Garden Cafe Olinda

Tucked inside the beautiful Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Garden Cafe Olinda is the kind of place you stop at for the view, but stay for the vibe. It’s not fancy or flashy—just a relaxed, down-to-earth café that does simple food well in a truly stunning location. The setting is its biggest draw. You’re surrounded by lush greenery, fresh mountain air, and birdsong—honestly, it feels like you’re in a painting. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and on a nice day, it’s the perfect spot to sit back with a coffee after exploring the gardens. Now, about the food—it’s good, but don’t expect anything over-the-top. The menu leans more towards light meals and snacks, which works well for the area. Toasties, wraps, croissants, falafel roti (vegan-friendly!), salad rolls, and noodle bowls make up the core of the offerings. If you’re after a full lunch or big meal, it might feel a bit limited, but for a quick bite or casual brunch, it does the job. Drinks-wise, they’ve got your classics—coffee, tea, iced drinks, smoothies, and a few fresh juices. The iced latte and banana smoothie we tried were both refreshing and not overly sweet. There’s also a small dessert selection, including muffins, banana bread, and ice cream—great for kids or anyone with a sweet tooth. Service is friendly, even if a little slow during peak hours (it gets busy on weekends), but the staff always seem warm and accommodating. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the location. There’s a real charm to Garden Cafe. It’s not about trendy plating or gourmet menus—it’s more about the setting, the simplicity, and that peaceful hills energy. If you’re visiting Olinda or walking through the Botanic Gardens, this place is a lovely pit stop to recharge, chat, and take in the view. Not a destination cafe, but a sweet, scenic local spot that does exactly what it promises. I’d go back.

My grandma lost a bag with her wallet, medicine and cash inside. We really appreciated the cafe turned this bag to us! It was very important because my grandma felt so sad of losing her bag and her money. We really appreciated for your kindness and your help returning her bag without losing anything. We highly recommend this cafe because the kindness is very precious in current society and thank you so much for making my grandma very happy and surprise! Thank you!

Amazing property with awesome site views. This small café in a busy park is a gem! Perfect coffee, fresh pastries, and friendly staff make it a must-visit. Despite the bustling location, it offers a peaceful spot to recharge. Five stars!

I recently visited a beautiful garden café with a peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere. The food is fresh and delicious, especially the seasonal dishes and herbal teas. Staff are friendly and attentive. Perfect for a relaxing brunch or coffee surrounded by greenery. A hidden gem that feels like a mini escape from the city. Will definitely visit again.

I really enjoyed the fish and cakes here. We ordered fish and chips, but since we arrived a bit late (around 3pm on a public holiday), they had unfortunately run out of chips—so I’d recommend coming a little earlier if that’s what you’re after. The fish, however, was excellent—crispy with just the right amount of batter. The rhubarb orange cake was also a highlight. The citrus flavour came through beautifully, and the rhubarb cream was light and delicious. As for the coffee, it was quite milky with a very mild coffee flavour. I didn’t mind it, as I’m not a big coffee drinker, but my relatives weren’t too impressed. There are plenty of picnic spots in the adjacent botanic gardens, so if the cafe is busy, why not grab your food to go and enjoy it in the gorgeous surroundings?