Lunch favourites (takeaway)

Working in Melbourne's CBD, I'm surrounded by an abundance of cafes and restaurants. While I try to pack a healthy lunch where possible, I do enjoy leaving the office to stretch my legs and grab a bite to eat.

Here are my five lunch favourites (takeaway) for the start of 2012.

Grind in the city
Located in Centre Place, this small cafe offers a range of wraps, focaccias and other food stuffs (e.g., fruit salad & pastries). Grind is a favourite of mine mostly because of the variety and quality of the food, but the staff make it a pleasant experience. Recently, I grabbed a couple of extra foccacias for a road trip and they double-bagged and packed them for me - so nice!

I recommend... the lamb wrap.

Lamb wrap

N.Lee Bakery
If you've never had Banh Mi do yourself a favour and try it as soon as possible. Vietnamese baguettes (Banh Mi) have become extremely popular in Melbourne in the past few years due to the fresh bread and variety of ingredients. While you can choose any combination of bread and fillings, the traditional Vietnamese salad options steal the spotlight. The staff are friendly and efficient, but due to its popularity the line often extends out onto the footpath during the lunch period.

I recommend... traditional Vietnamese salad with pork loaf on a multigrain roll.

Multigrain roll w traditional Vietnamese salad and pork loaf

Shuji Sushi
Sushi is a great work lunch for me. It is quick to order and easy to eat on the go. It also gives me an opportunity to increase my fish intake. For consistent quality near my work I can't go past Shuji Sushi. You can grab handrolls and ready made sashimi/sushi packs or even dine-in.

I recommend... raw salmon roll, however, all the handrolls are pretty delicious.

Raw salmon handroll

Barista 101
I must admit I frequently visit this cafe because of its proximity to my workplace. If I'm ever pumped at work and a decent lunch is not on the cards, I'll dash down to 101 pick up a sandwich or a focaccia and head back to my desk. Barista 101 offers a decent variety of food, ranging from focaccias and wraps to pies, sweets and salads. Unfortunately though, the staff are never very welcoming.

I recommend... nutty chicken sandwich or chicken pesto pasta salad.

Nutty chicken sandwich

Roule Galette
While Roule Galette is not one of my regular lunch destinations, I have occasionally given into temptation and grabbed a crepe to go. Roule Galette offers sweet and savoury crepes, and you're bound to be served by someone with a knee-weakening accent. The crepes are made as per usual but are then folded into a triangular shape and placed in a paper cone. It is conveniently easy to hold and absolutely perfect when you want lunch that strays from the traditional.

I recommend... a nutella crepe if you're after something sweet (and a dose of nostalgia).

Nutella crepe

As you have probably realised by now, my 'favourite' lunch spots are all within a fairly limited geographical area. By no means are these the 5 best lunch spots in Melbourne, these aren't even the 5 best lunch spots in my area. These are my favourite places to grab lunch on the go... at the moment.

What is your favourite lunch destination?

- Dani

Summary
Grind in the City - 4 Centre Place, Melbourne VIC
N.Lee Bakery - 62 Little Collins, Melbourne VIC
Shujii Sushi - 250 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC
Barista 101 - Shop 5D, 100 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC
Roule Galette - Scott Alley, 241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC