Fresh is best. The best place in Melbourne for fresh cheese. The Buffalo Mozzarella and the creamy Ricotta are to die for. I used to have to wait years and fly half way across the globe to my home in Italy just to bite into one of these creamy morsels of goodness. Now my life can be defined by the ‘pre La Latteria period’ and the ‘post La Latteria period’.

Premium restaurant & bar featuring oysters, caviar & hearty wood-fired mains, plus cocktails & wine. Great food and a beautiful building.

Milk Toast has the best muffins in Melbourne, they often sell out before 9:30am. My favourite is raspberry and chocolate if I can get one in time.

Communal benches & an open kitchen create a buzzy setting for Asian-inspired cuisine.

Believe it or not, if you drive far enough from the city, the Yarra River is a beautiful place to spend a Summer's day swimming. Warrandyte is a haven of shady gumtrees, flowing rapids, and rocks to perch yourself on while the water rushes past. Bring beers, but esky optional - the water is cool enough to keep them chilled all day.