For great tasting Mexican, Mamasita is one of the best in Melbourne. Great street style corn and tortilla chips served with guacamole are always a great starter. I always order the small chicken tostaditas (the chicken is melt in your mouth quality) and the pork and pineapple taco. The sangria is nice but my favourite thing to drink there is the Jamaica Agua Fresca-nice and fruity without being overly sweet.
You can't book unless you have a large group so best to arrive early to avoid a long wait as there is no bar to wait at.

Noisette is my go to place when I want a proper French croissant. They are always super buttery and flaky and nice and light. The ham baguette is very tasty and big enough to share between two. Most of the products last well throughout the day, but I have found that if I go late in the day after work, some of the pastries don't taste quite as fresh. The staff are very friendly and offer a quick coffee and food service.

My partner and I went to Thai Rani last night for a 50th and were blown away by the flavour of the food we had. This is a proper traditional Thai restaurant with friendly service and delicious dishes. My favourite was the Panang Gai-a chicken curry with lots of flavour but not too much chilli. The curry puffs and spring rolls were tasty and the chicken satay sticks were amazing-I would love a bowl of that sauce! The offer take-away as well as dine in and the street parking is pretty easy to find.

Burch & Purchese make the most delicious desserts that are different to everything else in Melbourne. The studio is very pretty with all of the desserts and lollies on show-you can also see into the kitchen which is pretty cool. They sell single serve desserts as well as whole cakes, and while they aren't exactly cheap they are incredibly pretty and delicious. There are no chairs or tables inside, just a couple stools outside so you can't really eat while there. For a special occasion or just a nice different dessert, Burch & Purchese is the place to go.

Approximate cost: $9

Mr Burch is a cute double story in McKinnon and a place I find myself returning to again and again. While other cafes in the area seem to always have new staff Mr Burch has the regulars which makes for a more homely atmosphere. There is seating outside, inside and upstairs but arrive early on the weekends as they are very popular. Service isn't the quickest but its not an annoyance. The food the serve is always great- I love their burcher muesli, burgers, chips and hot drinks the most.

Approximate cost: $12

I was lucky enough to use an offer TWNA was using where for $30 I got a full design on all nails with an apprentice. I decided on pink leopard spots and couldn't be happier. TWNA is located upstairs of Goldy & Locks and is a cute little shop. There are three girls doing nails at any one time and their specialty is nail art/designs. My manicure lasted 5 days with no chipping (for me that's great) and I received many compliments on my bright nails. I'll definitely be returning here.

Approximate cost: $30