Aleksis Kalnins and Kayla Saito are the duo in charge of food and drink at The Mulberry Group’s latest venue, Molli. Kalnins’s menu, which includes seaweed crackers with mushroom ketchup and whole trout served with horseradish and pork crackling, pairs with Saito’s inventive cocktails and non-alcs.

Before Molli, Kalnins worked at another Mulberry Group restaurant, Hazel, and he’s a Dinner By Heston alum, too. We took five minutes with the versatile chef to find out where (and what) he’s eating in Melbourne.

What’s your go-to place for a takeaway dinner?
Rita’s. It’s a short walk from my place and the pizza is always delicious. My fave is a margherita with chilli, or the broc’n’cheese. It’s rare to find businesses that can do something really well for so long in what is such a tough industry. Rita’s has proven it can run with the best.

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And your favourite spot for a drink and snacks?
Public Wine Shop. The wine is always great and the stuffed chicken wings are incredible! They rotate the by-the-glass selection every day so there’s always a new, interesting tipple to try and I love sitting on St Georges Road watching the world go by.

If you’re looking for inspiration?
I head to Queen Vic Market and have a wander around. There’s just something about the market that is at the core of how I think about food. It’s about as raw and authentic as it gets – just a whole lot of people coming together to find great produce and ingredients, and producers passionate about obscure things.

Best place for comfort food?
Frankie’s Tortas and Tacos. That pork torta warms my soul. It’s just the epitome of all the comfort foods in one hit. If you want the pro tip, get some fries and stuff them into the sandwich with loads of hot sauce. Thank me later.

Where do you go for a big meal?
Ling Nan late at night. I always order pipis, donuts and cold beer. There’s something about eating out after service that is so nourishing. And being able to do that in a place that has existed for decades is even more special.

If you’re recommending a spot for a first date?
Lulie Tavern. Rock’n’roll and free pool in case the date goes sideways. And if it’s going well, you can move upstairs to the rooftop and smash a cheeseburger.

Where did you go for your last birthday?
Tedesca Osteria. The food was amazing. Such clean flavours. It was raining when we were there so we could only gaze from afar at the garden, but having such beautiful produce so close to the kitchen really shows on the plate.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato shop and what’s your order?
At the moment, Piccolina. I get a different flavour every time.

Where can you find your favourite dessert or sweet treat?
Tarts Anon, all day every day. The pistachio praline is next-level, and the banoffee pie is out of this world.

Bucket-list restaurant?
Brae. I’ve always been a fan of Dan Hunter’s food, but I really struggle to get out of the city. E-scooters can only take you so far!