Fandango - Hanoi Vietnamese Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

This was my second visit, the first one being takeaway only. I ordered the vegan vermicelli noodle salad. it came out on a plate, with a side bowl of slightly warmed sauce. This dish is traditionally served in a bowl, with the sauce to be drizzled over. Never seen it done like this before. Wouldn't recommend it. Last time I ordered it as takeaway it was presented in the familiar way. Not sure if they've changed things up since then but I prefer the old way -- it was very tasty and the reason I came back.

The chef told me how to eat this version. Frankly, it was awkward and made the dish less appetising. Minimal veg, with the exception of a the sort of things you'd get with a Pho (bean shoots, mint leaves, etc.). The Hanoi spring rolls looked and tasted like they had pork mince in them, so I checked to make sure I hadn't been served the non-vegan equivalent dish. Was told it was the vegan one. Still have my doubts. They weren't the tastiest I've had either. Found myself wolfing down the food by the end, just to get through it.

Service wasn't unfriendly, but it wasn't exactly friendly either. Felt like the serving staff didn't want to be there. Was a bit taken aback when the chef gave me instructions on how to eat a dish I've had countless times at many restaurants. Value for money wasn't the best either. There's a place up the road that does a much better version of this dish for $3 less.

When I drank the table water I started to get a burning sensation on my lips, as if there was chili residue in the water or on the glass. Suggests cleanliness isn't the best either.

Won't...

The food looks very nice in online photos but the service and coffee quality are below standard.

The food tasted good, was plated well, and we were offered sharing plates, but they forgot our coffees, and when we asked to get them as takeaway instead (because we had finished our meal) they wanted to charge us again.

The table next to us was served their coffee without a teaspoon. When they asked for a teaspoon plus sugar, they received only the spoon and had to ask a second time for sugar.

After a long wait and poor service we finally received our coffees. Unfortunately, it was probably the worst coffee I've had in my life.

As a side note, you need to go behind the counter and through the kitchen to get to the rear courtyard (which is located beside the smelly bins), and it's a one way trip - you aren't allowed to come back out this way, which also makes repeat ordering or speaking to front of house staff very difficult.

It was also very quiet when we went but not once did someone visit our table to ask how things were - we were just abandoned and forgotten about out the back.

Ultimately, this is also our sentiment about this cafe - with the huge range of quality options around Melbourne for us to visit, this one is now abandoned and...

Scoured for a quick breakfast spot this morning and discovered this little place on the Errol Street stretch of shops and eateries. The pancakes looked the most interesting on the menu and the order was soon taken by attentive staff.

Three fluffy pancakes arrived ringed by strawberry syrup, piled stewed rhubarb, honeyed cream cheese, sliced strawberries and garnished by a little greenery and black seeds. The must-have maple syrup was in a little bottle so you can decide how little (or how much) you want. The tart rhubarb, salty cream cheese, sweet maple syrup blended well together, though it's impossible to finish such a generous portion. Fascinated that you can add optional bacon to this dish...?

Polite and smiling staff made up for the very claustrophobic and aged setting. Both the front and backyard seating couldn't have been packed more closely together. To go to the backyard seating from the front entrance you have to pass behind the cafe counter and the kitchen. The bathroom is in the kitchen area next to the dishwashing area. It felt like an intrusion into what should be sacred space - the kitchen - but maybe I'm just too conventional. I'll let others...