Came here last night for the first time, on the way home from a life drawing class to grab a takeaway. Ordered a chicken quesadilla and it really hit the spot! They gave us dips, sour cream and chunky tomato salsa to go with it which was a really nice touch. I'm SO fussy with Mexican food that I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed my dinner. Definitely a new convert!

Approximate cost: $10ish

We recently purchased a 2006 Ford XR6 from Boris complete with Rego and Roadworthy. He was very transparent about the history of the car and what it required to get it up to scratch. Our own RACV report and history check was consistent with what we were told. We feel we got a very good price, and honest service despite our deep scepticism initially. We were able to negotiate repairs and a final price to our satisfaction without any hassles or mucking around. After purchase, a mechanic revealed a problem with the exhauste that was not previously disclosed, and Boris immediately arranged to have it fixed at no extra charge to us. We would recommend this dealership to people looking to purchase a second-hand car if they want transparent, smooth service and a good product

Approximate cost: $10,999

The Essential Ingredient was my first discovered food Mecca, and remains one of my favourites to this day. I heard about them in the Gourmet Traveller magazine years ago as a place where you could buy candied violets - they sometimes mention shops in the notes of more exotic recipes to help you source your items. More recently I have started shopping at Oasis Bakery on North Rd for certain speciality foods as their range with particular items (such as spices, acids, colours and flavours) is much larger and often cheaper, but the Essential Ingredient is still definitely worth a look! They don't just stock quality ingredients for speciality cooking, but conduct master classes, have lots of cooking equipment and some great books too. The staff also really know what they're talking about and can help you find just about anything, one way or another. If you love food, experimenting, or just window shopping and daydreaming, you will definitely find some inspiration here!

Approximate cost: $You get what you pay for

The Astor is a unique way to go to the movies. Walking into the foyer invokes the feeling of going to the theatre for a show, with all of the buzz and atmosphere that goes with it just before a screening. The building itself is beautifully old and restores the grand feeling of being out for entertainment that is missing from the modern-day cinema. The Astor is an EXPERIENCE. They also play fabulous old, retro and classic movies that were watersheds of their time, so in that sense you don't just get entertained but also educated. Anything from Aliens to Pulp Fiction to marathons, these guys have it covered! If you want to expand your mind, have a great night out and do something a little bit out of the ordinary definitely check it out! Prices are so reasonable too!

I saw a podiatrist here who was outstanding. He took his time listening to my history, and actually analysed the way that I walk and the foot itself. He asked me so many questions that no doctor had asked me before, and he didn't rush into any conclusions until he was absolutely sure what was going on. He then jumped onto the web with me to demonstrate the kind of footwear I should be wearing, and offered me his e-mail address so that I could check with him next time I was shopping and wasn't sure. He explained the products and services that were available to me through the clinic but was honest about what would work best for me and didn't try and push anything onto me. Talk about service!

The food here can be delicious, but the quality is not consistent and I have experienced the odd occasion where the it was very average. Likewise with the staff - sometimes service is outstanding, other times I'm almost ready to get up and leave. So it's really a hit-and-miss kind of place. When it's good, it's VERY good! So maybe go there on a day where your gut feeling is positive! Doesn't compare to places like Shark Fin Inn but considering what else is around in the area, it's a neat little place and definitely worth a look as long as you're not under pressure to impress someone

I've been going here since I was a teenager and they're still one of the best in Melbourne. The service is genuine and relaxed and the food is outstanding. Best chips going around - prove me wrong??

The best fish 'n' chip shop in Australia!!! Where do I start..... Tony and his wife run this place and these guys know customer service like nobody else! They are genuine and sincere people who will remember you name every time you go, and will get to know you. They have made the place incredibly beachy and coastal feeling. There are old surf records up on the wall, art magazines and a wonderful verandah out the front where you can relax and eat in. At night, they light little tea candles that sit in sea-shell filled glasses and swags of coloured lights. The food is incredible! Being from Victoria the first time I went there I ordered flake, but Tony told me that I should try the Mackerel. When I declined, he cooked some up for me anyway and bought it out with the flake side by side for a taste-test! Well, I never looked back. He really knows his stuff. His wife is also lovely - once I complimented the music they were playing and she went out the back and burnt me the CD to take home. Going there feels like visiting your favourite rellos at their beach shack for a wonderful atmospheric feed. And don't worry about the mozzies in summer - they will give you aero guard to make sure you can eat in peace!!

I miss living in Aspendale because of my Bridge withdrawals! I've never been able to find a fish 'n' chip shop that I loved as much as this place in my local area since. The staff are incredibly friendly and I'm always happy with the quality of the food. I guess you could say this place has atmosphere - it's clean and fresh without being modern and pretentious

There are so many cake shops in Oakleigh right now that it's a really competitive market! Everyone has their favourite and are passionately willing to defend it, but I think that Dream Cakes gets a little under valued. Their cakes are as delicious as anywhere else (sometimes better!), and their prices are much more reasonable. They haven't 'sold out' and bought in to the trendy hype that seems to be taking Oakleigh over by doing unnecessary renovations.
I had my partners' birthday cake made there last year for $80, when Niko's had quoted me over $300 for virtually the same one, and were going to take twice as long to make it. It was a huge hit and the cake made the day! Will definitely stay loyal,as the staff are great and the place deserves a bit more appreciation in my opinion