The fern-covered landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges are home to cosy pubs and teahouses, ornamental gardens, and native wildlife. They’re also home to some of Victoria’s best cafes and restaurants.
A quaint eatery by the name of France-Soir, this spot has been winning over locals with its Gallic classics (albeit with a few Aussie twists). Expect moules mariniere, canard a l’orange, oysters shucked in front of you and snails alongside house-churned butter, bread made from scratch, and a well-balanced wine list.
Destiny Point
A visit to Destiny Point is a must while visiting the Dandenong Ranges. This historic establishment has a rich history that spans over 100 years. It is the perfect place to stop and soak up the breathtaking view of Silvan Reservoir and the stunning backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges.
The large glass windows at the front of the cafe are a great way to take in the scenery, and they also provide plenty of natural light to brighten your day. The cafe is also well stocked with tasty beverages, including a selection of local beer.
As for the food, it’s not bad either. The menu is extensive and includes a variety of healthy choices. It also features a few classics, such as the good old-fashioned eggs benny and fried chicken with maple-glazed bacon.
If you’re a coffee buff, you’ll love the extensive selection of hot and cold drinks, including specialty lattes and cold drip. The bar serves a selection of kombucha and a few cocktails, as well.
It’s also a great spot for the kids. You can have lunch in the outdoor veranda, or opt for an upscale dinner. The menu is designed to please your palate, and the food is top notch.
What makes this a must-visit destination is the fact that it is located in the Dandenong Ranges, which are famous for their cool fern glades. You can enjoy a meal while watching the sun set behind Mount Dandenong, or relax in the pool and listen to live music.
The Dandenongs is a gorgeous area to explore, and you’ll be sure to find a number of cosy pubs, teahouses, and ornamental gardens here. One of the best places to eat in the area is Mocha Jo’s, which has won multiple gold medals at the Royal Fine Food Awards.
Lorna Melbourne
If you’re looking to go on a road trip to the Dandenong Ranges, you’ll find a wealth of charming pubs and stylish eateries. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll be sure to find a cafe that suits your taste and budget.
Lorna Melbourne is the perfect brunch destination for Ferntree Gully locals and Melburnians on a trip to the Dandenong Ranges, with an extensive menu that caters to all tastes. Fuel up with a southern fried chicken dish that sits atop cheesy waffles, drizzled with jalapeno maple sauce and speckled with gremolata or indulge in a bowl of cinnamon myrtle porridge sprinkled with spiced walnut crumb and topped with poached pear pearls.
The fit-out is a little like South Yarra, with chunky oak timber benches, custom artwork and stag ferns growing on the walls. It’s a clean, breezy space that’s full of sun-dappled natural light.
Owners Josh O’Brien and Omar Viramontes have a combined decades of hospitality experience. They’ve injected a touch of their American heritage into the menu, with chilaquiles smothered in tomatillo salsa and Jack cheese, and a Miami-style Cuban sandwich filled with roast pork shoulder and pickle relish.
And don’t forget to try their breakfast pasta, a Sicilian take on bacon and eggs on toast that’s dressed with crisped guanciale, salted ricotta and slow-cooked egg. It’s a pretty potent combo, especially when it comes with their house blend coffee from Industry Beans.
A health bowl with coconut kale, quinoa, pickled cauliflower, broccoli, tofu, roasted pumpkin, almonds, seeds, nori, mushrooms, spinach, avocado, hummus and a poached egg is another wholesome option to consider. And for drinks, Niccolo’s house blend is available in soy, almond, coconut, lactose-free and decaf options.
It’s also worth a look at Mocha Jo’s, a popular restaurant that offers a variety of dishes including eggs benny. The food is delicious and the service is excellent.
Aside from these two cafes, you should also check out The Micawber, a popular restaurant that offers a great beer garden. This place is a great choice for a romantic dinner with a beautiful view. The bar is also well stocked, and you can choose from a wide selection of drinks.
Maria Cafe
Located in Upwey, Maria Cafe is a Mexican inspired fiesta in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges that is redefining good food in this area. Founded by Josh O’Brien and Omar Viramontes, Maria is the latest venue to open from the couple who also run Lorna, a Ferntree Gully favourite. The new venue pays homage to Omar’s Mexican heritage and serves up Aussie brunch fare with a distinctly Latin twist; everything from brisket tacos to huevos rotas.
The menu is a combination of Australian and Mexican dishes, with many items based on Omar’s grandmother’s recipes. It’s all very refined, with plates like gnocchi in oxtail ragu, seared scallops in porcini agrodolce and braised beef shank with ginger and soy. Drinks are also a mix of modern and traditional, with coffee from Industry Beans, organic teas from Prana Chai and Grounded Pleasures drinking chocolate, along with Mexico’s Jarritos soft drinks.
It’s a lovely place to sit outside at the sidewalk dining table or in the shaded courtyard on a sunny day, but you can also order a seat inside if the weather is a bit blustery. The whitewashed minimalist space is a great place to relax while sipping on a latte or cup of hot chocolate and catching up with friends.
For breakfast, Jeff Mauro recommends the corn pancakes (cachapas venezolanas), served with a layer of butter and topped with sharp Cotija cheese. There are a few other Mexican-inspired options on the menu too, including huevos rotas, chorizo tacos, churro waffles and even a brisket slider.
There are two outdoor dining areas at Maria Cafe; the sidewalk seating and the decked courtyard, which has stylish striped umbrellas and an all-white aesthetic. The courtyard is perfect for a long brunch or just some mimosas on a warm day, while the sidewalk seating is the ideal spot for a casual bite to eat or to grab a quick coffee before heading off on your next adventure.
It’s the kind of place where you can eat your entire meal in peace. The staff are extremely friendly, and you’ll definitely be made to feel welcome here. There’s an array of coffee options from Industry Beans, and a rotating selection of single origin roasts, alongside specialty lattes infused with beetroot, turmeric and matcha.
The Micawber
The Dandenongs is home to a wide range of stylish pubs, restaurants and teahouses. They are all popular with locals and visitors alike.
The Micawber is a popular pub and restaurant in Belgrave that offers a variety of different dining options. It’s also a great place to catch live music performances and enjoy a few drinks.
It is a good option for a family lunch or dinner, as it offers full sized portions that can easily feed the whole family. It also has a large beer garden and is surrounded by trees that provide ample shade in the summer.
A family friendly pub, the Micawber is a popular spot for locals and tourists. It is a place where families can sit outside, have fun and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dandenong Ranges.
There are many things to see and do in the area, including taking a stroll through one of the scenic forest trails. You can also take a walk along the 1000 Steps, which is a bushwalk that is known for its stunning views.
While on your trip to the Dandenongs, you should stop by The Micawber for a nice lunch or dinner. The food is delicious and the service is great. They also have a great outdoor beer garden and live entertainment on weekends.
You can get to The Micawber by train or bus. The train departs from Melbourne City and takes about an hour to reach Belgrave. You can also take a bus from Belgrave or Lilydale Station.
This pub is located on a hill in the town of Belgrave. There is a lovely beer garden and a fireplace inside. You can also rent a cottage on the grounds of The Micawber for a romantic stay.
A quaint English tavern located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, The Micawber is a fantastic place to eat and drink! With a massive beer garden and a fire pit inside, this is a fantastic place to stop for lunch or dinner with friends.
It has a great selection of drinks and the food is tasty. The menu includes a number of dishes that are gluten free and vegetarian.
