The Cuckoo Restaurant

I went there yesterday afternoon with Elise and I had a bit of the Cauliflower and Cheese Soup with a Bread Roll, some Chicken Schnitzel, Chips, Pork Crackling, Scallop Potatoes, Roast Vegetables and fat of the Roast Beef but I didn't like the desserts. Elise had a bit of everything. It was extremely nice of the lady to waive the cake fee of $15 since I bought a half serve of Chocolate Ripple Cake to share with Elise since it was her Birthday also Jess offered to marry me, which was extremely nice of her to do that for me. Also the price is way too expensive so I won't be coming back there.

Approximate cost: $115

Sadly, The Cuckoo is not what it used to be. We’ve been coming here with family for over 30 years and our visit last month was a huge disappointment.

We went for Afternoon Tea. The service was terrible. We were overcharged on the way in, our deposit wasn’t deducted and the senior staff member at the register barked at the poor young girl serving us and spoke down to her right in front of us. Disgusting for what was an honest mistake that we weren’t upset by.

They were not busy, only one side of the restaurant was open and we had to constantly chase down our waitress to order drinks after we were refused bar service (first time we haven’t been allowed to order and pay at the bar). When the waitress did arrive, drinks needed to be paid for as they were ordered which is understandable but also very inconvenient and messy. If you need people to pay upfront so they don’t skip out on the bill, then let them do it at the bar.

The food used to be the star here. Not anymore. It was like a cheap, generic buffet. Terrible food. Greasy mini pizzas, cold hard chips, Franks (these were the only good part) and garlic bread was our hot food selection. Gone were the beautiful sandwiches and the lovely homemade cakes are no more. They all appeared to be run of the mill purchased cakes you see at any catered event. Not bad but far from great.

It’s such a shame to see such an iconic restaurant go downhill. After 30+ years sadly we will not go back.

We had the buffet here and it was really nice. Beautiful restaront inside and out. The was a german guy doing some entertainment to at lunch time.

This place looks beautiful and traditional inside and outside. The food is fabulous and has those sweet delicate east european flavours.

I had the privellege of trying thier buffet here. The food is extremely tasty and freshly cooked! They also did a german dance for us which was pretty fun. If you have visitors coming, bring them here for a memorable time!

Nice and cozy place in Mt Dandenong. Worth a visit. Upon entrance we were greeted and shown to our table. The guy explained to us where things are and made us feel welcomed. The environment is great and brings you to an Austrian restaurant. Food is delicious.

been here twice for school excursions and have adored the warmth of atmosphere and community the owners create in their restaurant. Its up in the mountain in a cute building by the side of the road serving a wide variety of german food, buffet style

I've been going here for the last 20 years and it never disappoints. The food, whether it be lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, is always plentiful and excellent quality. The entertainment is light-hearted and fun. It's a great place for a special occasion too and the band will mention it during their show if you let them know.

I love how tucked away this place is and the atmosphere you get when you come here. Its a really nice family environment that is great to bring your kids too. The food wasnt that great as is a lot of buffets, but for the whole package you get when you come here!

This place has such and uplifting and happy atmosphere and the staff all emit such positive vibes, The place is filled with music and famiies in for lunch

Food on offer in the buffet was very limited but you get free tea/coffee. Hardly anything if you are vegetarian!

Food is a bit rough being a buffet but the show and restaurant environment is really nice being in the heart of the dandenongs. It is a great place to take tourists. They have a cheaper afternoon devonshire tea option if you don't want to do the lunc or dinner buffet

After hearing so many good reviews about this place we checked it out ourselves,and what a wonderful place it is.They have a live floor show the kids thought that was just great.So many different types of food to choose from ,but my favourite was the desserts,this place is first class service,I can not fault one thing about our evening her. My advise would be don't eat to much before you go as you have to try everything here.

Approximate cost: $ 245 for family of 5

My family has been visiting the Cuckoo for many many years for special occasions. The staff are very very friendly, the food is wonderful, the show is entertaining and its a wonderful night out and different from anything else in the area. Coming from a German family, we have made many special memories at the Cuckoo.

Approximate cost: $40

Used to be much better, but after going recently I find that the effort that used to go into this place is no longer there.
The food is ordinary, nothing special. Their entertainment is EXACTLY the same as it used to be, nothing has changed, which is a bit disappointing.
A bit expensive as well.
Probably wont be going back any time soon.

So over this place. I guess if you like german fare you'd be happy. But the floor show is just embarassing. The food is okay - lots of it, but a bit samey, not an awful lot of variety. You can get rollmops which my father liked. But otherwise it's getting a bit dingy this place...not my cup of tea.

Approximate cost: $30

The food was average but plentiful. I was surprised though that for a German restaurant the "German Specialties" were below average. The show was fun if not a little corny. Would only go back if invited to a special occasion. Not too bad for a whole experience but have been to better restaurants.

Going to the Cuckoo in Olinda is a trip down memory lane for me. It is more the experience of the place I love than anything else. I remember the times we would go with my Mum for celebrations. It's a comfort to me, just that it is still there after all these years.

I love smorgasbords, not because you can eat as much as you want but so I can try small bits with a wide variety. The Cuckoo doesn't disappoint and has a lovely spread with a good balance of hearty European offerings, salads and condiments.

I hardly every have room left to have their famous pancakes. When I take friends or family here every one has a good time and enjoys the different atmosphere. Even the teens enjoy the music and yodelers (after they figure it's just a bit of fun & nobody is looking).

Be aware this is a high tourist zone. If you go on popular nights, book ahead, park early and then just enjoy the sometimes raucous evening.

Lunches can be busy as well as they have a lot of group functions at times.

Well worth your time - enjoy what they offer. Combine your trip with a huge range of interesting attractions in the Dandenong Mountains. It is a beautiful area, take time to enjoy a walk in the fern laden forests.

Went midday for afternoon tea. Food on offer in the buffet was very limited but you get free tea/coffee. Hardly anything if you are vegetarian! Good for tourists - was an accordion player, singers & also a lady who rang some cow bells and yodelled and sang edelweiss. A photographer walks around taking photos of you whilst you eat...and a elderly gentleman (who looks like the owner) who comes round with a mic asking where you're from.
Won't be going back...even though we're told that there is more food for dinner (extra $20more per head). Food quality is very poor.

Approximate cost: $25

We have eaten at The Cuckoo before but this recent visit was the first time we'd taken the kids (7 & 5). Happy to report that they loved it as much as we do and are keen to go back again!
We went there on a Sunday night so it was lovely and quiet. There were no big queues for food and the service was exceptional. We were greeted by the owner at the door which was a welcoming touch. The restaurant was very well staffed and great service: they were amazingly quick at taking away the empty plates and making sure we still had drinks.
It was a great place for the kids: no complaining they're hungry while waiting for food as they can eat straight away, and the live entertainment and activity/colouring sheet also kept them busy so we could have an enjoyable night out.
Will definitely come back for future family birthdays!

Approximate cost: $50 adults, $25 kids

dined at this restaurant for a friends birthday dinner. Staff were extremely friendly, and overall visit was amazing. Not only was it an all you can eat restaurant, there were a few performances which involved all customers. Had a very fun night there. Only downside was the drive up was quite nauseating (not Cuckoo's fault though!)

Approximate cost: $35

A large group of us recently went to the Cuckoo for a night out and had a ball! We had some vouchers that were purchased online so we only had to pay $25 for a fantastic buffet dinner and German Floorshow....There was lots of yoodling and quite a few laughs at our table. A great night out and a wonderful location in the Dandenongs...Highly recommended for that special party !!!

We have been there on two occassions and loved it!
the entertainment,a german band playing music is great fun

the second time we went, it was a group of 10 and everyone had a blast (most were first timers)

the beer steins were impressive and easy to drink too!

the smorgsabord contained a delicious range of german sausages and other hot dishes

the dessert table was extensive and so many delightful cakes to try

Highly recommend going in winter as its really cosy and terrific night out

The traditional German/European food is a lovely change to the usual buffet style restaruants around Melbourne. The highlight of the food are the German sausages and sauerkraut (shredded sour cabbage which is sauteed).The deserts, especially the sour cherry strudel is amazing! Just what the grandmothers used to make! There is also a show with some dancing and entertainment. The surroundings are beautiful with back gardens for lovely photo opportunities.

Approximate cost: $50

If you have never been and you have relatives visiting then this is a great place to take them. There is a huge buffet to meet everyone's needs - my favourite is the desert (lots of little cakes and treats). The "entertainment" is the same each time - bell ringing featuring strongly - and it gets a bit tiring if you have sat through it several times. Good to visit at Xmas as Santa makes an appearance

Dainty little German restaurant, One of very few that can be found in Melbourne. takes quite a while to get there (make it a half day trip coming from most locations around melbourne) but worth the drive as hard to find a traditional german restaurant around.

I came here to celebrate a friend's 40 birthday. If you enjoy listening to yodel ling and watching a wood-chopping slap dance than this is the place for you. Come and enjoy a smorgasbord of delicious german food. I had a great time and hopefully you will too.

all you can eat smorgasbord great food and entertainment friendly service they make you feel at home

Approximate cost: $55

We go about once a year as our anniversary dinner. Nothing melts your mans heart like a smorgasboard! It is well priced for a whole nights food and entertainment. The food is great,the atmosphere is fantastic especially if you are lucky enough to get a gorgeous view of the dandenongs. The show is usually very similar but still amusing and entertaining.

Absolutely delightful experience. Lovely bush setting with abundant bird life. Internally very cozy. Delicious, varied and very more-ish cuisine. Enjoyable and often interactive professional entertainment. Looking forward to returning soon. Very highly recommended.