Like anything in Sydney, the Harbourview is overpriced. Having said that, it has recently gone through a renovation which means that I feel less bad about the sheer cost of what is essentially a very basic room. I also give them points for always putting me in a harbour facing room, but that may be because I stay there regularly for work. I do appreciate that they use my name when checking in and for any enquiries. Despite the recent renovations (within the past few years anyway) the room still feels dated. Could do with some nicer toiletries too, but when you're tired and need a bed, this one isn't one of the worst around

Nice to stop by for a drink or two after work. It's an older style pub so it definitely has a homey atmosphere. There are tables or you can sit at the window and watch passerbys. Service is pretty attentive and value is decent - what more could you ask for in Sydney really?

This is delicious thai food at a fantastic price point. It is BYO so if you want to have a drink with your meal, don't forget to pack your own. The food comes quickly and is packed with flavour - and if you like it spicy they don't pull any punches! Service could be better - it wouldn't kill the staff to smile a little and be friendly, but I guess when the food is so good, people keep coming back. Great value - I've been both for individual orders and for a banquet and haven't been disappointed. If you're vegetarian, be sure to specify no fish or oyster sauce.

Approximate cost: $15

It's great to have a decent coffee shop in the suburbs so that's a big plus for me. I like that they're very accommodating as well, both of pets and children, which is exactly what you want in a local coffee place. Service was enthusiatic and friendly. Not the best value and not the best coffee but certainly far from the worst and still extremely drinkable. I love local gems, so I'll continue to support stores in the little precinct when I can.

I love bakeries that are independent as they seem to have something different rather than the standard offerings. This one is wonderful - everything in there screams 'eat me!' and if you do indulge, there isn't anything in there to disappoint. Not the cheapest, but it is in Bulimba and the quality is evident in the taste. Yum!

What a great little hidden gem. Not the cheapest place around, but then again, it's not filled with cheap mass produced toys either. What you will find is an Aladdin's cave full of objects encouraging children to play and be hands on. There are all manner of wooden toys, well crafted, the sort of things that can be handed down for multiple children. Not a battery in sight. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable and clearly loved children. A visit to this store is a disaster for my wallet, but my daughter is the all around winner!

Lovely little deli/cafe in the suburbs. They also do catering so it's in their interest to be fresh and delicious - which they definitely deliver on. Daily specials are always good and portion sizes are generous. It's definitely kid friendly, evidenced by the fact they even run kid cooking classes. Value is pretty decent, and staff are friendly, down to earth and real people.

Approximate cost: $15

This place is a bit of a quiet achiever. It's always on my must see list when visiting Mount Tamborine, especially because they don't use animal rennet in their cheeses, so it's a big win for me. Love the triple cream brie... and everything else they have there too! Great prices for a little boutique outlet.

I've found service to be a bit hit and miss here. Sometimes they are very attentive and others it is extremely hard to get someone's attention. Having said that, the food (when you get it) is always delicious and a very high quality. You couldn't ask for a nicer view and being in the open air, it does get cold in winter, but heaters and lap blankets make that bearable. It's not some place that I would make a special trip for, but if I was invited there for a meal, I wouldn't be turning it down. I just wouldn't be eating here if I had to be somewhere afterwards in a hurry!

This place is fantastic, and certainly not the sort of food venue you expect in a food court. Everything is vegetarian or vegan and ALL of it is delicious. The salads are so filling and the hot food, well you don't even miss the meat. I've recently branched out and started trying the desserts (when I have room to spare) and I'm sorry I waited so long to be honest. They have some great specials but everything is very reasonably priced. Staff are great and the free kofta ball samples are a real crowd grabber. Great value!

Approximate cost: $10