Routley's Bakery Lara — Restaurant in Lara

Routleys Café at Lara – The Little Coffee Haven You’ll Kick Yourself for Missing

Step through the main entrance of Coles in Lara, and you might just stroll right past one of the best-kept café secrets in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Nestled quietly in the foyer, Routleys Café doesn’t shout for attention—but the moment you stop, you’ll realise you’ve found something special.

The first thing you notice is the impeccable presentation. The café gleams—every surface spotless, every display neat and inviting. Then comes the warmth: staff greet you with genuine smiles, a relaxed friendliness, and a “nothing is too much trouble” approach that feels almost old-fashioned in the best possible way.

The menu is a small but tempting showcase of comfort food done right. Mornings bring quick, satisfying breakfasts; by lunchtime, the counter boasts golden pies, generously filled rolls, and fresh sandwiches that look as good as they taste.

And then there’s the coffee—rich, smooth, and expertly made. The “large flat white test” is passed with flying colours, and it’s no exaggeration to say this unassuming little café pours one of the finest cups in greater Melbourne. Coffee lovers could happily make the trip here just for that first sip.

Best of all? The prices. Routleys delivers city-quality food and coffee at a fraction of the cost. Tradies, drivers, locals, and passersby all get the same unbeatable value.

This is more than just a café—it’s proof that sometimes the best finds are hidden in plain sight. In my book, Routleys belongs firmly in Melbourne’s top ten...

I went to this café recently and had a really disappointing experience. The staff didn’t ask me if I wanted to dine in or take away and just handed me my coffee and food to go. I noticed that other customers, especially women, were treated differently and received better service. When I asked about my coffee, the staff member replied rudely, saying she could make it now. I felt completely ignored and unwelcomed, which made me feel like my service was based on my appearance. Being in the retail industry for 10 years, I know how important good customer service is. I hope this café can work on treating all customers with respect and kindness, regardless of their background.I know she’s working alone but doesn’t mean she behaves...

Not happy at all service is shocking staff unfriendly told we couldn't use a mug but could have a cup becouse of covid asked the girl if she could clean the table when she brought out drinks was given a dirty look a walked of and didn't come back very disappointed would not recommend this place there are much better coffee shops in lara that offer friendly service great coffee/hot chocolate and food Routleys need to look at there customer service would not go back again and would not recommend this place. Customers have a right to be treated respectfully especially customers with...