1.2 Courses with a glass of wine for just $35!!  At Melbourne’s best Italian restaurant.  Go to the Florentino Grill for lunch.  In my opinion this is the BEST VALUE LUNCH in town.  You can also get this menu pre theatre in the evening but you need to go early and be out a bit after 7pm. 80 Bourke St.  PH 96621811.  You need to book.

2.Pellegrinis is a Melbourne tradition.  You sit at a long bar, or along the wall, order a bowl of superb pasta (big serves!) and a soft drink (no alcohol) or their delicious fruit drink - Granita .  Then you have great Italian coffee and you walk away in 30 minutes after a fabulous quick meal.  66 Bourke St.  No bookings.

3.The Napier Hotel in Fitzroy (Cnr Moor & Napier Streets) is a only 15 minute walk from town and it has to be one of the best value original Aussie Pubs in town.  No pokies.  No frills. Just a great bar, good beer and huge great value meals in the evening.  The plates are piled high with good simple Aussie food.  This is a REAL pub where REAL Aussies go to have a few beers, a chat and a feed.  It’s not chic, it’s not luxurious but it is great fun and super value. 

4.Victoria Market - pack a picnic!  If you are going to do a walking tour go to Queen Victoria Market at the corner of Elizabeth St and Victoria St, buy some fresh crusty bread, some oysters, cold sliced meats, cheese, oysters, prawns, cakes or even some sausages and steak for one of the public BBQ’s on the Yarra river, and treat yourself to picnic.  Great low cost way to feed a family and fun too.  Queen Victoria Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday morning only.