Great menu and stunning outlook

Einen Kaffee in Begleitung mit den Kakatus getrunken

Mucked up my order 3 times. However, when I was ready to give up and not worry, they offered me something else on the house, and the scones were the best I've ever had. They were light and fluffy, were warm, and the butter melted right in

Nice for afternoon tea or lunch.

Nice indeed!

The best scone i’ve ever had! Coffee was so good, service was so lovely. 🤌🏻😍

The staff were lovely and attentive. I ordered the omelette with extra mixed mushrooms and it was huge and delicious! Definitely a great vego meal option if you're hungry. Full of green veggies, herbs, goats cheese folded eggs and mixed mushies... so yum!

This place was recommended by a friend to visit when riding Billy the puffing train, and it was fantastic! They are so friendly and offer an elegant atmosphere and dining experience. We did a vegan high tea and experienced some of the best savory foods I've ever had. They also accommodated the kids. Will definitely visit again!

I remember when this old 50s building was a garage/ petrol station in the 80s. Considering this, it's unbelievably clean & neat with fresh real flowers on every table. Excellent table service too. An exquisite site with wild cockatoos in the trees outside (at eye level) The Devonshire tea was excellent, with nice big warm scones & real tea in pots ( not tea bags) We eat out a lot. I'd rate this place - excellent .

Oh my goodness! I can't even begin to tell you how much we love this place. Even though it's not exactly around the corner we would consider this one of our absolutely favourite local cafes. It's worth the drive, the food is delicious, the coffee is amazing, the staff are always friendly and attentive and kind and thoughtful. Kid-friendly. Gluten-free options abound! The very special feature of the giant tree outside the big bay windows full to the brim with cockatoos is such a special experience even if you've been going to this cafe for years. And obviously really a special treat for visitors from out of town or overseas. Absolutely worth the trip! And while you're in the neighbourhood be sure to shop for all your treasures at Epoch and also Leaf in Kallista town center.

Lily’s service was exceptional. Friendly and welcoming. Sam was also very helpful and welcoming. The scones and coffee were amazing.

Gorgeous tearooms in the bush. It was magical!

Wonderful place with a view. Great range of food for people with dietary requirements. Attentive staff 😁

It’s so cosy, nice and perfect. Thanks guys

Great place and amazing food.

It’s a nice place to spend afternoon here with friends and family, foods are good and staff are very friendly

Fantastic spot to grab tea and scones and watch the local cockatoos. Open til 5pm which is great, friendly and fast, would highly recommend!

Good food,good service and a beautiful setting In the hills. Easy parking.

Amazing scones with tasty cream and jam. The panini was so delicious as well. There are some birds for viewing. The design of toilets is very cute. We have visited for twice!

Food, service and atmosphere was all great. The waiters were very helpful with accomodating gluten free meal. I highly recommend this place, if you are in Dandenong ranges you most visit this place.

The food and atmosphere at the restaurant were fantastic, and we enjoyed our time there. However, the seating arrangement could be improved. We were a group of 8, and the chairs were placed very close to the neighboring tables, making it difficult to move or eat comfortably. Providing more space between tables would greatly enhance the dining experience. Overall, a lovely place, but this small adjustment would make it even better.

Went to Kalista tea rooms for breakfast. Loved it. Great coffee great food and beautiful morning to sit outside.

All the staff were lovely and attentive, food was high quality and tasted great. Especially thankful for our server (didn’t get her name but she had blonde hair up in a ponytail) :)

Had lunch today with the whole family, the food was great and the service was really lovely, we had a tall young lady who was very knowledgeable and patient with all our many questions. The avocado toast and the burger were great

2nd visit here and it was as lovely as the 1st time. The window seats next to the cockatoos are a drawcard and the absolutely delicious menu are a bonus! Their scones are beautifully fluffy, light and generous serving of jam and cream. The ricotta pancakes were a hit around the table and could definitely be shared. They were extra busy today but service flowed smoothly and we still received service with a smile. Will happily keep returning here for a date morning, girls brunch or family brekkie.

Good will go again 👍

It is always an absolute pleasure coming to Kallista Tea Rooms. The staff are always absolutely lovely and are a pleasure to deal with, I tried to pay after ordering, however the kind lady at the counter insisted I pay after, this is only one example of how great the service is. I want to thank Sam, the amazing owner who always greets me with a smile whenever I come in. Even though I’ve only come in a few times, Sam always treats me like a lifelong friend. The scones they sell are so delicious, and all the teas and drinks are just as nice. The paintings hanging on the wall which are for sale, done by a local artist, are a great addition to the atmosphere, as it’s almost like an art gallery where you can eat while looking at the artworks. Thanks so much for the incredible service, especially for Sam, who is always so kind!

Worth a visit, great food selection and vibe.

Lovely place for a tea stop or a meal. The cockies are interesting to watch

We had a wonderful time at Kallista Tea Room. Loved the personal touch of rose petals on the table. Great variety of food and sweet treats, including small tea pots cookies, such a nice touch. Very highly recommended!! Will definitely be back.

We went for afternoon tea, we had the scones and they were amazing. The service was brilliant, there was a young man with glasses who served us , he was very astute and had a great sense of humour . All round great place to satisfy your belly.

This place was beautiful. Our server was very sweet, soft spoken and informative. They explained how the high tea worked, the food we would receive, and the drinks included. The attention to detail was wonderful. Little origami butterfly's on the table, strawberry pieces in the water. It had a real Victorian cottage feel. There is a massive window that you can watch the cockatoos through. They were very active and cute. The high tea was an ample amount of food and very delicious. Simple and authentic flavours. They also brought out a cute birthday treat for my partner which was very kind. There is a gravel parking lot out the back and stairs you need to walk up. Something to consider if you are a wheelchair user.

Worth the drive from Melbourne. Very quaint and atmospheric cafe. The corn fritters were delicious. Perfect on a rainy day!

Yum!!!! Loved the decaf chai here. Sat by the bar, as a dozen cockatoo watched us eat lunch. I highly recommend the corn fritters, which were paired with mango, avocado and a poached egg on top. A proper meal to sustain me as we hiked the Dandenong Forest. They were nice enough to create a special vegan platter for our friend. We also got the vegetarian panini, which featured tons of beans and cheese. If I was still hungry, I would have ordered one of their beautiful pastries.

Really lovely spot to have lunch or a snack. Food was great, staff super friendly and it’s great for kids as it’s got some toys and the staff brought out stickers and pencils/paper for my toddler. The cold brew chai is delicious and generous serving. Highly recommend!

Food was good value for money, service was good, if you have a doggo they are welcome as well, highly recommend, and a big thanks to the lady with the cocker spaniel for being so kind to willow with treats

The atmosphere is very good. You should try it.

Step into the enchanting world of Kallista Tea Rooms, where time seems to slow down amidst the elegant art deco decor and lush greenery. Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, this hidden gem is a haven for tea lovers and those seeking a delightful dining experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. The staff is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, guiding you through an extensive selection of teas and delectable pastries with passion and enthusiasm. Their commitment to providing personalized service is evident in every interaction, making you feel like a valued guest. The culinary offerings at Kallista Tea Rooms are simply divine. Each dish is meticulously crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients, showcasing the flavors of the region. The scones are light and flaky, perfectly paired with a dollop of clotted cream and jam. The high tea experience is a true indulgence, with tiered stands overflowing with savory finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and freshly baked scones. The ambiance at Kallista Tea Rooms is equally captivating. The large windows frame picturesque views of the surrounding gardens, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea or a casual lunch, the surroundings are sure to enhance your experience. In short, Kallista Tea Rooms is a culinary gem that should not be missed. With its exceptional service, exquisite food, and inviting ambiance, it's a destination that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and utterly satisfied.

Lovely place to visit for afternoon tea and scones and watch the cockatoos in the big tree. The scones were well sized and moist; clotted cream is a must as well! Their regular breakfast and lunch menu is nice but nothing spectacular. Highly recommend visiting just for tea and scones.

The nourish bowl is always exactly what I'm needing!

Best staff and great menu. All round great place to drop in chat and coffee

Went to the Kalista Tea Rooms on the Melbourne Cup public holiday. Despite being busy, staff were able to seat us promptly and our order came quicker than expected. As per my fiancé “I don’t know if it is the atmosphere or the company of the cockatoos, but the tea just tastes better here”

Lovely spot for a meal or coffee.

We went here for afternoon tea. The location is lovely and the staff were very friendly but the scones were awful. They were incredibly dry and unpleasant, I would expect so much more from such an iconic location where scones are a big drawcard. It was also very expensive. I could hear the people on the table next to us complaining about them as well. Such a shame as it will stop us from returning.

I'd read great things about the scones here. Have to say, I was pretty disappointed. They were dry and bland. The jam wasn't very nice either.

Amazing food and atmosphere. The staff are kind and accomodating. Will visit again!

REGULAR MENU and beautiful man!

*GLUTEN FREE MENU* I would like to send a massive thank you to the owner and team at Kallista Tea Rooms. I wanted to take my very elderly uncle (92 years old) and my mother out for a meal. He has mobility issues and also lots of food intolerances. I called ahead and booked a table. I believe I spoke with the owner. He was so wonderful and more than accomodating on the phone. On the day I was able to drop my Uncle near the front door and the staff unlocked both front doors so he could get his walker through. We had incredible views of the cockatoos that hang out in the adjacent trees. The menu is nearly all gluten free (incredible!) and also we were able to accomodate his other intolerances. The staff were friendly and kind. The whole experience was really nice. You’re probably thinking - surely this is what all venues do. But I can say from experience that they don’t. And being able to have a special lunch with my mum and my uncle, both of whom I love was amazing. The memories are so special. Thank you so much. On a seperate note - I have been to the Tea Rooms a few times (for afternoon tea) and it is such a special venue. The history and the cockatoos (local Australian birds) make it very unique. Would recommend a visit.

Beautiful little restaurant, friendly and attentive staff, tasty food and generous portions. Cockatoos just outside the window. Lovely spot and can't go wrong with this place.

As a local I love this place. Can't say anything bad about the food. Was formerly my favourite place and always recommended it.... But went there on labour day. A busy day with lots of tourists and they were struggling with the pressure. Was yelled at by the main lady who was very confused at that moment and given short replies by staff and general shitty service. But yeah. First time ever. Normally I give them a chance and Probably will in a couple of months... But now I got a pretty sick taste in my mouth to go there again based on their showing of true colors in a way when Under some pressure I guess ... Not sure, but is sad as Great food but. Yeah... Hopefully a better experience when I go again and can delete this review of venting displeasure.

If you’re not white or Asian don’t bother going here. We were ignored by 3 staff members. 1 even spoke to our dog but not to us. Left without ordering.

Great little place, full of Art Deco era charm. We were here mid morning, so we had the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Panini, which I would highly recommend. The coffee was really good, as was my Lindt hot chocolate. Would definitely come here again.

Loved this place.would highly recommend. Food was so enjoyable.

The high tea experience was amazing Friendly staff

Basing this review off 2 visits. The corn fritters were delicious and service was attentive the first time. Second time unfortunately was so disappointing. My young daughter and I walked in and waited about 5 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us. Someone finally came over and said ‘there’s a table down there’, shoved a menu at me and went back to a phone call. I tried to ask where, and just got a hand wave. Upon waiting for 20 minutes we left. Eye contact was made multiple times with staff to take our order and no one ever came. We left as people were being served before us (table service) and we only wanted to stop for a cold drink. Disappointing, especially as it wasn’t very busy. Please take this feedback on board for how you treat future customers.

A beautiful spot where you can watch cockatoos while enjoying your meal. I had the nourishing bowl (previously zen bowl) which was very satisfying and filling with tasty fresh flavours. The person who served me was also very friendly. I’d only recommend having even more vegan options where changes aren’t necessary, the more plant based food the better!

Visited Sep 2024 for late afternoon tea. Staff extremely welcoming and service was great. Food slightly slow to come out but it was busy so, to be expected. Kids loved sitting by the windows with the cockatoos sitting outside less than a meter away. We had the calamari salad, some pumpkin soup, a ham and cheese foccacia, chips, scones and some cake. Everything was exceptionally well prepared.

Good vegan options, great service, friendly atmosphere.

Excellent service, delicious food , beautiful ambiance , a real treat to enjoy a day in green scape. The lovely Liyan is a credit to the venue she really loves her job and it shows in her service rendered

Visited 05.08.2024. Beautiful place with a vintage setting. Love that feeling of country style. The staff are friendly and they service is great. Plenty of parking. There's even a playful area for the kids. Food is delicious.

Perfect food. Amazing vegan options. Beautiful view 🤍

A really good experience with great food! Highly recommend the hot chocolate, scones and the pancakes!!

Went for Friday afternoon scones, jam and cream. Wasn’t busy as it is winter. Needed to get up and get our own menus. Service was just ok. Scones were big and tasty, although a little dry. Apple crumble was nice, but was barely warm. Lots of easy parking.

Kallista tea rooms kindly accommodated our decently sized (6 people) group as walk-ins on a rainy cold day. But it is recommended to book we just got lucky! Service was a bit slow but we weren't in a rush and they did get slammed when we were there. Everything was a good sized portion. The scones were huge and had good flavour but did have that chalkiness at the end. Good amount of jam and cream provided. Creamy delicious hot chocolate. There is parking down the hill but it can be hard to traverse if it's very muddy.

Enjoyed the tea room atmosphere, scones and the cockatoos view

Lovely spot, only one open after 4pm, scones looked great, but we went for a lemon slice instead

Had a lovely lunch last Saturday, the waiter that served us was absolutely hilarious and looked after us so well! Also one of the few places I can get a vegan milkshake that makes me feel like a kid again. Will be back many times more.

I took my little girl to High Tea as a mother-daughter treat. She had such a great time and it was a lovely thing to do on a rainy Winter morning, even moreso with the cockatoos looking on. The table settings, cut flowers, and pretty teacups/pots really set the scene.The stuff were so friendly and patient, especially when the little one accidentally knocked over her drink. They were also accommodating to our dietary needs, and I have to say, the chef makes amazingly soft gluten-free scones! My daughter spent her afternoon at home putting on her own High Tea for her younger brother, that's how much of a special experience it was. I definitely recommend the venue to others. I'm sure we'll be back :)

Kallista Tea Rooms hasn't changed much since I first went there 50 years ago. Still the same structure, scenery, Devonshire teas and birds. Cockatoos yesterday - not parrots. Tea & Dev was $21 which is pricey. Traffic going past was horrendous which kind of taints the experience. How does Kallista Dev Tea compare to Fairfield Boathouse? Think the boathouse scones are slightly better & overall cheaper

What a great place. We stopped here for a coffee and tea on a walk and we were lucky enough to get a table for the brief stop. All tables were reserved so make sure you book. The coffee was great and the food looked amazing. Definitely want to come back and eat. The place is beautiful and the staff were nice.