Best cafe Lilydale: Harrow and Harvest, Locavore great breakfast, coffee, bottomless brunch

When it comes to food the Yarra Ranges has everything, including two of Melbourne’s best cafes. Here’s why these are the favourites.

French toast at Harrow and Harvest

It’s the gateway to the Yarra Valley and the perfect place to take a load off and enjoy brunch by yourself or with friends and family.

Two of the best can be found in the gateway to the Yarra Valley — Lilydale.

Locavore Studio, and Harrow and Harvest were both voted as the best in the Valley according to readers for Leader’s Best of Melbourne series.

The competition is run in partnership with Delicious Local, and campaign ambassador — chef Matt Preston — said the search for best cafe was just the start of a push to help drive a food-led rebound from the effects of COVID.

“It’s clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries; supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months. That is exactly what we set out to achieve.”

“And this is just the beginning. Our local cafe winners are soon to appear in a statewide battle of the postcodes where the cream will rise to the top – as it always does.

“Don’t forget to have your say by checking out your state finalists and voting for your favourite.”

Locavore Studio

148 Main St, Lilydale

Locals love Locavore Studio for its superb food, amazing coffee and vibrant atmosphere, owner Jessie Crossley believes.

While COVID trumped some, the Lilydale Locavore team were quick to flip their business around, providing takeaway coffee and homemade takeaway meals.

And the cafe came out from restrictions stronger than ever with Ms Crossely reporting a solid 40 regulars through the reopened doors daily.

The cafe serves Proximal coffee – a Lilydale roaster – and one of the reasons locals have made it their must have brew venue.

“We support local suppliers,” she said.

“We also use Carter Bros and it’s the same with all our produce.”

Ms Crossley said the cafe is always fun and keeps up with the food trends.

“We have lots of colour and flavour,” she said.

Locavore will soon be opening on Friday nights for some live music, tapas, drinks and cocktails.

The venue, which is also a bakery and provides cater, will also be joining in bottomless brunch Sundays.

Harrow and Harvest

42-44 Castella St, Lilydale

When Frazer Wyley opened Harrow and Harvest, he didn’t realise only six days later Stage 3 COVID restrictions would force him to innovate.

But Mr Wyley and his team of three rose to the challenge, preparing takeaway coffees and meals.

The staff at Harrow and Harvest has grown to be a team of 13, with a loyal customer base that loves Mr Wyley’s Italian Amati coffee and delicious home-style cooking.

Set up in one of Lilydale’s oldest churches, the cafe includes a small market with items sourced from around the Yarra Valley.

“It’s a flowerchild aesthetic and supports local artists and creators,” he said.

There is also a mum’s and bubs area with a vintage children’s playroom.

Favourite menu items include inspiration from Mr Wyley’s own childhood – Mum’s Boston Beans.

He said the dish was a favourite Sunday brunch for many customers and included three types of beans cooked in a sweet, rich sauce and topped with a poached egg and bacon.

The French toast options are also to die for.