From inventive takes on brunch classics to comforting, tried and true dishes, you can find just about anything at these Yarra Valley cafes.

The glut of great local produce hasn’t been lost on these Yarra Valley cafes, which are as committed to purveying outstanding coffee as they are to offering nourishing, elevated and indulgent seasonal dishes.

Planning a visit to the Yarra Valley? Punctuate a day in this bucolic pocket with pit stops at these eight Yarra Valley cafes for maximum caffeine, sustenance and joy.

1. Round Bird Food & Wine Merchants

Best for: Brunch, comfort food

When the former head chef at Yering Station’s restaurant, Laura Webb-James, and the restaurant manager, Evan James, decided to break away and do their own thing, they wanted to create a place where they’d cook the kind of food they’d make for house guests.

And what lucky friends they must have, because at Round Bird Food & Wine Merchants those dishes might include truffled mushroom ‘croque monsieur’ on brioche with mornay sauce, shaved ham and comte, and hotcakes with banana fritters, maple, peanut butter mousse and toasted seeds.

Address: 170 Main St, Lilydale

2. Nancy’s of the Valley

Best for: Retro charm

At Nancy’s of the Valley you may find yourself smiling as soon as you step through the door. There’s something about the mish mash of retro laminate and old wooden tables with mixed chairs from different decades that feels good even before you’ve seen the seasonal and, where possible, organic menu options.

There’s a separate menu for vegans, and coeliacs are also well catered for, and along with the organic fair trade and locally roasted Silva coffee there are organic teas and turmeric and chai lattes. And there’s a good milkshake selection too if you’re feeling that retro theme.

Address: 3/2460 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction

3. Black Vice Cafe and Roastery

Best for: Caffeine fiends

On the region’s outer fringe, Hurstbridge Village (or Hursty, as it’s endearingly known) flies a little under the radar. Its major claim to fame is arguably Greasy Zoe’s, a standout local restaurant. But just a few paces from the hatted micro-venue, you’ll find another crowd-pleaser: Black Vice Cafe and Roastery.

As the name suggests, this kid- and dog-friendly cafe roasts its own beans, drawing in coffee enthusiasts from across the region; there’s a two-page menu that lists the available blends and single origins alone. The indecisive, or overwhelmed, can opt for the ‘caffeinate me’ set, which includes a milk coffee, a batch brew, and an espresso, all from its seasonal single origin menu.

The all-day brunch menu offers a more tightly curated selection, spanning the classics (eggs Benny, avo toast etc), as well as a handful of burgers.

Address: 946 Heidelberg – Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge

4. Locavore Studio

Best for: Creative, elevated flavours

Helmed by chef Jessie Rae Crossley, whose resume includes stints behind the burners at restaurants across Europe, as well as in the kitchens of super yachts and ski chalets, the menu at Locavore Studio is decidedly cheffy.

Forget your garden variety eggs on toast: at Locavore, you’ll find complex flavours with nods to several different corners of the globe on the ever-changing seasonal menu.

Those in the savoury breakfast camp might opt for a chilli scramble served with fermented garlic and preserved lemon labneh, oyster mushrooms, sesame and peanut crisp and fried mint, while sweet tooths can gorge on a towering heap of black sesame pancakes that feature cameos from rosella jam, peanut butter ganache and fermented strawberry ice cream.

Almost any dietary (nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, veggie or vegan) will find a delectable option to pursue here.

Address: 148 Main St, Lilydale

5. The Yarra Valley Smokery

Best for: Carnivores

While a smattering of vego options lie on the menu at this Lilydale eatery, it’s the locally sourced and house-smoked meats that are the real trump card. The 18-hour-smoked beef brisket is a standout, and comes in three different iterations. And for a wildcard appetiser, try out the smoked dim sims. Stock up on provisions from The Yarra Valley Smokery’s cafe larder, such as pastrami, salmon, cheese and butter. Two words of advice for first timers: come hungry.

Address: 96 Main St, Lilydale

6. Harrow and Harvest Cafe

Best for: Parents after their brunch fix, insta-friendly food

A cosy, eclectically styled venue in Lilydale, Harrow and Harvest Cafe ticks all kinds of boxes. Artfully plated breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes in a riot of colours.

An array of innovative and decadent drinks (hello iced white chocolate with matcha dust and whipped cream). An open fireplace to cosy up next to in winter, as well as a sun-licked courtyard to exploit come summer.

Not to mention a huge indoor kid’s playroom, packed with beautiful wooden toys. All packed into a cute little converted former church that dates back to the 1890s.

Address: 42-44 Castella St, Lilydale

7. Arthurs Creek Coffee Company

Best for: Community vibes, coffee nerds

The focus at this Warrandyte cafe might lie primarily with the coffee — they roast their own fair-trade sourced beans after all. But you’ll find a small selection of pastries, cakes and toasties on offer here too, including some gluten-free options.

Arthurs Creek’s knowledgeable baristas are on hand to help you select the perfect single origin beans for your brew. And you can stock up on coffee gear, peruse the collection of locally made jams, and admire the local artworks lining the walls too.

See also Silva Coffee Roasters, Warburton.

Address: 272 Yarra St, Warrandyte

8. My Little Kitchen Cafes & Bar

Best for: Inventive twists on classic dishes

Something of a local haunt, the guiding philosophy at My Little Kitchen (or MLK to regulars) is to put a fresh spin on classic brunch dishes.

Think avo on toast, but with lemon cream cheese, coconut sambal, and Four Pillars gin hollandaise. Or a shakshuka, zhuzhed up with braised lamb shoulder and a harissa-spiked tomato sauce. Given its popularity, online bookings are highly recommended on weekends.

Address: 274 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville

Check out the 10 best Yarra Valley restaurants for 2024.