There getting to be a bit of Vietnamese roll competition in Parramatta. I can think of 4 places now, outside of Westfield and they are all acceptable. Excell roll is the most expensive for a salad roll (but still cheap at less that $5 and its big), but to me its the tastiest. Its seems to be in the sauce. They also have rice paper rolls and the regular options for the bread rolls.

Approximate cost: $5

Theres real novelty here- you go in, at each table is a tablet and you order electronically- you also call for attention etc etc electronically. Once the food is ready, a waitperson brings it to you. Its kind of cool, although can be confusing at first. Apart from that there are cheap set meals and the food is good. The lunch deal I had included a drink, miso, fruit and 'small dish' , all for about $12.

A visit to Sonoma is a bit of a treat for me. Its on the pricey side but the goods are very good. The bread is dense and chewy and tasty. the sweets are super yum- muffin is excellent, cake is superb. Its just some of us cant/won't pay $7 for a loaf every few days.

The Crispy Inn re-opened after some renovations months ago, but although the displays are a lot more upmarket, the products are still the same. I've been coming here on and off for years, and its always been hit and miss. Some of the bread and rolls are good- tasty and fresh, others have seen better days. The cakes are sometimes fresh, sometimes not- a bit of a lottery. The pies look good, but after i have one (maybe twice a year) i tell myself (again) not to bother. Its always open , and close to where i live but my expectations are never that high.

I've never seen this place before, and i suspect that it may be related to the one in chinatown- its similar food, northern chinese- dumplings, pancakes, and hot pots. pretty good, pretty cheap. actually, at 16 dumplings for $9 you cant really go wrong. Despite the fact that it was out of the way, there was a wait to eat, but the turn over was quick. The drawcard is the fact that the owner, when not barking orders at the staff, stands in the restaurant and plays his violin. Lunch: cheap, cheerful and musical.

Approximate cost: $12

this was a random choice for dinner and after eating a spending a motza I had to have a sandwich at home. I found the food fairly ho-hum, expensive and the whole outfit attempting to cash in on location, not really delivering on goods. Pricey, really small portions and forgetable food.

This restuarant is always busy and they do a very good job regardless of the crush inside. Apart from the place being pretty noisey the food is good. Its NOT tex-mex, which is great, with fresh food and interesting flavours. There is quite a bit of chilli and heat, so if you're not into that, be careful. Overall, an enjoyable meal, but how many times can you eat mexican?

Dont be fooled by the 15% off sign...its ALWAYS 15% off. Otherwise, its really good. There are health rebates and you can just walk in. There are a few cubicles so availability is prompt. They never seem busy, but the massage i had was superb. I asked for 'strong' and it was strong (unlike some). The massuer was receptive to what i wanted and focused on problem points. I will be back. $30 for 30 mins, you cant go wrong.

Approximate cost: $30

I have been here about 6 times for massage. The good this is that is affordable and there are health fund rebates. Also, if you want a 'strong' massage, they will oblige- and strong you get. I have never booked and just walked in - and they have always been able to accommodate. Its good, cheap and effective, but the cubicles are not sound proof and theres no frills.

Approximate cost: $60

the newly fitted out newtown hotel is just ok in my opinion. It is really schmick and hip but lost a bit of its character. It now caters to a younger, heterosexual crowd and has lost a bit of its queer appeal. The weekends are busy and i find the crowd pretty annoying. During the day and during the week it is a little quieter. On the up side there are ok priced drinks and wine on tap?!