I had the most marvellous dining experience here. The whole package is wonderful, exemplary service (almost too many service staff attend to you ...), respectful and very courteous staff who are flexible, discreet and totally great.

They serve the most exquisite food with wonderful flavours, marvellous ingredients and a very Very enjoyable ambience. That is marvellously achieved, even though the restaurant is sizeable, you don't actually notice that there are probably 100 people and a very busy kitchen around you. It's just wonderful.

My dinner consisted of Grilled Whiting fillets, hand-cut salad (ingredients are brought to your table after they are cut, before they are tossed, so you can see their quality and variety) with mixed spiced peppers. My companion's dinner was a 300g steak with brussels sprouts. We then enjoyed chocolate profiteroles and chocolate mousse (respectively).

As it was my birthday, the service staff also brought out a surprise cupcake for me, with a candle to blow out, which was a lovely treat. Wine list was lovely also. Totally recommended.

Approximate cost: $40

This place is consistent - that's what I like about it. They know me and they know what I like and they continue to deliver it. Because I am such a regular, I know that the food quality can vary from average to very nice - this this is wholly dependent on which chef is working that day. The place is large, so a nice ambience is difficult to achieve - however, when you arrive here first thing on a cold morning, the aroma of the wood fired oven is very pleasant indeed. The service can sometimes be a little inattentive - but again, this is usually first thing in the morning. Pricing is on the high side, but what you would expect to pay in this area. I'll keep going as long as they keep doing what I like. Coffee is good.

Approximate cost: $20

This is a very good, very reliable, consistently high quality cafe. The people here are flexible, responsive and very good. Servings are generous, food is always fresh and service consistenly good. I recommend this place - there are no frills or airs and graces here, just good tucker and great value.

Approximate cost: $10

I have been a client of Rob and Phil's at this salon since I moved to Balwyn over five years ago. They are very very good. The stylists will come and go, but they always select lovely staff and every person at their salon is professional, caring, respectful, friendly and good at their craft. I have always had a positive ... experience here - even when I have a bad day, they will recognise that and give me the space I need. They are good, their products are nice and their service is always exemplary. They are very caring and I recommend them.

Approximate cost: $75

I have been a client of Nails on Collins for almost ten years. In terms of the nail treatment, the quality of work is the best I've ever had - I had tried several other salons prior to this one. In general, the focus on customers is outstanding, the owner (Val) does her utmost to provide a flexible service to meet the timing needs of her customers, which is valuable to me. I highly recommend Nails on Collins.

Approximate cost: $50