This place is a wealth of knowledge and really go above and beyond to help and answer questions. I've found them very helpful and certainly the best value out there. I've bought clothes from here. While I wanted to purchase a pump, I needed it immediately so had to buy locally, but the local stores weren't a patch on the knowledge of staff here!

I had a work function here recently, where we had drinks and dinner. There was a group of about 15 of us so that might in some way excuse the service, but given that it was a Monday night and otherwise rather quiet, I think not. We started with drinks in the downstairs part of the venue and were left pretty much to our own devices with glasses and wine bottles.

Dinner was on the middle level - I'm not sure whether the waitress was having a bad day, but it was almost a slight imposition to ask questions and have our orders taken. Once we'd ordered, food took a fair while to arrive. To be fair, it was delicious, but I was starving by the time it got there. Considering there was only one other table of diners, I thought it was a little slow. Value wasn't fabulous either.

I love the concept of The Villager, but I don't think the reality works as well as it should. The kitchen is downstairs so servers have to carry food and drinks up and down the stairs, which does make things slower and can be difficult when in large groups. It's pretty expensive for what you get, but the quality is there.

Approximate cost: $28

I came here for a takeaway coffee but was so enchanted with the place that I dined in instead. I was with a friend and our children and we were made to feel completely welcome with children. It's counter service but the options available are fantastic (they even have soy milk and zymil!) so don't be put off. I tried a muffin and it was tasty. They were even really lovely about the inevitable muffin mess two toddlers can make. Service was good. It what makes the cafe great is the atmosphere - it's a real local place and it has a great welcoming vibe. Children are very welcome and there is even a bowl outside for doggies to drink from. Value is decent and so is quality. I'll definitely go back.

Went here for a family dinner. They were quite accommodating when we mentioned we'd be bringing a baby and said that they'd put us in a quieter nook. Then they requested we bring our own highchair, even though apparently they are baby friendly, I found it odd that they couldn't supply this. Regardless, we were in a quieter nook, which was plenty of space for our group. We opted to share tapas for entree and order our own mains. The food was delightful. Flavoursome, fresh and a few vegetarian options as well. You do have to get your own cutlery and napkins but these are conveniently placed anyway. A few mistakes with our drink orders but that was easily fixed. Service is so-so, prices are quite high but the quality of food is decent. Probably wouldn't recommend taking an infant for dinner service, despite their claims of being able to cater for them.

Approximate cost: $20

Not just a cafe, this hidden gem is also a gallery upstairs! I didn't check out the gallery part but the food was awesome. I went with family and we sat at the comfy couches at the front. Yes, the little coffee table was a touch too small but that's because we ordered a lot of food. I personally recommend the waffles - they were amazing, gluten free and way more than I could comfortably finish on my own. Coffee was decent but apparently the BLTs that we ordered were a little dry - they're been sitting on display for awhile maybe whereas the waffles were definitely fresh. Service was decent enough and value is about on par with other establishments. Definitely worth checking out!

Approximate cost: $12

Nice little coffee nook in a very central location in the city. Not the cheapest around but I like it because the coffee is delicious. Service is hit or miss, depending on the person, but it is busy in the mornings so slightly forgivable. On Tuesdays there is a $5 coffee and muffin deal which is fabulous value.

Someone else used the words 'hidden gem' to describe Trads, and I've got to agree. It doesn't look like much of a store but it's a real Aladdin's cave inside. You aren't guaranteed anything so if you want something in particular, best to go a specialty store. But if you want 'cheap', this is the place. I use it for a lot of sewing needs - random materials at great prices, and elastics and accessories for prices which really can't be beat. It's pot luck what they have in stock but a trip there is never a waste. It's more than sewing needs but to be honest that's all I've ever looked at. Service is friendly and the value can't be beat. You're not compromising on quality either - these are just goods which have been liquidated from other businesses. Wins all around!

A great little hidden gem in the suburbs, I love that I can go to a decent restaurant and not have to fight crowds in the city or cope with parking. Quality is generally pretty good and service is enthusiastic. Value is pricey for the suburbs but when you consider the portion sizes and taste of the food, it's on par. Definitely recommend making a booking especially if you go on their buy one get one free night (Monday!). Very accommodating of children too so that's a big plus for me

Approximate cost: $25

I love a place where I can go and eat anything I want on the menu! The shop has recently moved to new premises and everything is shiny and new (including the kitchen). Food is yummy and fresh and the staff are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what they're serving. It's attached to a grocery store so you can stock up on all the essentials for a taste vego meal. Active on social media too and very helpful if you need to check something is in stock or just have a question

Decent Greek food, at a decent price. It's not the best I've ever eaten, but it does hit the spot. The lunch specials are good, and they're calm when faced with a crowd of hungry diners arriving. They are great with children as well. Staff are attentive without being overbearing which makes this a nice little place to catch up. I recommend the rear deck out the back - you'd hardly know you were in the middle of a busy street sitting there, it's very relaxed. Like a previous reviewer said, it does lack a bit of atmosphere - no delicious sweets on view and no music but that could be a plus if you're after a quiet catch up.