What to eat at Eastland

STUCK in a Christmas shopping rut? The newly revamped Eastland dining precinct is far from your humble food court — and will surprise even the most seasoned ‘foodie’. WATCH THE VIDEO

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LUNCH offerings at shopping centres have come a long way since the humble food court.

Flavour savvy shoppers have swapped fast food for more refined tastes — and Eastland’s new Town Square has been serving us a platter of options since its opening last year.

Jimmy Grants, 400 Gradi, Huxtaburger, Paco’s Tacos, The Cellar Door by The Public Brewery and Lavezzi Gelateria are some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes to migrate to Ringwood.

If you find yourself needing a break from Christmas shopping this weekend, the Herald Sun has you covered with the best places to find a good feed at Eastland.

One of the popular charcuterie paddles. Picture: Nicole Cleary.

Four pillars gin. Picture: Facebook.

Charcuterie plates. Picture: Facebook.

CELLAR DOOR

Dale White has covered all bases with his new venture The Cellar Door by The Public Brewery.

It’s a trendy cafe, provedore, lunch spot and cocktail lounge — where ordering charcuterie boards and mojitos are essential.

But don’t worry if you’re after a more substantial feed, there’s also Instagram-worthy brunches and sit down meals on offer.

“(The Cellar Door) is good for anywhere, not just for Ringwood,” White said.

“It’s close to public transport ... there’s nowhere in the eastern suburbs like it.”

Must try — Breakfast on the Valley, a twist on the classic Mojito.

Ph: 8845 9111

www.beerwinecheese.com.au

There’s nothing quite like The Cellar Door rooftop on a sunny day. Picture: Nicole Cleary.

JIMMY GRANTS

Who would have thought the number one selling item on Uber Eats globally would be a souvlaki created in Melbourne?

George Calombaris’ Jimmy Grants souvas are far from what you’d buy in a kerbside van after a big night.

The Mr Papadopoulos is comfort food at its finest — soft pita bread, mustard aioli, caramelised onion, spit fired and wood roasted chicken and chips.

“It’s fast food with a slow food mentality,” Ringwood managing director James Sutherland said.

Must try — The Mr Papadopoulos and the feta topped chips.

Ph: 8419 8818.

www.jimmygrants.com.au

The Mr Papadopoulos. Picture: Andrew Tauber.

Greek food at its finest. Picture: Facebook.

The famous feta topped chips. Picture: Facebook.

400 GRADI

They may have claimed the title for best margherita pizza in the world back in 2014, but 400 Gradi founder Johnny Di Francesco assures they have other things on the menu.

“I love seafood and our menu has a lot of seafood,” he said.

“400 Gradi is much more than just a pizzeria. I think that’s what distinguishes us from a lot of other people that are doing pizza.”

“We’ve got an amazing kitchen as well — our pastas, meat, our fish. It’s really a beautiful restaurant to dine at.”

Must try — Grigliata mista di pesce del giorno (seafood plate), Gnocchi al pomodoro (tomato based sauce) or Linguine Pescatore (seafood linguine).

Ph: 8822 0748.

www.400gradi.com.au

Black truffle pizza. Picture: News Corp.

Linguine Pescatore. Picture: Facebook.

One of the mouth-watering pizzas at 400 Gradi. Picture: Jason Edwards.

Paco’s Tacos at Eastland, Ringwood. Picture: Supplied.

PACO’S TACOS

Quick and tasty Mexican food doesn’t always come from a box.

Paco’s Tacos — a proud member of the Movida family — prides itself in making tasty tacos with fresh ingredients.

Head chef Sam Mugg serves up six varieties at the Ringwood taqueria, including: slow cooked beef brisket, smoky pork shoulder, pineapple marinated calamari and braised black beans.

The soft pita is made from corn, without the added nasties.

Must try — Pescado taco (panko crumbed Australian snapper, chipotle aioli, pickled carrot, onion and spring onion).

Ph: 8820 8000

www.pacostacos.com.au

A Mexican feast. Picture: Facebook.

The Paco’s Nachos. Picture: News Corp.

LAVEZZI GELATARIA

Lavezzi gelato covers almost every colour — and flavour — of the rainbow.

Dairy and sorbet offerings, nudie sticks (which you can dress with delicious toppings accordingly) and the traditional Bacio.

Sweet tooths took over their new suburban gelataria in droves last summer.

“The line was out the door,” co-owner Maurice di Marco said.

“People don’t have to go to Carlton now for a quality ice cream.”

Mango and watermelon win at the sorbet game, while dark horse licorice flavour proves a favourite — even if you’re not a fan of the lolly.

Maurice said they were always trialling new ice cream flavours with customers.

Must try — Licorice flavoured gelato (even if you don’t like licorice)

Ph: 8845 9110

www.lavezzi.com.au.

Can’t decide between cone or tub? Why not both? Picture: Facebook.

Dessert time at Lavezzi. Picture: Facebook.

Sink your teeth into one of these at Huxtaburger: Picture: Supplied.

HUXTABURGER

If you haven’t yet tried this cult classic, then make sure the Huxtaburger is at the top of your ‘to eat’ list this weekend.

The city favourite opened its Ringwood store in Town Square last year — and it’s one of the largest.

Owner Dan Wilson said the Eastland store gets so busy on Friday and Saturday nights, both the ground and first levels are packed.

The Huxtaburger and chips. Picture: Kylie Else.

Mr Wilson said the most popular order was the classic Huxtaburger, made with a soft Asian milk bun, grass-fed Victorian beef, ketchup, homemade pickles and mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and cheese.

Must try — The Huxtaburger and chips.

Ph: 9417 6328

www.huxtaburger.com.au.