I recently was in the market for a new car. I went to the brand dealer of the car I had and was not treated very well - I was dismissed because I didn't want the offer they made me for my car (ridiculous offer) and they wouldn't listen to what I wanted, kept offering me an auto when I wanted a manual. I left there feeling quite despondent, drove a kilometre or so towards my home and saw Blackburn Nissan by chance. I stopped in and found John Genovese - he was marvellous. He was polite and respectful, he listened to me, acknowledged and responded to what I wanted and treated me with respect. I found a car that very same day, went for a test drive, loved it and the deal was done, there and then. He made me a much better offer for my car, I loved the new one and they were happy to customise it how I wanted. It was easy and everything went smoothly. John was honest with me, clear on all the procedures and documentation and he was actually interested in me as a person, not just a sale. What a relief. I recommend this company and will bring my car back here for service without hesitation. Thank you Blackburn Nissan for such a positive experience.

As Tapas Bars go, I guess this is a good one - judging by its popularity. The style of eating is not my preference; I would rather not eat from sharing plates - but the food itself is good. Marinated olives, crispy-skinned pork belly, veal/pork meatballs, prawns, green salad, breads - all very fresh with great flavours. I was with a group of business people and it's a good place to sit and chat without feeling rushed or hassled. Service is good and hospitality is marvellous.

This is the perfect placer for relaxing "better than pub" style dinner on a Sunday evening. The location is marvellous - on a warm evening you can sit on the terrace and enjoy the evening while you watch the world meander by. The food is good and service very nice. I had a Roasted Barramundi fillet on lentils and shaved fennel, with a Caprese Heirloom (Tomato) Salad which came with mozarella. Both were most enjoyable. The wine list is quite good too. Very nice service, I would come back here.

Approximate cost: $25

Every time I visit Tarantos Balwyn, I enjoy it. Their fare is always beautiful - a good range, lovely quality and fresh, fresh, fresh! They have marvellous staff - never too busy to assist, provide a happy word and just enjoy a moment with me. I recommend them.

I have used Balwyn Locksmiths several times. Ever since the day I moved into my place six years ago, they have been totally reliable and really appreciated. When I first moved I used them to changed my locks - on the same day I'd just had a car accident and the locksmith who came to do the job for me was very good, sympathetic regarding my accident and totally helpful. He was marvellous. In later times I've used them for various jobs around my place and they are always reliable, courteous, on time, professional, reasonably priced and - above all - really good work. I would totally recommend them.

I visited the Southbank branch of this cafe - it was really nice. I wanted to have a business meeting but the cafes out front were too packed and noisy, so I came inside a little and found this one. Lindt Chocolate ... hmmm ... but will they do a good coffee? The answer is yes - it was really smooth, a good long black, very enjoyable. The service was lovely and the atmosphere was very relaxing. It is a decent sized cafe, without being cold and soul-less. It's great for talking and they don't bother you if you need time to focus or discuss something. I'm glad I came here, I'd come again.

My first impression when I arrived here for dinner .... "wow, it's busy and happening". Even at the early hour of 6pm, there were lots of people here, mostly groups, mostly eating and mostly having a great time. I was shown to our table quickly and our waiter offered water. We got the drinks menu, but had to ask for a food menu. The waiter explained that most things on the menu are designed to share. We ordered and tried to chat in the noisy surroundings. Food came - a Horiatiki Village salad (Greek Salad as I know it) and a Beetroot Salad (Roasted Beetroot, pearl barley, peanut hommus, toursi red onion). Both looked messy and no cutlery was provided so we could serve it. We had to take a fork from the next table - but the salads were delicious - too much focus on the feta in the Horiatiki for my preference and not enough other things, but that's just personal preference. The mains were slower to come so we waited - my main was Char-grilled Swordfish with walnut dressing, it came served only with a garnish of lemon. There was a long delay between this arriving any my companion's main being delivered - Chicken with White beans and tyrokafteri; It was massive. We marvelled at this and the waiter suggested we share it, but we were happy to stick with our own orders. Lucky - because a minute or so later the waiter came back with a smaller serve and took the original one away with an apology and saying he'd served a "shared" size by mistake! I'm not sure what he did with the one he took back ... Served it to another table of diners? Wine list is okay. I thought it was nice and very good for a place to catch up with friends. They did come and ask us to leave when our "time was up" at 8pm.

Approximate cost: $25

I was starving when I arrived here for lunch. The service to be seated was quick, but ordering and delivery was not. I had the Bruschetta - one piece of bread, heavy on the oily pesto with tomatoes and melted cheese - tasty. The Warm Chicken Salad was delicious, I enjoyed that a lot - lovely flavours, nice balance of chicken, rocket. croutons, pine nuts, sun dried tomatoes, celery and onion. Very good. Coffee great, but again it seemed to take longer than necessary to come. I'd come back for more of that salad though. Note - the fastest thing to come was the bill.

Approximate cost: $20

A good indicator of the quality of food is the number of locals eating here, it's packed and busy. Looks can be deceiving - my entree Crab and Corn soup looked very unappetizing, but it was thick, juicy, hot and delicious. My main Steamed Squid with Garlic was lovely - a beautiful delicate flavour, even its aroma when it arrived made me want it. On delivery, my Vegetables with Bamboo Funghi looked totally dreadful, just a steaming brown mass on the plate - but, oh Mamma ... it was super fantastic. Very nicely cooked, generous with the Funghi and several other types of mushrooms too. Over and above the actual food, the other little touches make eating here really nice - the complimentary tea that arrives as soon as you order, the hot towel to refresh your face and hands before eating, the fresh fruit to conclude the meal - and the fragrant refresher towel to finish off. It's all great. I'll be back here.

Approximate cost: $25

I have been a client of Val's for several years. She does excellent nails - the best I've ever had. I have no hesitation in recommending her and this business. She's professional, reliable and her work is very very good.

Approximate cost: $50