There are many reasons to love the Yarra Valley, and one of the best is that it is home to some of the best coffee in the country. While you may not be able to get your hands on the renowned coffee that can be found in places like Melbourne and Sydney, you can find many fantastic options that you won’t find anywhere else.
Yarra Junction butchers
Yarra Junction butchers are family owned and they select meat for their customers. Some of the butchers also sell wild game meats.
The Yarra Valley is a traditional land of the Wurundjeri people, who occupied the area for 30,000 years. Today, it is home to some of Victoria’s best winemakers and grape growers. But it is also a popular place for Melburnians to escape the city and spend a weekend.
The Yarra Valley offers a number of great cafes. These are ideal for brunch, lunch or a casual dinner. They all serve tasty food, excellent coffee and friendly service.
Located in Lilydale, Round Bird Can’t Fly is a charming little cafe with a menu that goes above and beyond your standard cafe fare. They serve great coffee and their cast iron pot is perfect for a cup.
One of the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley is Innocent Bystander. It serves delicious paella and cheese boards. Their wines are crafted from Yarra Valley fruit.
A short walk from the roastery is the cascading falls. There is a Yarra Valley farmers market on the third Sunday of each month at Punt Road Wines in Coldstream. You can get fresh and organic produce at the market.
If you love coffee, check out Silva Coffee Roasters. Established in 2010, the roastery features European delights.
Another excellent Yarra Valley restaurant is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Their cafe has a native garden and a large showroom, with inventive chocolate displays and free tastings.
Beechworth Bakery
One of the best places to buy coffee in the Yarra Valley is at Beechworth Bakery. If you love the baked goods, you will enjoy this family owned company’s authentic delights. It’s a great way to start your day.
Aside from its famous Ned Kelly pie, the Beechworth Bakery also offers a number of other tasty treats. Among them are freshly ground coffee, and freshly made rolls, sandwiches, and salads. You can also order a cup of tea or a glass of milk.
Located in Healesville, Yarra Valley, the bakery has been serving up quality food for decades. The signature Miners Pie is an award-winning dish made with local Angus beef and topped with Gippsland mushrooms.
In addition to coffee and desserts, the restaurant is also a popular spot for wine. The menu is a mix of classics and innovative dishes. Whether you’re a sommelier looking for an elegant bottle of wine or a first-timer in search of a tasty lunch, there’s something for everyone.
Yarra Valley is home to more than 50 wineries. This is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Luckily, a day trip to the region will allow you to visit all of the top attractions.
There’s also a Great Wall of Chocolate in the region. Visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and check out its 250 chocolate products.
Nancy’s of the Valley
There are many great cafes in the Yarra Valley. These quaint eateries have great coffee and delicious food. They are a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy a meal or a lively hangout, you are sure to find a suitable venue.
A favourite among locals, the Heartswood Cafe offers a wide variety of breakfasts and lunches. This restaurant has a unique custom-made grill, which allows guests to enjoy an impressive range of breakfast and lunch dishes. The cafe also serves chai lattes and milkshakes.
Another popular restaurant in the Yarra Valley is Muraille de Chine, which serves up a range of sushi and other sashimi. This place is ideal for families and offers a variety of dishes that will appeal to children.
Other popular cafes in the Yarra Valley include Yarra Organics, which sells Certified Organic dairy products and gourmet pies. The cafe is open from Thursday to Saturday. During the warmer months, they offer outdoor seating and a bicycle repair store.
Another favorite is the Beechworth Bakery, which has a bakery in the Yarra Valley. You can buy bread, a variety of pastries, and a selection of other baked goods. Their bakery is open 6am to 6pm, and they are closed on Christmas Day.
Yarra Valley is also home to numerous wineries. If you’re feeling peckish after browsing the cellar doors, you can stop by one of the many award-winning restaurants. Some of these establishments even have their own vineyards.
Yering Station
The name Yering Station may be unfamiliar to those who are more into high end bling than low end booze, but it’s a well regarded landmark in the Yarra Valley. With its modern day amenities and old world charm, this sylph of a place is a must visit on any trip to the Yarra. From the impressive wine bar to the palatable lunch options, this winery is a worthy addition to any itinerary. Those who aren’t in a hurry can get a taste of the locals at the tasting room, while those in a hurry can nab a table at the onsite restaurant. Those in the know can opt to dine al fresco, with views of the Yarra Ranges to boot. If a table isn’t in the cards, the winery’s cosy cellar door is an equally gratifying option.
While a hefty dinner bill is no doubt on the agenda, the winery is also open to the public for the less eloquent among us, including the weekend crowd. It’s a good idea to book a table in advance, especially if you are planning on hitting the bar for dinner. Fortunately, this upscale winery is open to the public all day long. On the weekends, visitors can partake in the winery’s famed lunch program. Likewise, the plethora of libations isn’t limited to wine, with a full list of craft beers, spirits and cocktails on tap.
Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company
Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company is an Australian craft brewery located in Lilydale, in the Yarra Valley. The brewery is a great spot to relax with a drink and some delicious food.
A visit to the brewery can be made by appointment. Customers can sample a few of the brewery’s six beers for just $7.
One of the best brews produced by the brewery is the seasonal ale. This is a hoppy summer ale that boasts passion fruit undertones. Its dark amber color and velvety malt make for a smooth drink.
Another popular beer is the ESB. This American style ale is more bitter than the regular ESB, but the hops are strong enough to harmonise with the rich malt flavours.
Hargreaves Hill is also known for its mastery of classic styles. Their Bavarian style Hefeweizen and ESB are two beers that have stood the test of time.
You can also enjoy the brewery’s restaurant. The menu offers classic dishes with a twist. They use local produce from Yarra Valley to create a variety of delicious meals. The restaurant features a paddling pool where you can sample the brewery’s many ales.
The restaurant is located in the former National Bank building in Yarra Glen. There is also an outside eating area, complete with restored fireplaces.
The cafe is a lovely little restaurant. It’s a classy affair that serves seven beers on tap. You can indulge in coffee or a cast iron pot of tea, as well as an all-day breakfast and a selection of lunch and dinner items.
Matilda Bay Brewery
The Matilda Bay Brewery is located in Healesville, Victoria, and the beer produced here is one of Australia’s most iconic craft beers. They’re a full wheat beer with subtle bitterness and a crisp tight finish.
While the brewery isn’t open yet, they’re working on it. Located on the site of the Matilda Bay pub, the brewery will be up and running by the end of the year.
It’s the perfect spot for a beer lunch or dinner. With a brewpub attached, the pub serves their core lineup, plus guest beers from local indies. You can even go for a brewery tour.
Those who want a little more than a beer can try their hand at cooking at Yering Station, the winery restaurant. The menu features a variety of contemporary Australian and European dishes.
Aside from good wine, the Quarters restaurant also boasts a sourdough starter and Italian-made Marana oven. The food is served in a light contemporary setting. If you’re a big fan of pizza, head to Zonzo Estate, which is a popular wedding venue in Yarra Valley.
Another great restaurant in the Yarra Valley is Meletos. This popular spot is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner. As part of the new look Huberts Estate, it was opened in March of 2022.
Another new addition to the Yarra Valley winery restaurants is Quarters. This winery restaurant is run by local resident Executive Chef Michael Smith.