I used to come here after work sometimes during winter and sit at the front by the river. When it got too cold, I would lounge by the fireplace inside, or outside under one of the big heaters which work a treat! You can even pick up a blanket if you like, they have them especially for people like me who like to rug up and get cozy! They do hot milo in a tin mug so of course this place became an instant favourite, but they also have a full bar and restaurant menu too which is a bit refined, clean "Docklands style" food without the pretension. I came here for breakfast one and it cost $50 for two including drinks, which is pricey, but it WAS a pretty fabulous breakfast. Great if you want to indulge and relax at the same time, but not for every day.
I sometimes bring out of town friends here to impress them without seeming to try. This is the perfect place to just lounge for a while and catch up with old friends. The atmosphere changes in summer - as it's by the water and there is a large outdoor area, when the BBQ's are on suddenly there's a bit of life and you feel just like you're in your best friends backyard. But winter is my favourite time to be here. It cheers you up

I have been coming to Tutto Bene since my first Valentines Day as a 15 year old - over a decade now. Whilst it has changed substantially over the years, I still enjoy coming here. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, without being deathly quiet - there is a nice warm buzz that gives the place a pulse. My favourite waitress is still there, though her hair is grey now and she has cut it short. If you get her you'll know her straight away - she's Italian with a husky voice and a wonderful way about her. Before Simon Humble left the restaurant you were able to order lots of tapas plates for the table but they have consolidated the menu somewhat. Still, the quality is there, and the authenticity of the cuisine is intact. Don't forget to try the olive oil and the gelati, as they're made by the house and have won multitudes of awards

Before my partner and I got together, we spent heaps of time upstairs in the beer garden hanging out by the fireplace as the weather was starting to get cooler. What a great place to pass the time! There's something really cozy about this place without it being overly romantic, overstated or pretentious. If you want a laid back place to enjoy an evening with good company this is your spot! Also love how quirky the bar staff are, they're always up for a chat if you've got nothing better to do - especially if you want to talk beer! Their local selection is phenomenal

Everyone thinks they know where to find the greatest pizza in Melbourne, but if their answer isn't DOC in Mornington I know not to take them very seriously! Coming here is an absolute delight, because these people live and breathe good artisan food. Don't expect to come here and find your pizza packed to the brim with toppings, because here they favour quality over quantity. Only the best buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, fresh figs and hand cured meats will do. Only the freshest herbs. And the wood oven they use to fire up the pizza gives everything a smoky flavour that you just can't find anywhere else!
I love that all of the waiters are actually Italian and passionate about the place. You can have a laugh with them and they are happy to talk to you about the food and explain a few things. Even the menu comes with a giant picture of Italy outlining what food is produced where.
The deli and fresh food market are also not to be missed! Highly recommend the 'sweet pizza' for dessert, my favourite of all time - white Belgian chocolate melted onto a crusty pizza base, home made vanilla bean ice cream and fresh local strawberries. Yum!!

Approximate cost: $20-25

I had flowers delivered to me at work whilst my partner was interstate for work. I was impressed at how well Ann's Flowers did the little things - the card was hand written exactly to my partner's specification down to the love hearts and x's, and the flowers themselves were simply gorgeous. I've received flowers before but Ann's just seemed to be that much nicer! Was definitely a nice surprise

Approximate cost: $80

I've never considered myself to be a very creative person, and by no means a natural at drawing. So, initially I was a bit intimidated about taking a class at an studio with fully fledged artists, however I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I felt throughout the entire process. The class is structured in such a way that you are able to stop THINKING about what you are doing, and simply create. All self-consciousness dissolves, and the results are much better than you expect. They teach you technique and skill, as well as how to tap into your creativity, so absolutely anybody can enjoy this class and learn something from it. They use real nude models, and break half way in between for coffee and biscuits. I would recommend this class to beginners who are unsure about where to start, and also to established talents looking to expand on their skills and learn some new techniques. It's great that you get to see everybody's work at the end and experience just how differently everybody does things

Approximate cost: $25-30

I've never eaten at this cafe, but I usually get my coffee here in the morning on the way to the station. The staff are efficient, quick (I never miss my train), friendly and the coffee is always perfect. A little bit pricey, but as far as coffee in Melbourne is concerned, you get what you pay for

Approximate cost: $4.50 large latte

My family have been coming here since I was a little girl for Yum Cha. It hasn't changed much over the years - the food is still amazing and the prawn dumplings made here are still my benchmark for determining how good other dumplings are. Nothing else even comes close

Since coming back from Vietnam it's been hard to find a place that recreates the Pho I had in Hanoi. This place comes pretty close! The BBQ chicken soup is my favourite, the stock has so much flavour and the prices are so reasonable! Fabulous comfort food

This place is my new Prahran Market. I used to go to the Essential Ingredient for all of my speciality cooking ingredients but Oasis have a much larger range at a much more reasonable price. Also love the home made food in the cafe. Definitely check this place out if you're a foodie