Yeah, this pub really didn't impress me all that much. Then again, it is a railway pub, sort on,…read moreprobably more like a bar that happens to be located in a shopping strip. It isn't particularly big, and the beer selection isn't particularly great either. Mind you, when I was here it was actually pretty crowded, though I did find a seat. However, yeah, I wasn't really impressed with it.

Food servings are large. Be prepared to eat when ordering…read moreup your favorites. I had the parmigiana which was not deep fried, vegetables and mashed potato. Sometimes a simple hearty meal hits the spot!

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.

Had a long hard morning climbing the 1000 steps of the Kokoda Memorial Trail and my girlfriends and…read moreI were looking forward to a well deserved protein hit (read: bacon and coffee please). We headed over the road to cute little cafe called Brew'd. We entered to find wooden floors and exposed brick which gave a funky New York loft vibe. We were greeted by... Oh wait, we weren't. We came inside and hovered awkwardly around the counter for about 5 minutes, waiting to be seated, or perhaps were meant to seat ourselves? Is there table service? They need a sign or something because the barista sure wasn't in a hurry to let us know, or to even say hello really. Hmm. Eventually someone directed us to a table and we helped ourselves to a menu. It was pretty impressive I've got to say. Lots of choice and very well priced. I ordered smashed avo, bacon and eggs which I paid for.. In cash... Because they are cash only. No I don't mean they have a $20 minimum, I mean it's 1980 again and we're all expected to walk around carrying pineapples. Ugh this is my pet peeve. If you are a business where people regularly pay you amounts higher than $10, GET AN EFTPOS MACHINE!!!! It's very lucky that my smashed avo more than made up for this massive transactional faux pas. It was delicious! They also do really, really good coffee. Their coffees come with a little chocolate on the spoon. I love a bonus treat with my coffee, Brew'd definitely knew their way to my heart. Even if I had to pay in cash for it.. The good: nice decor, expansive menu, very well priced (avg $15 for a hearty brekky), really good coffee, bonus chocolate The bad: cash only!!! Slightly non-attentive staff

Took a chance driving over from Wantirna South in search of a decent brunch as there was only one…read morereview but came away happy we did. Managed to secure a table outside which was a bonus and we were promptly given menus and told to order at the counter. The menu isn't enormous but contained all the standard fair and tbh it's nice to have your choices limited when you're fighting off the effects of the night before. I went for the Veggie Breakfast and my wife chose the Atlantic Eggs and both came out within 10min. Both dishes were an ideal size and the presentation was very appetising, my tomatoes were nicely grilled, the mushrooms were properly sautéed not pale and watery as can often be the case and the spinach and feta were in good proportion. The only criticism would be that the poached eggs were a minute over done, still slightly runny yolks but definitely over. I tried my wife's eggs and the hollandaise was rich and perfectly tart but again eggs slightly over (at least for our liking). Overall $45 for 2 good brekkies and 2 coffees is very reasonable and we'll definitely add this to our brunch rotation.

Located in a renovated cottage in the heart of The Basin, The Acorn on Forest is a prime example of…read moreThe Basin's growing popularity as a little hill's hideaway. With the suburb reporting recent booms in property value, and the freeway only 10 minutes away, The Basin has grown from a small village on the way to the more touristy area of the hills to a trendy little town of its own . The Acorn of Forest has more of a 'Wine Bar" feel to it than it's neighbouring 'Good old-fashioned pub' the Oak Tree. With a focus on quality dining and weekend breakfasts, you could say it's the 'bouquet' to the Oak Trees 'bucket'. The menu features dishes such as Quail, Veal and Kangaroo and while you can expect to pay a little more for your meal than at other nearby pubs, the Acorn is all about Quality over affordability. Popular with functions and parties, The Acorn also hosts live music on weekends, usually from a rotating roster of local favourites.

Amazing food, wonderful service and a terrific cosy atmosphere. They have great bands over the…read moreweekend to, which is a real bonus. Can't wait to go back again and again.

Basera is nestled in the quite suburb of Fern Tree Gully, at the foot of the Dandenongs. This…read morelittle family business makes the best Indian food I've ever had. With chef and owner Gopal cooking up a storm in the kitchen, it's his wife Venita that will host you when you stop by, and she'll take good care of you every time. As a vegetarian, I'm always overwhelmed by choice when ordering. Favourites are the Dahl Makhani, a creamy blend of lentils in a mouthwatering sauce, or the Sabnam, with its simple mushroom and pea combination again serve din a creamy curry sauce. The vegetable Korma is to die for aswell, and in true Indian style, is best enjoyed with heaps of hot naan bread. For entrée try the staple Samosa, again, the best I've ever had and a decent size aswell. Mains sit at around $10-$15 each, but can easily be shared if enjoyed with bread and rice. Groups are catered for, but are best to book in advance, as the premises are quite intimate. I've always favoured Basera for the 'family version' of my birthday celebrations, and each time have been presented with a free Dahl from the staff. I also love the fact that hostess Venita never writes down your order, no matter how many people are dining, and every time gets everyone's order correct! Another local favourite.

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.

I only wish they delivered - everything else is superb…read more Whenever we to into Shiraaz, the waiter there always knows what we want to eat and drink even months between visits. It's fun to mess with his head and order something different, then laugh and say we'll have our normal orders. The food here is some of the best. We've always been extremely satisfied with our experience, can't fault it. Except of course that they don't deliver. It's better to eat at the restaurant anyway, it's got a lovely atmosphere. Lighting is just about right, the table setting are nice too. It's got just enough Indian artefacts. Some of the Indian restaurants in the area are very average. We love it here and always look forward to returning.

My husband and I have been coming to Shaaraz since it opened many years ago. The food, service and…read moreambience is very hard to beat. It is a great complement when the staff remember your birthday and your favourite menus. Unfortunately, we have moved to Gippsland and having tried other Indian restaurants we were left disappointed as we kept comparing them to Shiraaz. Instead of being disappointed, we recently ordered 12 different meals and samosas to freeze so we can have our Shiraaz fix. Will definitely be back to replenish our freezer.

Delicious food with vegan options, rustic vibe, staff seem to care about the quality of food & the…read morecustomers, will be back again. Coffee a bit to bitter for my taste though.

Pretty horrible coffee. Charged me extra for a weak coffee for bringing in my own rice milk to use.read more

Serving up great coffee and delicious cakes, Rapture Café is the best little meeting place in Fern…read moreTree Gully. While most of the other businesses are getting a bit tired around here, these guys are always flourishing, with heaps of people in on any day catching up with friends over a cuppa. With hot and cold food made fresh in the kitchen, and a delicious range of cakes and slices on display, Rapture have injected a bit of much needed life into this little suburb.

This is a nice little characterful place. The coffee is…read morealright, and they have a good array of things to eat. I have been underwhelmed on some occasions, but other items have left me quite pleased. This prices are also alright, though some things can seem over priced for what they are. A fun place to visit if you're in the Ferntree Gully area.

Disappointed to say the least. The place wasn't busy due to covid restrictions but still our order…read moregot lost in the kitchen. People that came in after us, ordered after us got their food before us. Wait staff didn't even come to check on us. Wasn't until I went to counter and asked where our missing drink was that they discovered our lost order. We had Ordered at 6.05 food came at 6.44. My meal wasn't what I ordered but ate it as was hungry by then. I'm a single parent so dinner out is rare for us. $10 off bill was a nice 'gesture' but damage had been done by then. Won't be back. Only positive was the great music.

Great Australian Music themed burger bar. Also has a beer garden out the back. The night I went…read morewith the kids the food was great and they had a local musician called Phisha (fingerstyle guitarist) which just added to an already great atmosphere. I recommend booking ahead if you can as they do get busy fast and I was there on a sunday night!