From the outside this cafe doesn't look like much but when you step inside, you know it's something special. Service is about average really, nothing too special and not overly attentive, but sometimes that's what you want in a cafe - to be left alone to make a decision without being harassed. Having said that, with ample time to peruse the menu, it's nice to put in an order eventually.

Food is definitely on the tasty side. I have been here for breakfast and for brunch and all times have left satisfied. Value isn't really the best, and portion sizes are sometimes very satisfying and sometimes I am left wanting more. This is not a fault of the venue though, as the same dish is always the same size, its just that different options seem to have different ideas of a portion.

Having said that, if I was in the area and hungry I'd consider visiting but it's not someplace I'd go out of my way to eat at, which is very sad as it has everything going for it on the surface.

Approximate cost: $18

We were looking for something a bit different for our wedding cake and settled on a stack of cheese wheels. The service offered at Black Pearl Epicure was second to none. We were offered tastings of all the cheeses we were interested in, and the lady who served us was very knowledgable about which cheeses would go best together. She even did endless research to help me read labels to find out which of the cheeses contained non animal rennet for me.

There was no pressure to buy, but when we did make the decision, it just took a phone call and the wheels were set aside for us to pick up when it suited us.

Everyone commented about what a nifty idea for a cake it was, but also how delicious the cheeses were. Considering we got almost 7kg of cheese, the prices were VERY reasonable. If I ever need to buy cheese in bulk again, or even want small pieces of very good cheese, I know where I'll be going.

The shop also sells a range of gourmet deli items all of which looked delicious and great value.

I've been here a few times for breakfast and have to say that each time I was impressed with the experience. Wait staff are very attentive and take the coffee orders nice and early so I can have my caffeine fix as soon as possible!

The food options are beautifully described on the menu making me want everything! Once you've made your decision, you're left alone without a constantly hovering waiter, which is nice. I've never had to wait long for the food to come out and it's always been well worth the short wait anyway. Sometimes I want to lick my plate it's that good! The serving sizes are very generous too, especially considering the more than reasonable prices.

I love the outlook onto the Park Rd precinct, with greenery in the windows and a casual restaurant setting, its a nice place to have a leisurely - and delicious - start to your morning.

A West End institution, this cafe has been around for as long as I can remember. The line is always out the door for breakfast on weekends, and if you can stand to wait, it's worth it. Coffee is always great but it's the potato and feta hash cakes that keep me coming back. Creamy mash with just the right amount of seasoning, it's very difficult for me to be convinced to try anything else on the menu! When I have ventured into new foods, they've always been tasty.

Service is generally pretty good, although if you're seated in the garden area out the back it's not as attentive as it could be. Prices are a little high but it's on par with the food and service offered. The atmosphere is lovely, a quickly little cafe in an old gun shop, with lovely wooden floors and retaining much of the original building's character, hence the name.

Approximate cost: $18

I've been to this restaurant several times, usually with big groups for a celebration. The service is always top notch, although understandably, can be a bit slow on busy nights or with a group. With such large groups, it's logical to order the banquet and I'm always amazed at the amount of food that keeps coming out. Usually, you're limited with what is served at a banquet, but here, if you want more of something, you only have to ask! Vegetarians are amply catered for, and all dishes have received rave reviews from dining companions.

Meals are generous and well flavoured, and after you've filled your stomach to capacity, it's still hard to say no to some authentic Turkish desserts too! Needless to say, I usually roll away from the table and don't need to eat much for following meals!

The atmosphere is lovely and I love the belly dancer that appears on weekends.

Not the cheapest place around, but the convenience of the location balances this out. Quite a professional service, and I walked away very happy with the brow shape. I love that threading is becoming more popular and easier to find now. One of my personal preferences is that my beauty therapists know when to talk and when to leave me in peace and they definitely do that here.

They have package deals where you can buy a number of services upfront for a cheaper rate and this is something worth thinking about if you plan to use the service often.

Approximate cost: $28

Wow, just wow. A little French bakery/cafe, of course everything is going to be delicious! From the chocolate croissants (yum!) to the fresh savoury filled baguettes, you can't put a foot wrong here.

The fresh breads are amazing and I want to try one of every single thing in this shop! It can get extremely crowded, so prepare for a line up and get there early if you want one of the limited seats. Service is always lovely and cheerful, and it's a real treat to hear the French accents of the servers as it gives a touch of authenticity. While not the cheapest snacks, the quality is amazing and you're paying for that and the very central New Farm location. Can't recommend this place enough!

I have to admit, looks are very deceiving. From the outside this store looks a little run down and that it will be a small poky shop. What a surprise when I went inside! It seems to go on for ages, and it's very well organised into various sections.

I was only interested in frames, but what a selection! I spent way more time than I should have just browsing around, and the sales people were more than helpful, answering my questions in between serving other customers.

In the end, that's what won my business - the frames I really could have gotten anywhere, but the fact that they were so helpful and cheerful got me to spend my money there.

I must go back and have a look around at all the other supplies they have when I have some spare time!

Its the location here that keeps people coming back. I've been here a number of times, and it's always quite average. Nothing stands out as being exceptional - not even the service, which is sad. It used to be that I'd go here craving a thick Italian hot chocolate, but even those have started to be less than amazing. I judge the goodness of these by whether my spoon can stand up on it's own, and lately, it's not been able to hold it's own weight.

Prices are also quite average, and the quality of food is middle of the road. The atmosphere is nice, under the Eiffel tower in Park Rd, but unfortunately, that's the main claim to fame for this venue. It's nice and central for meeting people, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here for a special occasion

The name says it all here. While they do great coffee with Campos beans, I go here for the hot chocolates. Silky, delicious and not too chocolate-y. It's very popular with the office worker crowds, so expect a long wait during the usual periods - just before work, around morning tea time and at lunch.

I like they they use an e-coffee card system, which means one less card for me to carry around. Just install the program on your smart phone, scan the barcode at each visit and it keeps track of your free coffees for you. Genius! I wish this was more widespread.

Approximate cost: $4