Very Good Falafel — Restaurant in Melbourne

A Bitter Taste of Greed at VGF

I left VGF recently not with a full stomach, but with a sour taste of disillusionment. Once a loyal patron of this establishment, I was stunned to discover how far it has strayed from the integrity and warmth it once offered.

First, the price hike: $14.00 for a single falafel pita. Not a platter—just a pita. And while Melbourne is no stranger to inflation, this leap feels less like economic necessity and more like opportunistic gouging. To add insult to injury, a cash surcharge has now been introduced—a bewildering and frankly outrageous twist on an already inflated experience. A surcharge on cash? It’s a cheeky and covert manoeuvre that turns what used to be a trusted transaction into a minefield of hidden costs.

By the time I’d walked out, I’d paid $30.80 for two falafel pitas and $11.09 for two brownies that were clearly advertised on the counter at $5.00 each. The maths doesn’t add up, and neither does the ethics.

To make matters worse, the falafel themselves were cold and poorly layered—dry, clumped at the bottom of the pita, and completely lacking the vibrancy that once made this spot feel like a humble culinary gem. There was no love in that wrap—only cost-cutting and corner-slashing.

What’s going on at VGF is more than just poor value; it’s the slow erosion of trust. The greed is not just evident—it’s brazen.

I take no pleasure in writing this. I used to recommend VGF to friends, to tourists, to anyone who would listen. But sadly, I can no longer stand by a business that treats its community like fools. Melbourne’s food scene thrives on authenticity, care, and fairness—values VGF seems to have...

Food is always good quality and very tasty.

But there are a lot of problems with this place... 1- no delivery services (eg ubereats). Only available through their own inhouse service which only delivers in their immediate area. 2- very unreliable at maintaining opening hours. They decide to take long weekends and/holidays or shut the place for the day without notice and they do not update Google maps with their closures. 3- they don't open Sundays!!! Its a takeaway place! What the? 4- they never answer their phone which is listed on their Google location and when asked the staff, they said they don't have a phone! Which is really annoying considering they don't update their opening hours and close randomly when they want to have a day off.

I love the falafel here and other dishes too, but there's no way to ever check with them prior to going there and so many times we get there to find them closed! Very annoying after walking half an hour or spending $15 on uber! Probably won't go out of my way to eat there again but if they're open and I'm in the mood for a falafel and happen to be walking by, then Probably...

Tonight I finally had the chance to go and have dinner at Very Good Falafel.

When I walked in I instantly had a good feeling as the vibe is modern yet traditional and authentic..

The drink came first and despite its semplicity it was very nice, with mint and that taste of handmade at home. My food came out and let me tell you, these guys surely know how to cook. The platter is nothing fancy but every element is spot on in flavour, seasoning and texture. The vibrant colours on the plate reflect my feelings of joy when I had my first bite of their special falafels: dang good! In fact, this crew got it all right...especially their restaurant's name.

A brief mention to the locale, jars of preserved lemons, spices, grains, books and the perfect colours to make you feel as relaxed as at home.

Thank you for having me tonight, it was...