Melbourne's love of Vietnamese food has seen the city go totally phở crazy, but how many of these eateries can boast a brilliant bar as well and service that goes beyond the norm. That's what happens when you bring together passionate owners who not only oversee all aspects of operations but are there with the customers making sure that everything runs smoothly and everyone is happy. Welcome to TBC - The Brass Coq.

It's definitely worth starting downstairs for a meal, whether it's the VFC (Vietnamese Fried Chicken), succulent beef wrapped in betel leaf, the pork belly bao or favourites like the prawn rice paper rolls and papaya salad. Whatever you choose, flavours are balanced and true to their origins. Earlier in the week the upstairs bar can be booked for private functions but on Friday and Saturday from afternoon until late, you can head up once you've finished your meal and sit on the chesterfield couches by candlelight and watch Colin and the guys prepare some inspired cocktails which continue the asian theme. Try the Spiced Mango Caipirinha spiked with Christmas spices and shaken with cachaça and lime or the Espresso Martini, made with Vietnamese drip coffee, condensed milk and homemade salted caramel. A smaller bar menu is also available here if you get peckish.

At the King Street end of Little Lonsdale, The Brass Coq is an oasis of good food and classy beverages without the pretension, run by a team who are there to please. We know this Coq may not be big, but it will bring you much pleasure, won't disappoint and is sure to make you come again and again.