The Tin Plate Cafe and restaurant — Restaurant in Victoria

On a recent trip through Ballan, we had the pleasure of discovering The Tin Plate Café – a true hidden gem that offers a warm country welcome paired with high-quality, delicious food. Nestled in the heart of town, this charming café exceeded all our expectations with its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and memorable menu.

We ordered a mix platter, a burger, and coffee – and every item was a standout. The burger was perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor. It came with a soft, fresh bun and well-seasoned chips on the side that were crisp and satisfying. The mix platter was a delightful surprise – beautifully presented and generous in portion. It featured a variety of items including fresh local produce, cured meats, cheeses, and dips – an ideal choice for sharing and sampling a bit of everything. It was clear that the ingredients were thoughtfully sourced and prepared with care.

The coffee was smooth and expertly brewed, providing the perfect pick-me-up after a long drive. The baristas here really know their craft, and the café atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy each sip.

What really stood out, beyond the food, was the warm and welcoming service. The staff were attentive, kind, and genuinely passionate about making each guest feel at home. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors alike can gather and feel part of the community.

Overall, The Tin Plate Café is a must-visit if you’re in or around Ballan. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a good coffee, or just a friendly spot to unwind, this café ticks all the boxes. We’ll definitely be returning on our next visit...

We visit often for Brunch or and a late lunch. Nothing there for vegans per say but they will go out of their way to put something nice together anyway. Friendly home atmosphere, nicely decorated set up with the kitchen open and in full view of one of the dining rooms. There is a children's area which is a nice home-spun room with bench tables to seat about 12 people comfortably, a front room with tables that look out onto Inglis Street, a large dining room next to the kitchen, a cute courtyard at the back, clean bathroom, and room to sit on the street out front. The host is always busy and...

This cafe is an absolute joy. The decor and atmosphere has a cute and quirky country charm, with a courtyard and several rooms with tables, quirky mismatched chairs and adorable crockery. The staff are a delight, always a big smile and very friendly and accommodating. The food is good quality delicious and wholesome food. The burgers are served with little golden roasted potatoes instead of chips, yum! They also have vegan options both sweet and savoury which you don’t see in many country cafes. The kids meals are cheap ($5-$8) and good portion sizes....