This is such a beautiful place, particularly for a special occasion. Just had lunch here today and the whole experience left a smile on my face. Beautiful setting, great service and fabulous food. Admittedly I wouldn't be able to afford it myself but I was taken out. We had the asparagus salad to start and it was a complete wonderful surprise. Served with fried cheese and pine nuts. Delicious. Ten I had the Angus T-bone steak. Huge and tasty. The chocolates and petite fours for afters were amazing too. Overall a fabulous experience.

Approximate cost: $50

This is one of the most consistent and reliable cafes around. The coffee is very good. I don't know how they do it but simple poached eggs on toast tastes better here than anywhere else. Service if prompt and food arrives quickly. Coffee can take some time occasionally because they have a brisk takeaway trade. A great local cafe

Every time I have a shwarma somewhere else I realise how good Oasis is. I either have one of their wraps for only $8 or the Shwarma plate with salad for $14. I love the Tahini sauce, the hummus and the lovely crunchy fresh salad and pickled cabbage. The combination of flavours is just the best. I love coming here often. It's also a great place to take visitors to see the amazing supermarket section. They are blown away by the selection.

This unpretentious Italian cafe is a great place for breakfast. They use great bread and quality ingredients. I had the Regina which is a vegetarian big breakfast. It was delicious. The coffee is ok. Prices are quite reasonable. The wait staff is attentive and overall it was a positive experience.

For the authentic French experience, France-Soir is the place to eat. This restaurant is always busy, even when other places are quiet so they must be doing something right. I have been always taken as a guest which is just as well because the prices are a little high. I have had the Salad Nicoise and it is quite good. They serve real french shoestring fries with the meal and they are yum. My friends have said that the Steak Tartare is really good. A very French experience with French waiters and French attitude.

I am so excited to have found this place. It is an absolute gem. This cafe is not in the regular cafe strip of Oakleigh. It is off the beaten track and has great atmosphere, good coffee and yummy food. The menu is varied and the prices are really reasonable. I highly recommend it but don't really want everyone to discover it because then we'd never find a table. The place is quite small. They use Noisette bread and good quality ingredients.

Approximate cost: $12

Rasputin is a Russian restaurant that specialises in functions. I have been twice after being invited to friends' events. The place has an old style feel about it. The band was quite good and played music like Dean Martin favourites, cha chas and slow songs. I found the food a little ordinary but the chicken shasliks were quite good and the coffee ice cream was amazing. It was a set menu, of course, so I didn't get to choose. I probably wouldn't choose this place myself but it wasn't too bad.

Sunday Yum Cha at this Shark Fin Inn has become a guilty pleasure of ours. My partner and I just go on our own and we love the huge array of options on offer. We have had Yum Cha in lots of places but no where has the quality and variety of this place. I discovered their pan fried noodles which are to dies for and their Mango snow balls for dessert are amazing. For the two of us with tea it costs around $45 which is a bit more than I'd like to pay for lunch but we love it.

I have been coming here for years. They have renovated and changed things over time. The coffee is good but sometimes, when it is busy, the noise level is uncomfortable and the tables are too close to each other. The quality can also vary in the food depending on who is in the kitchen. I love their avocado smash when their regular chef is on. They can be amazing but they can also be mediocre, which is a shame. Nevertheless they are worth a try. I have not tried their high tea so I can't vouch for that. Breakfasts are pretty good.

I have been to other repairers but never again. These guys are the best. They are super friendly, cheaper than other quotes and they do a great job. They supplied me with a courtesy car and there was a lovely bunch of flowers on my passenger seat when I came to pick it up. It's great to know there is somewhere to go to have your car fixed where you know that they will treat you well.