Disappointing. It's a great location but the fish and chips are all soggy and the batter very greasy. For the price you have to pay, there are better options in the area.

When you think of a dumpling joint in Melbourne, think greasy, cheap, noisy, menus that don't really make sense in English and tables that stink of the wash cloth that has not been washed very often.

You'll be glad to know that Shandong Mama is pretty much the opposite.

They have smattering of dumpling dishes, both boiled and fried as well as the typical rice and noodle dishes. What makes Shandong Mama different though is how well balanced the dishes are. I typically order the boiled mackerel dumplings but make sure to ask for the garlic chilli sauce as it really compliments the dish. The beef dumplings are quite different, it's not completely wrapped up like you would expect but still very moist and juicy. The stir fried beef or chicken noodles is also popular with my kids.

This place is ok, not bad, but not great either.

When i ordered, I was very explicit that we did not want any spring onions in our soup but noticed that the waiter did not bother writing down any orders and of course, every bowl was laced with garnishing we had to remove because the kids won't have anything green. :)

The soup base is not bad, it lacks the depth of flavor found in other stalls and I found the meat slightly tough. Usually, you would expect a certain amount of fattiness when you order beef brisket but this one was particular dry and tough.

Spring rolls ordered looked delicious though and were quickly dispatched by the kids.

Approximate cost: $10

It was a chilly winter morning when I headed there for breakfast with the Mrs and 6 year old in tow. I had read about this place in a recent newspaper review.

Located in what used to be a butcher shop, the cafe has a nondescript shopfront. It even still says Butcher which caused me to miss it as I drove past.

The interior is spacious. Not one of those joints which try to cramp as many sittings in as possible.

I had the Persian Eggs and while Mrs had the Butcher's Breakfast. They were both outstanding, the Persian Breakfast with the hot smoked salmon and the creamy pecorino laced mushrooms in the Butcher's Breakfast. The poached eggs were perfect, and definitely the highlight of the dish. Not only in how they were cook but even in form, I've never seen poached eggs done so obsessively clean it boggles the mind.

The little one's hot chocolate from Mork was great too, thick and delicious.

Music is mellow (did i hear Explosions in the Sky???) and just at the right volume.

Great cafe and definitely one to check out if you're in the area.

Approximate cost: $18

This cafe has great food, great coffee and even some interesting Oolong tea. Don't miss out the desserts, especially the donuts! i had the called caramel donut and it was absolutely stunning.

Approximate cost: $18

Had lunch here with the mrs and 2 kids in tow and found the food here fantastic. We ordered the butter chick, goat curry, a samosa, some nanns and the puri. Everything is freshly cooked and delicious.

Service is good and even provided suitable size crockery for the kids.

Price is very reasonable and I will be definitely be back again.

Approximate cost: $10-12

Great little ramen joint in Melbourne tucked away in an alley with decent prices and even a set meal for the little ones.

If you're bringing a pram, make sure it's light as you have to navigate a flight of stairs up and there's no life access as far as I'm aware.

Nice decor converted warehouse with polished concrete floors. Unlike other CBD restaurants, this one is spacious and has plenty of light.

A bit pricey but what you get is greta home cooked Japanese food. The takoyaki is gorgeous and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. There is also a great selection of beers available.

The ambience is great and there is also a little grocery section in there for some Japanese produce.

Definitely worth checking out.

Approximate cost: $15

This is one of the best fish and chips shop I've encountered. Lovely crispy batter and chips that are not soggy. The service is friendly even when under the pump on a Friday evening when the lines are long and the prices are great.

This is a place with great service. The menu is small but there are some gems.

The tasting platter for the appetisers is pretty good.

The Pho itself is good, not great, but good enough if you can't be bothered to make the trek to Footscray or Richmond.

The vermicelli salad with marinated beef is actually pretty awesome. Crunchy and full of flavour!

All the food is freshly cooked and the service is friendly.

Definitely worth checking out.

Approximate cost: $10