Meh.
I attended this pub for a 30th birthday function, for which there was a specific booking, There seemed to be 6 different OTHER functions in the pub that night, some only separated from each other with a little fence type thing. I had the chicken schnitzel and it came with no sauce or anything besides some dry chips and a pile of rocket, really didn't think it was worth the money. Having said that, the surroundings were quite nice and the bathrooms were clean, but it's not on my 'awesome' list.

Approximate cost: $25

A Simple Affair is both lovely and irritating due to the casual friendliness of its staff. On one hand, you always feel loved and remembered when you head in there. On the other, they sometimes forget about your order!
Having said this, the coffee is THE BEST IN BAY ST (well... Liardet St technically), the atmosphere is chilled and wholesome and the food is organic and always delicious.
Just maybe not if you are in a MAJOR hurry (minor hurry is fine, they're not THAT vague!) :)

Approximate cost: $12

I sat down to lunch in the lovely Degraves St expecting to have to wait a while considering the crowds. I was pleasantly surprised! The fare was reasonable cafe food, the coffee was up to Degraves standards (ie: high) and the service was efficient and friendly. Very impressed!

Approximate cost: $14

This place does a good, old fashioned smoothie at a reasonable price. It also has a variety of exciting yoghurts on offer, including apple crumble and tim tam!

Approximate cost: $5

This place has so much potential! The food is really lovely and the price is certainly right... too bad the service is slow and haphazard!
It seems to be swiftly becoming the new hotspot though, so I'd recommend you give it a go!

Approximate cost: $10

Yep, it's pricey. Yep, it's not going to help that diet.
... but it (along with its other suburban counterparts) is THE BEST CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE IN MELBOURNE.
There is nothing richer or more indulgent than Max Brenner anything.

Approximate cost: $10

After walking past Planet Chocolate numerous times and eyeing off the tempting looking chocolate fountain, I finally got around to trying it, and was quite disappointed. Despite being the only one there, I waited far longer than I should have for the girl behind the counter to finish chatting to a group of girls in school uniforms who were clearly not buying anything. The service was fairly indifferent after that and, after making my selection, I was served a chocolate frog that tasted no better than a poor quality Easter egg from a bargain shop that you would eat only out of politeness. There was nothing Belgian OR quality about this frog!
I haven't tried anything else from this place, but seeing as Max Brenner is so close, I'll be going there instead from now on!

Approximate cost: $4

This is Melbourne's nerd superstore. Seriously, if you are an ANYTHING buff or an otaku of any persuasion, this store will have something you dig. The prices can be a bit steep on some items, although mostly on the rare imports, which is fair enough really. Comics, figurines, art books, novelties... Minotaur is awesome.

Beautiful food, gorgeous service, cute atmosphere. It's not much to look at from the outside, but SO worth it!
We got entree, main, rice, drinks AND free dessert - less than $30 each!

Approximate cost: $15

This is a family staple! Eddie and the gang at Imperial Garden regularly dish up some of the best Chinese / Malaysian fusion dishes in Melbourne, at incredibly reasonable prices, all whilst smiling broadly and taking every care to look after us. Plus, they make a mean Fluffy Duck cocktail!

Approximate cost: $25