Listed are some of the highly ranked restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges you need to try! The perfect venues to attend when you just can’t be bothered cooking dinner or want to treat yourself.
1. Paradise Valley Hotel
The Paradise Valley Hotel located in Clematis also known as “The Clemo” to locals is a great spot to get a feed and have a drink. You have the option of sitting in the bistro, bar or even outside in the beer garden. They have great food and the venue is fantastic. Awarded 2022 Vic Parma of the year so don’t forget to give that a go!
2. The Independent
The Independent in Gembrook is an Argentinian restaurant dishing up a range of delicious plated foods influenced by their own heritage, travel experiences and childhood spent in Argentina. The heritage listed building was once a motor garage, its retro-industrial interior is the setting for modern Argentinian cuisine.
3. Elevations
Elevations in Emerald offers woodfired pizza, tapas and pub food in a modern, light filled surrounds with great views from inside or from the patios. The food is great and they even have happy hour every day from 4-6pm with yummy cocktails! A great place to have dinner and drinks with friends & family.
4. SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong is a relaxed restaurant with panoramic views, dinner at SkyHigh consists of full table service, linen, candles and a more sophisticated menu, dinner reservations are required. (If you are just wanting to pop in you do not require a booking at lunch, with pub style food and no table service) Do not forget your camera as the panoramic views are incredible!
5. Bam Bam Italian
Bam Bam is located in Avonsleigh and is a wholesome Italian restaurant, with vibrant hospitality in a family-friendly space. Complete with covered play space for the little ones. “Great place! The service was lovely and the food delicious. It was the perfect place for my partner and I to go for a date night. I highly recommend trying this place for some great Italian food!”
6. Micawber Tavern
The Micawber Tavern is located in Belgrave, bringing the traditional English/Irish pub to Belgrave. Offering extensive menu options in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With live music, this charming venue with tree-filled beer garden is the ideal spot to stop in with Family & friends.
7. Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen
Located in Belgrave, Enjoy authentic Keralan cuisine, Dosh, Thali and street food favourites in the fully licenced South Indian Street food restaurant. “From the very helpful and friendly staff to the wide range of dishes this was a great place to eat. Large serves of very flavourful dishes with top quality ingredients. Lovely cheerful buzz to the dining area.”
8. Citrine – Bistro & Bar
Citrine located in the heart of the Olinda Village, offers an elevated authentic dining experience. The menu offers fresh & contemporary dishes that takes advantage of the best seasonal produce available.
9. Bonsai Bali
Located in Tecoma Bonsai Bali’s philosophy has always been a simple one - to share authentic Chinese and Indonesian food in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Delicious food is served and presented with great pleasure. “Food was sensational”.
10. Kelly’s Bar and Kitchen
Kelly’s Bar and Kitchen located in Olinda is a century old log cabin hung with fairy lights, bistro for meals and cocktails, plus an outdoor area. “Such amazing food in a beautiful setting. The help staff are lovely, friendly and attentive. Food portions are generous, full of flavour and fresh. Sticky date pudding was the best I've had, hands down. So much sticky date pudding sauce too!”
These are just 10 restaurants of many in the Dandenong Ranges, head to google “Restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges” to find many more amazing options!