Mietta's Review
Prams can block up this small and cosy shopfront store. It's a great meeting place for smartly dressed Carlton mums to meet for a chat, cake and coffee. But there's lots more on offer here. The sounds and smell of the kitchen are readily visible, creating an atmosphere that's a cross between a cafeteria and the kitchen of a professional chef, when he's lounging around at home. An array of comfort foods adorn the large glass counter with very little hidden from the customers' eyes. Plates, platters and large glass jars groan happily with homemade muffins, biscuits, cakes and imaginative-looking salads all piled up to create a kind of mini "wall of food". It's an impulse eater's heaven. But as well as what's on show, Ricky Holt has a tempting menu of items to be cooked to order. The Rathdowne Street Food Store is relaxed, unpretentious and friendly. Not the place to hurry through unless you are picking up takeaway.

Other published opinions
Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 12.5/20

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 13/20

Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 13/20

Herald Sun CityStyle 26/04/05 Donna Coutts score 17/20 "All class. Tasty, wholesome food made with quality ingredients. Breakfast, lunch or dinner recommended."

Age Good Food Guide 2005

Age Cheap Eats 2004

The Foodies' Guide 2004, Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'The Foodies' Guide Cupcake Awards 2004-our pick of the top foodies experience'

AGFG 2004, score 14/20, excellent breakfasts

Vogue Entertaining & Traveller, March April 2003,'All day breakfasts and more.'

Age, Sunday Life, 9/11/03, John Lethlean

Herald Sun, Sunday Magazine, Eating Out, Sally Fishe

Age, A2, Food & Wine, 19/7/03

Age, Sunday Life, Eat Streets, Dani Valent, 25/5/03

Cheap Eats 2003, Breakfast Dish of the Year

Age, Unexplored Territory, Matt Preston, 1/10/02

Age SundayLife 1/10/2000