We stayed here over the weekend for a weekend away up in the Dandenongs.
This is a beautiful medieval inspired Sandstone lodge that has 2 rooms available. They offer "Shakespeare" and "Romoe". We were in the Romeo Suite, and I must say, I normally would not have picked something like this (would normally go for a more modern/traditional style) but it was great!
They had a beautiful big stone spa bath, bit comfy bed with a veil over it, a chandelier, and gorgeous gas fire place.
The suite is a bit gloomy, but that didnt bother us!
We were going to Sky High for Dinner, and we found out that Sky High actually offer a complimentary limo transfer here! Unfortunately, they don't offer it on Saturday nights, so we couldn't take advantage of it, but definitely something to consider!
Breakfast is included, so they leave you some bacon and eggs, tomato, fresh bread, milk juice etc so you can make your own breaky in the morning.
It was a great location, only 15 minutes drive from the restaurant, and only 10 mins drive to Olinda.
Would highly recommend this suite for a weekend away.

I went here for dinner on Saturday night.
We had booked quite some time ago, and asked for a Window table so that we could admire the wonderful view over to the Melbourne City Skyline.
Luckily for us - they were able to honour that request and we got a great table for 2, right by the window.
We got there about 6.30. When we arrived, they had sheer curtains protecting us from the sun Glare, and then pulled them up at around 15 minutes before sunset.
It certainly is a fantastic view!!
The service was great, I think it is a little bit confused about if it is fine dining or just general bistro. The meals were fantastic and used a lot of great local product, but certain aspects of the service lacked that "finesse" that I think they were hoping for.
Our waitress was lovely, and was able to make recommendations and suggestions for our meals. After sunset, the view across Melbourne with all the lights really is lovely.
There is a $5 park entry fee, which you pay as you drive in, but when you pay for your meal, you get a coupon for free entry next visit.
Before dinner, we actually wandered around the grounds and checked out their gardens, and even their maze. There is plenty to see and do up here, and even if you don't come for a meal - there is plenty to see and do!

Approximate cost: $30 per main course

I went to this restaurant on Friday night! In summary - it was delicious!
Unfortunately, it has followed the trend of many other new and popular restaurants and doesn't actually allow you to book. However - in saying that, the system they have in place works quite well.
I arrived at about 6.30 and put my name down for a table of 5 people. We were advised the wait would be 45 mins to 1 hour. They took my mobile number, and let me know I would get a text message when the table is ready. sure enough, 45 minutes later, the text arrived! The Host had let me know that we have 15 minutes to get to the table from when we get the text, so we didnt delay!
The wait really wasn't an issue for us, there are lots of bars near by (in High st and also on Chapel st) so we just had a quick drink before dinner.
When we arrived the host took us straight to our table.
The menu has a variety of dumplings, both traditional (pork and ginger, chicken, beef etc) and some more interesting flavours (peking duck and prawn were delicious!)
They also have "small bites". My recommendatino would be the chicken ribs, they were fantastic.
Unfortunately a lot of the dumplings came in servings of 4, and with 5 of us it made it a bit complicated, but we managed to just share and it worked out fine!
The best thing I had, was the dessert dumpling.
They have a chocolate and chili dumpling which his just to die for. Admittedly I am a sweet tooth, but this was the best dumpling I had all night. They come in a serve of 4, (which we shared) but we were very tempted to get a few more serves - they were that delicious!
All in all, it was a wonderful night - and for some wine and dumplings, it wasn't exactly the cheapest night out, but we certainly indulged and didn't shy away from ordering too much food!
I would highly recommend this for a "nice date night" or even just a catch up with friends. Very funky vibe, very accommodating staff and delicious food!

It has been a heatwave here in Melbourne, and so I guess many people would agree that Fish and Chips is an easy choice for dinner!
I was heading to a friends place and was picking up fish and chips from here for dinner on the way.
As it was so hot, I thought it may have been busy, so I called up and ordered at 5.30, and asked if it would be ok to pick up at 6.30. They were more than happy to do this!
We ordered a variety of items, fish, chips, dim sims and potato cakes.
I got there at 6.30 on the dot, when I went in to pay, I went to hand over my credit card, only to find out they are cash only.
To be honest, I don't have a concern with it being cash only, I just wish I had have known before I got there. For example, had they told me when I ordered over the phone, it would have been a HUGE help.
I asked for the nearest ATM, and she advised it was up at a service station on South Road.
On a 41 degree day, I didn't really feel like walking that far (probably 400m). So I jumped back in my car and drove to the servo. Then came back to find there was no parking, so drove around for another 5 minutes waiting for a spot to become free nearby.
Credit to them, my meal was finished the minute I walked back in the door and the food really was delicious. We had both fried and grilled flake and both were delicious.

All in all, the food was great, and they were very friendly, and although I am responsible for never carrying cash on me, I really do think they could include that in every phone call and on their website to remind people they are CASH ONLY.

Unfortunately, it was enough to put a dampener on my experience with this place on this occasion, but the food was pretty good, so I would go back (with cash ready!)

I was lucky enough to be treated by Teppankai to an 8 course tasting menu.
What can I say - WOW! It was absolutely spectacular.
The restaurant is beautiful inside and out. There is a deck area out the front, and on a warm night, would be a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the taste sensation to follow!
Inside, there are regular tables, and a few seats by the teppanyaki grill.
We were lucky enough to be right in front of the grill, watching the chef create some of the masterpiece dishes we got to try throughout the night.
Every dish had absolutely beautiful presentation, and the flavours were so different to any "normal" Japanese dishes I have had before, I think I will now struggle to go to my local "cheap and cheerful" knowing what I am missing out on!
Their Spicy Fish Tempura Roll is phenomenal. One of their signature dishes for a reason! This really is a MUST try for anyone eating here.
Every meal was fresh, interesting and full of flavour, all with an authentic Japanese touch.
We finished off with a light, refreshing and delicious black sesame tiramisu - I thought I was full - But really, I would make room for this finale any day of the week!
The staff were friendly, knowledgable, and very quick to top up empty drinks/glasses.
Food - Amazing, Service - Amazing, Venue - Amazing
My suggestion is - pick up the phone, book a table and enjoy. You will not be disappointed.

I came here for breakfast/brunch on a Sunday morning.
I was surprised when I got there, that I would have to wait in order to get a table for 2. But I must say, the wait was completely worth it!
There were quite a few other people waiting as well, but quickly they were able to seat people as soon as a table was free. (I only waited about 10-15 minutes).
Their menu has a lot of interesting and different options, and even a hollandaise sauce that changes daily!
It is a cafe with a difference, it is a combination of trendy/unusual/interesting.
The waiters were all fantastic, with a great sense of humour and always making sure we had everything we needed.
I would recommend the Short Cut Bacon - It was a delicious breakfast of bacon, avocado/corn smash, a delicious pesto and poached eggs.
It has been great to see a new and interesting cafe with a difference (and of course great service!) open up in Bentleigh.
Highly recommend.

Approximate cost: $18

Il Forno has recently had a renovation done. There were a whole heap of new apartments built above the existing restaurant. This meant they were closed for a period of about 18 months over 2012 and 2013. When they have re-opened it is just as good as ever!
They have kept the wood fire oven like they had in the original restaurant. Their pizzas are very authentic, and use fresh and interesting topppings. Their Pizza's are more Gourmet than what you would get a a typical Pizza place and have a beautiful thin and crispy base.
They have an amazing list of specials, and the staff are always sure to give you a run down of what those specials are.
The owner is a real character and prides him self on providing a great experience for all his diners.
The restaurant is always very busy - so booking is highly recommended. Also - because it gets quite busy, it does also get quite noisy in the restaurant, which can make it hard to have a conversation if you have a big table.
They do also offer take away if you can't get a booking!

Approximate cost: $30