Restaurant reviews – Advanced PM class

Los Pollos

After living in Mexico for 12 years, I crave its food quite often. Now, as a student in Australia and after my first month in Melbourne, I decided to find a good place to satisfy my cravings. But after paying excessive bills in any Tex-Mex restaurant for a hard tortilla taco I was a little bit disappointed until I found Los Pollos.

Since the very first time I stepped into this restaurant I knew it was authentic. It is not a fancy place but it is picturesque and full of colour in a truly Mexican way.  It has both indoor and outdoor tables and a backyard, and always background music at a low volume which makes chatting with your companions easy.

The restaurant is a polleria, a place where you get chicken in several ways, such as in tacos, burritos, flautas, quesadillas, or just with rice and beans. But importantly, there is a significant amount of vegetarian options like veggies tacos, veggie burritos, nachos, street corn, taco salad, salad bowl and churros.

One thing that makes Los Pollos stand out among other places is the quality of the ingredients. The tortilla is done in a 100% Mexican way; it is soft, made of the correct corn and plain. The salsas have the unique flavour of grilled chillies (many kinds), tomatoes, and other fresh veggies. Plus they really know how to make a real guacamole. In general, everything has the strong but fresh taste of Mexico.

In the end I consider Los Pollos to be a great option to have a Mexican meal and a perfect choice for a student as the prices are not high. Actually for a Mexican restaurant in Melbourne it is super cheap.

– Julian Veloza Espinoza

Los Pollos, 230 Nicholson St, Footscray Vic 3011.

At 4 minute walk from Footscray Station.

It Tastes Like Home

Sometimes being abroad may lead you to feel homesick, especially because of what you have to eat. And this is a reason why being at my homestay is a helpful way to remember what being at home feels like.

One of the best things in my experience in my homestay is the food I’ve had during these recent days with them. Both my hosts are generous cooks. The woman leads the kitchen and says that she cannot really follow a recipe, she just follows her gut. 

Every day at night we all gather for dinner and help to set the table. The best dish I’ve had so far is eggplant with garlic and creamy cheese. I had never tasted anything like that before, and I liked it very much.

We usually have dessert and we can either eat a slice of homemade bread with coffee, or we just eat some fruit. Every day’s dinner might cost less than 25 dollars and we can have plenty of what is served.

Because we are all worthy of love, having a meal that makes you feel at home can be a fulfilling experience, not only in terms of food, but also in terms of the heart. 

– Dani Blas Rodriguez

Father’s office

Do you want a new bar with cheap drinks and good food? I recommend going to Father’s Office! Father’s Office is right next to the Victoria State Library on the second floor, giving it a very nice view of the city and the people passing by.

Whether you just want a drink, food (or to do some people watching) this place has something for you.

At happy hour (5-7pm & 8-10pm) they serve drinks for 10 dollars or a jug for 20 dollars. Personally, I would recommend the Aperol spritz but they have plenty of different options. For food they have different types of burgers, toasts or similar meals for about 12-20 dollars (7 dollars during happy hour). For me the chicken burger is the best but they also have a really good vegan burger if you would rather. Both of them come with fries.

Cheap drinks, good food and loud music make Father’s Office a go to must on your visit in Melbourne.

– Sofia Bengtsson

249 Little Lonsdale Street

Closest tram station is Swanston St and Melbourne Central with train but it could also be a short 10 minute walk from school. 

ASIAN BEER CAFÉ

What about having lots of fun while you enjoy a great beer at a nice bar in Melbourne?

You can have it all by just going to Asian Beer Café, or ABC. Located at 211 La Trobe St., inside Melbourne Central, this bar/restaurant will provide you cheap beer and cheap food, like a jug of beer for $9 or individual pizzas for $5 during happy hour (4pm – 8pm).

While there, do not forget to find a spot outside and enjoy their rooftop where the music is not too loud, creating the perfect atmosphere for catching up with your mates and debriefing the week.

So all you need to do is gather your gang after class and go enjoy a fun and funny Friday evening at ABC.

– Rayssa Sasse

211 La Trobe St Melbourne

Cecconi’s

Cecconi’s is a fine-dining Italian restaurant in Flinders Lane. Even though it is an elegant place, you will feel a warm and relaxed ambience which allows you to enjoy a lovely evening.

Melbourne is known for its top shelf Italian cuisine which you will definitely find there. Plus, fine Australian wines will accompany the rich Italian dishes.

Being a fancy restaurant makes it a go to not for everyday eating but a special occasion, whether your family is in Melbourne or you are having a hot tinder date.

– Andrés Roa Acosta

61 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 

Muharan Café

In the lovely suburb of Hawthorn, there is a unique café known for its amazing ambient buzz and its friendly staff that brighten even a dull day; a perfect place to stop and take a seat.

Its signature eggs benedict are a must, different and rare. When you try a bite you’ll be mesmerised. Pleasant flavours in the mouth are released and the touch of beetroot makes it even better.

Best of all, the price. Just 11 dollars for all meals they offer. Also, there are plenty of coffee options for coffee lovers – but the latte is a sure bet. Go there on a Sunday for a brunch while you relax and read a book.

– Laura

97 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

Lounge

Some weeks ago I went to a bar with some friends. I really enjoyed the environment of the bar, the music, the staff… We ordered some beer and some drinks.

What I really liked about this bar is the terrace which overhangs the street, and it is really quiet plus the back ground music is great.

Another thing I have to point out is the design, which is casual but full of plants giving the bar a party theme perfect for young people who want to have a beer with friends. Furthermore, if you have a student card you get discounts on several drinks.

Lounge is an awesome place to have a jar, especially when everything else is closed!

– Alex Olid Carrillo

Level 1/243 Swanston St 

Munich Hofbrauhaus

Do you love beers?

If you love beer as much as I do, you should go to Munich HBH which is a German bar on the Yarra river near Crown Casino. There you can find a lot of great local Aussie spots and Munich is one of those places. The bar is German themed and has plenty of original German beers which is great because if you really love beer, as I do, you will know how good they are.

Despite this bar’s German theme this place is a frequent choice for Melburnians. I mean good beers and a local joint is always a good choice anywhere, right?

But the best thing is that you can drink a German pint for just $5 during happy hour!

Catch you there mate!

– Raphael De Lima Ribeiro

45 S Wharf Promenade