We read some good reviews about this place, and as it is just around the corner, we decided to take a look.

First of all, we were warmly welcomed by the hostess and shown to a lovely table next to a stain-glass window.

We were given menus and the service was constant without being annoying. We ordered an entrée of the scallops, and a cold seafood plate. When the food arrived, we were sure we had over-ordered.

The size of the entrees were not only generous but absolutely delicious! The scallops were cooked to perfection. The seafood was all very fresh and tasty. For mains, we ordered 2 steaks, one with seafood sauce and one with pepper. I was expecting for the price that they would be tiny and unsubstantial, but when they arrived at our table, the meal was massive, and came with chips and a salad. We had also ordered a side of the cauliflower and cheese (which was amazing too!) but by this stage we had a lot of food in front of us.

Throughout the meal we were asked if everything was ok, and we had a lovely chat to one of the staff members, who was genuinely nice and sweet and not the normal fake nice that you often get in restaurants. She had a good laugh with us and could see we were struggling to finish the meals.

My partner polished off the rest of my enormous steak, (which was cooked to perfection and overall a brilliant cut of meat without fat) and we felt like we had just eaten like kings. A similar meal package in the city would have easily cost double the amount we paid ($29.50 per steak is incredible value) and would easily have been half the size of these meals also.

This is honestly the best restaurant we have eaten at outside of the city, which seems to have been hidden to us in plain sight. Just look for the blue building with the gigantic lobster/crayfish sticking out the front.

You will not regret having a meal here. We highly recommend this place.

Have been coming here for years and absolutely love it! After introducing friends to Cardens, we often go there to catch up.

The food is delicious and very affordable when compared to other similar restaurants. My favourites are the oysters creole and the big seafood platter for two is to die for. Yum! My husband always has the porterhouse with pepper sauce (he often dreams about them...hehehe). Portions are big and meals come with sides.

The service is fabulous and as we have been coming for years, the Maitre D' greets us by name. Excellent service! She even recalls what my husband has.. Cardens has the warmth of a good little family restaurant. I love dining there..................

Visited this establishment for my wife's birthday having previously done so some years ago and having thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately it was nowhere near the same standard with meals that could only be described as bland with chips piled on the plate as you would expect for a cheap pub meal (I ordered a steak). Where were the vegetables? They cost extra! I will always try to support local business however this is not good enough.

Approximate cost: $35

Went to Cardens for the first time for a birthday. The restaurant was very quiet and didn't really seem like it was the appropriate place to have dinner with a "loud" group (which is fair enough). I had the Captain Platter, which had Morton Bay bugs, prawns, fish & calamari in a tomato-y sauce. The seafood was cooked perfectly and I particularly enjoyed the bugs. Overall, it was a good experience, but the atmosphere seemed like it would suit a more intimate dining experience (It was just too quiet..)

Approximate cost: $50

Great food. Great taste, love it! The service is great and very friendly staff. The seafood platter is the best and good size portion.

Have been once now and can't wait to go back! Absolutely AMAZING seafood platter which is better than any I have tried in Melbourne! Great friendly service and reaonable prices. Who'd have thought this hidden gem nestled away in Dandenong of all places!

We go to Cardens at least once a month. Not only do they cook up a mean steak and serious seafood, they offer great service too. The servings are huge and quality of their ingredients is superb. Always so fresh! I haven't had a bad experience yet... I seriously recommend their steak with seafood sauce, it's to die for!

We have been to this restaurant on a number of occasions, always greeted by a friendly staff member on arrival, seated promptly and given menus, offered a drink also. service is just excellent. after ordering meals they suprisingly dont take very long until they are out. the food is absolutely FANTASTIC. never been let down at all. one of the best chicken dishes ive tasted is from here and it just so happens to be located in dandenong.

Approximate cost: $35