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Dani Valent

Dani Valent

Food writer and restaurant reviewer

Dani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

Filter coffee using a V60 funnel.

How to drink affordable and excellent coffee at home, and avoid surging prices

Coffee prices are predicted to hit $7, but there are ways to get barista-quality brews without an espresso machine, like parachutes and new-wave instant.

  • Dani Valent
Where’s Next Honey pizza topped with hot salami, honey and fresh chilli.

Gather your friends and head to this big breezy tin-roofed shed in an industrial estate

This summer, skip the tents and pitch a meal at Campground Kitchen to your friends instead.

  • Dani Valent
Gigi Rooftop overlooks suburban Thornbury and beyond.

There are plenty of new rooftop bars in Melbourne, but there’s still nothing like Gigi

The suburban view is not spectacular, exactly – but there’s something special about golden hours spent on this summer-only sundeck.

  • Dani Valent
Co-founder Asha Lourie (left) at Luna Blu.

This tiny gelato shop in the ’burbs proves Melbourne’s lickability rating is rising

Over the years, the big gelati brands have opened more branches and there are many cool new players, but Luna Blu has become more special for staying small.

  • Dani Valent
Saazaa’s spacious interior, including a new eight-seat espresso bar.

This surprising factory space is one of Melbourne’s most interesting coffee spots

The caffeination options are many at Saazaa Coffee, from a macchiato made with Kenyan and El Salvadorean beans to drip coffee made with Burundi single origin.

  • Dani Valent
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Angelo Zahos - Aptus Seafoods shop at the South Melbourne Market. 18 December 2024. Photo: Eddie Jim.

Go cray cray this Christmas – seafood prices are the cheapest we’ve seen in 30 years

Prices are down and quality is up for prawns, oysters, lobster, crayfish and more at Melbourne’s markets this Christmas and beyond.

  • Dani Valent
Lamb souvlaki at Secret Souv.

The secret’s out about eastern suburban hero Secret Souv

Sorry Ashwood, but this Greek gem is too good to be left to you folks alone.

  • Dani Valent
Perry’s is an all-day cafe at Valley Lake estate, hosued in a former quarry.

One of Melbourne’s most perfectly situated cafes is hiding in plain sight

You’d never stumble upon this local hangout, on the banks of a picturesque lake, by accident.

  • Dani Valent
Go-to dish: Goat’s cheese souffle.
14/20

Discover fluffy souffle near Puffing Billy at this local favourite in the hills

Cognoscenti, a bistro from an ex-Donovans trio, is worth building into a day trip or a Dandenong Ranges weekend.

  • Dani Valent
Takeaway kiosk Eek Charm is cute, cheap and convenient.

This hole-in-the-wall is one of the cutest (and cheapest) food spots in Melbourne

Thai noodle takeaway Eek Charm is wedged between an escape room and a hairdresser in a city laneway.

  • Dani Valent

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