Kallista Tea Room has been on my to-visit list for a while and when we decided to drop in, at lunch…read moreon a weekday, I was very pleasantly surprised. Let's talk food: AMAZING. I had the chilli eggs and would heartily recommend: just the right amount of kick and full of flavour. Hubby had the brioche french toast, slightly elevated from your typical fare by the delicious addition of pear compote and coconut custard. A must have for all the sweet tooths out there. The prices were maybe a touch on the dearer side (think tourist pricing) though I personally think reasonable enough for the quality. As far as atmosphere think ecclectic-bush-hole-in-the-wall; a big tick in my book. With a laid-back, chill vibe it's perfect for a long, gossipy cuppa or just a quick bite to eat. Of note and one of the HUGE highlights for me was the picturesque native cockatoo viewing: free with lunch. The interior of the cafe has a section with this glorious picture window showing the local winged residents chilling, pruning and putting on a free show. It was as unexpected as it was delightful. I'll definitely be back: the high tea is calling my name.

Food was very nice, good atmosphere and enjoyed watching the birds…read moreantics................................

Dudley's has the best food , friendly staff , and the best ambience. There are plenty of native…read morebirds flying around , which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

We tend to drop in to Dudleys when we're in Olinda. Staff here are always very welcoming, and…read morethere's typically a great atmosphere. During summer months there'll be singers, with a warm, open fire inside for winter. The menu is extensive, and at any one time there'll be several specials to choose from, some of which are better than others. The kitchen boasts a proper wood-fried pizza oven, so you can expect a really good pizza here.

I have been to two function at Earthly Pleasures, the second was a wedding…read more This is a beautiful venue. Catering was devine and the staff are very friendly and professional making sure their guest are happy. I will definitely come back and recommend this for small to medium functions

Earthly Pleasures is one of the reasons I live on Mount Dandenong…read more Their food is amazing, and their staff are charming. Unfortunately, they don't change their menu anywhere near enough. What they do is great, and if you're visiting, you can't go wrong. As a regular, things will get a bit boring after a month or so. However, if you haven't been there before, you're mad to avoid it - their offerings are amazing, particularly if you're vegetarian.

This is actually a rather charming tavern, located up in the Mount Dandenong Ranges. In a way it's…read morelocation makes it rather charming, but more than that, the building also is quite lovely as well. Basically it is an English style pub, but it has more charm, and more character, than a lot of others that I visit, namely because they don't go out of their way to make themselves appear to be an English tavern. Like, they have some rather nice beers on tap, and the staff are rather friendly as well. Yeah, this is actually a rather lovely place to be honest.

Really friendly staff and ENORMOUS portions, as I learned from ordering a parma (what else would a…read moreforeigner order in an Australian pub? :-) ). Prices are standard and it doesn't play loud obnoxious music.

Well executed mains. Crispy Crackling on yummy pork belly. Short but diverse list of local wines…read more Make sure you keep space for dessert.

A very nice lunch venue. The Vietnamese salads are extremely tasty and very light (someone with a…read morebig appetite would be left hungry). My main negative comment is that the food takes a long time to come out. The chef appears to only be able to make food for one table at the time. If you're in a rush, this isn't the place to go.

Wonderful atmosphere, charming host and fantastic food. Don't book online, though - they prefer a…read morephone call.

A fun buffet in a German style with good entertainment that has been going for many years up in the…read morehills. Very popular with tourists. Had a nice lunch.

Think of every single German thing you can and put them all in one place, somewhere far away from…read morethe world, up in the mountains, self-standing. That is the Cuckoo Restaurant. It can be cheesy, and corny; but hey, it goes with it. German signs, German costumes, German food, drinks, decor, architecture. Everywhere you look, it's German inspired. There is even a photo opt with the world's largest cuckoo clock. Of course, it would be here. So the food wasn't to die for; but it wasn't awful either. Average is probably the word I'd go with. Because it's a buffet, I go in with a plan. A little bit of everything to try, and if I have room, then I make my way for seconds. I do wish if they had a bigger range of bratwurst, or if they had red cabbage, or maybe even potato pancakes, or crisp apple strudel... But the desserts were tasty, I really did like the chocolate mousse. And kudos for the music, it transformed your dining experience into a bit of a show and audience interactive. Just brace yourself to meet the von Trapp family singers! For all things German, as corny as it is, I thought it was a good experience and was happy that I came, I saw, and I ate.

I stumbled upon this vegetarian cafe whilst looking for somewhere to have breakfast in Belgrave…read more Being vegan I wasn't expecting to find much so The Laughing Owl was a very happy surprise. The menu is varied and includes crumpets, burgers, and a vegetarian and vegan big breakfast. They also have a selection of baked goods (vegan date scones even), raw cakes and other takeaway goodies. A prominent sign also advertised their ability to cater for those requiring fodmap friendly meals. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Chai and juices were delicious and the vegan big breakfast was actually big! An all round wonderful cafe in the heart of Belgrave.

What a wonderful place - a cafe with a conscience - that's how they describe themselves. I knew I…read morehad come to a great place when I saw the list of lattes available - beetroot, dandelion, mushroom, matcha or blue pea. I enjoyed their stunning Nourish Bowl - fabulous mix of falafel, mini chick pea patty, hummus, pepitas, beetroot, carrot on red cabbage and spinach. Fantastic. I loved it. Water comes in a jar but be careful not to knock your teeth on the steel straw. Service is quick. Coffee is great. Thank you.

This was another one of those charming pubs located up in the hills. Actually, while you can get…read morehere by bus, it is still a bit of a walk from where the bus drops you off, but it is certainly worth it. The service was pretty good, and like a lot of these pubs up in the hills, they also have a good selection of craft beers available. They also have a beer garden, which I also liked, and they do have some shelter in case it rains, which it happens to do quite regularly in Melbourne.

Great food, and great service, I had the chicken with…read moremushroom sauce, my husband had the sweet potato lamb rump pie and our little boy gobbled up his fish and chips! All delicious! Can't wait for dessert! Thankyou

Like a hidden little cottage in an enchanted forest, Lady Hawke can be described in one word -…read morecosy. While accommodation at the B&B is limited to only one room (and I've not yet tried it so can't offer any recommendation) the cafe is open to all, and he staff/owners are friendly and welcoming. Like your own little kitschy cottage house away from home, the cafe features brightly -coloured walls, open fireplaces and a gallery of original art by local artists. Lady Hawke does all day breakfast - $10 for a big brekkie and a beverage. The venue can also be hired out for events, including wedding receptions (my brother had his there). They decorated it beautifully, and without the usual trumped up cost.