Best cafes in the Dandenong Ranges

FROM Monbulk to Belgrave, Sherbrooke to Sassafras — this is our guide to the best cafes in the Dandenong Ranges. Happy brunching.

Shannon Bennett’s Piggery Cafe in Sherbrooke, Dandenongs. Picture: Supplied

BROUGHNUTS (brownie doughnuts) and almond milk were once the stronghold of the inner suburbs but, these days, the epicurean expansion has seen the culture of cool cafes explode out of the inner sanctum and into the mainstream.

Whether you’re in the city or the mountainside, there is no shortage of delicious places to refresh, refuel and procaffeinate. And the Dandenongs is no exception.

CAFE GUIDE: BEST OF THE WEST

BEST BRUNCHES IN THE NORTH EAST

WHERE TO EAT IN THE SOUTH EAST

BRUNCH STARS IN MELBOURNE’S NORTH

From Monbulk to Belgrave, Sherbrooke to Sassafras, and everywhere in between, this gourmet hinterland is littered with cosy cottage cafes, contemporary eateries and specialty coffee shops.

So, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, here are a bunch of delicious reasons to get out and explore the Dandenong Ranges.

Because there really is gold in them hills.

BEST CAFES IN THE DANDENONGS

BELGRAVE

EARTHLY PLEASURES: 1627 BURWOOD HWY, BELGRAVE

This cosy cafe is famous for its house-based sweets. Coffee by Industry Beans. TRY: Baked vanilla bean cheesecake with seasonal berry topping.

REEL CAFÉ: 1628 BURWOOD HWY, BELGRAVE

Open breakfast through dinner for the ideal pre-movie brunch or dinner date. TRY: The sliders.

EVOLVE FAIR FOOD STORE: 64-68 MONBULK RD, BELGRAVE

Health-conscious cafe with a focus on local, organic and gluten-free foods. Coffee by Proud Mary. TRY: Kale, slow-cooked onion and organic fetta omelet.

GRUNGE CAFÉ: 1696 BURWOOD HWY, BELGRAVE

Eclectic cafe pouring delicious coffee and playing old school vinyls. TRY: The 1696 is their signature dish.

THE VILLAGE IDIOT: 1692 BURWOOD HWY, BELGRAVE

A home away from home. Wholesome food and serious coffee. TRY: Basil French toast — sourdough dipped in a parmesan and basil mix served with cherry tomatoes and bacon.

THE BOTANIST CAFE: 21A OLD MONBULK ROAD, BELGRAVE

A beautiful cafe nestled in the historic surrounds of Glenharrow Park. Easy access to Trees Adventures, Puffing Billy and bushwalking tracks. TRY: The Croque Monsieur.

WILD WOOD KITCHEN: 60 COLBY DR, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS

Friendly, laid-back cafe with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. They’re famous for their brownies. TRY: White chocolate brownie cheesecake or the vegan cheesecake platter.

BREWTIME CAFE: 156 COLBY DR, BELGRAVE SOUTH

Welcoming, industrial-inspired cafe. TRY: The slow-cooked beef rolls (Wednesday special) are a cult favourite, closely followed by their Nutella hot chocolate.

COCKATOO

THE NOVEL NOOK: 4 BAILEY RD, COCKATOO

Cosy, vintage-inspired cafe dedicated to all things story book. Walls are adorned with the classic Golden Books and there is even a reading corner if you’re just wanting a quiet coffee, cake and literary escape. TRY: The house baked sweets.

EMERALD

THE GENERAL FOOD STORE: 377 BELGRAVE-GEMBROOK RD, EMERALD

Seasonal menu showcasing local produce and quality coffee. TRY: The Belgian waffles with burnt butter candied chestnuts, bacon bits, whisky-preserved apple and maple mascarpone.

ZEST CAFE, BAR & RESTAURANT: 371 BELGRAVE-GEMBROOK RD, EMERALD

Buzzing, industrial-inspired cafe and specialty coffee house. Vegan and gluten-free friendly options. TRY: House-made sweets, such as their superb superfood slice.

FERNTREE GULLY

FRANK’S CAKES, 511 SCORESBY ROAD, FERNTREE GULLY

You’ll definitely want to l eave room for a two-course breakfast at Frank’s. Check out the specials board for epic weekend brunch options and the pastry cabinet for all the sweet creations your mind could ever dream of. TRY: Spanish omelette with a side serve of house-made cannoli.

BEES KNEES: 854 BURWOOD HWY, FERNTREE GULLY

Spacious cafe with specialty coffee and a pretty rad menu. TRY: The gluten-free coconut crepes with banana, Nutella, maple ice cream and palm sugar syrup. The Monte Cristo — with smoked ham, cheddar, brioche and blackberry jam — is a great savoury option.

WHOLEFOOD MERCHANTS CAFÉ: 3/794 BURWOOD HIGHWAY, FERNTREE GULLY

Health-conscious cafe at the largest health food store in Melbourne. Stop in for a slice of raw cheesecake and golden latte, or grab a gourmet meal to go. TRY: The vegan burgers or the NOT-ella waffles.

SALTE CAFE: 9 ALPINE ST, FERNTREE GULLY

All-day breakfast spot with some of the prettiest breakfast sweets going round. Their rotating house-baked daily muffins are a flavour explosion. TRY: Brioche French toast with saffron poached pear.

KOFFEE BAR: 1055 BURWOOD HWY, FERNTREE GULLY

Home of the Monster Shake, sweet treats and specialty coffee. TRY: The toasted bagel topped with peanut putter, banana and organic honey.

BREW’D CAFE: 1226 BURWOOD HWY, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY

Or, as we like to say, every day is for pancakes. TRY: The pancakes, obvs.

1000 STEPS CAFE: MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST RD, UPPER FERNTREE GULLY

Coffee and Kokoda? Lovely cafe at the base of the famous (or infamous) 1000 Steps, a Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.

WARATAH ORGANICS: 1224 BURWOOD HWY UPPER FERNTREE GULLY

Organic juice bar and vegetarian cafe. TRY: Peace pancakes served with house-made banana nice cream and topped with berries, caramel sauce, flaked coconut and cinnamon.

GEMBROOK

SPENCERS STORE: 97 MAIN ST, GEMBROOK

Home-made cakes. Beans by Code Black. Love Tea. Fresh flowers. TRY: Semolina and coconut porridge. The teriyaki chicken bento bowl is also a strong contender.

KALLISTA

GRANTS ON SHERBROOKE: 70 MONBULK ROAD, KALLISTA

Brunch, bird feeding and fresh Sherbrooke Forest air. Sit indoors by the cosy log fire or enjoy alfresco dining on the expansive outdoor desk that takes you right onto the forest edge. TRY: The eggs benny is a firm favourite.

MONBULK

CAFE BLUE GUM: 80B MAIN RD, MONBULK

Yes. Yes that is baked red velvet cheesecake. TRY: Any of the house-baked cakes, muffins or desserts.

MOUNT DANDENONG

CHURINGA CAFE & GARDEN RESTAURANT: 1381 MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST RD, MOUNT DANDENONG

Give me a scone among the gum trees. TRY: Devonshire tea. This place is famous for it.

SKYHIGH MT DANDENONG: 26 OBSERVATORY RD, MOUNT DANDENONG

Breakfast with Melbourne’s best views. TRY: Toasted banana bread topped with caramelised banana, toasted nuts and spiced mascarpone.

OLINDA

OLINDA CAFÉ: 17 OLINDA-MONBULK RD, OLINDA

It’s all about the coffee and cake. TRY: Their famous carrot cake or a Devonshire tea.

THE DELI PLATTER: 1/1514 MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST RD, OLINDA

Not just a deli, but a providore with fresh local produce, artisan organic breads, farmhouse cheeses, gluten-free goodies and free-range eggs. TRY: Balsamic tomatoes and herbed mushrooms with avocado and marinated feta on organic sourdough with a drizzle of vincotto.

SASSAFRAS

RIPE: 376-378 MOUNT DANDENONG ROAD, SASSAFRAS

Sassafras institution famous for its Lindt hot chocolates and house-baked treats. TRY: The sourdough baguettes. Our fave is the prosciutto, quince paste and brie baguette.

MISS MARPLE: 382 MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST ROAD, SASSAFRAS

For locals, this might seem a controversial inclusion. Some love it, some hate it, but there's no denying their fluffy scones and finger sandwiches are some of the best in the business. TRY: Devonshire tea. It’s what the people flock for.

KING HENRY ARTS CENTRE CAFÉ: 320 MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST RD, SASSAFRAS

Cafe in a converted, white-weatherboard cottage with a sprawling deck overlooking fern gully forests and waterfalls. TRY: Baked eggs.

THE FAT BADGER CAFE & CATERING CO: 1/351 MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST RD, SASSAFRAS

A family of British expats cooking up a storm in the Dandenongs. TRY: The chocolate brownie doughnuts are irresistible.

SEVILLE

CARRIAGE CAFE: 35 SEYMOUR ST, SEVILLE

Literally a cafe in a converted, 100-year-old train carriage. TRY: The Conductor Benedict.

THE OLD BUTCHER SHOP: 559 WARBURTON HWY, SEVILLE

Fully licensed cafe showcasing local, seasonal produce. TRY: The salted caramel waffles.

SHERBROOKE

PIGGERY CAFE AT BURNHAM BEECHES: 1 SHERBROOKE RD, SHERBROOKE

Breakfast, bakery and lunch a la visionary Shannon Bennett. TRY: Head in for lunch and get the line-caught barramundi burger in you. The beetroot burger is a close second.

TECOMA

THE RAILYARD TRADERS: 3/1545 BURWOOD HWY, TECOMA

Modern interpretation of a nostalgic cafe-come-homewares store. The Railyard brings together the local and international makers, artists and brands that represent the mountain lifestyle.

CAFE 1551: 1551 BURWOOD HWY, TECOMA

Trendy cafe with a sprawling back deck. TRY: The salmon patties.

THE PATCH

THE PATCH STORE: 16 THE PATCH RD, THE PATCH

Homely general store offering quality coffee, a varied menu and local produce. TRY: Anything made with fresh Penny Olive Sourdough.

UPWEY

THE SKYLARK ROOM: BURRINJA CULTURAL CENTRE, CORNER GLENFERN RD AND MATSON DR, UPWEY

Cafe by day, live music venue by night, housed in the Burrinja Cultural Centre. Seasonal menu, sessionable coffee. TRY: The antipasto platters are too good to resist.

CAFE GROUNDED: 35 MAIN ST, UPWEY

Juices, smoothies and breakfast nachos. Because who wouldn’t want nachos for breakfast?

MISSED SOMETHING? LET US KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL CAFE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.