Best Cozy Restaurants in ASD-TBD (NA)

The food and service was exceptional. It was a little crowded as many patrons were going to a show and needed to be served promptly. Next time we will book a table at 7 rather than at 6.

You simply cannot go wrong stepping through the door…whether it’s the trattoria or bistro, your experience is nothing short of wonderful food care of the staff who make the whole thing look so effortless. Love it love it love it.

We booked very last minute, just a few days before Christmas while we were attending a concert (matinee), and were absolutely delighted. The menu wasn’t huge in terms of choice, but they were still able to accommodate one very picky eater and one diner with several dietary restrictions. The food was excellent — a big step up from the many standard middle eastern eateries around Melbourne. We started with freshly made hummus (the breads were replenished when we ran out), a rice dish, and the chicken option. The chicken came with a steaming hot pour-over sauce that was like nothing we’ve ever tasted. A real stand out! For dessert, we shared a small tart: lemon meringue with pistachios. It was exquisite, with thin, melt-in-the-mouth pastry and beautifully balanced sour-versus-sweet flavours. The service was stellar with timely attentiveness, and the décor was stylish - almost French in design. Even though it was a small restaurant, it felt surprisingly spacious. We were so glad to have found this gem only a few minutes’ walk from Swanston St. Our only suggestion would be to consider the music choices. Perhaps something themed with the food might add to the ambiance?

If you want a review of the steaks at Meat Maiden, scroll on. I didn’t order steak…which is perhaps akin to going to Red Rooster and not ordering chicken. I went for the miso cauliflower, perhaps not the first choice of most diners. But I made our reservation because I knew my mega-carnivorous husband would love it. And he did. So yes, the food was excellent. Go for the food. But waaaaaaaay better than the food were the staff. Unlike the current trend for waitstaff to make it obvious they’d rather be anywhere than taking your food order, MM staff all genuinely looked like they wanted to be there. They were joyful, engaging and had each other’s backs. They worked together like a well oiled machine and it was fun and heart warming to watch. I’d go back for the chips. For the crème caramel, for the cauliflower and the donut. My husband would go back for the burnt ends and the pork belly and scallops. But most of all, we’d go back for Nathan and the rest of the staff.

Moat is always amazing. We live locally and Moat is still our date night venue. We love it every time and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Everyone we have taken there has loved it and we are looking forward to our next visit.