Top 10 foodie finds in Melbourne this week

1. Part Peruvian, part Argentinian, Piqueos in Rathdowne Street is a welcome addition to Carlton North. Choose from a decadent selection of piqueos (small appetizers), followed by raciones (small sharing dishes). Don’t miss the oyster shot and their fresh selection of fish and meats straight from the Parrilla charcoal grill. You will be booking the next flight to South America in no time.

2. Still one of my favourite brunch spots in Melbourne, Three Bags Full Cafe, Abbotsford, never fails to disappoint. The smashed avocado on toast is simply heavenly, complemented by creamy feta, cherry tomatoes and radishes. The expert baristas, always deliver a good coffee and offer a range of single origins and seasonal signature blends using their custom-made Synesso. Bliss.

3. Rumi Restaurant in Melbourne for their delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. The largely Levantine and Persian inspired menu is designed to share, so you can make the most of their sumptuous range of food. There’s something about Rumi’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere which makes me want to keep coming back for more. Each dish is laden with spice, flavour and love. The house made labne, made with organic milk, is simply superb.

4. Could this be the next big ramen hot spot? Shizuku Ramen in Victoria Street serves innovative dishes with a traditional touch. Claiming to be “the best ramen in Melbourne”, the menu has all the classics as well as modern inventive takes on ramen. There is even a ramen burger made with noodle patty “buns”, candied pork belly and miso glazed eggplant. Only time will tell if this is a stayer in the busy Vietnamese precinct.

5. Follow the red neon lights on cobble-stoned Oliver Lane and you will find Lucy Lius. So who is Lucy Liu? She is an Asian inspired bar/restaurant with an uber cool fit out, full of bamboo scaffolding. Come for some drinks at the bar or enjoy some of their tasty plates in the restaurant. I’d come here for the crispy quail, steamed pork and chestnut dumplings and yellow fin tuna with wasabi ginger dressing. A perfect spot for a date or a big group.

6. The tastiest food truck has started to hit the streets of Melbourne. Meet the Hammer & Tong Food Truck. I was lucky enough to go to the launch this week and was well impressed by the menu. Expect classics from the menu like the soft shell crab burger served with sriracha mayo and black sesame slaw and the lobster roll on a charcoaled brioche with lime beurre blanc and celery. For something sweeter, try the lavender yoghurt custard with strawberry and pineapple gel, berries, lychee and basil cress.

7. Fatto Bar and Cantina on Southbank for its simple and sumptuous Italian eats. This all day Italian bar and cantina offers diners picturesque views over the Yarra River. I can’t wait until summer, so I can bask in the sunshine on a deck chair on their alfresco deck with a negroni in hand.

8. Liar Liar in Hawthorn for its top-notch coffee and quality brunch options. They have a great mix of blends and single origins like Five Senses and St Ali roasts. We love their orange Crepes, topped with creamy mascarpone, mango and blueberry salsa and crunchy coconut. Expect to wait for a table at busy times.

9. A raw dessert bar? What will they come up with next!? The Raw Trader is a specialty raw dessert bar in the city specialising in health-conscious desserts. Those with speciality dietary requirements will be well taken care of here with gourmet treats ranging from the savoury to sweet. I cant wait to work through more of this menu.

10. Winter calls for Nigella’s Easy Sticky Toffee Pudding. Mmmmm.

What have been you’re favourite foodie finds this week? Would love to hear your comments below.

Lisa xxx