Dani Valent

Food writer and restaurant reviewer

Dani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

Vegetarian Udupi restaurant Sri Ananda Bhavan will impress dosa snobs and novices alike.

Bobbie Peels’ simple dishes − including these chunks of fluffy spud − have surprising depth.

Paris-trained baker Mariana Chedid, of Brulee patisserie fame, leans into her Lebanese heritage at Salam.

Several Melbourne hospitality ventures are splitting rent and utilities to reduce costs, build community and reach out to new customers.

Four Kilo Fish is one of the rare Melbourne places that serves Chinese specialty coffee, including one drink that tastes like a Jaffa.

Pirate Life’s beer is made off site, so does its 200-seat venue stand on its own terms as a food and drink drawcard?

Costenisimo’s loaded fries, hot dogs and burgers are worth crossing town for.

Melbourne’s growing ranks of gelato and ice-cream shops are bringing tea, viral chocolate bars and tropical desserts into the mix.

Roll into low-key city spot Liyin Rice Roll Master (Jade Delight) for smoky noodles, comforting congee and cheung fun.

Puttanesca at the Clifton Hotel is in the hands of a new operator as Public Hospitality’s financial unravelling continues.