Observatory Cafe

Ph: (03) 9650 5600; Observatory Gate, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 3141

Australian Modern, $, * for Ambience
Open 7 days 7am-5pm , available for functions at night, Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day; Licensed; AE, BC, DC, MC, V, Seats inside 130, Outside seats 150, Private room 60 (private area)

Mietta's Review
The large glassed cafe in the gardens is a terrific place for visitors to Melbourne to pause between visiting the Shrine and the Botanic Gardens. Great for families too with its outdoor coffee trolleys and barbecues where you can cook your own meals (with food bought from the cafe) surounded by lawns and lots of space for the kids. You have to queue and pay for your food and at peak periods this takes time. At night The Observatory is a terrific setting for parties.

Other published opinions

Herald Sun Cafe Culture Donna Coutts 16/8/05 score 14/20 "Pretty setting. Pricey but good food prepared in advance. Baguettes and sandwiches the best value. Fastmoving queue for counter service."

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 Outdoor Seating "Melbourne's finest public gardens - the domain of roaming families and canoodling lovers are best enjoyed after a restorative coffee and snack at this (hopefully) sun-drenched cafe by the Children's Garden."

The Age A2 26/2/05 John Weldon "Since the opening late last year of the children's garden next to the cafe, there are more youngsters than ever before mixing it with the chardonnay and latte sippers. Which makes the not-very-parent-friendly service here even harder to understand. Long queues at lunchtime and no table service - no matter how many meals and drinks you might have to carry- make it nigh-on impossible for just mum and the kids to pop in, as you need at least two adults to negotiate the logistics - one to queue and one to watch the brood. Still, once you have your food, this cafe becomes delightful, with its versatile blend of indoor and al fresco dining options."

The Age, Sunday Life, 7/9/03, Roslyn Grundy