Curry King
INDIAN
281 BRIDGE ROAD, RICHMOND
(03) 9428 0008 • MAP P.291
BYO, CORKAGE $2.50 A HEAD
OPEN DAILY NOON–3AM
ENTREES $6–$11, MAINS $11.50–$15.50, DESSERTS $4–$5
VISA, MC, EF TPOS
Never judge a book by its cover. Isn’t that what your mum always told you? This is probably worth keeping in mind on your first visit to Curry King. Corny name? Check. Gaudy decorations? Check (coloured fairy lights hang out front). Dodgy neighbours? Check (let’s just say there’s a ‘grown-ups’ shop next door). But, as we all know, Mother knows best and it would be a real shame not to give Curry King some muchdeserved appreciation. Not typically filled to capacity, this cosy, no-fuss Indian restaurant is a quiet achiever. Its paredback interior is unashamedly low-key: a glittering sari hangs here, a picture of the Taj Mahal hangs there, but mostly the focus isn’t on creating an exotic ambience – it’s all about the food. And goodness, is it delicious. The dhaba goat, a fragrant goat curry cooked with spices from the Himalayas, is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Also unmissable are the vegie samosas, which are made with homemade pastry. Curry King might not win any beauty contests, but it’s substance, not style, which gets this place first over the line.
E Lounge
ITALIAN
SHOP 2, 409 VICTORIA STREET, ABBOTSFORD
(03) 9429 6060 • MAP P.291
LICENSED & BYO
OPEN SAT–WED 5PM–10.30PM, THURS & FRI NOON–10.30PM
ENTREES $8–$24, MAINS $16–$22, DESSERTS $7–$13
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
LOCATION ALSO IN HEALESVILLE
E Lounge was the first of Melbourne’s authentically Italiano wood-oven pizzerias, and has made a home for itself in the unlikely location of Victoria Street’s Vietnamese enclave. Over ten years on, and the team are still turning out some of Melbourne’s best pizza. The menu is split into pomodoro (tomato-based) and bianche (olive oil–based) pizzas, with simple, luxurious and carefully selected toppings. The thincrust pizzas can be topped with buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, taleggio, roast vegetables or porcini mushrooms. Not a single piece of canned pineapple in sight! It’s also worth keeping an eye on the specials menu, which tends to be a little more adventurous; recently, a stunning bottarga pizza was up there. If pizza is not your thing, E Lounge also serves pasta al forno (baked penne with a bolognese sauce) and vegetarian cannelloni. Desserts include the standard tartufo, cassata and tiramisu, but those in the know save room for the sweet pizzas and calzone. A top pick is the wonderfully decadent calzone alla ricotta: burnished crispy dough encasing soft ricotta, rich nutella and crunchy walnuts.
Happy Kappa
JAPANESE
85 SWAN STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9428 8672 • MAP P.290
BYO, CORKAGE $2 A HEAD
OPEN MON–SAT NOON–9PM
ENTREES $3–$7, MAINS $6.80–$14.80, DESSERTS $3.50–$8
CASH ONLY
A kappa (no, not Capper, as in Warwick) is a Japanese mythical water sprite known for being a mischievous prankster. So ordering a soupy ramen at Happy Kappa could potentially be a dangerous decision. Luckily, it seems that this lovely little restaurant invokes kappas in name only, so your noodles should be safe. And the ramen dishes at Happy Kappa are seriously good, as are their range of bentos, bowls of delicious steamy rice topped with vegie curry, teriyaki or unagi, and to-die-for gyoza. The decor is OTT chic, with kimonos, fans, pictures of quaint autumn-leaved scenes and scary samurai warriors adorning every available space. The BYO-only factor means that this is the perfect weeknight eating place – if you can’t be bothered dashing across the street to the bottle-o, you’re saved from the temptation of sneaking in one too many school-night bevies. You might want to avoid the liquid anyway … you never know where a naughty kappa might be lurking.
Himalayan Sherpa Nepalese Curry
NEPALESE
340 BRIDGE ROAD, RICHMOND
(03) 9428 1240 • MAP P.291
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $2 A HEAD
OPEN TUES–FRI NOON–2.30PM, 5.30PM–10.30PM, SAT–MON 5.30PM–10.30PM
ENTREES $7.50–$9.50, MAINS $12.90–$17.90, DESSERTS $6
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Cross the threshold of Himalayan Sherpa Nepalese Curry and the fragrant meals, low, warm lighting and tasteful, well-placed decorations all create the perfect ambience for a night out. There’s low-key background music, which blends effortlessly with the chatter of other diners and the steaming hiss of curries being made in the kitchen. The menu is split between vegetarian and meat dishes. Try as many flavours as possible with a mix of entrees and mains. The pakodas, chopped spinach and vegetable fritters, go well with the matar ra paneer, a tomato-based curry with cottage cheese cubes and peas, or try the mountain goat curry, which is a traditional Nepalese dish and comes highly recommended. The usual accompaniments of roti, rice and couscous are all available, but the spicy rice with home-ground spices and spice-infused olive oil is a stand-out. The gulab jamun (fried cottage cheese balls soaked in cardamom-flavoured sugar syrup and served warm) is a must for dessert. It is a sweet, tiny treat, perfect to top off a massive meal.
Hollywood Palace
GREEK
181 BRIDGE ROAD, RICHMOND
(03) 9428 3015 • MAP P.290
LICENSED
OPEN DAILY, 24 HOURS
ENTREES $3, MAINS $7–$12, DESSERTS $3
CASH ONLY
They don’t serve a full Greek menu, but the very simple Hollywood Palace does offer humble, tasty souvlakis, kebabs, meat platters and dips. It’s more of a fast-food, casual, drop-in eatery than a restaurant and is well known for serving up one of the best kebabs in Melbourne. Hollywood Palace must have got wind of their own popularity, though, because prices have been bumped up over the last couple of years. Where you would normally find yourself with change from a $10 note, now the average kebab or souvlaki here is $12. Whether it’s worth the extra few dollars is entirely subjective, but there’s more than a handful of loyal followers who are not fazed by the hike in price. The room is exactly what you expect – stark tables and fluorescent lighting, but the warm service and quality of food more than make up for it.
Lentil as Anything
VEGETARIAN
ABBOTSFORD CONVENT, 1 ST HELIERS STREET, ABBOTSFORD
(03) 9419 6444 • MAP P.301
BYO
OPEN DAILY 9AM–9PM
PAY WHAT YOU FEEL
CASH ONLY
LOCATIONS ALSO IN FOOTSCRAY & ST KILDA
‘Lentil’ is well known in Melbourne’s vegetarian scene, a long-running social enterprise serving up tasty food at low prices. Though its ‘pay what you feel’ price tag unsettles some diners, its commitment to feeding anyone regardless of their ability to pay is commendable. Lentil’s vegetarian fare is simple and homely food, cooked by multicultural staff, and ranges from South-East Asian to Indian and Sri Lankan dishes. The menu changes constantly and though the quality varies depending on who’s in the kitchen, the food is always fresh and satisfying. Although a menu is sometimes available, food is most commonly self-served from a buffet. Staff can point out vegan options, of which there are usually a few. Lentil offers a pleasant and shabby chic dining experience, with mismatched furniture, candles, the occasional spot of live music and the gorgeous backdrop of Abbotsford Convent. Although busy – be prepared to perch during peak periods – the restaurant is always welcoming, if a little chaotic. Thanks to the sprawling lawns and nearby Collingwood Children’s Farm, it’s a great place to go with kids.
Minh Minh
VIETNAMESE
94 VICTORIA STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9427 7891 • MAP P.290
BYO, CORKAGE $1.50 A HEAD
OPEN TUES 4PM–10PM, WED–FRI 11.30AM–10.30PM, SAT 11.30AM–11PM, SUN 11.30AM–10PM
ENTREES $3–$14, MAINS $10–$16
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED, 5% SURCHARGE
Minh Minh is one of the constantly busy restaurants on Victoria Street, which is surprising since most people on this strip are on the hunt for pho, the one thing that isn’t served here. They offer a traditional Vietnamese menu, with a variety of noodle soups with egg- or mungbean-based noodles – accompanied by an array of fragrant herbs – as well as the sought-after rice-paper rolls, sugar cane prawns and broken rice. Minh Minh also claims to have the best bun cha in Melbourne, a warm vermicelli salad dish with grilled meats, shredded lettuce and herbs and nuoc cham. It may be a big claim, but their version definitely leaves the majority of bun chas looking mediocre. As an unlicensed venue, you’ll find plenty of soft drinks among the three-colour drinks in the fridge, but they encourage BYO. It’s suitable for large groups and families, but be sure to book ahead. If the street is quiet, the kitchen is known to close an hour early.
Momotaro Rahmen
JAPANESE
392 BRIDGE ROAD, RICHMOND
(03) 9421 1661 • MAP P.291
UNLICENSED
OPEN TUES–SAT 11.30AM–2.30PM, 6PM–9.30PM
ENTREES $6, MAINS $10, DESSERTS $4
NO BOOKINGS
CASH ONLY
In Melbourne, finding an authentic ramen bar can be tricky, but if you’re after a little slice of Japan, look no further than Momotaro Rahmen. Step inside and you’re met with a delightful burst of colour. The interior is bathed in a sunny yellow, making the atmosphere immediately inviting – an attitude maintained by the cheery staff. The food, too, is sure to put a smile on your face. The noodles, which are made in-house, can be combined with your choice of topping – egg, seafood and roast pork are just some of the options. It’s then brought over to your table in an enormous bowl, filled to the brim with noodles swimming in either a soy- or meat-based broth. There’s a decent meat-free menu too. Vegetarians can decide on vegetable ramen or, if noodles don’t interest, try the tofu teriyaki steak. The food is fast and full of flavour, making it an ideal pit stop between shops during an arduous day of exercising the credit card on Bridge Road, or somewhere you can swing by on your lunchbreak.
Pho Chu The
VIETNAMESE
264 VICTORIA STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9427 7749 • MAP P.291
BYO
OPEN DAILY 9AM–10PM
ENTREES $8, MAINS $7.50–$13
CASH ONLY
Victoria Street in Richmond is a cornucopia of Vietnamese restaurants. It can be luck of the draw when choosing where to eat, especially if you’ve a hankering for pho. Save yourself the time and beeline straight for Pho Chu The. A line out the front will usually let you know you’ve arrived at the right place. The noise of the kitchen, the din of people chatting and eating along with the smells of bowl after bowl of steaming pho are enough to excite the tastebuds. Come hungry and with cash in hand. Menus are on the wall and there is a small selection of drinks and appetisers. But, as suggested by its name, it’s all about the pho here. Make sure to take advantage of the fresh chilli, lemon wedges, bean sprouts and basil to add to your pho. And have no fear – tissues are in huge supply for the sweat you may break after eating all the chilli. This place is busy – so you know it’s good.
Quan 88
VIETNAMESE/CHINESE
88 VICTORIA STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9428 6850 • MAP P.290
BYO, CORKAGE $0.80 A HEAD
OPEN SUN–WED 11AM–10PM, THURS–SAT 11AM–11PM
ENTREES $6, MAINS $11–$12, DESSERTS $4
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
Quan 88 is a trusty Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant that you can always count on for a fresh, healthy and inexpensive meal. It may be small, but what it lacks in size is easily made up for with plenty of heart. It’s a smart, cosy space, though it can easily get overcrowded and a little noisy during peak lunch and dinner times. But even with a full house the staff are attentive and the kitchen will bring out your order with lightning speed. The hybrid Vietnamese/Chinese menu contains the usual suspects: crunchy spring rolls, crispy beef and vermicelli noodle salad topped with deliciously sweet sugar cane prawns, as well as the odd Malaysian and Thai dish thrown in for good measure, such as curry laksa and basil chilli fish. Vegetarians can opt for the organic vegetarian hot pot – just one option in an extensive vegie selection. Quan 88’s no-fuss, low-key character makes it a perfect spot to bring the family, or to spend a relaxed night out with friends.
Saigon Rose
VIETNAMESE
86 VICTORIA STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9429 8328 • MAP P.290
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $5 A BOTTLE
OPEN MON–THURS 11AM–10PM, FRI 11AM–11PM, SAT 5PM–11PM, SUN 5PM–10PM
ENTREES $4.50–$12, MAINS $8.50–$22, DESSERTS $5
ALL CARDS ACCEPTED
LOCATION ALSO IN PRAHRAN
Saigon Rose brings something a little different to Victoria Street. It may offer, just like the plethora of other eateries on this strip, ‘traditional Vietnamese cuisine’, but Saigon Rose is a little bit more posh, a little bit more decadent and yet still at the same inexpensive prices of its competition. The chic, modern decor makes Saigon Rose feel more upmarket than its neighbours and this glamorous theme is carried through to the cooking. On the menu you might find things you’ve never tried before, like the curious but surprisingly delicious banana chicken. For a main you can’t go past the house-special salted prawns or chicken ribs. Also delectable are the roast duck in plum sauce and the beef in coconut cream. The vegetarian menu is small but not uninteresting, and for all you sweet tooths you’ll be happy to know Saigon Rose offers slightly left-of-field desserts like banana and sago, and green-tea ice cream. On a street where it can be hard to distinguish one Vietnamese restaurant from another, Saigon Rose is a fine choice.
Thanh Phong
VIETNAMESE
SHOP 7, 240 VICTORIA STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9427 7429 • MAP P.291
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $1.50 A HEAD
OPEN DAILY 10AM–10PM
ENTREES $7–$9, MAINS $7–$15, DESSERTS $3.50–$5
VISA, MC, EF TPOS
This main thoroughfare puts the ‘eat’ into street. Its plethora of nondescript Vietnamese shopfronts, restaurants and grocers makes dinnertime an Olympic sport. So if you think you’re spoilt for choice outside Thanh Phong, then wait until you head inside. The little hidey-hole with the blue-green sign and rock-hard furniture doesn’t stand out from the crowd until you count up the items on the menu. Spring rolls, beef balls in betel leaves, salted squid, pork and prawn rice-paper rolls with peanutty dipping sauce, bulging Vietnamese pancakes doused in fish sauce, broken rice with shredded pork, and nearly 200 other whopping-great choices that make reading them an hour-long event. By the time you’re ready to order, you’ll be gnawing off your arm. Yet, surprisingly, the service here is faster than a 100-metre sprinter, but it doesn’t mean that taste or staff friendliness is compromised. This is cheap and cheerful Vietnamese food with above-average service and a selection that deserves a gold medal.
Thy Thy
VIETNAMESE/CHINESE
LEVEL 1, 142 VICTORIA STREET, RICHMOND
(03) 9429 1104 • MAP P.290
BYO
OPEN DAILY 9AM–10PM
ENTREES $4–$7.50, MAINS $8–$15, DESSERTS $3–$5
CASH ONLY
Thy Thy was part of the Vietnamese food revolution in Victoria Street in the late ’80s. Back then it was one of the few restaurants introducing Australian tastebuds to the piquant flavours of nuoc cham (dipping sauce used for spring rolls) and heartwarming bowls of pho. Queues ran down the stairs to the street outside as punters waited half an hour for a table, and signed photos of Daryl Braithwaite, Guy Sebastian and Ronnie Woods, and displays of football memorabilia suggest that Thy Thy also had higher profile fans. Nowadays the crowds have thinned out due to the intense competition, but Thy Thy still attracts diners who enjoy the no-nonsense service, quick turnaround of orders and delicious spring rolls and stir-fry dishes. The decor (and menu) probably hasn’t changed much since it first opened in 1986 – the ubiquitous Formica tables and lurid pink walls – but the food is tasty, cheap and reliable and its canteen-like setting is perfect for casual dining in large groups or eating out with kids.
Tofu Shop International
VEGETARIAN
78 BRIDGE ROAD, RICHMOND
(03) 9429 6204 • MAP P.290
UNLICENSED
OPEN MON–FRI NOON–8PM, SAT NOON–5PM
MAINS $9–$21, DESSERTS $5.50–$9
NO BOOKINGS
CASH ONLY
Love it or hate it – there’s no in-between when it comes to tofu. But even the most vehement tofu-phobe would be crazy to miss this bustling Bridge Road institution. Family-run and founded in 1982, the Tofu Shop does for soy products what Elvis did for rock’n’roll. A culinary chameleon, tofu absorbs the flavour of whatever it’s served with. The chefs here exploit this versatility to mouth-watering effect, teaming the key ingredient with exotic dips and sauces, spices and grains, ultra-fresh vegetables and creative salads. The menu changes daily: expect anything from dhal to shiitake mushrooms with pickled ginger, ganmo (soy pulp) balls with special sauce, and chilli jam tofu. The ‘almost famous’ Soyvlaki, however, is a staple – containing fifty-six healthy ingredients, it’s a legend in its own lunchtime. Another favourite is the rich soy-based ice cream: green-tea flavoured one week, Dutch chocolate the next. Authentically eco-friendly, the Tofu Shop manufactures its own tofu on site, recycles and composts wherever possible, and shuns meat. But dining here is never earnest or preachy – it’s a high-spirited celebration of green cuisine!
Ying Thai
THAI
235 VICTORIA STREET, ABBOTSFORD
(03) 9419 1225 • MAP P.290
LICENSED & BYO, CORKAGE $4 A HEAD
OPEN DAILY NOON–10PM
ENTREES $8.90–$10.90, MAINS $9.90–$23.90, DESSERTS $4–$5
VISA, EF TPOS, $30 MINIMUM
LOCATION ALSO IN CARLTON
Ying Thai is unlike your everyday Thai joint. The colour scheme is questionable, the service is sometimes lacking, but the food is authentic, generous, fiery and balanced to the palate of a true Thai. That being said, the staff warn you on heat levels and give you options of mild, medium, hot and very hot. The menu is extensive and dishes are all shared, unless you’re dining from the lunch menu, and mostly come with the option of vegetarian, chicken, beef, seafood, duck or pork. Nothing is pre-prepared or out of a packet. The restaurant is usually filled with large groups of students and locals so bookings are encouraged, unless you’re up for an hour’s wait. It’s not uncommon to see hot pots of tom yum and yum sam grop – a spicy, sticky pork or fish-skin salad tossed with cashews, squid and prawns eaten with rice – on every table. The noise levels are often high and elbows can sometimes be a little close, but for the cheap corkage (beer included) and quality food, it’s definitely worth a visit.
TOP 10 PUB MEALS
A COUNTER MEAL AT THE PUB IS AS AUSTRALIAN AS MEAT PIE. HERE’S WHERE TO GET A GOOD COUNTERIE, FROM THE CLASSIC TO THE GENTRIFIED.
This expansive pub offers traditional counter meals of yesteryear as well as a dining room menu for the gastronomes among us. The Carringbush delivers a charming and authentic pub experience.
The Esplanade Hotel
11 THE ESPLANADE, ST KILDA • (03) 9534 0211 •
WWW.ESPY.COM.AU • LICENSED • OPEN SUN–WED
NOON–1AM, THURS & FRI NOON–3AM, SAT 8AM–3PM •
ENTREES $4.50–$13.50, MAINS $15–$28, DESSERTS $8–$9 •
ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
A local legend that nearly lost its life – thank the pub gods and a loyal community of followers that this joint is here to stay. The Espy Kitchen serves up pub favourites and Asian dishes for those ready to rock.
Authentic Italian fare is the order of the day at the Grand. Peruse the bar menu from your booth, dine alfresco or hold court in the dining room with a delicious house-made pasta or succulent cut of meat.
It’s a pleasant surprise to find you can still order a bar meal for under $20 from this pub, restaurant and boutique hotel, after its luxury remake. The dining room and private booths will satisfy those with a taste for the high life, Middle Park style.
A stalwart from another era, the Napier refuses to yield to the gastropub phenomenon. Meals here are big: the Bogan Burger – with everything including three types of meat and a potato cake – is the ultimate challenge.
This retro-style gastropub has plenty of substance, including an L-shaped bar, ten beers on tap and a broad menu ranging from Indian to Asian to classic English.
Royal Park Hotel
399 QUEENSBERRY STREET, NORTH MELBOURNE
(03) 9329 4519 • LICENSED • OPEN DAILY 4PM–1AM
•ENTREES $3.50–$14, MAINS $20–$35, DESSERTS $12
•CASH ONLY
Retro scenesters Grigons & Orr recently took over the Royal Park and have retained the kitsch 1970s fit-out, including plastic tablecloths and vinyl chairs. The wine list is long and the open fire perfect to enjoy a roast for two.
One of many backstreet pubs in inner-city Fitzroy, the Standard is a local stand-out with kitsch paraphernalia and a large beer garden. The menu is fairly priced and the tap beers cold.
This pub is so authentically rock’n’roll, you’ll wish you’d worn more leather and less chambray. Dine in the front bar with the raucous locals, in the beer garden out back or in the carpeted dining room in the middle.
Union Club Hotel
164 GORE STREET, FITZROY •(03) 9417 2926
WWW.UNIONCLUBHOTEL.COM.AU • LICENSED •
OPEN MON–THURS 5PM–9.30PM, FRI–SUN NOON–9.30PM
• ENTREES $10–$13, MAINS $16–$24, DESSERTS $7–$10
• ALL MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED
The friendly Union Club is home to Lazy Susan’s Kitchen, purveyor of good honest pub tucker to eat in the cosy bar, dining room or under the cover of the sheltered beer garden.