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Dani Valent

Dani Valent

Food writer and restaurant reviewer

Dani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

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
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The optional seafood platter (market fish, mussels, salmon caviar and lemon-pickle-spiked butter sauce).
Good Food hat15.5/20

This add-on is like the designer dress you stumble upon in an op shop: an absolute steal

Three-year-old Mauritian restaurant Manze is sitting in the sweet spot. Plus: its seafood platter is absolutely gorgeous.

  • Dani Valent
Chef of the Year Jung Eun Chae with husband Yoora Yoon.

Chef of the Year works two days a week, serves only six people at a time

After a “wild and unpredictable” year for hospitality, a star-studded awards ceremony celebrated Victoria’s best, with some new and exciting names rising to the top.

  • Dani Valent
Emils’ Turkish eggs with sujuk sausage and simit bread.

The brunch bunch: Melbourne’s top 30 cafes right now

In the countdown to The Age Good Food Guide 2025, we celebrate the cafes that provide perfect cremas and brunch every which way, always with a side of joy.

  • Dani Valent
Stefano de Pieri is the don of Mildura hospitality.

Legendary Mildura chef Stefano de Pieri planned to quit – instead, he’s teaching locals to cook

Italian-born chef and restaurateur Stefano de Pieri intended to sell his Mildura restaurant and retire. Instead, he’s staying on and opening a cooking school.

  • Dani Valent
Jishan Garden serves banquets, a la carte and afternoon tea in grand surrounds.
14/20

There’s nowhere else quite like this Chinese restaurant in an ornate Melbourne mansion

Jishan Garden is a fine dining and afternoon tea destination, with a garden bar in the works for summer.

  • Dani Valent

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