Loved this place on a recent visit to Belgrave. The cafe was so busy so I opted for a take away. Under pressure the staff worked like a well oiled machine and were friendly and efficient. I had an awesome juice and a vegan vegetable stack. Honestly the best vegan stack I have ever had! Thanks for providing so many cruelty free options. I will be back next time I am in Melbourne and will recommend you to friends. <3
Love this place. Great staff and service. Great coffee
I love that take away coffee can come in a recycled jar if you forget your keep cup
Love the laughing Owl. Food is always amaze and tummy friendly. Lovely atmosphere and love coming back to enjoy different goodies off the menu. Yum yum and yum ļæ½ļæ½ļæ½
Love the Laughing Owl, lovely staff and great vegan food too, had a stupendous breakfast bowl yesterday:)
My favourite place to be!
I love the Laughing Owl, and visit there for breakfast every opportunity I get.
The coffee is the best in Melbourne, the kale salad is phenomenal and the muffins.... Words can't describe them...
Love all of the staff here. They have the most beautiful hearts and smiles and make my mornings feel so happy.
Thanks guys, you really are amazing xxx
beautiful people, beautiful place, best food in belgrave! ā¤ā¤ā¤
This is a very delayed BUT very big thank you to Joanie and the team at Laughing owl. Joanie was able to create a tasty veg\vegan friendly finger food menu for our recent Baby Shower. the selection included, arancini balls, falafels, zucchini fritters, mini veg burgers and home made pumpkin and hummus dips The food was created with love and care and was so delish!!
Thanks Joanie- it was so great that we could include you in the day, you made it so easy and everyone raved about how yummy it all was. #verygrateful
Jayne & Glenn XX
I have lived in the hills ever since the owl opened and have tried nearly every cafe within the Yarra ranges and I believe the owl has the best coffee and cakes in town, even with some pretty tough competition down the road. Never bad vibes in there and always great coffee and cakes. I enjoy eating meat often so I have only eaten meals there once or twice and they are also fantastic! If visiting Belgrave the owl is a must stop!
Every visit to The Laughing Owl is an absolute pleasure! The staff are always friendly, and the food is fabulous as are the drinks!
Scary to say but I'm a coffee snob! ļæ½ I love, love, love this coffee! You can make it with any type of milk, and you can choose to have dark or milk chocolate (dark mocha is my fav) they have the most beautiful staff and the food is divine! Love ļæ½,love, love ļæ½ This place! Thank you so much ļæ½ everyone for spoiling me!!
A new favourite in the hills - stunning food that is ethically sourced! These guys make it easy to visit every time I pass by. Superb coffee offerings with plant based milks (try a coconut milk latte - incredible!), the friendliest staff who know their stuff, and so much on the menu that keeps me going back. Today I bought their homemade chilli jam and the jar is already half empty! Viva la Laughing Owl!
Awesome soul food, tasty and filling, top notch food and service, a fun place to chill for a bit.
Just bloody marvellous! Great coffee (plus discount if you bring your own Eco/keep cup!), the sweets are to die for and the Kale Salad... Well, I have been know to drive 30mins out my way just to get my paws on that good stuff! Staff are lovely too!
Many vegetarian/vegan options, a variety of lunch and snack/sweet options. The chai had a great froth to it which is always a bonus. The meals are very filling as well šš¼
Stopped by The Dandenongās for something different, and treated ourselves to a meal at The Laughing Owl Cafe in Belgrave.
The location can be incredibly busy on the main strip and the cafe itself filled up fast!
The cafe is 100% vegetarian and offer an array of vegan options. Decided on the open burger and was amazed with the flavours! So tasty! A nice chickpea patty with a delicious sauce, and a generous serving of fillings.
Honestly, could not fault the food or the incredibly friendly service. The ladies there were so nice and accommodating, despite the cafe being busy.
The only downside was that the coffees werenāt the greatest. Iām not sure if it was the soy milk used or the technique, but wasnāt enjoyable.
A cosy and rag-tag little coffee shop tucked away in the Main Street of Belgrave; the laughing owl is definitely the best coffee on the strip. The cafe has a few little old school games which is a nice touch.
I had a delicious soy iced coffee which was made with happy happy soy boy, much to my delight! The cup was HUGE but it was balanced well with the lightness of soy boy (much less heavy than bonsoy).
I didnāt love my lunch; the spanakopita was lacking in cheese and the side salad was positively DRENCHED in an overly acidic lemon dressing that overpowered what looked a promising salad. But despite the dressing, I will return on account of the yummy coffee and the sensational cake fridge.
Amazing cafe! Walked into an amazing place with a great atmosphere! I had the grilled Halloumi and it was so amazing the chilli jam enhances the dish and the sweet potato rostie was the best I've ever had! Love how environmentally friendly the cafe is and will come again.
Iāve been going to this cafe for years and itās still my favourite! The staff are wonderful and super friendly. Food always great and coffees are always very big! Itās super cosy and the atmosphere is super pretty. love love love!
Dropped by here on our way to puffing billy train ride and surprised with the quality of coffee and foods. Well done! Wide range of choices and really nice! They also serve very nice almond latte! We bought savory and sweet muffins, both are really delicious!
A lovely cafe in the busy strip of Belgrave really promotes the vegetarian dietary alternative. The moment you walk in you feel a sense of calmness and the venue delivers a positive vibe. We were greeted by the friendly staff who took our coffee order which was made very well in good time. The Laughing Owl Scrambled Eggs was well cooked and the addition of the spicy bakes beans really made the dish far more flavoursome. The waffles was also well done with the fresh berries and nicely whipped cream. Overall a positive experience and great for those that appreciate vegetarian brunch!
This cafe is all positive vibes the moment you walk in. It's super cosy as you enter. I love the styling! Staff are full of smiles and are super friendly. Loved the menu a hard choice! Didnt even realise it was Vegetarian. The coffee was really good and the Vegan waffles were just on point. That sauce was to die for.
Had a really nice meal here before visiting Puffing Billy Railway. Nice environment and tasty food. Love their waffles with butterscotch sauce.
Although Iām disappointed the pancakes are gone. This place is delicious. The laughing owl scrambled eggs are my go to order. Always leave happy and satisfied.
Cute little cafe to stop at after doing the 1000 steps, about 5 mins drive. Friendly prompt service. Nice vibe to the place with indoor and outdoor seating. Had the garden of Eden dish with some haloumi. Tasty, fresh, delicious, great short Mac too. Will be back!
SERVICE: 4/5
I was only passing through for a coffee and morning tea on the go but the service receieved was so warm and inviting during we brief visit. They acknowledged every customer and would let them knoe if they'd be longer than a couple minutes. Seemed like an intimate family run business and a favourite among the locals.
FOOD: 3.5/5
The lattes we had were a little on the watery side but the range of baked goodies we couldn't resist. I'm glad we obliged because those banana and maple gluten free muffins were SO good. Golden brown, lightly crisp on top and super moist and fluffy inside. Fresh chunks of banana through it, my belly was happy and I had to fight the hubby off.
Dishes that came out looked delicious and everyone in there looked happy tucking in. Would love to visit again for a proper meal, if not just for more baked goodies.
DECOR & AMBIENCE: 3.5/5
Small and cosy but had a home feel. Very inviting. It would ve more comfortable as a place to go for 2 rather than a group. There were also several solo diners which was nice to see.
KID FRIENDLY: The cafe is warm and welcoming however not much space. I'd say more suitable for older kids for a short stay.
Just another brunch place, better than other cafes you can find around Belgrave, but not the best. Great if you're vegan, gluten free or vegetarian as they've got this trend down pat (or if you're actually allergic), but otherwise the food combinations are fancier and prettier than they taste.
Food took too long to come out, not worth the approx. 25-30 minute wait, but the presentation is very aesthetically pleasing.
Food 1.5: good coffee & delicious vegan/vegetarian food. My only dissatisfaction was the fritters came out like croquettes šØ not what I expected.
Interesting mushroom latte!
Decor 2: love the decoration & all the games provided for us to play!
Service 1: lovely!
Really good, fresh tasting food. Has friendly staff that get to know you, and varying options for dietary requirements.
My family are quite the coffee addicts, and we'd recommend the well made coffee here
This place is a must! Their food is absolutely delicious and worth trying. The service staff was very friendly and efficient. My family had a lovely time and we will surely visit again.
Very enjoyable breakfast in a relaxed space. Lovely selection of herbal teas & tasty coffee. Great breakfast menu. Food was fresh and tasty.
The Laughing Owl Cafe located in the humble country town of Belgrave is an adorable quaint, eatery that serves fresh organic food in a relaxing care free environment. Although the cafe is very, very small with only a few tables to sit out the front and enjoy the sun and most of the seating being tables for two located inside the vicinity, the ability to house a tiny kitchen that creates magnificent food is remarkable. After a day exploring Puffing Billy and the unique op-shops along the main strip, our tummies where rumbling and demanding nourishment. We stubbled upon The Laughing Owl and where immediately drawn to the free table located out the front in the sun situated next to a garden wall separating the table from the busy main street.Ā
We popped inside and where greeted by an overly and enthusiastic waitress who gestured us to sit outside and shortly supplied us with menus. To satisfy my edgy caffeine needs a long black was ordered immediately and we where left to examine the small yet diverse meal options available. The menu if filled with feel good healthy food and littered with vegan, vegetarian and other dietary requirements easily accommodated for. Ā
The long black arrived steaming hot but was rather a let down.
Ā It was watering which diminished the lovely tart, acidic tasting textures my palate was seeking. After much discussion we where finally ready to order choosing to go with the granola and the naked burger.
Our meals arrived 20 or so minutes later looking sensational. Each dish was plated with care and respect to the organic ingredients enabling each aspect to shine in its on light and not be overshadow by the presence of others. The Naked Burger consisting of a homemade spiced chickpea patty, served on a bed of salsa with housemate beetroot chutney and vegan flatbread and garnished with cashew mustard mayonnaise. The chickpea patty was thick and aromatic but was slightly dry, although when combined with the creamy tart cashew mustard mayo it was rather enjoyable. The flat bread was nice and fluffy and the true highlight would have to be the beetroot chutney as it was not to sweet and married all aspects of the dish together. The meal was very filling, leaving ones tummy happy and not heavy and sluggish like a usual burger would. Ā
The granola arrived resembling a garden as its presentation was draw dropping. Made up of toasted seeds and nuts and served with fresh seasonal summer fruits and vanilla yoghurt with the preference of almond milk it was a might tasty refreshing dish. To start with, the vanilla yoghurt would have to be the best yoghurt I have ever tried. It was thick and creamy, velvet like texture on the palate and married exceptionally well with the almond milk when all combined together. The granola itself was chunky just how I like it with whole nut clusters covered in a sticky glaze. The fresh fruit added a nice tart flavour to the dish ensuring it was utterly flawless.Ā
The Laughing Owl cafe is a beautiful little cafe certainty worthing of a visit if one finds themselves wandering the streets of Belgrave and in need of a fresh organically sourced meal. The service is great and the food is beyond average although the only complaint would be that they need to improve there coffee game, but yet again it might just be my sooty Melbournian palate.
I have to say they offering best quality coffee, the beans, barista skills and service. Small shop, but much above the averages cafe in Melbourne. Really love it
Coffee was excellent!! Service was also brilliant. Didn't order food but checking out others looked very good. Cute little cafe will be back to eat soon.
Great customer service and set-up, amazing selection and good prices. Cant't wait to return here again. I had the vegan burger with cashew-custard mayonnaise, and my mum had the pizza, claiming it had the best feta she had ever eaten.
Lovely place, typical belgrave vibe. Great selection of vegan and gluten free options. I had the vegan burger which was great. Staff were super friendly.
Only downside was that it was a little squishy (understandable it's a small place) and the bathroom was outside and down some stairs so if you have trouble with stairs or a walker/walking stick/wheelchair it probably won't be appropriate.
A small but charming cafe in the main street Ā of Belgrave, with a good range of vegetarian and vegan choices on the menu.Ā The decor is plain but comfortable, and the place had a friendly and welcoming vibe. Ā I had the vegan breakfast which was okay, but perhaps lacked a little oomph. Ā I will return to try some of their other menu items.
So excited to find a vegetarian cafe š The menu looked really exciting because there was so many options to choose from!
We started with a mocha and a latte, both of which I'd rate 9/10! Such good coffee!!
I ordered the pancakes and my husband, the halloumi. Unfortunately, it took a good 20mins for the food to come, which was a bummer. The pancakes were delish and not too sweet. The berries tasted fresh and with the butterscotch sauce on the side, it made for a really yummy dish! The halloumi was good-ish but definitely not filling! Just 2 pieces of grilled cheese on some mixed salad leaves with a fried egg left my husband hungry!
The service was lovely and it's refreshing to have an exclusive vego cafe āŗļø
Will go back to try the other options šš¼
Excellent cafe with a great vegetarian and vegan menu, great coffee and excellent service. They have a great variety of different milks to choose from and the vegan smoothies are excellent.Ā
My only qualm would be the excessive use of chilli jam in a lot of the dishes (grilled haloumi, corn fritters and suprisingly the marinated mushrooms). I'm really not a fan, but don't mind relishes in small quantities as a contrasting flavour. The amount used here is really dominating though, and spread throughout everything so its really difficult to avoid. I've sought to avoid it before by ordering something that does not have chilli jam included in the description, only to come across it unexpectedly in the first bite. They have a note on their menu saying they are unwilling to change dishes based on personal preference, but when its such a strong-tasting ingredient they could at least put it on the side, not through the whole dish.
My favourite place to be!Ā
I love the Laughing Owl, and visit there for breakfast every opportunity I get.
The coffee is the best in Melbourne, the kale salad is phenomenal and the muffins.... Words can't describe them...
Love all of the staff here. They have the most beautiful hearts and smiles and make my mornings feel so happy.
Thanks guys, you really are amazing xxx
Adventures.into.delicious
+4.5
Good coffee, tasty healthy food and very friendly staff. Had the grilled halloumi for lunch over the weekend it was delicious. There was a friendly busy friendly atmosphere. No room for desert but the cakes looked amazing, will be back to try them!
Great organic and health food and desserts. Easily a top-3 cafes here. Had the raw lemon cheesecake and raspberry choc vanilla cake. Will definitely be back.
Great little cafe with a fantastic vibe. Lot's of super friendly staff who know what they're doing! They made a really good Flat White. Would highly recommend.
Love this little vegitarian place. I come here quite regularly and found that the food,coffee and service is amazing. So far my favorite place in belgraveš
Absolutely wonderful! This little cafe has a great selection of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. They also have a range of excellent teas and great coffee with almond milk. I had the ginger white tea - it was devine! We will definitely return.
My new regular spot for when I come home to the hills for a visit. Really lovely staff, relaxed vibe, and plenty of vegan treats. Can't wait to try some menu items next time I'm up!
Great little place within main street of Belgrave, food is delicious and they can make a decent coffee as well, only downside is the service is quite slow.... But its friendly and pumps out great food so i let that slide and keep returning!
Big breakfast and the mushroom dish are my favs.
Went for lunch with two friends and absolutely loved the service and the food. I ordered the quinoa salad which was just delicious, and the meals are appropriately priced which was refreshing to see. I must say the service was great, I have never experienced such friendly staff in my life.
I couldn't understand their average rating on Zomato though, food-snobs perhaps? The Laughing Owl suited its purpose for me though, as a cute little cafe to catch up with friends. Would definitely recommend!
Best deserts and coffee in town, staff not too shabby either! Come here for delicious deserts all baked on site and the ambience of a family run business. We are regulars to cafe's in the hills and the owl has our top vote for deserts, coffee and teas. We are yet to try anything else from the menu but will get there again soon :-)
Couldn't fault this nourishing healthy breakfast with fresh ingredients. Coffee was brilliant and service spot on. Thank you so much Laughing Owl - you'll be seeing a lot more of us!
Great Service. Great Food.. Enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea at the Laughing Owl, the service was great and all employees were friendly and readily available to help. The muffins are amazing and the 'Summer' juice was great. highly recommend.
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