The Atlantic - South Bank, Victoria

There should not be one bad restaurant in the South Bank complex. No matter which of the top restaurants you chose you should expect two things: high price and the best food and service you can get. None of the better restaurants have a problem with over-charging and some deliver on the money, others?

We dined at The Atlantic recently and came away very disappointed. They had no problem over-charging but had real problems in the kitchen. The food was very sub-standard not what I would expect from this area. We have dinned at South Bank many times. As you are well aware I rarely comment on the food (I'm not a food critic) except to make very general comments. But to press a point I will comment on my supposedly wood smoked Kingfish. Firstly there was only one very small piece of the fish which had any "smokey" flavours or aroma. And secondly the fish was mush! Wet mush. I'm not sure what you have to do to a piece of fish to break the texture down to soggy cardboard but that's what it was.

My wife also said every part of her meal, including vegetables and salad was very poor quality. These guys should be sacked from South Bank. On reading other comments, on other blogs others have made, at least half of them are very derogatory. Comments from bad service, bad food and over-charging. I am not the only one who has had a lousy experience here. STAY AWAY!!! Find the local Mc Donalds if you enjoy bad food. The food maybe bad but it will be right priced.

The Little French Deli - Bonbeach Southern Victoria

The Little French Deli situated on Nepean Highway in Bonbeach must have started life a lot smaller. Maybe what looked like a bakery next door. It now is quite a reasonable establishment. On both occasions I have eaten here we have sat upfront, near the windows. There is a back area and outside area which would seat quite a few. On my first visit late Sunday afternoon, for cake and coffee, it was not all that good. My wife who had eaten here previously said we should come back for dinner.

With our foodie relations we dinned one evening on some fine French style food a few months later. This time the experience was an extreme delight. There is a reasonable wine and beer list and good selection of entrees and mains. The beef ragout had been suggested to me and was sensational. Service was Ok and friendly. Sitting opposite the bar was a little noisy, try for a window seat.

After just spending five and a half weeks in France and Europe I had developed a passion for Crème Brulee. Where better to order one in Oz. Well not here it appears. It was most unpleasant and had the consistency of vomit! Not happy for it had been a while since I had one. Possible the next time I order one here it maybe better. Or just don't take the chance.

With easy parking (in the evening at any rate), pleasant surroundings and only French staff you should enjoy the food and dinning experience. Book, they can get busy regardless of the size of the restaurant. Bon appetite.

The Boathouse - Moonee Ponds, Victoria

Want a really nice place to dine on the northern side of Melbourne city. Why not go for a big open restaurant on the Maribyrnong River. You could sit outside on a sunny day and watch the walkers and cyclist on the walking track beside the rive and lookout over the water. You may also feel confident eating at a restaurant part owned by Gary Mehigan of master chef fame. But there is more at The Boathouse than all of that put together. There is good food.

The Boathouse is a modern, rustic-feel, relaxing eatery. You can dine indoors or out by the river. Parking is available nearby and there is a kids play ground right at the entrance. The wine and beer list is sufficient and staff are efficient and friendly and quite laid-back. A cosy lunch for two would find a home here. Don't wait for summer just rug-up and eat with the water birds.

IL Forno - Hampton, Victoria

IL Forno means "the oven". Great name for a restaurant. Hampton is well known for nice dining houses and with in-laws living in the area we find ourselves up this way more often. Nice modern feel though I felt the many family photos on one wall a little too much. The shop front is narrow, lookout for the entry. Street parking is possible but I would imagine on busy nights few spots will be found. I managed to park right out front, just lucky I guess.

You will not be crammed in here, there is good space between tables. Our waiter and possibly owner or part owner was knowledgeable and friendly and guided us through the many specials and dishes available. Most of us had different meals. The wine list is sufficient and the ordering of a beer was meant with a prompt coldie.  The food though was a bit of a let down. This was also felt by some others at our table. I rarely detail the food but when I ordered the Italian sardines I has met with a disappointing deep fried sardine mush filled croquet. I was expecting fish on my plate. And the pasta with pork belly ragout was pasta with a few knobs of pork mince. I had to even hut for the mince.

Without downing this pleasant looking establishment too much I would suggest you look elsewhere. The meals just did match an otherwise good looking restaurant which had all the promise. To say it was OK and not great is being kind. On the up side if you were wooing a partner a romantic meal would be on the cards here, just as long as you are not food critics.

La Foglia - Milano, Italy

We were staying just around the corner from La Foglia at the excellent Mozart Hotel and managed to dine here on two occasions. Both times it was for dinner and both times it was very enjoyable. This boutique restaurant is, from what I could see, a young husband and wife concern. The lady up front and hubby rattling the pots and pans. Our hostess sounded French to me but English was no problem. Service is warm and friendly but still efficient. No long waits.

The meals are definitely Italian and serves are generous. There is a huge selection of wine from many styles, over a wide price range and all on display. Jump up and grab your own. We found two great drinks at reasonable prices. Don't be to surprised to see a dog under the table. This appears to be the done thing in Europe. If you are staying nearby you must eat here. Food is excellent and good value and don't be surprised if you find yourself back here the next day or night.