The Top 10 Brunch Spots In The Dandenong Ranges

Take a day to explore the lush hills of the Dandenong Ranges, the home of cozy shops, refreshing attractions and picturesque views. You’ll also find some of Victoria’s finest cafes and restaurants residing in its hills. here’s our guide to the best places to stop and enjoy breakfast or brunch in the Dandenongs.

1. The General Food Store

The General Food Store

Nestled in a leafy corner of Emerald, The General Food Store is a relaxed venue which showcases the works of up and coming artists. There’s a new menu every month designed to cater for the seasons and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and muffins. The venue is committed to eco sustainability and the sourcing of fresh produce.

The General Food Store, 377 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Emerald, VIC, Australia, +61 3 5968 3580

Arabesque at The General Food Store | © Tegan Sellick

Café de Beaumarchais

Café de Beaumarchais conjures images of Paris with high black ceilings complete with gold detailing and chandeliers. The food only adds to the Parisian charm of the cafe with the menu consisting of a range of French pastries. The cafe also features an exquisite selection of cakes and desserts, but for total indulgence look no further than the Parisian hot chocolate.

Grunge Cafe

Grunge Cafe is a hip and vibrant nature with recycled furniture and a working record player. You can even bring your own records to relax to as you enjoy what locals dub the best coffee in Belgrave. The food does not disappoint with a simple selection of delicious breakfasts and cakes. Using fresh ingredients, Grunge’s juices and smoothies are a must-try. There’s also a wide selection of vegan and gluten free options. If this cafe is full then try its brother cafe, The Village Idiot, two doors down.

Grunge Cafe, 1696 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC, Australia, +61 3 9754 1764

2. The Deli Platter

Deli, Vegan, Vegetarian

The Deli Platter allows its customers to have the best of both worlds by offering a breakfast menu alongside a selection of deli and cheese platters. The Deli Platter is committed to fresh and unique homemade food serving everything from artisan breads to specialty provisions. The menu caters for vegetarians, vegans and those with a food intolerance. Head to the deli afterwards to find the perfect product to take home.

Earthly Pleasures Cafe

From the street, the Earthly Pleasures Cafe looks like a charming cottage with the rolling hills of Belgrave serving as a picturesque backdrop. The menu consists of delicious homemade creations and vegan options too. Earthly Pleasures is also committed to using ethically sourced produce.

Earthly Pleasures Café, 1627 Burwood Highway, Belgrave, VIC, Australia, +61 3 9752 6744

3. Miss Marple’s Tearoom

Miss Marple’s Tearoom

From the outside Miss Marple’s Tearoom is designed to look like an authentic English cottage inviting customers to escape the bustling street and settle down for a cup of tea. The inside of the cottage is lined with Miss Marple memorabilia and a collection of teapots. Miss Marple’s is the perfect brunch destination with customers coming from far and wide to try their famous scones and to indulge in one of the traditional English deserts that make up the menu.

Miss Marple’s Tearoom, 382 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, Vic, Australia, +61 3 9755 1610

Miss Marple’s Tearoom | © Tegan Sellick

4. Evolve Fair Food Store

Cafe, Australian

Paleo Power Breakfast at Evolve Fair Food Store

The Evolve Fair Food Store prides itself on its organic and ethically sourced food. This cafe serves a range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo options.

5. Emerald Village Bakery and Cafe

Bakery, Pastry Shop, Australian, Vegetarian

Emerald Village Bakery and Café serves over 300 specialty food items ranging from cakes and desserts to gourmet pies and pizzas. An added bonus is that all items are made and baked on premise giving the food a delicious homemade quality. If you are in a rush, the coffee and juice bar is the perfect solution as it serves into the street to allow for busy patrons to get their daily caffeine fix on the go.

6. Spencers Store

Cafe, Australian, Vegetarian

Spencers Store has a rustic feel with timber paneling lining the counter, the floors and even the walls. Out the back is a large outdoor area complete with picnic tables and a small vegetable garden making it the perfect spot to enjoy the cafe’s summer menu while soaking up the sun. The store also has a large selection of homemade cakes and pastries.

Ripe Cafe

Ripe is the perfect brunch destination with a fireplace to cozy up to in the winter and a rear deck to laze about on in the summer months. For their menu Ripe goes back to basics serving a selection of Australian favorites including eggs benedict and home made baked beans. However the true hero of their menu is their Lindt hot chocolate. These hot chocolates have quickly made a name for themselves as Ripe grates their own chocolate to create this delicious drink.

Ripe Cafe, 376 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, VIC, Australia, +61 3 9755 2100

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