Quarry Bakehouse — Restaurant in Melbourne

You don’t receive a ‘greeting’ when you walk in, you receive ‘the look’. Maybe my appearance does not resonate with their expectations of the demographic of this area, or maybe they simply disapprove of my appearance, I’m not sure! But coming back from the 1000 Steps wearing sweat pants and a blue collar shirt, is maybe not the clientele they desire. I didn’t really expect to pay $12 for a cheese jaffle with tomato, especially when the owner points to the eftpos machine and says “shoot”, obviously practiced his technique for not stating the price. The lady in the kitchen forgot the tomato, so I had to go back in and let them know. She didn’t look too happy that I came back in, and offered me a free coffee to make up for it, but of course making sure it was “only a small coffee”. I shouldn’t have to walk in there feeling slightly guilty or scabby due to bad customer service and overpriced food. The guy has awkward, childlike social skills, and the lady just looks unhappy. After being told that “that’s what it costs in every cafe around here mate”, I knew it’s the first and last time I come here. I only came in due to not having time to head up to the lovely Belgrave Bakery Italian Pasticceria. It’s really not about the price, I know time and effort was taken in the quality ingredients, but the vibe let’s it down. It felt like I was walking into someone’s private residence with the evil eye look I received, like an intruder. And don’t give the excuse that you were wearing a mask, as a simple nod of the head would have sufficed. I’m sorry I was not a real estate agent or accountant walking in wearing my suit. Work on your social skills, maybe do a course? As Jennifer Saunders once said: “You only work in a shop you know, so you can drop...

It is not often you find a place (cafe - restaurant etc) that gets it right. I mean - completely right! From friendly, welcoming management and front-of-house staff, to the best food and goodies and coffee and...and... everything! You can tell the bakers/chefs are top quality; the food is excellent! And the bread! Wow. Get there when it's still warm, cuddle it all the way home, and you'll never have bread as nice :-) Other reviewers have said come early on weekends/Saturdays as they get busy. Yes they do! - but it's a pleasure to see - some places run around in a mad haze like they've lost or losing their heads; not at Quarry! Even super busy, everything runs so well, and more importantly, they still have time for a smile and a welcome. No matter how good the food/coffee is at a place, if the people aren't friendly I find it hard to go there. Quarry has it perfectly balanced - the staff have a brilliant combination of professionalism and welcoming friendliness. It's a lively buzzing hub when busy, do go - and when being patient waiting, enjoy the happy atmosphere. It was a delight to see a lady come in with her young daughter on her birthday to choose a treat for her special day, warmed my heart how Sara leaned over and helped her choose, having fun with the wee girl. Well done. A friendly hub with the best food ever (have I mentioned the bread? the exquisitely tasty Portuguese Tarts?) and a smile guaranteed. Can't wait for...

Wow! Hello, real pastry chefs and bakers. This is by far the best bake house in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The pastry! Perfectly baked toasted golden brown with real butter. That’s just the basic croissant. We ordered 2 coffees. Yep, full bodied freshly roasted beans with ample crema. Thick like a foggy mountain morning. Clearing out to a satisfying day. The selection from the counter of hot house made pies and rolls have tempted us on other days. But today we chose the ‘best seller’ cinnamon scroll donut. OMGosh! I had to complain to say how good it was. Because, I will now be comparing everything else to this experience. Fresh, yes. The dough soft, yet angelicly silky and light on texture. Full of toasted flavour. The glaze light and transparent and managed to cover the top like a bridal veil. All the anticipation and hope did not disappoint. A most delightful joy to experience, inside and out. Cool city vibe in the cafe front. Sit in the sun with your pooch or come inside with your human pal. Take a cushion and let your soul be nurtured from the outside in. This is not just a space to pick up a snack. But a place to enjoy the very best our Melbourne, Foot Hills ,Dandenong Ranges has to offer. Come and enjoy it while it’s pumping. You won’t forget Quarry Bake House this...