Review Gauge Espresso - Bentleigh

Exquisite. The food, the wine, the service... it isn't a meal, it's a celebration. The croquettes are a must! Order and share at least half of the entrees. The wine recommendations never fail. I gladly travel from the other side of the city to spend a couple of hours with friends eating and drinking, always leaving sated, content, and happy. Consistency and quality have been the hallmarks of Gauge since its humble beginnings.

Rejected at 12pm on a Saturday… I am editing this simple warning and observation for customers in response to a rude reply from someone who does not understand how to run a business. Having other venues is not an excuse to reject easy business and turn away customers for life. Plenty of other cafes have less staff and still commit to their customers by having regular opening times and not turning away people at such a strict cut off. If you want to run a legitimate cafe, then stick to being a cafe. Honestly, it’s pathetic to not even offer a simple takeaway item or a quick coffee, especially when most cafes become busy after midday on a Saturday, when a lot of people sleep in. If 4 staff cannot make eggs and coffee at 12pm on a Saturday then don’t naively wonder why your cafe is going broke…

Absolutely delicious food - European classics cooked with skill, care and something extra! Great service from all the team, and friendly hospitality and great wine recommendations from the host. A great place.

An incredible evening of fine dining and a great venue. A wonderful host who took the time to walk around, engage and offer opinions on wines. Gippsland sourced meat and beer amongst many other options. Highly recommended and looking forward to returning 👍😎

Great food. Owner really knows his wine. Always happy to take his recommendation. Very happy to have this as a local restaurant.

My favourite local bistro! From barista coffee paired with their famous truckers toastie in the am, followed by a glass or two of champagne by 5pm. Wether you are solo or in a group Zeth and his team welcomes you with open arms, big smiles and great banter. Alongside a glass of wine or a bottle (no one judges here) you can always guarantee a delicious meal awaits with a chef selected cuisine, catered for all. Don't even get me started on desserts...but their fried apple pie...mmm "HEAVEN". But get in quick as its not around for long!

Bottom line-Recommend Scope-morning coffee Type-Smart cafe, bistro Coffee-excellent Food-breakfast menu Service-fast and friendly Atmosphere-congenial, good background music, not too loud Languages-English Bathroom-very clean, unisex, paper towels Parking-plenty of street parking around, next to Ormond station Family friendly-yes

Went to a private event today. Extraordinary food,great presentation, wine excellent and staff are fabulous . Cannot wait to go back and explore the menu. Thanks great experience

Nice service and pretty solid coffee

Ordered an iced latte here the other day and while it was decent coffee found it to be very overpriced and too warm

I had some brunch at Gauge Espresso which is directly opposite Ormond Train Station. . Initially I was really impressed by the service here, especially from the waitress who was absolutely charming and attentive.<br/><br/>I ordered a strong skinny latte which was really good, the coffee flavour was nice and their was some good milk froth. <br/><br/>The food in the display cabinet looked good but I really liked the (partly) open kitchen.and the fact that everything was spotless so I decided to have scrambled eggs on sourdough.<br/><br/>The scrambled eggs looked creamy,, buttery, and there was some partially dried parsley too. The eggs tasted better then they looked, they were perfect. <br/><br/>The eggs were all of the above and they just melted in my mouth. Yummo.<br/><br/>The sourdough toast was excellent, it had a great crust, and the middle of the bread was really tasty too. It was good quality bread. Perfect.<br/><br/>That’s 3 ticks from me lol.<br/><br/>This place is definitely worth a visit and I will be back. Oh and there is no annoying credit or debit card surcharge which’s is a winner in my books!

Really happy to find this nice little local bistro. Amazing top quality food, friendly service, but reasonably priced. <br/>Highlight of my meal- creme brûlée! Would definitely come again :)

Fantastic!! Great food, great coffee, amazing service. The whole shooting match here!! Stay away from the dessert menu as you’ll have to eat it all twice it’s that good!!!!!! 10/10

We stopped in for coffee and cake. The food was great and the service very friendly. Our baby was welcome and catered for as well. Visiting family from Brisbane, will most likely stop here again on our next trip.

A fabulous cafe during the day with wonderful coffee and food. A lovely restaurant later in the week. Beautiful food, fabulous wine and friendly, attentive service.

Ever since moving to Ormond, Gauge Espresso has been my favourite local place to visit for coffee and lunch. My partner and I have been so excited for the dinner addition.<br/>Zeth the owner and all the staff are so lovely and the food is simply magnificent. Highly recommend !

With a super convenient location opposite the Ormond station, Gauge is a local's favourite, serving up premium, well made coffee in the morning's with a solid breakfast menu, lunch offerings, plus sandwiches and sweet treats to go.<br/>The interior is clean and modern with an approachable European bistro feel.  The staff greet the customers like old friends - this the kind of place where they know your name and remember your coffee order.<br/><br/>Recently opening their doors to the dinner crowd Thursdays to Saturdays with a delicious Autumn menu featuring dishes like Tartine - mushroom compote, pecorino and charred sourdough; spiced calamari with chickpea puree; pan seared snapper; and Steak Frites with a 250g scotch fillet.<br/><br/>We tried several dishes and everything was full flavoured and fresh, clearly made with love.  I particularly loved the Lumaconi, chicken & swiss brown ragu with spinach and mascarpone - delicious!<br/><br/>Mains are priced between $20-$35, and the 'Tomahawk' dry aged rib steak with sides $120/kg.<br/><br/>Gauge is set to become the dinner hot spot in Ormond - we recommend you drop by when you're out that way.

A FANTASTIC addition to the Ormond area this stunning cafe AND restaurant is amazing! The attention to detail is next level AMAZING!<br/><br/>NOW OPEN FOR DINNER! <br/>Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights! <br/><br/>Modern, chic & classic dishes made really well! Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area!

Wondeful dinner experience on openning Thursday night. Food was excellent with outstanding wine pairing selection. Thanks Seth and team we will be back.<br/>

Gauge Espresso & Bistro is spread across three shop frontages adjacent to Ormond railway station and has a rustic, industrial feel. Really friendly staff, great coffee and the soup de jour gets a special mention as it was a hearty meal in itself!. Soup de Jour – Red Lentil, Spinach, Ginger, Chilli

3.8. 🌟「Melbourne Cup Day 」holiday weekend! Today is busy on the shop . Only 2 stuff .. but I feel they are still very friendly ....my breakfast was yummy.. 2 eggs 🍳 so yummy 😋 . Latte is ok 👌🏻 ..<br/>

Came for a coffee and a quick bite, thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was great and food and drinks came out quickly. Sangas were tasty and reasonably priced, would return to try other menu items.

Good breakfast options, recently moved to Ormond so checked it out. Average service but, i had the green breakkie which was good. <br/>Have to go back to try there coffee though. <br/>

The coffee is perfect. The staff are always smiling and happy to see you. They know your name after you came once or twice. And the food is very yummy. :)

Always busy which is a good sign. Awesome coffee. The avo on toast with bacon is unreal. Friendly staff. Hey bud I’m gonna is next year for sure and I can have them do you that would have to come to get me them to the come do it tI with the a me too

A welcome addition to this shopping strip which has always seemed a bit dull and prosaic to me although there is evidence of change. <br/><br/>Gauge is located directly across from Ormond station. I like the fitout which is simple, bright and pleasant. Nice outdoor area too. The addition of the old level crossing sign on the wall is brilliant given the much needed removal of the old adjacent crossing about 18 months ago. It’s not the original sign but it’s still a nice touch. I was greeted nicely and confidently when I entered. The impression I had was surety that the food and coffee are good here. <br/><br/>The menu is a good one. Very Melbourne semi hipster but there’s everything to like about that given the high quality snacks, breakfasts and lunches associated with that style. I pretty much wanted to try everything off the menu and that’s always a good sign for me. I only had a coffee here today but it was a good one. I’ll be back for food noting that things are apparently going so well here that opening at nights is imminent. <br/><br/>I enjoyed the experience. It’s a 3.7 for me with the distinct possibility that a future visit will send that rating higher.

Great breakfast and super friendly staff. Now that they have expanded even more room for people to enjoy. Great range in the menu, with good kids options too. We’ll definitely be back.

One of our favourite local places to have brunch or grab a take away coffee. Hands down the BEST scrambles eggs I've ever had. Their coffee has always been amazing. Definitely worth a visit.

The breakfast menu here was a bit boring. My scrambled eggs were nice but quite salty.<br/>The staff were nice but a spent a lot of time standing around avoiding eye contact with us :p

Coffee was good but that’s where it stops sorry. Ordered supposedly 2 different dishes but they came out quite similar. It wasn’t a disaster but disappointing. Would love to see the food as good as coffee!

Me and my partner had breakfast and a coffee. Everything was very good! We really enjoyed the food and a coffee. Definitely coming back. Thanks so much guys 😃

Missed my usual train so broke my routine and went in search of coffee, and I didn't have to look very far. Gorgeous little cafe with the friendliest staff, and when I didn't have enough cash (it's cash only) I was given an IOU - on my first visit. Kindness you don't often see these days or expect, so it bowled me over.  The coffee was also bloody good, so I will definitely be back!

Best in Ormond - punches above its weight considering its size. If you like quality, consistency and friendly environment this is for you! Come regularly as do many many others who discover this secret gem

Best coffee around this area. Lovely friendly staff. They seem to have their regulars which is always a good sign and was busy first thing in the morning on a Saturday. Cannot wait to go back for another long Mac 😜 thank goodness for gauge!!

Used to go for lunch because I worked in the area, now I go for the consistently great coffee and conversation. Really friendly place, great barista and wait staff. Big enough for a seat, small enough for every detail to count. Genuine community vibe, you'll often find everyone in the cafe + proprietor Zeth having a communal conversation on any given day.

What a little gem! I only discovered this place because I was taking the train to work to have drinks after (very responsible of me) had a trucker toasty and a long black and thoroughly enjoyed them, but what was even better than the food and coffee was the service. Hope to be back again soon.

The coffee is consistently great. Friendly service and the barista is super quick at making takeaway drinks to make sure you catch your train.

Good cafe latte and chai latte. The hosts re very friendly and I love how tiny and beautiful this place is. Will definitely be back to try their sandwiches and other coffees.

The guy who works here/ owns the place is really friendly and will happily have a casual conversation with the customer! Beautiful coffee and a nice atmosphere. I love the design of the quirky little shop; very cool!

Stopped by this place this afternoon for a quick coffee and was pleasantly surprised, it's small but super cute, the coffee was smooth and delicious. Will definitely be coming back to try the sandwiches they have on offer. Really little gem x

Personally I find the coffee to be luke warm. I find I have to ask for an extra hot brew every time. Quick service though which is a plus as it's next to the train station

Been here a few times to get quick coffee before taking the train. Coffee was ok. A bit bitter for my liking. Service was great and quick.

Very nice

Best coffee in area. I have been going to gauge now for a few months. Since the first day the owner has remembered my order which is great considering the place is always busy. Super friendly staff & Gauge has a great vibe. The very best coffee in the area by far, a long black only $3.30 & latte $3.80 which isn't over priced at all.<br/><br/><br/>-----20 Sep, 2014-----<br/><br/>Coffee. The best coffee by far in this area.

Best coffee in Ormond. Friendly staff

Great coffee and chai one of the best in the area.

Great tasting coffee blend but at $4.30 for a small soy cappuccino, it's a bit steep. I can get the same for $4 in the city and even $3.50 at other train stations.

Great coffee and service!. Best coffee in the area & super friendly staff! highly recommended.

Understands Coffee!. Great coffee,tried both blends yesterday. Really understands how to get a proper long black, correct sized cups. BTW just also happen to have great food (small range, high quality) & enjoyable friendly staff. Make sure you go.

Always end up getting hot chocolates because they're so yum! Knows my order as I walk in the door. Always get a wave as I'm waiting for the bus across the road, once gave me a free Danish which was delicious. A favourite of mine.

Coffee is a winner... Love it... Owner is very friendly. Great work!

Coolest little cafe. Great coffee, friendly staff. Like the atmosphere!!

Terrible coffee! Shame, place looks great.

Coffee was Average, food didn't look fresh & place is way too small

Disappointing actually. My .... Disappointing actually.<br/>My coffee was horrible! Left that bitter after taste for a long while after.<br/>Bit hesitant about returning now. I need a good coffee in the morning!

Nice little cafe with friendly owners next to Ormond railway station. Pretty busy while we were there but Their coffee was good. Great choices of sandwich displayed. Overall experience was great for us. If you live in Ormond, GE is worth a visit.

Great place it's my local and I live a 10 min drive... Consists t coffee, these days I don't have to order as they remember what I like... Passion in the food and it never fails to Please.... A great suburban place....

I like it when they start my order before I sit down. I like a cafe that doesn't have classic hits of the 90s and beyond blaring out. And I like the coffee.

I always like to give a coffee maker / barista a few tries before I judge them. This guy who I believe is the owner (bit full of himself and talks too much) just cannot make a consistently good coffee. Coffee very average, no love in it. Food over priced.