With 90 per cent of the world's opals mined in Australia, this sought after and beautiful resource has come to be recognized as the country's national gemstone. This 100-year-old family-run business is known as a leader in providing quality opals and counts many celebrities and heads of state among its customers. It provides Melbourne's largest selection of opals and opal jewelry. The range of opal watches, pearls, and other Australian souvenirs and knitwear are worth a look.
The simple, canteen-style decor of ShanDong MaMa does little to prepare you for the truly delicious fare served at here. Dining here is like being invited into the home of a Chinese friend, whose mother makes some of the best dumplings you will ever taste. Meiyan Wang, her family and staff will treat you like guests of the family, dazzling you with quite service and a genuine desire to please. The food is simple, prepared using family recipes that have made their way across the seas from Yantai in China. The lopsided fish dumplings are a rare treat and the most popular dish on the menu, stuffed with mackerel flavored with spring onion, ginger and coriander. All of the food is prepared fresh, staying true to tradition. Located off the beaten path, ShanDong MaMa nevertheless attracts quite a crowd of diners so show up with plenty of time to spare to avoid a wait.
The Hutong Dumpling Bar draws inspiration from the winding alleyways of China, where ancient traditions thrive alongside the contemporary world. The bare-brick walls are softly lit by the glow of lanterns, illuminating the artwork that adorns the walls as it filters through lattice-like screens. Although spread over three floors, the crowds that throng this place would overwhelm most, yet the service at Hutong remains smooth and efficient, cutting the wait time in half. Watch as the chefs work within the open kitchen preparing succulent parcels of deliciousness to be steamed and served. Apart from the usual dumplings, Hutong is also a great place to sample xiaolongbao and other popular Shanghainese dishes like roast beef infused with five spice, braised fish head soup, dry chicken in hot chilli, noodles, and scallops in salt and pepper. Flavorful, authentic and unforgettable, a meal at this restaurant will take you on a trip down the Hutongs of China from where you will be reluctant to return.
An exotic collection of creepy and unusual artifacts greet visitors at Wunderkammer. From taxidermy tarantulas and scorpions to minerals and fossils, it features an array of objects that are a dream come true for collectors. Browse through the collection of storm glasses, meteorological equipment, antique steam engines, colorful butterflies, eggs, corals, unhatched crocodiles and dissected rats. A visit here is highly recommended for a novel experience.
Go back to making a classic style statement as you don a head gear from Smart Alec. Housed at the Gertrude Street, Smart Alec is known for its vintage hat collection. Operating since more than a decade, Smart Alec wins your heart with the varied collection of head gears for men ranging from simple and elegant caps to unique designer pieces fedoras. Besides the head gear, this boutique is also houses scarves, cuff links, gloves and is an ultimate shopping destination for buying accessories for men.
You will not just find crepes here, you will be educated on their history, importance and most importantly; how to eat them! Your host, noted Melbourne restaurateur Jean-Marie Blanchot, is determined to bring the traditions and treats of Brittany to Melbourne. The muted peach hue of the soft lighting makes this the perfect place for melancholy or romance depending on your mood. Watch your crepes being made at the counter; it looks deceptively simple. Select from savory crepes such as mushroom, smoked salmon or natural. Alternatively, indulge your sweet tooth with banana, chestnut, chocolate or honey and lemon.
Las mesas están amontonadas, la decoración es exótica y modesta, y el servicio es atento. Con todo, Moroccan Soup bar recrea la sensación de estar en el Oriente Medio sin dejar el pequeño suburbio dentro de la ciudad en la que se encuentra. Este restaurante tan popular es totalmente único. Ofrece un menú tradicional oral y no tiene licencia para vender alcohol. Todos los platos son vegetarianos y el énfasis estpa puesto en las lentejas, las arvejas y las legumbres de toda clase. Después de saborear una deliciosa taza de té de menta de cortesía, analicen la variedad de sopas y platos fuertes. Una buena opción de entrada es la fuente para dos, ya que podrán probar los distintos sabores de la cocina. El menú se mantiene en cambio constante, así que jamás se aburrirán del establecimiento por muchas veces que lo visiten.