For casual, reasonably-priced and excellent food with a great atmosphere - Movida Aqui (book a few days in advance, or wait at Movida Next Door), and Mamasita (Mexican, no reservations). Had a great quick bite to eat at The Waiting Room (Crown) last week too. Excellent coughtails!
On the fine dining side of things - had dinner at Bistro Vue recently. Good food, but I wasn't blown away (haven't tried Vue du Monde but I've tried Shannon Bennett's food before and was impressed) . Same with Jacques Reymond - excellent food, but not mind-blowing. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the Sydney 3 hatters like Quay, which I'd rate well above almost anywhere else, including some San Pellegrino Top 20, 3 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Jamie Oliver's Fifteen has never failed to impress me.
Cheers,
- Febs.
PS: Stay away from Nobu. Good elsewhere, but pretty rubbish in Melbourne.