Excitement and anticipation levels were high as its launch date approached, with Higher Ground being a sibling of the likes of ever-popular Top Paddock and The Kettle Black. We visit in the morning, but it's less like a cafe and more like a workspace and bustling hive of activity. Set within a heritage-listed 19th-century powerhouse on the Southern Cross end of Little Bourke Street, there's no denying the interior is impressive. Exposed brick abounds, broken up by potted plants and contemporary decor. It's cavernous and unlike any eatery I've...

Starting off with an online store, the popularity of their low FODMAP food products prompted Chrissy and Luke to start up a cafe where the public can physically go to enjoy intolerance-friendly dishes. Taking their commitment seriously, gluten cross-contamination is minimised by keeping dedicated food prep areas, appliances and utensils. Though their emphasis is on low-FODMAP and gluten-free diets, they also cater for other dietary needs. Their Fodmart store is still up and running, offering their own low FODMAP, gluten free and other allergy friendly products. Sauces, dips, protein...

Occupying a space off Brunswick St, Something More aims to be many things to many people. It's a gallery, cafe and events space all in one, housed within a light-filled warehouse. The large roller doors are always open, but there's a heater above it pushing warm air in, and blankets thoughtfully placed at the table. Apart from regular tables, there are cosy couches towards the front, and a number of communal tables, including a tall one surrounded by stools that seems to be popular with coffee-drinkers. One advantage...

We all could do with a little more happiness, but how many of us eat to feel happy? Obviously not in the sense of gaining pleasure from the eating experience, which in food crazy Melbourne is not all that surprising, but rather, in eating particular foods to change the chemical balance of the brain. Certain foods, such as those high in the amino acid tryptophan, increase serotonin levels, and serotonin is important in the regulation of mood, sleep and digestion, thus contributing to well-being and happiness. This concept is...

Cosi has plenty of regulars, who even chat the whole day away from early afternoon till dinnertime. We weren't planning on staying quite that long, but we did drop by for a long lunch.We start with the Quail Ravioli. I loved the fine texture of the quail filling and its buttery sauce, the parmesan adding just the right amount of sharpness to the bites of pasta. The Seared Scallops come with the succulent and glistening pork belly....

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