Oscar Cooper was the most recent brunch spot my cafe aficionado friend took me to whilst in Melbourne recently. She arrived before me and managed to get us a table which can be quite a feat apparently. However, if you have no qualms waiting 5-10 min for a table, I would have to say it's worth it.

Lovely staff, lovely coffee and lovely food. We were treated like old friends by the waitress who actually recalled my friend from when she had been there the previous week. Coffee and meals came out promptly despite how busy the cafe was. My banana bread was some of the best I've had, and when I had my first mouthful, it tasted like something and I couldn't put my finger on what it was. Soon realised, after a few more mouthfuls that it was sticky date pudding. So obviously that was incredible. Dessert for breakfast and I was not complaining.

Approximate cost: $18

Two Birds One Stone is down a quiet side street in South Yarra but it's clear it's one of the latest cafes du jour as it gets super busy. My brother and I came here on a weekday morning and although we had no trouble getting a seat, it was certainly bustling. I loved the decor and setting, with a big communal table and booths. Since it was so busy, it was quite noisy but that doesn't really phase me too much.

Nice, varied menu - I had the french toast and stone fruit which was divine. Coffee was good too, but a tiny bit bitter for my taste. Staff were a little scattered but really lovely and did check in with us to see if our meal was okay.

Sad I'm no longer in Melbourne to frequent these great cafes but if you're in South Yarra and looking for a brunch spot, look no further.

Approximate cost: $18

I ended up in Noir with my family one evening after trying to get a table next door at Swan St Social - they're actually owned by the same people so Noir is the sister restaurant, so to speak.

It's definitely a fine dining experience, and it's a gorgeous little nook on Swan St, amongst the kebab and knick knack shops. The service is impeccable, if anything it was a little gung ho, which took us a bit by surprise as we didn't quite realise how fancy it was.

But although it's a little higher on the price spectrum, the quality of the food and wine makes it worthwhile, the meals we had were all visually beautiful and delicious! On top of that, they also source locally. We were really happy with our meal and the service.

Definitely come to Noir next time you have a special occasion to celebrate and you'd like to do something different. It's definitely worth it!

Approximate cost: $30

Visited Cheerio for an early morning coffee when I was working in Melbourne and I was living just up the road. It made me sad that I wasn't staying in Melbourne long term as the coffee was incredible. Really smooth and sweet, just how I like it.

The interior is adorable, but it is only small so I don't know how you would go on a busy weekend morning. But great for a mid week brunch. It's nice that it's off Swan St too, makes it a bit quieter and chilled out.

The guy behind the counter, who I took to be the owner was great to talk to and really personable. If you live in Richmond and haven't grabbed a coffee from here yet, you're missing out. Get there ASAP! Will be heading there to experience the food when I'm next in Melbourne

Approximate cost: $4

Amazing cafe in New Farm, came here on recommendation from a friend. Was not disappointed and was impressed enough that I have every intention of making the trip to New Farm again sometime soon.

It was a lovely sunny day so we sat outside. Were paid plenty of attention by the wait staff but weren't overwhelmed, they were friendly and helpful. My friend and I ordered the same things, the marsala chai, which is incredible, and the smashed peas with pancetta and ricotta. That said, there were about 5 other things on the menu I could easily have ordered and it was a tough call between the peas and the french toast. But the peas did not disappoint, it was fresh and filling, perfect for a brunch.

They're very reasonably priced, we paid under $20 each for the chai and the meal, which I always think is good value at a good quality cafe. Can't recommend it more highly, I'll certainly be back as soon as I can.

Approximate cost: $19.50

This cafe is in a really great location so to be honest it's a shame it's not better. My boyfriend has actually been here once or twice before and has never had much to complain about, apparently the mushrooms are amazing. However, we had a pretty poor experience here the other week. Eggs Benedict was good taste wise, but also cold. Not to mention that they're not exactly the cheapest cafe around - I think you can do better than averaging $19 on breakfast meals. So many cafes in the general area do it SO much better and for much cheaper

Our waitress had absolutely no idea, when she brought food to our table she looked at us blankly until one of us was able to guess from looking at the food that it was ours. Not great. She had a lot of trouble taking our orders, so it's possible she was new and unfamiliar with the menu. I'm generally sympathetic towards inexperienced staff if they're at least engaging and give the impression they're doing their best. This one just looked uninterested and unhappy.

My advice? Try elsewhere.

Approximate cost: $19

I came to Kmart for a roadworthy quote after the one I received at a nearby dealership seemed obscenely expensive. I was in a bit of a rush to get it all sorted and Kmart were really accommodating and ending up giving me a quote that was around $500 cheaper than the one I had received previously.

The service wasn't as prompt as I would have liked but that's because they had to wait for a part to come in, so that was through no fault of their own. They were great at following up with me and explaining things clearly. I'll know to come to them next time I need something done with my car (hopefully not for a while!).

Approximate cost: $800

Ashgrove Nail & Beauty used to be located in Ashgrove but Leanne has since moved her business to her home in Alderley - and I can see why, as she has a great home beauty room.

Leanne offers the usual beauty treatments, including waxing, tinting, pedicures, manicures, gel nails etc all for incrediblu good value. She was able to fit me in at very late notice and was very friendly and accommodating. Her services are some of the best value for money I've experienced - my Brazilian might be the best I've had yet. Leanne goes out of her way to make you comfortable and allay any concerns you may have.

I'm moving out of the area next year and without a doubt I'll be making the trip to see Leanne in Alderley regularly. So happy to have found a beauty place I can go to regularly!

Don't go to the chain beauty stores, or overpriced salons - give Leanne a call!

Approximate cost: $60

Verve is a pizza and cider bar in a basement off Edward St - it's pretty easy to find and has a bustling and cosy atmosphere. We rang up to book around 3pm on a Friday and were told they were pretty much booked out, except bar seats - which we were happy to take. We were pleasantly surprised as they didn't even turn out to be seats at the bar, rather two stools at a small table - totally adequate for a couple.

Service here is really what sets this place apart. Their menu is extensive and has lots of different, appetizing options without doing anything too different. The other great thing is if you are into cider, have dinner here ASAP. They have around 30-40 different ciders on offer, and probably almost as many beers. It's a great opportunity to try something different, and they all range from affordable to expensive.

The staff are exemplary. Our meals all arrived pretty quickly considering the place was packed, and when our dessert order was lost, we had the maitre de come over and personally apologised, and he gave us the desserts on the house. Very, very impressive.

Verve doesn't do the most groundbreaking food, but if you're after delicious drinks and staff who genuinely care about each and every customer, then there is no way you would leave here disappointed.

Approximate cost: $20

Willow & Spoon is a reasonable cut above most average cafes in the north-west area and is in a pretty convenient and central location. They offer Blue Sky Coffee, and while the menu has sophisticated and unique options, in my opinion it's very limited and the cafe suffers from trying to blend lunch and breakfast options. I mean, who wants an eye fillet for breakfast? And it's a 90/10 ratio of savoury to sweet, nothing really on offer to satisfy a sweet tooth except some banana bread or granola. Our meals were tasty but not amazing - but I have to say they have nailed poached eggs, both of our meals had eggs that had been cooked to absolute perfection.

Service was pretty perfunctory, and the prices are perhaps a little above average. Nothing specific to complain about here but I would definitely recommend heading a little further down Samford Road to Grub Street in Gaythorne or Delicatezza in Mitchelton for better food and a better experience if you find yourself in the Enoggera area.

Approximate cost: $18