Episode 13: Eat streets

This week, the Postcards team treat themselves to some of Melbourne's best food and atmosphere.

Smith Street, Collingwood
When it comes to streets in Melbourne, Smith Street in Collingwood is one of the most original. If French pastries and great coffee is the way you like to kick start your day, then you'll love Monsieur Truffe. If you like old-school American style hamburgers, you'll love Huxtaburger. Here they keep things simple with only five burgers on the menu and the philosophy "hot beef and cold beer you just can't say no". And there's Bills bar next door serving the best selection of wines and spirits, and Huxtaburger and Bills bar have a big brother across the road called Huxtable, which specialises in shared plates with a South East Asian influence.

Monsieur Truffe
90 Smith Street, Collingwood
Ph 03 9416 3101
monsieurtruffe.wordpress.com

Bills Bar and Huxtaburger
106 Smith Street, Collingwood
Ph 03 9417 MEAT
huxtaburger.com.au

Huxtable
131 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Ph 03 9419 5101
huxtablerestaurant.com.au

Cecil Street, South Melbourne
Cecil Street at the South Melbourne Market is a unique dining destination where hawker-style restaurants and bars serve up tempting treats from around the world. Start at Koy for Turkish style tapas. Or Simply Spanish has a two-page menu of savoury snacks and a few irresistible desserts, but it's hard to resist the paella, which they cook up for lunch on big pans outside. Another Mediterranean eatery is Italian Brasserie with inviting home cooked food. Or for Asian treats, there's Linx BBQ and Yum Cha for Peking Duck and dumplings. And for fresh seafood, there's Claypots Evening Star where you can hover by the bar and watch the kitchen.

Simply Spanish
Stall no. 94–95
Cecil Street, South Melbourne Market
Ph 03 9682 6100

Koy
Stall no. 96
Cecil Street, South Melbourne Market
Ph 03 9696 9640

Claypots Evening Star
Stall no. 101
Cecil Street, South Melbourne Market

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Whether you're after an all-day breakfast, lunch outside in the sun or a late-night bite, Fitzroy's Brunswick Street has it all. Cheap and cheerful, Naked for Satan has become a new favourite, so don't be scared off by the name. There's Russian infused vodka, themed cocktails and delicious Spanish-style food. Or visit charismatic Madame Sousou and the Parisian inspired bistro with its marble bar, cane furniture, exotic artwork and dim lighting. Another local favourite is Hooked, where they offer a healthy version a fast food favourite. Instead of flake, there's fresh and flavoursome blue grenadier that you can have grilled or in a light tempura batter with a choice of sides like brown rice with bok choy, barbequed corn or salad topped with pickled ginger.

Naked for Satan
285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Ph 03 9416 2238
nakedforsatan.com.au

Madame Sousou
231 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Ph 03 9417 0400
madamesousou.com.au

Hooked
384 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Ph 03 9417 7740
hooked.net.au

Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Flinders Lane is one of the city's most charming locations with its specialty shops and eateries. First stop is Cecconi's Cantina at number 61 with its contemporary design and intimate ambience. The restaurant has been in its current location since 2006 and offers a classic Italian menu with modern influences. Meanwhile over at number 91–93, there's modern British fare at Papa Goose, which has a ground floor restaurant, a first floor bar called Loose Goose and two private dining rooms. And it's well worth a visit to number 125's much-loved Chin Chin. This Asian-inspired restaurant has been packed since it opened last year. It's walk-in with no bookings, with the exception of a long table for 12, and its menu of lots of little dishes encourages adventure.

Cecconi's Cantina
61 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ph 03 8663 0500
cecconiscantina.com

Papa Goose
91–93 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ph 03 9663 2800
papagoose.com.au

Chin Chin
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ph 03 8663 2000
chinchinrestaurant.com.au

Let Them Eat Cake, Alimentari, Cumulus Inc.
Cecil Street in South Melbourne is home to Let Them Eat Cake, another one of Melbourne's amazing cake destinations. For nearly 10 years they have been making cakes for every occasion. You can marvel at their designer handbag, cartoon character and cupcake creations, or treat yourself to a coffee and a daily delicacy.

Brunswick Street is full of fantastic eateries and Alimentari is a staple for a good coffee and home-style food. An Alimentari is a type of Italian general food store and this cafe is true to its name with a selection of goodies including cured meats, imported cheeses, pasta and olive oil. There's plenty to take home, but stay for lunch with a selection of wraps, paninis and hearty Italian dishes.

Cumulus Inc in Flinders Lane opened in 2008 in the CBD's famous fashion precinct. Housed in an old rag trade building, the restaurant and bar is open all week for a coffee, snack, drink or meal. They have become so much a part of the foodie landscape that you can also buy the cookbook. 

Postcards diary

Mother's Day at Dal Zotto
Dal Zotto Wines is creating a special Mother's Day menu with a complimentary glass of pucino prosecco.

Where: King Valley
When: 13 May
More: dalzotto.com.au

Mother's Day picnic at Pfeiffer Wines
Or spoil mum with a delicious gourmet picnic hamper enjoyed in the idyllic grounds of the Pfeiffer winery.

Where: Rutherglen
When: 13 May
More: pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au

Mother's Day Classic
And start the day supporting the runners and walkers helping to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

Where: Alexandra Gardens,
When: 13 May
More: mothersdayclassic.org