This shop really tries to emulate the cafes of Melbourne, with its hipster style and hidden location. The coffee was on par, but unfortunately there was too much pretension dragged along, that the staff made the place unwelcoming. I was also disappointed to see there were few food options. There is certainly potential there, but the whole experience needs to be improved, maybe I have just been spoilt being in Melbourne.

This place has the potential to be a good restaurant, it is just lacking one key ingredient (mind the pun). The atmosphere is sophisticated and warm and the wait-staff attentive enough, but sadly the food just doesn't live up to the price or even to the standard of the area. I have been here 3 times with various friends and despite selecting different dishes I have discovered a general theme of under-flavoured (unless you call very salty a flavour) dishes with pasta lacking some love starchy Gnocchi or undercooked pasta .

You would think you were in Brunswick Street, sitting in this funky, but kid friendly cafe in the middle of Preston. With fixie bikes outside, graffiti and quirky dressed wait-staff, this cafe brings the coffee and brunch culture out to the suburbs in all its glory. From the traditional eggs on toast (amazing rich yellow free range yolk) to something a little more exotic this place has the perfect brunch with some bonus coffee art. I love to chill here on a lazy Sunday, people watching with a book and a coffee.

Approximate cost: $10 -$25

This is one of the gems in the famous alleyways of Melbourne. When it comes to this place, size does not matter. The atmosphere is cozy and always feels exclusive, even though everyone is welcome (even me with my uni backpack and student clothes). The service is warm and friendly and the menu ever changing along with the sporadic Melbourne. weather. Whether you want a warming home-style meal on a cold day or a wild rice salad on a hot one, this place will have whatever you are craving despite the menu being small. There is also a great wine selection and is a good place for a quiet drink after work. I can't speak highly enough of the staff and the food, I am sure you'll enjoy it too!

Approximate cost: $15-$25

Nestled amongst the super kitsch interior and a a teapot collection, you can have a great bite to eat in a comfortable and intimate setting. I've been here for early morning breakfasts with friends to a quiet date night with the boyfriend, it is like the place evolves with day, producing a changing menu even for those awkward eating times like afternoon tea. This place is great to keep everyone happy, as there are always amazing and thoughtful dishes to cater for all needs from meat eater to vegan/gluten free. They will even make something up if you ask! Just a note you can only do dinner, Friday and Saturday night (I wish they were always open!).

Approximate cost: $15-20

Sonido is Spanish for sound. This Cafe/bar takes you straight to the lanes of South America with their "street style" dishes, colourful walls and playful atmosphere. If you haven't yet had an arepa (stuffed and fried corn dough) you haven't lived, with combinations of cheese and beans, you just can't go wrong. Even my Colombian boyfriend approves! Just a note, it is only open for dinners on Friday nights (usually closes at 4pm), oh and no bookings, but you can usually slide right in no problems.

Approximate cost: $10-15

Il Gambero is a decent palace for a typical "Italian" meal (Pizza and Pasta). The atmosphere is cozy, with mood lighting, warmth and earthy tones, with suitable space for each table. It is a good place to grab a quick, comfortable dinner with a friend as it is a fair mix of classy and cheap. The range of food is extensive, we have had a potato pizza, pumpkin risotto, pork shoulder pizza and garlic bread. All were satisfactory, but not amazing. The garlic bread being the most disappointing, with little garlic and burnt around the edges.

Approximate cost: $13 entrée, 20 main

Dumpling Den has a good range of dumplings as well as other dishes for those not inclined to dumplings. Their Xiao Long Bao are made perfect, with the soup centre and the vegetation dumplings will make any vego happy. The restaurant is usually bustling, but has a great atmosphere.

Approximate cost: $9.00