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Dani Valent

Dani Valent

Food writer and restaurant reviewer

Dani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

Il Mercato Centrale in Melbourne’s CBD.

Il Mercato Centrale

An Italian food hub where 23 artisans sell their wares across three floors.

  • Dani Valent
A restaurant in Abbotsford less than a year old is being rebooted, after its owners say they missed the mark.

Why this much-talked-about restaurant is being overhauled in its first year

The owners admit the original menu “missed the mark” with locals – now they’ve gone back to the drawing board, revealing a new all-women leadership team with impressive international credentials.

  • Dani Valent
Bar Brillo

This cosy neighbourhood wine bar in an underrated inner suburb is worth seeking out

Bar Brillo is a welcome addition to this small, hilly pocket northwest of the city, serving natural wines and Italian-leaning small plates.

  • Dani Valent
Assorted dishes at Jollof Vibe.

Inside a roller-doored garage in Kensington lies a truly great little dining gem

Ghanaian jollof, Nigerian jollof and even spaghetti jollof are on the menu at Jollof Vibe, a West African eatery operating out of a dark shared kitchen.

  • Dani Valent
The premium Indian restaurant seats 130 in booths or on elegant folding chairs.
Good Food hat15/20

This hatted restaurant is a jewel, nestled in our critic’s least favourite location in Melbourne

Toddy Shop chef Mischa Tropp’s fire-driven, premium restaurant at Crown feels real, right and resonant.

  • Dani Valent
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The ottoman breakfast with menemen.

You’d be unlikely to stumble upon this 170-seat Turkish restaurant, but it’s a true find

One Stop Kebab and Cafe has it all: tea and eggs, tradie kebabs and gozleme, and rice pudding and sturdy coffee.

  • Dani Valent
Enjoy a Greek feast at Taverna.
14.5/20

‘Olive oily, lemony, salty deliciousness’: This corner is a rollicking Greek party once more

Taverna was created in a hurry, but it’s instantly timeless, writes Dani Valent. And there’s a lot of Hellenic history here.

  • Dani Valent
Tuna on betel leaf at Lah Bros.

‘Outstanding curries’: Chapel Street spot showcases a new side of Nepalese cuisine

Lah Bros is a warm and welcoming place for lentil pancakes, betel leaves and a modern take on momos.

  • Dani Valent
Cam Tay-Yap at Pebble in his climbing gym’s car park.

‘If you see hi-vis, keep going’: Melbourne’s most hidden restaurants and takeaway spots

From Columbian hot dogs in car parks to barbecues at climbing gyms, some of the city’s best eating is increasingly found in unlikely locations.

  • Dani Valent
Scallop and prawn dumplings (top) and prawn and chive dumplings.
14/20

Is this suburban yum cha spot serving Melbourne’s best dim sum?

Melburnians should be grateful for Chef Wong’s beautiful dumplings and exemplary egg tarts, writes Dani Valent.

  • Dani Valent

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/by/dani-valent-hven6