| Venue | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dine Divine | 4.6/5 | 766 | $$ |
| Citrine Bistro & Bar, Olinda | 4.6/5 | 581 | — |
| House of Fras | 4.6/5 | 207 | — |
| Olinda Fish and Chips | 4.5/5 | 285 | $ |
| Kallista Tea Rooms | 4.4/5 | 1336 | $$ |
| Olinda Cafe | 4.4/5 | 1181 | $$ |
| Sassafras Cafe & Sugar Cane Juice Bar | 4.4/5 | 703 | $$ |
| Dudley’s | 4.2/5 | 1687 | $$ |
1. Dine Divine
Address: 345 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Rating: 4.6/5 (766 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Sassafras with 766 Google reviews. Rated 4.6/5 by locals.
2. Citrine Bistro & Bar, Olinda
Address: 543 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda
Rating: 4.6/5 (581 reviews)
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 581 Google reviews.
3. House of Fras
Address: 1/351 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Rating: 4.6/5 (207 reviews)
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 207 Google reviews.
4. Olinda Fish and Chips
Address: 23 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Rating: 4.5/5 (285 reviews)
Price: Affordable
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 285 Google reviews.
5. Kallista Tea Rooms
Address: 103 Monbulk Rd, Kallista
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,336 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 1,336 Google reviews.
6. Olinda Cafe
Address: 17 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,181 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Sassafras with 1,181 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
7. Sassafras Cafe & Sugar Cane Juice Bar
Address: 391 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Rating: 4.4/5 (703 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Sassafras with 703 Google reviews. Rated 4.4/5 by locals.
8. Dudley’s
Address: 540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda
Rating: 4.2/5 (1,687 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 1,687 Google reviews.
9. King Henry’s Restaurant
Address: 320 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Rating: 4.2/5 (1,159 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
King Henry’s Restaurant is a verified local spot in Sassafras. Check their latest hours and menu before visiting.
10. Kallista Deli Cafe
Address: 78/78A Monbulk Rd, Kallista
Rating: 4.2/5 (573 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Sassafras with 573 Google reviews. Rated 4.2/5 by locals.
11. Fortnums Restaurant & Wedding Venue
Address: 395 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Rating: 4.2/5 (564 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 564 Google reviews.
12. Ripe Sassafras Cafe | Restaurant
Address: 376 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Rating: 4/5 (1,125 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
A local cafe in Sassafras with 1,125 Google reviews. Rated 4/5 by locals.
13. Pie In the Sky
Address: 43 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Rating: 3.8/5 (2,100 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 2,100 Google reviews.
14. Ranges at Olinda
Address: 5 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Rating: 3.8/5 (1,004 reviews)
Price: Mid-range
Ranges at Olinda is a verified local spot in Sassafras. Check their latest hours and menu before visiting.
15. Rocky Creek Art Garden B&B
Address: 2 Perrins Creek Road, Olinda
Rating: 3.5/5 (47 reviews)
One of Sassafras’s verified dining spots with 47 Google reviews.
About This Guide
Every venue in this guide is a verified, currently operating business sourced from Google Places API. Data last refreshed: 2026-03-31. If a venue has closed or moved, let us know.
More Sassafras: Sassafras Suburb Guide · Cost of Living · All Sassafras Guides
Where to Eat in Sassafras
Proserpina Bakehouse
Proserpina Bakehouse is the strongest first stop for breakfast, pastries, sourdough, pies and coffee, especially if you want something before walking the village or heading into the Dandenong Ranges. Broadsheet notes its freshly milled Victorian biodynamic flour, garden setting and well-loved almond croissant, which makes it one of Sassafras’s most distinctive food stops. Source: Broadsheet
Ripe Sassafras
Ripe Sassafras is a dependable all-day cafe-restaurant for brunch, lunch and relaxed hills dining. It suits mixed groups because the menu usually covers classic cafe plates, heartier mains, coffee, cakes and dietary-friendly options without feeling too formal.
Miss Marple’s Tearoom
Miss Marple’s Tearoom is the Sassafras classic: traditional English-style tea, scones, hearty comfort food and a cosy, old-world room that has become part of the village’s identity. Go for the atmosphere as much as the food, and expect it to be busiest on weekends, school holidays and cool-weather day-trip afternoons.
Dine Divine
Dine Divine is a good pick when you want a more restaurant-like meal rather than a quick cafe stop. Its converted-church setting gives it a memorable hills feel, and it works well for lunch, dinner, wine, celebrations or a slower meal after browsing the main street.
House of Fras
House of Fras is one of the newer-feeling choices in Sassafras, with a more contemporary menu and a stronger dinner-date energy than the traditional tearooms. It is a smart option if your group wants cocktails, share plates or something more modern while still staying in the village.
Local Tips
Sassafras is small, popular and very weekend-driven, so timing matters. For the easiest meal, arrive before the lunch rush or after the peak afternoon-tea window; between late morning and early afternoon, queues and parking pressure can build quickly.
Do not treat Sassafras like inner Melbourne dining. Many venues lean daytime, tea-room, bakery or cafe rather than late-night restaurant, so check current opening hours before driving up, especially midweek or in winter.
If you are planning a full Dandenong Ranges day trip, eat in Sassafras before or after visiting Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke Forest or Olinda. Proserpina works well at the start of the day, while Miss Marple’s or Ripe are better for a sit-down pause.
Bookings are worth making where available, particularly for Dine Divine or House of Fras. For high-demand tearoom-style venues, be ready for walk-in waits and keep a backup option nearby.
The best Sassafras meals usually match the weather. On cold, misty days, choose scones, pies, tea, fireplaces and heavier comfort food; on clear days, prioritise venues with garden, deck or outdoor seating.
FAQ
What is the most iconic restaurant in Sassafras?
Miss Marple’s Tearoom is the most iconic venue for many visitors because it has the strongest Sassafras identity: English tearoom styling, scones, tea and a long-running reputation. It is not the quietest choice, but it is the one most associated with the village.
Where should I go for the best breakfast or coffee in Sassafras?
Proserpina Bakehouse and Ripe Sassafras are the safest breakfast choices. Pick Proserpina for pastries, bread and bakery energy, or Ripe for a fuller cafe meal with table service.
Is Sassafras better for lunch or dinner?
Sassafras is generally stronger for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea than late dinner. For dinner, look first at Dine Divine or House of Fras, then confirm opening hours before travelling.
Miss Marple’s Tearoom
Miss Marple’s Tearoom is arguably the most recognizable culinary landmark in the Dandenong Ranges. Inspired by the legendary Agatha Christie character, this English-style cottage offers a nostalgic journey into a world of floral wallpaper, lace curtains, and polished brass. The menu is a celebration of traditional British comfort food, but the primary draw for the hundreds of visitors who flock here weekly is the scones. These are not your average baked goods; they are oversized, cloud-like rounds served with an incredibly generous portion of house-made raspberry jam and freshly whipped cream.
Beyond the tea and scones, the kitchen serves substantial fare that perfectly suits the misty, often cool climate of Sassafras. The Cornish pasties are a standout, encased in golden, flaky pastry, as are the traditional finger sandwiches and hearty shepherd’s pies. For those with a significant sweet tooth, the sundae menu—featuring the “Victorian” with its layers of ice cream and berries—is a local legend. Because the venue does not accept bookings, there is often a queue, but the chance to dine in such a meticulously themed, cozy environment makes the wait a part of the essential Sassafras experience.
Proserpina Bakehouse
Located in a repurposed 1930s hardware store, Proserpina Bakehouse represents the pinnacle of artisanal baking in Melbourne’s outer east. This is a venue for those who take their bread seriously; the owners mill their own flour on-site using a traditional stone mill, ensuring that the nutrients and flavor profile of the grain are fully preserved. The result is a selection of sourdough loaves and pastries that possess a depth of flavor rarely found in commercial establishments. The space itself is airy and rustic, with high ceilings and large windows that let in the soft mountain light, creating a serene environment for a slow breakfast.
The dining menu at Proserpina is seasonally driven, utilizing produce grown in the volcanic soils of the surrounding hills. A typical lunch might include a slow-braised lamb shoulder served on a bed of ancient grains, or a vibrant vegetable tart featuring heirloom carrots and goat’s curd. The kitchen’s commitment to “farm-to-table” ethics is evident in every dish. Even a simple order of eggs on toast is elevated by the quality of the house-milled bread and local farm eggs. It is a sophisticated yet unpretentious spot that caters to locals and day-trippers who value transparency and craftsmanship in their food.
Dine Divine
For those seeking a more formal or atmospheric dining experience, Dine Divine offers a unique setting within a beautifully restored 1920s church. The architecture provides a dramatic backdrop for a meal, with vaulted timber ceilings, pointed arch windows, and original stained glass that casts colorful patterns across the dining room. This is the premier location in Sassafras for a celebratory dinner or a romantic lunch. The menu is Modern Australian, focusing on premium ingredients and elegant presentation that matches the grandeur of the surroundings.
The culinary team at Dine Divine excels at balancing classic techniques with contemporary flavors. Signature dishes often include perfectly seared barramundi with a citrus emulsion, or a tender rack of lamb accompanied by seasonal greens sourced from nearby Yarra Valley farms. Their wine list is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of cool-climate wines from the local region that pair beautifully with the refined menu. The service is attentive without being intrusive, making it a reliable choice for those who want to escape the more tourist-heavy cafes for a moment of quiet, upscale indulgence.
Cream at Sassafras
Cream at Sassafras brings a touch of contemporary Melbourne cafe culture to the village. It is a bright, modern space that balances a sleek aesthetic with the warmth expected of a mountain retreat. This venue is particularly popular for its outdoor deck, which offers a front-row seat to the towering mountain ash trees and the bustling activity of the main street. The coffee here is widely considered some of the best in the area, with a rotating selection of specialty roasts that satisfy even the most discerning caffeine enthusiasts.
The food menu at Cream is diverse, catering to both the health-conscious and those looking for a decadent brunch. You might find a vibrant acai bowl topped with seasonal fruits and seeds sitting alongside a massive breakfast burger loaded with bacon, halloumi, and house-made relish. Their focus on high-quality, local ingredients is consistent throughout, and the kitchen is particularly adept at accommodating dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor. Whether you are grabbing a quick takeaway latte before a hike or settling in for a long brunch with friends, Cream provides a reliable, high-energy alternative to the more traditional tearooms.
Local Tips
To avoid the heaviest crowds at popular spots like Miss Marple’s, aim for a mid-week visit or arrive just as venues open at 10:00 AM. If you find the main street parking full, there is a larger public car park located just off the main road behind the village shops that offers easier access and a shorter walk to the restaurants.
FAQ
Are there many vegetarian and vegan options available in Sassafras restaurants? Yes, most modern venues like Proserpina Bakehouse and Cream at Sassafras offer a variety of plant-based dishes, ranging from seasonal vegetable tarts to dedicated vegan brunch bowls.
Do I need to make reservations for lunch in Sassafras? For popular spots like Miss Marple’s Tearoom, reservations are not accepted and walk-ins are the only option. However, for more formal dining at Dine Divine, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
What is the best time of year to visit Sassafras for dining? While Sassafras is a year-round destination, many visitors prefer the winter months when the fireplaces are roaring and the hearty menus at the local cafes and taverns are most satisfying.
Source: Time Out Melbourne
