers. They offer no-nonsense service. There are a couple of fitting rooms, a step and mirror, where they pin and fit you on the spot.

Approximate cost: $0

These girls wax quick!

I go an a regular basis for waxing and haven´t yet used the other services. But the girls at the salon are very friendly, super efficient and offer a range of well-priced services. Here, they don´t keep you waiting!

Approximate cost: $65

Very efficient customer service and quality of work.

I was involved in a car accident, one week after buying a new car. These guys took care of the insurance, the assessment of the vehicle and ensured that all car panels were replaced brand new rather than just repair work being performed. They returned my car quickly and in the meantime, provided me with another loan vehicle

Approximate cost: $0