The Oaks Cafe

I visited The Oaks cafe, located within The Acorn Nursery and enjoyed the picturesque setting among blooming flowers. We opted for the outside balcony area—and enjoyed fresh air and a pleasant view. There were limited all day breakfast menu choices, but the dishes were tasty and well-presented. Ordering at the counter and having the food brought to us added a casual touch( and allowed us to view the day's cake collection) However, the timing was off as our 2 Caribbean prawn Benedicts ordered at the same time, arrived 15 minutes apart, which was a bit awkward. Also dishes weren't cleared away, even an hour after finishing. Keep in mind they don't take reservations, and seating for groups of 4 or more is scarce. This venue is frequently busy, during the daytime with a more elderly crowd and approaching 3:00 with school pickup mums......which explains the large selection of sandwiches and lighter food choices- written on a board near counter. The attached gift shop is stocked with beautiful items although finding the entrance to the cafe might be a bit tricky the first time. Overall, a charming spot with a few quirks.

The Oaks Cafe – A Blooming Garden of Kindness and Joy Stepping into The Oaks Cafe feels like walking into a garden kissed by heaven. Every corner blossoms with flowers, every breath carries the scent of peace and warmth. The air is light, the atmosphere gentle — like sipping sunshine beneath petals of joy. What makes this place truly magical is not just the beauty of the garden, But the beautiful hearts within. A multicultural team, smiling souls from different walks of life — And among them, a young woman with Down syndrome, shining with pride and purpose. The owner’s kindness blooms brighter than any rose, giving opportunity where others may not. That alone speaks volumes — it’s not just a cafe, it’s a celebration of humanity. The service is graceful, warm, and full of heart — Every cup of coffee served with a smile, every plate a little piece of care. It’s not just a cafe, it’s a place where flowers grow in people too. A must-visit — for your soul, not just your taste. Let The Oaks Cafe remind you that kindness still grows in this world.

A lovely cafe overlooking the picturesque Acorn nursery. The selection of food is extensive - from pastries to a full breakfast menu and lunch with wine options. We visited on a Sunday when they seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the number of customers and having waited around 50 minutes for coffee perhaps a few changes could be made. The staff were lovely but undertrained - not uncommon in hospitality but entirely the fault of management. Our empty plates and cups remained on our table despite many empty handed trips being made by the wait staff back to the kitchen. They were finally removed at our request. A second round of coffee appeared to be lost in translation - several times wait staff appeared with a single latte that didn’t have a home but we weren’t going to get it - we had ordered 2 so it wasn’t for us! Food and drink was ordered at the counter but there was not 1 dedicated counter person - she spent an inordinate amount of time packaging and plating food. Meanwhile the queue was creeping out the door. Two people on the counter, one for taking orders, the other for plating would mean customers could be seated quicker and the staff would avoid having to weave through that ever expanding line. I also had to direct the counter staff to my table - that’s us over there, by the window, lady with the red top etc…..where are the table numbers carried back to the table by the customer? That would solve the lost coffee problem. Perhaps management are reluctant to put on extra staff fearing a quiet day but a sunny Melbourne Autumn Sunday with a post church audience is surely suggestive of maximum staffing?

What a great find. So lovely to sit in a cafe on Canterbury Rd and be surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. Great breakfast and lunch menu. This goes in my list of cafes to go back to!

Lovely cafe inside the Acorn Nursery. I always find the food here delicious and well presented. I suspect because it's inside the nursery other reviewers think it's pricey, however there are options at many prices, and it's absolutely worth checking the cabinet for pies and specials. On a really hot summer day this special berry iced tea was really appreciated. Also the staff were very attentive to Covid protocols which was wonderful.

We have been coming here since my kids were quite small. It has a friendly and relaxing vibe and a simple uncomplicated menu with something for most palates.

Wow what a hidden gem, we bought mum 96yrs here for lunch b4 heading back to BNE. Food was excellent as was the service and indeed the MEL weather. I enjoyed a pizza and a pinot gris. Wull certainly return perhaps for breakfast.