Ripe Cafe

Exceptional location. Good service.
I had one of best chai latte in my life, as they made it with fresh herbs. Great range of sweet treats.
Probably come back for breakfast.

The atmosphere is great, especially on one of those cold days where you want to rug up and embrace something warm. The soups are great here as are the desserts. The staff can be hit and miss. I have had times where there hasn't been an exchange apart from the essential information and other times they have been all smiles and friendly. Overall it is still my favourite cafe in Sassafras. Also a big community table sits in front on the fire place, a lovely addition to invite small talk among its patrons.

This afternoon my Wife and I, along with our two kids, drove to the Dandenongs and had a lovely time walking around Sassafras, much to the horror of the children. Anyway... we were hungry and decided on Ripe Cafe as that's where my Wife took me when we first met many years ago; nostalgia got the better part of us as we thought what a terrific opportunity to create new memories. Well, unfortunate for us, food-wise the experience there was quite pedestrian as in ordinary.

The lunchtime meal order was nothing unusual: smoked salmon baguette, salami baguette, two cheese toasting, and two small chocolate milkshakes. Service was good as the place was quite busy with the throngs of visitors during Cup Day so we were happy to wait. It's when the food came out that left us wondering what happened to the Ripe Cafe we knew and loved.

My salami baguette was fine and passable and honestly would order again. The kids' cheese toasties were... well, quite bready with what seemed not to be much cheese but they didn't complain. What really got me was the lacklustre performance of the smoked salmon baguette. Just a single slice of salmon on buttered bread and four capers which the Wife doesn't eat so I was the lucky recipient of those. For a $10.00 sandwich we were quite surprised at how poorly the actual item was in comparison to the worded description in the menu. I was actually eyeing that one myself but was saved by the mere fact of having a far better homemade version of it this morning I made for breakfast. Needless to say we were most disappointed in not experiencing a better sandwich selection.

I like Ripe and would give it another go as who knows if it was the person preparing, they ran out of rocket or salmon or whatever... it's not enough for us to swear it off for life, it's just one of those things you file in the back of your head for future reference. Hopefully you'll have a delightful time when you visit and not leave with the disappoint we just had.

Approx. dining cost for all meals: $42.60.

Approximate cost: $10.00

I dropped in here with a couple of mates while out for a ride on our motorbikes. The staff were friendly and our Coffees were hot and strong just the way we had ordered them. If we are in the area we will drop in there again.

Very friendly laid back atmosphere,great cakes and food,large deck at the rear for children to play,deck has weather screen on,protects from hot and cold weather.

Approximate cost: $20.00

Great food at reasonable prices, excellent service, staff who care, and lovely atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating, some communal seating on the deck. I love it here!

Approximate cost: $10

Small cafe in the Dandenongs with a warm feel. The hot chocolates made from Lindt choc you can get white milk or dark and they are to die for and the coffee is also really yummy! Good service also. They sell chocolates, some soaps etc. Nice cafe.

Admitedly, it was a glorious Sunday when our group of 11 went for lunch (we booked) but this place is not well set up for large volumes of customers.
Staff were light on and thoroughly disinterested. Our meals - mixture of cooked and baguettes were out within 35 minutes so that was good. Cooked meals were ok - bit dry and chewy (chicken breast and pork). Baguettes nice and fresh.
Trying to pay was a nightmare - same queue for ordering and no system.
I would recommend this place for a quick bite or coffee and cake rather than as a destination for a meal - and you'd probably have a better experience during the week.

Approximate cost: $10-20

Headed up the mountain one day and this was the only place that was open that had some spare seats. We wandered into this house that had been converted into a small restaurant/cafe which had a small kitchen being run by what looked like one chef. We ordered baguettes which there were an assortment of, between the 3 of us we shared a nice selection including one with local prosciutto. All well delicious! The bread was crisp on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside. Definitely recommend them for the baguettes.... and the coffee!

Four generations visited today for a wonderful lunch. Clean high chair provided and very obliging staff. The outside belies what's inside - like the Tardis. Wish we had more places like this in England! Soup - outstanding, Rocky Road - yum, yum! All at a very reasonable price. I'll bring my husband to visit in November.

Approximate cost: $9

If you can get a seat at Ripe it is one of the best cafes around. I would definitely recommend booking in advance and trying to request an indoor table, but this is sometimes impossible as this little gem is so very busy! The baguettes are second to none with simple but effective combinations of antipasto, meats and delicious cheeses. The lunch menu changes regularly depending on seasonal availability of produce so you're guaranteed to never get bored with the food. The coffees are heavenly and the lindt hot chocolates are unsurpassed - especially the orange one!
This place is awesome, but don't expect to be able to walk in and get a seat!

Approximate cost: $9 - $18

My Partner and i try to get up to Ripe atleast one weekend a month to have one of the amazing baguettes on their menu. Friendy staff and awesome real Lindt Hot Chocolates are good enough to warm the cockles of anyone's heart. I recommend the Number 8 baguette with Brie Cheese, Quince Paste and Prosciutto. Yum! Be sure and make a booking if you're heading up on the weekend because although they are very accommodating it is a rather quaint (small) venue and you dont want to miss out. Do yourselves a favour and Bypass Miss Marples and head to Ripe which is right Next Door :)

Approximate cost: $10

Every time I go there, it is just a wonderful foodie experience. They have such a variety of meals and drinks available. You can pop in for a meal, a snack or just a drink. It is such a popular place that it is best to book ahead but they do their best to seat all people even if you don't have a booking. A great place for that special occasion or that relaxed brunch. Good prices too!

Ripe is a real find in the Dandenongs. It's hard to find but look for the old teapot shop and you'll find Ripe next to it. They have a small gourmet deli and pantry section in the front promoting mainly local produce (similar to what you find in the Yarra Valley). The rear of the premises is the rustic cafe and includes a covered verandah surrounded by the temperate rainforest. The food is real comfort food of high quality. I've been there for brunch a few times now - freerange eggs and lots of great dishes to choose from. The cakes and coffee are also really good. It's a good place go with friends or to escape to with a book. Enjoy!

Delicious menu, great coffee (no extra costs for soy milk for a change!!) and mouthwatering Lindt hot chocolates!! What more can you ask for? Service is friendly and definitely a good place to relax before a wedding in the hills!!

Fantastic food, DELICIOUS hot chocolates and a great place to take kids. They have an undercover section out the back with big communal tables and lots of toys and room for kids to play. Our mothers group meet there all the time.

Approximate cost: $18

Comfortable and with excellent menu, good wine. Reliable. I have been there on four separate occasions with both family and overseas visitors and all were enthusiastic. Excellent spot for a coffee before a wedding in the hills. I liked the deck which was great when we were accompanied by children.

I went with a friend for lunch - they have a delicious range of baguettes, and I chose the smoked chicken, brie and spicey cranberry chutney one. It took quite a long time for our meal to come out of the kitchen (the people who ordered 10minutes after us, and ordered hot food e.g. pastas, actually got their food really fast and had almost finished before we got our baguettes) When they did come out, the waitress was very polite and thanked us for our patience. The baguette was great value and so delicious.

I ended up going back on my own in the afternoon for some cake and hot chocolate. They have delicious Lindt hot chocolate. They were happy for me to sit at the table and read my book - didn't disturb me too much, but made sure I had everything I wanted.

Approximate cost: $8

I LOVE this place I have dined there at least a dozen times and the service and food have never disappointed.
They have as well as other tables 1 communal table where you can sit with others which can very interesting talking to different people

the best service and genuinely friendly staff. A Welcome change. Also the food is always fresh and the servings are hearty. Wonderful to visit in any season

Approximate cost: $24

I love this place!! Atmosphere is lovely (although sometimes a bit cold). You know you can guarantee an original and creative menu. Nice Melbourne based coffee.. Friendly staff (mostly) and local produce.. Just make sure you get there before 11 on weekday for breakfast- It is worth it !!

Approximate cost: $8-15

Fantastic. The best baguettes and antipasto around. Lovely fresh local ingredients and really excellent service. Good ambience and great prices. A must!

Approximate cost: $10.00

This is a lovely place to come for a special lunch - lovely mains with wines to match - or for a casual meal - great baguettes and coffee. The open fire is very cosy in winter and the range of Yarra Valley produce is great. Excellent cakes!

What a great little cafe, sit out on the deck in the summer and in the winter inside with a cosy fire. Food was really lovely and had a nice selection of wine and beer.
Cost was very affordable. They also sell a few gifty things and condiments.

Approximate cost: $18.00