House of Pan, Brighton 
House of Pan is tucked away on Platform 1 of Middle Brighton Railway Station, providing the ultimate moody vide. The quirky, intimate space is decorated with artefact style ornaments like iron crosses, candelabras and proudly upright lion statues, while a back courtyard resembles Italian alfresco dining. This Brighton bar really does have it all – Mediterranean tapas, creative cocktails, cabaret, live music and shisha pipes! We recommend trying the beef meatballs in Napoli sauce topped with Parmesan cheese – you won’t be disappointed.
Platform 1 Middle Brighton Railway Station (Church St), Brighton, VIC 3186
0407 556 704
Garden of Good and Evil, Cheltenham
Owned by a couple of Bayside locals, Garden of Good and Evil brings a little bit of the inner city vibe to Cheltenham. By day, they serve up juices, coffee, breakfast and lunch and by night you’ll be sipping cocktails and enjoying a Spanish influenced menu, including tapas. There’s a decent sized courtyard out the back with heaters, but still probably better suited to Summer and there’s always a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
13 Station Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
(03) 9585 6067
Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, Cheltenham
Opening just last year, Bad Shepherd Brewery Co is definitely stacking up against the competition. This microbrewery and BBQ smokehouse restaurant is located in the heart of the Cheltenham industrial district, offering the perfect laid back vibe for lunch, dinner or just Sunday drinks with friends. The sunny warehouse is fitted out with bare bulb lights, large share tables and leather couches, making the space both comfortable and functional. Customers are spoilt for choice with the row of taps pumping Bad Shepherds beer and other small brewers, as well as a meaty menu, featuring pork that falls off the bone and Texas beef brisket!
386 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
(03) 8555 3175
Cafe Siciliadolce Pasticcer, Moorabbin 
This well experienced, family run pasticceria is serving up traditional Italian pastries and cakes. Cafe Siciliadolce Pasticceria is tucked away in the more industrial part of Moorabbin – not exactly where you’d expect to fine an incredible Sicilian bakery, but people come from all over Melbourne for their cakes and biscuits. For your next special occasion, pick up one of their famous and top selling ‘Bianco e Nero’ cakes. It’s a sweet profiterole cake filled with Italian custard and covered in a delicious chocolate mousse (without the over the top price tag!).
74/80 Keys Rd, Moorabbin VIC 3189
(03) 9553 1928
Cerberus Beach House & Kiosk, Black Rock
The best fish and chips in Bayside are hidden away at Half Moon Bay. The beach house upstairs is a sit down restaurant, offering up an extensive menu or if you’re after a more casual bite to eat, the kiosk down stairs is home to amazingly fresh fish and the best potato cakes in the area! If you don’t fancy fish, there’s also good burgers form the grill. They add bacon, beetroot, cheese and egg to the beef, so you can guarantee happy customers all round. And with all this, you get a view that money just can’t buy!
Boat Shed 212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock VIC 3193
(03) 9533 4028
Big Pig Little Pig, Moorabbin
Another American BBQ hotspot has made it onto the list! Big Pig Little Pig is located in the guts of the Moorabbin industrial precinct in a converted warehouse with plenty of space. This restaurant is definitely a meat lovers haven! Known for their ‘low n slow’ cooking method, the options almost seem endless with brisket, smoked chicken, pulled pork and spare ribs on the menu. Don’t forget to leave room for the delicious sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, corn ‘n’ beans, pickles, coleslaw and chicken wings!
35 Ebden St, Moorabbin VIC 3189
(03) 9555 8160
