With a wide variety of attractive small plates for sharing this restaurant is deservedly popular. Tables are a little small. Menu varies but there are plenty of options including a fair range of vegetarian possibilities. Service is very good and friendly. They have a modest wine list

Maxy's is a king size cafe serving king size dishes for very reasonable prices. The food is OK living up to the restaurant name with one serve being about enough for two people! A great place to take hungry teenagers

Under Hamer Hall at the Flinders St end of Southbank this is a great addition to Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. It's busy, you should reserve a table to be sure to get in, not too noisy, and attractively out fitted. There are views of Princes bridge and the iconic Flinders St Railway Station. Service is good and when we had a problem with the number of items on the sashimi plate which could not be fairly divided among us (Three in the party) they, eventually saw our point, sent a complete new and larger serve and did not charge for it! The food is modern Japanese and quite excellent. The equal of Ocha and better than any other restaurant of this type. Most plates are for sharing though this is not necessary. There is a big list of Sake including a barrel fermented one which I ewspecially enjoyed. Miso soup ($5) is particularly tasty with only a tiny bit of tofu in it. Both sushi and sashimi were excellent as were the seared miso cramed Canadian scallops. We also enjoyed Tempura scampi and pan seared ocean Barramundi. Prices are a little above average, the exception being grade 9+ Waghu at $49 for 50 gm which works out at $980/kilo.

I have been to many of Australias best restaurants especially in Sydney and Melbourne and 3 star Michelin restaurants particularly in New York and Chicago, Las Vegas and Hong Kong. The dinner we had at Vue de Monde would not have been out of place in any of them and was better than most. It was a 10 course, (more like 15) degustation menu served in a location equal to any. There are almost 360 degree views over Melbourne. From our table we also could watch the chef's plating up meals. The restaurant has been fitted out with recognition and consideration of the Australian environment. Nothing here is in any way haphazard. Despite some modest theatricality in the service and the dishes there is no feeling that it is contrived. The dishes are often unique and sometimes variations on traditional classic dishes. Melbourne onion soup is a great example. It has all the elements of French onion soup but quite different to the original. The menu changes frequently, usually a bit at a time. There is an extensive, and expensive, wine list with which the sommelier can help. Many dishes are complex whilst some are simple but all are interesting, taste very good, look exquisite. There is little point in describing individual dishes however pic's and an extensive review is available on 1001dinners.blogspot.com
I suspect it is the most expensive restaurant in Victoria and for us it was worth it. We have been before and we will certainly be back.
DISCLOSURE: We know owner Chef Shannon Bennett as a result of eating at his restaurants over the last 15 years. If he is 'in residence' he generally comes to speak with us and on this occasion gave us a little added value including a signed copy of his book about New York when he heard we will be visiting there soon.

Metamorphosed from the former Fawkner Hotel and the Fawkner Bistro this excellent site is now run by the daughter and two sons of Mebourne iconic chef Jaques Reymond. It's friendly, comfortable and buzzing. Reservation are essential if you want to be sure of a table. It's busy because it's good, indeed very good. The Charcuterie platter $27, is definitely to share as it is almost a meal in itself. The pork rillette outstanding on a fine dish. ALL the food was excellent. Chicken liver with paparadelles especially good and their pomme frits are as good as you can get anywhere.

Approximate cost: $32

Gorgeous venue overlooking Port Phillip Bay, perfect for a Sunday lunch on a warm, sunny day. With up to 150 patrons the kitchen can be a bit stressed but manages to turn out tasty food, if a bit slow at times. The seafood tasting platter at $48 is excellent value For pic's see www.1001dinners.blogspot.com

Modern Japanese food beautifully presented in a sharing format. White clothed tables in a sophisticated space with views of Princes Bridge and the city.
Quality of the foos we ate was excellent. Good wine and Saki list. Quite expensive for fairly small serves Sushi, sashimi and scallop dishes were outstanding. For pic's see www.1001diners.blogspot.com

Good quality, good variety French bistro food,. Slightly above average prices. Attractive venue with some odd furniture including table tops made from a former parquetry floor

If ou want a tough night out and you've got good teeth and a small budget try it. The most unsophisticated place I've ever eaten at. For pic's and more see www.1001dinners.blogspot.com