EAT > J U L I A Omakase, Tokyo (18/20)

Tokyo is has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world, it is no wonder that in this incredible city fine food is expressed in so many ways and so there are so many choices. The Michelin guide lists 461 fine dining restaurants in Tokyo of those listed 199 have either 1, 2 or…

ByCrispySeptember 5, 20230Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE EAT >

EAT > Bellota Wine Bar & Food (18/20)

Last week I was back eating in one of my very favourite restaurants and I realised that it was also one of the first restaurant reviews written for Almanak, so I thought it needed an update. Needless to say we had another outstanding meal and brilliant wine. In full disclosure Bellota used to be…

ByCrispySeptember 1, 20230Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE EAT >

EAT > No. 100 Flinders Lane (15/20)

Melbournes Flinders Lane is full of fine dining options so there is an incredible amount of choice available and No. 100 is possibly the newest option that is just a little different from the usual choices. Firstly it is small - there are only 20 seats in the restaurant and while there are…

ByEd ItorJune 15, 20230Comments

EAT > SYDNEY EAT >

EAT > Tetsuya’s Restaurant in Sydney CBD is moving – its the End of an Era

Tetsuya Wakuda AO started his restaurant of the same name in a townhouse in Rozelle in 1989 some 34 years ago, it was an immediate hit and he was at the very cutting edge of the Australian culinary scene. His brilliant precision in creating extraordinary dishes that blended fine French food with his Japanese origins…

ByEd ItorMay 17, 20230Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE EAT >

EAT > Trattoria Emilia (Melbourne)

Hidden away in a laneway, off another laneway you find Trattoria Emilia a traditional Italian restaurant that makes you feel warm and alive the moment you enter. The restaurant is in Gills Alley, the location formerly home to another fine Melbourne restaurant Gills Diner. It is a wonderful space with high…

ByEd ItorMay 10, 20230Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE EAT >

EAT > Ishizuka (Melbourne)

It's not easy to find Ishizuka, there are few discreet signs near the street entrance, leading down a narrow lane, to a door and what looks like an apartment complex lift lobby. Take the lift to the basement and you are ushered into a very special room where you are elevated to one…

ByCrispyMay 3, 20230Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE EAT >

EAT > Aru Restaurant Melbourne – Brilliant Food in a Smart Room

This super smart (two hat) restaurant is in a slightly unlikely location on little Collins Street, just behind the Bourke Street Mall, an area more associated with smart cafe's and quick lunches than fine dining. But there is no question that Aru is fine dining. Opening in 2021 and immediately getting recognition for…

ByEd ItorApril 13, 20230Comments

EAT > SYDNEY EAT >

EAT > Promenade Bondi Beach

Promenade is the newest restaurant in Bondi and the premium tennant in the newly renovated Bondi Pavilion which is right on the foreshore at Bondi Beach in Sydney. With so many restaurant options around it is a challenge to have a smart new venture with quality fine dining, a good wine list so close…

ByCrispyApril 10, 20230Comments

EAT > SYDNEY EAT >

EAT > Restaurant Hubert

Editors Note (25/8/24): We are saddened to hear the recent media reports and claims about Swillhouse venues. The accusations are extremely disturbing. As a result we are removing the review rating we gave for the venue. Restaurant Hubert is very hard to position, when you describe it to people who have…

ByCrispyApril 7, 20230Comments

EAT >

EAT > The Alexandra Hotel (The Alex)

The Alex as locals refer to it, is one of those brilliant gastro pubs that makes everything feel great, fabulous food, a great wine list, smart decor and a warm and engaging host. You know when you arrive that the drive was worth it and in summer you are hoping to be in the…

ByEd ItorFebruary 20, 20230Comments

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