The Independent Gembrook reviews . (Restaurant) in Melbourne (Victoria).

The Independent Gembrook

542 Reviews

376 Comments

Restaurant

Restaurant

79 Main St, Gembrook VIC 3783, Australia

Description

Here you'll see all the information of The Independent Gembrook, Restaurant in Melbourne (Victoria)

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Situation

Service hours of The Independent Gembrook

Busiest hours

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Comments of The Independent Gembrook

S. W.

Such a beautiful dining experience we had yesterday. We were greeted warmly and treated so well right to the very end, it’s as if they have known us our whole lives and as someone who deals with the public every day I truly appreciated that (special shout-out to our wonderful server Emily! - She was so thoughtful and helped us swap out dishes because she knew some sides were the same. She went the extra mile!) This was our first time having Argentinian cuisine and we know this place is going on “our list” as we planned on future birthdays and events back up to this gem in Gembrook. From beautiful warm bread at the beginning to melt in your mouth brisket and the glorious maple carrots with explosions of coriander in every bite to the huge serving of crunchy potatoes that I would have eaten another bowl of from sheer greediness. For dessert our cinnamon donuts were spot on and we left so satisfied. Thank you for a wholesome dining experience. We can see every thought put into the process. We will be back! Mish and Ryan.

S. R.

Visit 1: Weekend Dinner Wow. What an absolute gem of a place. We had an amazing date night / birthday meal on the chef's menu. Staff were lovely and service was excellent (and a little sassy, in a good way). The chefs managed our dietary requests perfectly (seafood instead of meat, and no nuts). Everything was amazing, but the sweet potato ceviche was something else. === Additional: Saturday Lunch Visit Had another amazing experience at The Independent, again opting for the Chef's Menu which gave us a gastronomic tour of Argentinian fare. Delicious and paced perfects for a Saturday lunch with kids playing in the play area outside.

F. “. T.

Possibly one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Mauro's dishes are genuine, fresh and created with refined ingredients beautifully combined together in a perfect harmony of colours and flavours. A true joy for eyes and palate! An absolutely fantastic culinary experience that is worth the drive from Melbourne and wherever you are! Can I give 6 stars?

P. B.

We travelled out to Gembrook off the back of recommendation from shop assistant in Melbourne... they said, “it’s all absolutely delicious, one the best meals I’ve ever had”. We left saying exactly the same. Truly fantastic food, great service and we’d go again!

D. H.

Wow! what a great birthday present, food was beautifully prepared and presented. The serving staff were friendly, helpful and chatted with us. A great restaurant always has the chef's come and check on how you are enjoying the food. The chef came to our table twice. It was very special night , thank you for your service and attention to detail and making my birthday memorable .

P. P.

simply divine, I chose the chef's tasting menu and everything was perfect and delicious, the portions and the number of courses even too abundant that I had a hard time eating everything. The atmosphere is welcoming, the friendly and competent staff deserve 6 stars!

D. R.

My partner and I had the most amazing experience. Honesty can not fault any of the dishes. We opted for the set menu and they were able to cater to our dietary requirements with no issues. Staff were really attentive and the place feels upmarket without the pretentiousness. We will be back without a doubt! Thank you for such a pleasant date night.

S.

Yum!! The food is delicious and the staff are very friendly and inviting. Will definitely come back again if I am in the area.

M. H.

My most favourite place to have dinner. The food here is exceptional and never had a bad meal. Have even had things I never thought I'd ever eat and it's been delicious 😋

A. G. (.

Best food I've had in a while, very friendly staff and excellent drinks. Can't recommend enough, especially if in the area, would recommend driving out from Melbourne just to eat here. Even the complimentary bread was amazing. Prices were quite reasonable for the quality of food, not to mention filling. Situated across the road from puffing Billy so could make a great pairing for a day out. Seriously, do yourself a favour and go here!

S. W.

Sensational customer service. The waitress serving us last night was excellent. 5 star service. Food was good but not great. We had the banquet and 30 seconds after the bread rolls arriving we had 4 dishes all arrive at once, and had to ask for a 10 min break before the next 4 arrived all at once. Food all came out too quick and too much at the same time.

T. C.

Amazing food! Really loved everything that I had at the restaurant. We knew that we ordered so much for 4 people and it would be hard for us to finish all, and we had been struggling a lot deciding which dish to drop. But eventually, we did the right thing that kept all the dishes we wanted to have. The food was so good! Loved it!

R. H.

Amazing food! Amazing service! Extremely thoughtful and aware of people in our group with allergies etc - Will definitely be telling our friends.

R. W.

Yarra Valley hidden gem! We visited in their first few weeks back in 2014! Mauro's food is incredible, and we've never been disappointed. I highly recommend the Chef's Menu. You're served with incredible tasting food, and feel good knowing it's either from the garden or locally sourced! Do yourself a favour and try this Argentinian haven, making sure you get Papas potatoes #drool Standing ovation to Mauro and The Independent Team!

A. R.

It’s so nice to come to a place where every staff member seems to really love their job and are so friendly! The food is great too and the atmosphere was great. Definitely recommend!

A. O.

Great find in a lovely town! Comparable to dining in Melbourne- which we honestly know we are lucky and spoilt to have amazing quality food! This restaurant was great a converted car garage/mechanics very very reasonable prices for good quality food. Staff were very friendly and accommodated vegetarian requests. Local art on display for saw were interesting too!

L. S.

Mauro and his team give one of the most pleasant dining experiences you could ever ask for. They are warm and generous, and I've walked out of there many a time with a drink or salad missing from the bill with a knowing nod and wink. The beautiful setting inside and out is stunning. When the restaurant is full, it's bustling with conversation and laughter. And close attention is given to the custom Robert Gordon dinnerware, and polished silverware. This is all BEFORE you actually put anything in your mouth. The drinks menu is well curated and they will happily customise a drink just for you. There's really no recommendation I can make on the menu, I've fairly well tried all the mainstay dishes on it, and I'm always blown away (and I'm tough to impress). I would recommend you plan to share the meals, a small meal or salad and large meal each seems to work well for our needs. The servings are generous, and trust me, I can eat. This is the kind of place you PLAN to leave room for dessert. Homemade ice cream and caramelised pecans. Simple, but perfected in execution. Expect to see fancy sports cars parked out the front from the inner suburbs. Those in the know, know: Gembrook is the place for a boozy, cultural and filling fare.

C. J.

Wow, what a hidden gem for vegans. The service was exceptional with our waiter being friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We tried the empanadas which were amazing. From the medium dishes we tried to beetroot and carrots. We also tried a palm tree core dish (can't remember the name) and it was certainly the highlight. Dessert was chocolate sorbet with chilli cashew - divine. Restaurant is spacious and has a great atmosphere, very cool interior design!

A. S.

We had a lovely dinner here, the 4 of us, and had a variety of different dishes with a generous serving size. Everything we had, from meats to salad to desserts were so tasty and fulfilling. We were there on a Friday night but it wasn't overly packed so we had a nice peaceful dinner. The service was great too!

D. J.

Excellent food, atmosphere and service. Lots of gluten free, coeliac friendly options. Worth every dollar spent, especially the chefs menu. Great for a special night out.

F. L.

Best fine dining restaurant in town. It is a great sharing Argentina cusine dining experience for me... Strongly recommend for people who want to have a wonderful dining experience...

v. s.

loving this place，beautiful and clean. Delicious food and friendly staffs. Highly recommend the grilled octopus.

T. N.

A memorable dining experience in a charming town. Every dish we had was incredible and excellently executed, our compliments to the Chef and team.

G. B.

Amazing! The atmosphere is beautiful, the food is to die for and the service was excellent. Can't wait to come back!

S. A.

Amazing food, staff and ambience. The spiced chicken and calamari were the highlight for me. Just perfect

P. S.

It's a long way from anywhere - and well worth the trip This industrial looking art adorned old shop/factory in the main street of Gembrook brings Argentinean cruisen to life in exceptionaly modern interpretation of classic meals The degustation is mandatory to explore the cheifs extraordinary culinary art The wine pair is very good. The staff are attentive, informative and helpful without being over bearing The donuts are a must - so leave some room on your way through your Argentinean exploration or see if you can get some take away!

S. A.

Amazing food and great service. We had a completely vegan/vegetarian menu. Can't recommend highly enough!

N. S. P.

This place is bonkers. Service is like no other, I mean like 10/10! The waitresses took the time and effort to go through every item on the menu. Food was delicious, professionally prepared by the head chef here. Highly recommend the Arancinis (maybe the chef's menu, we would have done that but we were not that hungry). We had such a pleasant late dinner in this lovely little gem of a restaurant. Will definitely come back for more!

N. M.

Absolutely delicious. Ordered the carrots with low expectations as they’re not my fav vege - can not rave about them enough! Everything was delicious!

A. N.

We had the 10 course meal and it was amazing! Standout dishes were the Ox Tongue and the Beef Rib. Can't wait to go again!

L. D.

This is a hidden gem. The food is beautiful and the whole place has a nice and relaxing feeling. I just loved it

A. W.

Absolutely outstanding! Perfect food, atmosphere and service! A gem in a beautiful country setting ❤

D.

Amazing Saturday lunch, chef's menu was very generous and everything delicious, great wine list, amazing service. Laura went above and beyond to make sure the dietary restrictions of our group were met. Couldn't recommend more!

J. S.

We absolutely love The Independent. It’s our favourite restaurant. Last night we had their lockdown tapas pack delivered and it was delicious. Everything was packed lovely and colour coded with directions.

L. Y.

Amazing experience. I am the fussiest eater. And I HATE sweet potato and cauliflower. When I arrived most the vegan options had that. When I took a bite I was automatically taken back. Every dish was actually amazing. And every mouth full was an experience. Service great worth every penny. Will be back

B. &. M. S.

Fantastic food! We had dinner for our wedding anniversary and it was fantastic. I recommend the Chefs menu (pictured)

A.

Very delicious food and friendly service, a very special experience.

B.

Simply one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The food was delicious, represented great value, staff were attentive and friendly, and the environment was modern and attractive. I will be coming back for more, especially on special occassions.

B. R.

Great food and amazing service, I can't really add much else more than that. I came here on a Friday night and was pretty much impressed with everything. Prices may be on the steep side for some, but you honestly get what you pay for and the quality you get is very high. Will be more than happy to return!

S. R.

We enjoyed our speedy set lunch as we had to catch Puffing Billy train.

Y. Z.

Absolutely delicious and very interesting food, excellent professional service which is also warm and friendly, great vegetarian options, interesting drinks list, nice ambience with a kids play area and cubby house at the back, nice ambience inside. This is one of the best restaurants I've been too, at very reasonable prices to boot!

S. P.

One of the best experiences I've had in a while. It's a surprise package for a remote place like Gembrook. Cosy ambience complemented by delicious Argentinean cuisine and excellent customer service. Highly recommended.

H. B.

Nice staff with delicious food... we ordered chef's special plate and did not regret.👌🏼 Restaurant interior atmosphere was cozy and friendly. They respect their customers not only by behaviour but by quality. Highly recommended.

O. &. S. N. A.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!.!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The chef and team are wonderful and so accommodating of dietary requirements and welcoming. We got there early on 🇦🇺day long weekend and were happy to come in early and sit in ahead of our reservation time. The food is to die for! All their menu was fresh and vibrant and full of Argentinian flavour and flare. The Chef’s set menu would be our recommendation and make sure you don’t eat before going there cause it’s going to certainly fulfil all your culinary wishes🤤 We cannot wait to head back here again, SOO worth the gorgeous sights as you drive up. 1000% recommend it!🤩

K. B.

Beautiful lunch Food was amazing and excellent service

k. r.

From the outside you don't expect much but once you walk in you see the warehouse size inside with amazing service and even better food. Try their 9 course tasting with accompanied drinks and prepare to be well satisfied. Great for the romantic meal or the group get together.

E.

Absolutely exquisite food! The waitresses are wonderful and you can tell that they actually want to be there. And the chefs are REAL chefs! You can see that they take so much pride in what they do. The atmosphere is so nice as well! Been there twice and have not had a single bad word to say! Will be going again! My partner and I were amazed by all the food! 10/10.

H. M.

Thank you we loved our Christmas party. Food and service was amazing

M. P.

Amazing experience,very polite and helpful staff.We had tapas to share and all of them were delicious! The meat was cooked perfectly, dulche de leche gelato needs to be tried ! Real Argentian restaurant with all the best tradional dishes.If you want a new culinary experience that's the place.

I. &. F. M.

Celebrated my 60th with our friends on Saturday night. There was 8 of us, set menu. Exceptional food, great friendly service and awesome atmosphere. Highly recommend a visit for either lunch or dinner. Our 3rd visit and will be back.

L. H.

Absolutely amazing food and atmosphere. The staff are so friendly and the service is outstanding.

J. C.

Absolutely amazing experience, will return!

B. A.

Love this place - in every way! Superb food, atmosphere and hospitality - and a great wine list. Fabulous for family with kids and outdoor play area. Also perfect for a date or a large gathering. If this place was inner city, it would be packed to the rafters every day. Do yourself a favour and make the trek to Gembrook to visit this gem!

E. s.

What a good place to eat, the staff are great, the place is clean and fresh, drinks cold, food arrived hot and delish. Smart enough to ask about dietary requirements and offer alternatives. Parking was not a problem, Would eat there again.

D. S.

They were so good at letting us in at such short notice so thankyou very much!. You could just tell the food wasn't old or dry. The boys and I decided to do a 9 course meal thingy and all the food was amazing, service was sick so layed back and chilled. Had the 2brothers payday beer which was so good !. The only thing I would say is you should 100% add there spuds as a extra because they were the best spuds I have had in years!. The deserts were so good the only thing was they could of been a little less sweet as they were on the broader of beening sickly sweet .

A. H.

Great food with lots of interesting flavours. The service from the staff was amongst the best I have in many years of going to restaurants.

M. G.

I luv it! Excellent food and caring staff

T. J.

Great service, generous serving size, delicious food! Watching the kitchen the chef is very attentive and clean. Saw him checking internal temps of food and checking meals as they left the kitchen. Don't be put off by the price. Servings are hefty! And the kitchen is open later than anything else around which is great for those looking for a later meal! Try the Beef Cheeks! It's a solid feast for two.

L. R.

Lovely dinner, as always.

W. L.

Dandenong region's best kept secret, and our #1 date night destination. The food is unmatched - delicious, Real Argentinian food, the Chef is a genius and the staff really make us feel welcome. We never leave hungry! They also do events (they did our wedding reception) and the events manager Jess really knows her craft.

S. Y.

This place is fantastic! The food is great & the staff are wonderful. Our table had some dietary requirements & they went out of their way to make sure everyone was taken care of. Every dish was ridiculously delicious! Thank you!

C. D.

Excellent Food, nice atmosphere and friendly staff

L. K.

I loved this place. The food was amazing! So much to choose from. Everything we ordered was extremely flavoursome. Vegan deliciousness to boot! The staff were great, well prepared and friendly. Very pleasant dining experience. I'll be back for sure.

K. C.

The atmosphere, service and food are all exceptional. Have been several times with friends and no matter the table size, we have always been taken care of! The theme nights are delicious and we love the live entertainment! Certainly a celebration of culture!

B. M.

I'll reserve 5 stars for the best. This restaurant deserves it! The food degastation is just the tastiest thing you'll ever eat. Food presentation is immaculate. You will leave felling beyond full. The unique flavours are excellent (artichoke pureé 👍) but any of their slow cooked meats literally fall apart as you rake your fork through their lamb shoulder, or beef cheeks. An absolute hidden gem for those special occasions with friends and family. I also discovered their pre-prepared takeaway meal packages I plan to try out soon.

J. C.

Very Nice Argentinian Restaurant.

J. T.

My husband and I love this place. We have introduced it to friends and even brought our visiting families here to dine. Top quality food and table service in a casual ambience. Hope this business gets through this lock down period alright.

A. M.

We went as a large group and ordered the whole pig. It was amazing. The food is incredible, the service exceptional and the atmosphere was wonderful. We provided a cake for my daughters 21st, and they not only cut it up but presented each piece like it was there own dessert. I would highly recommend the restaurant and will definitely be heading back.

R. N.

Awesome, tasty & surprising. Each dish we shared so yummy & different than most other places we have eaten. Staff very friendly & attentive even though it was a busy night. So many more scrumption looking dishes yet to try. A definite must co back.

C. C.

This place is like a breath of fresh air. The service is old fashioned amazing!!! Just the service was enough to make our night outstanding, but the food was pretty amazing. Some interesting and quirky flavours but delicious food. Definitely a new place to call a regular feed.

S. D.

Loved the experience. The service was fast, staff were friendly but the highlight was the food. We opted for a few dishes from the menu and each were carefully put together with ingredients that were fresh. The ceviche was my fav along with the palm heart salad. Highly recommended place for a modern twist on the Argentinian classics. Different but well worth the 60 km drive from Melbourne

H. F.

Delicious food out of town. Good service

T. M.

This place is incredible! Beautiful aesthetic, great service and friendly staff, and most importantly.. DELICIOUS FOOD! They have a plant based menu and regular menu, I was so happy about this as my husband and I could choose what suited us. I'm really looking forward to going back again! The food was fresh, well put together and very gourmet. Definitely worth checking out! A gem!

S. M.

Take me back here! Hands down one of the best meals of my life, ever. Super friendly and professional staff who go the extra mile ('Doggy bag? Sure! Let me put it in the fridge for you until you leave and give it to you in a nice paper bag'). Prices are very fair, drinks list is vast and the atmosphere is vibrant and funky.

S. A.

Ok People. This place is the real deal. The food is spectacular, the staff are superb, the location is stunning. Everything is amazing, If you are considering going here, just do it. I took my wife here for her birthday, and oh my lord...we were impressed. So much delicous food. There's nothing I could faulter here. At all. If this place was in the CBD, you'd be waiting months to get a table. We will be back for sure!

R. K.

Had an awesome fathers day lunch here with my family. Quite busy ... but the service was friendly and prompt and our meals were served in good time. We had the set menu and each course was great ... something for everyone. Loved the pork terrine and the beef cheeks. The pumpkin panna cotta was a great end to the meal. Highly recommended.

C. N.

Amazing. I have recommended this place to everyone and anyone I know. A MUST dine. Foodies this place is for you. The Independent serves first class local produce, changes with the seasons and accommodates to all food intolerances, allergies and preferences. I have a lot of allergies and I always feel bad for asking if it comes gluten and lactose free (very limiting). Was not and issue. The chef himself came out to serve the dish to me and explain what he had made. I am more than impressed by this place. Love it

K. P.

This restaurant is a hidden gem for the area. The food is filled with exciting flavours and presented very well. The menu offers tastes to suit all guests and the cooks and staff are very willing to change things up. This is a great choice for a group of friends due to the share style of a lot of dishes.

C. O.

had a delicious dinner last night :) we ordered three vegan dishes: pasta, broccoli and paprika fries and they were absolutely delicious! they certainly have a passion for food here and it shows through their food. would 100% come back :)

V. Y.

Fabulous food, make sure you try some of the amazing veggie dishes. Love the palm hearts, as well as pumpkin & sweetcorn stew. Has a nice courtyard to sit in good weather. Excellent drink & wine selection, pisco sour to die for!

A. S.

Beautiful little tapas style restaurant out in Gembrook. Their homemade bread is to die for, warm and delicious. We also had their calamari dish, which was absolutely succulent and so tasty. Will definitely take a trip up again to try some of the other dishes they have on offer, and also take them up on their beer tasting paddle for an evening meal.

S. I.

Excellent food and service. We love eating there

M. K.

Being a vegetarian it was fantastic to be able to go out and actually have a range of food to choose from. The day I went they had a plant based menu in addition to their vegetarian meals. The food was delicious, interesting and well presented. I was with my family and we all agreed it was a fantastic place for lunch and we would likely return. Staff were super accomadating, and were there when we needed something.

R. D.

The meal was amazing, the staff were great, the chefs are to be applauded on making such delicious food. The lamb was the best lamb I have ever eaten, falling apart and melting in your mouth. Will definitely return.

H. R.

Pricey for the area, but absolutely worth it! The Independent offers delicious cuisine in a brilliantly crafted menu that is great for groups! The interior has great decorations that create a unique vibe that is unrivalled in the area Not to mention the restaurant is also kid-friendly with a lovely outside play area!

A. B.

Amazing food and service with a lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

E. V.

Fantastic and friendly staff. Lovely ambiance. Caters well for kids both with food and things to keep them entertained. A separate vegan menu. Only thing they could add to the menu would be more vegan desserts, especially vegan doughnuts.

A.

We ordered multiple dishes (eggplant puree, scallop ceviche, calamari, octopus and a chorizo and prawn rice special) and all were brilliant. Decent to large sized servings and reasonably priced. Great service too. A wonderful place!!

W. G.

Amazing quality and quantity! Prices were very reasonable considering how large and delicious the plates were. Staff were informed, friendly and honest and the service was super fast even when they were busy. Beautiful drinks and food.

E. S.

This place is a hidden gem! Cannot believe i had never been here before! The staff were attentive and super helpful in recommending how much food we should order for the two of us without ordering too much ( we so easily could have as the entire menu sounded delicious!) the food was so tasty and I will certainly be back again!

L. M.

This was my 2nd visit. This place needs 6 stars. I took my Colombian friend who works at Pastuso for his birthday. We were both amazed by the dishes that came out for the 8-course degustation, good portions. Simple dishes, but chef nailed every one. Very fairly priced. The chef/owner was kind enough to have some words with us. Service by all 3 waitresses was met with nothing but smiles. Great people, great location, great food. Returning customer.

C. S.

Great food and amazing service. Definitely recommended!

K. B.

We celebrated my daughter’s wedding at the Independent. The gardens were great for the ceremony. The food was amazing. The staff, especially Jess , were the best ever. Everyone was so accomodating with us and our guests. I would recommend the Independent for anyone’s function without any hesitation. In fact all our guests and families have been raving about it

A. S.

First class service and food! The staff is very friendly and professional. The food was delicious and well presented. There's a lot to choose from the menu. They also have many vegetarian and vegan options. Thank you for a great lunch! :)

D. Y.

Mauro has created a wonderful dining experience in the heart of Gembrook. The restaurant is light and spacious, and the food is incredible! The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive. Highly recommend the suckling pig - but you have to order that a few days out! Well worth the trip...

J. H.

“Back again, sensational again” Have been here many times now and loved it every time. On this visit I brought my parents and my brother and his wife. Very happy to recommend and bring people here as I am confident that it will be perfect. It was great having a large group as this meant that we could try a greater range of dishes. Scallops Ceviche is still my firm favorite. Did try the pork belly and a croquet dish for the first time on this visit and they were both lovely. Service was up to it's usual great standard and the food was just awesome. Oh and the home made ricotta and little bread rolls served as soon as you sit down are just delightful.

A. M.

Amazing food and drinks. Beautiful sangria. Helpful friendly staff. A true find in the country that even has a veg menu option. Can't recommend more highly. Menu available to view on website. I recommend getting the 6 steps - a great way to try new food with a variety of options.

E. B.

Amazing food and great service!

V. R.

Was a lovely drive to The Independent. Service was prompt and food amazing. Meat was melt in the mouth. Highly recommended. It was also a busy night. Weekends make a booking.

J. E.

Booked in for the Fathers Day set menu. Food and service were exemplary, we spent a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon. Due to the large crowd we wound up in the function room out back, which really needs more windows (no view), some heat and more comfortable chairs!

J. T.

Excellent and delicious food, great service. We enjoyed the six course chefs menu. Well worth a visit, very much recommended. Caters to gluten free dietary requirements.

C. F.

"The Independent, Gembrook is such an ethical restaurant. The food is so delicious there is absolutely no table waste"! Thanks

J. L. T.

This is the most amazing dinning experience modern Argentinean cuisine with an extensive wine list, Their very own Independent Larger and other beer and beverages. The Independent is very popular so be sure and make a booking to avoid disappointment.

P. G.

My friend & I (she is a vegetarian), lunched there very recently. I must say I was a little disappointed. We had 4 share bowls, I had pork belly as well, all but one were deep fried. We were told there was a cos salad, but some salad greens as a garnish would have cut the richness of the fried foods. The crème brulee was delicious. Perfectly baked custard and golden toffee. I had the same dish at Bistro Guillaume last month, and yours was better. We though it a bit pricey. The service was excellent, very professional.

E. A.

Probably the best restaurant experience I've ever had, bar none. Food was impeccable. Service was excellent. I can't even put into words how impressed I was. I can't recommend more highly - just incredible.

S. S.

The independent is one of our favorites. It's always fantastic but tonight the Asado was the best it's ever been ( and we ALWAYS order the Asado). Braised beef cheek did not require a knife and the broccoli was truly spectacular. Delicious meal once again.

j. w.

Lovely venue, very impressed that the chef provided me with delicious vegan food without prior notice. Staff were very friendly and served us well. A lovely night out to celebrate the coming marriage of my daughter. (Hens party). Thank you.

B.

I attended my sister's wedding reception here, and everybody left very satisfied. It's a beautiful venue, and the staff were so helpful and polite. It was the only wedding reception that I've been to where I actually felt full, because unlike other reception venues, the Independant serve a generous amount of amazing food. I would highly recommend hiring out the Independant for any special functions, or just making a reservation for dinner.

J. D. (.

Amazing place. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Tried a few combination of dishes and they are all worth trying. Fish ceviche, palm heart, octopus, ox tail and beef ribs.

A. D. a. R. B.

Went for the first time last week with a group of 6, we chose to do the Seis Pasos (Six Steps). Which is made up of Six classic savory dishes of: 3 starters, 1 larger dish, 2 side dishes and one individually platted dessert course to finish. (per website). Would recommend dinning for dinner after a light lunch as there is lots of yummy food. We had one out of the five who is a vegetarian they staff were more then helpful with assisting to her requirements. The staff were lovely & funny & very knowable with the menu. Our menu consisted of the following: Starters: 1) Crispy calamari, chickpea purée, cucumber + feta 2) Baked beetroot, almonds + citrus 3) Grilled chorizo, prune + salsa criolla Large Dish: BBQ pork belly, apple + sunflower seeds Two Sides: 1) Roasted potatoes, onion, garlic + parsley 2) Smoked maple carrots, chilli, coriander + peanuts I cannot wait to go back.

D. S.

I spent a few weeks in Argentina in January and then stumbled across this restaurant while visiting a friend. Being something of a vegetarian, the food was amazing and might I say, even a little better than some of the vegetarian food in Buenos Aires.I liked the look of the set menu but as I was flying solo - not this time. The atmosphere inside is lovely and the staff were very helpful. It's cosy and quaint and I will return. Well done. Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Good carparking.

C. B.

Amazing food.. the set menu is a great showcase of what they do. Can't wait to go back!

S. H.

Awesome food and great atmosphere, highly recommended this place .

S. B.

We had a wonderful dinner here. First visit and we’ll definitely be back. Highly recommended. Good and service was amazing. Five stars!

J. &. D. S.

Always happy with every meal i have here. I use to be a chef so i really appreciate good food... but also.. good service. Staff are friendly, helpful and accomodating. Couldnt ask for more.

J. C.

Wow, this is a beautiful little restaurant, great for small weddings or engagements, graduations, business gatherings. I was pleasantly surprised by the food, decor, staff and the ambiance of this lovely place. Anyone would be impressed, I promise. Excellent indeed.

J. B.

Simply sensational. Food is always top notch, service is friendly, and want you to enjoy your meal. Would love to live closer!

M. R.

Wow what a pleasant surprise, we had 4 vegetarians in our group who were very well catered for. All meals delicious, service fantastic. Definitely coming back.

S. D.

The food just melted in your mouth. One of the best places to eat. The staff are so on point. Well trained and friendly. This is a must go to

M. L.

This place never disappoints! The food is excellent. The staff friendly and helpful. One of my faves!

A. E.

Well how to describe, Valentine's Day eve dinner, set menu Decor,atmosphere and service well awesome. Food fantastic in flavour and quality. BUT when u leave a restaurant that u just paid that kind of money for to go straight to the pizza shop because your still starving is not going to get us back there. Just sad when you don't leave content - Hungry customer

P. S.

Amazing vegan meals, incredible staff and great experience all-round!

P. R.

If I could give 6 stars, I would. The staff makes you feel welcomed, the menu is wonderful, not your typical Argentine cuisine, but a more fresh and innovative approach to old recipes. Wonderful, well worth it. Gembrook really has a GEM.

S. P.

Excellent food, friendly and helpful staff, relaxed setting at a reasonable price. The Lime cured scallops, shallot, green chili, spiced salt were fantastic, as was the cous cous in the Crispy calamari, chickpea, cous cous, aioli dish.

F. S.

City restaurants could learn a lot from this place. Not only great food but great ambience and importantly a service with a genuine smile even from the Chef! Well done team Independent! 5/5

N. L.

Had the chef menu for lunch. The restaurant accommodated for a whole vegan menu, which was delicious. Very generous portions. Overall nice vibe.

C. B.

Excellent. The chocolate chilli sorbet - outstanding. The brocolli with avocado and chilli, brilliant. We had our 6th wedding anniversary dinner here tonight and loved it. Fast, friendly service without being pushy.

H. A.

Had a very delicious and enjoyable meal. Group of 6. Ordered share options. Everyone enjoyed it. Friendly and prompt service.

N. D.

I love this place the food is amazing. Service is the best. Had my wedding here. Its absolutely amazing i come back with my wife on our anniversary every so far. Amazing everytime.

N. R.

If you love for this restaurant will tantalise your taste buds. Truly a wonderful experience. Wonderful service to match. Definitely looking forward to going back again

T. K.

Excellent; service, food, friendly and the wine superb.

H. B.

Absolutely love this restaurant! The food is divine, the service spectacular and the atmosphere us always buzzing 💯

M. M.

Had an amazing night! Incredible food, each dish was just amazing. Thanks guys!

N. D. V.

Bit of a dilemma here. I really love to eat lunch here l9king out at Jac Russell park, you can generally get a table for lunch without much problem, too many glowing reviews might change that

L. B.

It's fascinating and surprising to find a restaurant and bar of such quality this far out. We go often, with the kids when we have visitors, for our favorite: the lamb shoulder (it feeds 4), sides of veggies, and the set kids meal. The drive is worth it, especially if you time it around sunset. And a steam train ride out would be pretty magic too. The big open plan makes interment dinners difficult, but not impossible. Qualirt of table service has been a little variable. Some nights (Saturday) we've had excellent service, other nights (Sunday) pretty average. That's understandable, being this far out from a city, but they better watch out for it. It's important. There's a kids play area outside, also outside seating, but they're not making the most of that area yet (not used in cooler months even when the restaurant is booked out). It's wise to book ahead. We're waiting for them to run asada bbq workshops, and social tango nights. That'd top it off nicely.

D. G.

Dinner was sensational. Love walking away from a restaurant knowing you couldn't fit another bit in. Food was top notch and an interesting wine selection.

D. P.

Great food and service from The Independant.

M.

The food is the best in the area. Argentinian food with interesting choices. Gets busy and theres a reason why. Its great. Staff always helpful and cheerful. Open kitchen. Never disappointed.

N. c.

Average food, nothing special

L. H.

By far mine and my partners favourite restaurant. The food is devine, the servers are lovely, and omg who would've thought that bread could be so delicious?!

D. C.

Unbelievable food and service. These guys could go for a chefs hat with their amazing menu and service. We will be back for more lamb shoulder...INCREDIBLE!!

B. B.

Highly recommended - loved the chefs menu!

M. O.

We always have a wonderful meal and experience here. This time the standouts were the pork belly and pumpkin with maple. Simply delicious.

R. A.

Brilliant food, 3 meals there now and everyone was excellent. Good wine and great staff too. Highly recommend it.

D. S.

An oasis of excellent vegan food in Gembrook. Carnivores can eat too, but why would you? Fabulous food as always!

M.

Magnificent restaurant, with incredible food. The staff, especially Debra and Jessica were phenomenal!!!! It was an absolute pleasure meeting the wonderful chef Mauro!!!!! Loved everything!!!!!

L. C.

We treated ourselves to Mauro's vegetarian degustation and it was amazing. The service was attentive and the flavours were incredible. A very nice experience. Highly recommend.

D. O.

Food was delicious! Well balanced and in ample proportions. Staff were attentive and thoroughly versed in the menu. Will be back.

C. C.

If your making your way through Gembrook ,what a fabulous resturant for lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday lunch and dinner and Thursday night only dinner bookings recommended food will excite your taste buds 🥰💕🙏

T.

The services was great, food excellent really tasty had a really lovely dinning experience. Only criticism the chairs very uncomfortable for sitting on over long period.

G. M.

Sensational gem of a restaurant. Reliably good food and great atmosphere. I recommend the 'six steps' guide through the menu. Also, be sure to ask about the specials.

E. C.

Heavenly food, the most lovely staff (and chefs who chuck you a smile) and industrial-chic ambience. Love seeing Gembrook cement it’s place on the map.

P. H.

Enjoyed our dining experience.. Friendly relaxed atmosphere, delicious food!

S. H.

Sunday night, really good service and everyone enjoyed their meals. Cost about $50 a head including drinks which wasn't too bad either, every one left full

C.

Great food, especially good in a group to experience more flavours. Relaxed open dining area, would recommend

M. H.

Fantastic Staff and amazing food. Great place for a dinner out with friends.

J. “. L.

Amazing cuisine! Great, friendly staff. So lucky to have this locally.

D. B.

Amazing food. Great staff. I even got my kids to try tongue. Well one out of three anyway.

A. P.

I have been here at least 5 times! Such a great restaurant, recommend the chefs menu

K. R.

Amazing food, excellent service. Such a great vibe!

P. S.

Great table service. Excellent ambience with unique tapas & flavours. More than enough food. Worth the experience.

A.

Delicious modern Argentinian-style food accompanied by mouth-watering local wines in a stunning industrial ex-mechanic’s workshop. Gippsland beef cheek beats are a must or go for the green chilli and scallop ceviche, which is brilliant. Favourite date spot for dinner in the Dandenong Ranges.

N. G. B.

Just amazing. Not a thing to improve. Perfect food, wine and service.

A. R.

Wow, a restaurant like this so far from the city? It must be a destination in it self! Amazing food and entry of it, great service and fantastic atmosphere, what else do you need from a modern Argentinian joint?

D. W.

The service was impeccable! Friendly, timely, and served with a smile. The food was delicious, and all at an unexpectedly low price! Definitely returning here!

B. S.

Our favourite restaurant

M. T.

Outstanding quality food in a nice setting

G. W.

great food great atmosphere

R. L.

Great food, service and atmosphere but very expensive.

B. E.

The most amazing service and the food is rediculously tasty and well prepared

S. P.

Beautiful place, attentive and friendly staff and really good food! Thank you.

M. B.

The food is just awesome. Love this place and definitely worth the trip. They cater for dietary requirements too.

A. T. (.

Food is amazing and the waiting staff are very friendly. The 4-5 chefs selection platter was brilliant.

C. T.

One of the best dining experiences ever. Staff and food were way above Melbourne standards and in a great setting!

D. W.

We love The Independent. We've been there a few times and it's always great. On this visit we had the set menu. Delicious.

m. h.

The food was simply stunning with well trained and very friendly staff. Many Vegan options which was great!

A. D.

Food and service were excellent. Beautiful combination of flavours!! Will definitely be back!

S. F.

Amazing food. Fabulous customer service. Recommend the 9 course deal..... Excellent. 👍👍

J. W.

One of my absolute favourite places to go for dinner! Has an amazing seasonal menu with lots sourced from the local area

K. C.

Amazing food & service. Can't wait to come back for more!

A. M.

Beautiful spot! Amazing service! Super clean amenities and delicious food that caters for any dietary requirements ...and that sangria...ummm yessss!! #bottomsup

D. W.

Had lunch on Saturday with a large group. Everyone happy, food amazing gor all. Ate so much though some ordered desert! Cant wait to come back.

D. M.

Thank you to the great staff, for a great night. The food is fantastic

B. C.

Beautiful food. Friendly staff but ambience was a little disappointing. Its very light and very loud. But we would go back.

S. S.

Fantastic food, very friendly staff. Maybe the best restaurant in Melbourne catering to dietary requirements.

D. S.

Fantastic staff, stupendous food, can't wait to come back down from QLD to enjoy the gastronomic delights...

L. W.

Have never had a bad experience here. DELICIOUS food, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Beautiful!

L. C.

Amazing food and lovely staff. Well worth the visit.

T. H.

Well worth the drive to Gembrook, great selection of foods, food was well textured and cooked perfectly, waiter staff were attentive and very open and inviting building.

M. G.

Great spot for a warm meal while on the break from Puffing Billy railway. Lovely staff, fantastic flavoursome cuisine.

J. Y.

Food was nice but very rushed. We were then told that our table has been booked after us so we would need to move along so to speak before I even finished my drink. We were there for 2 hrs.

T. H.

Beautiful location. The food was great & the atmosphere was fantastic. If you're in the area it is a must visit.

A. B.

Great food, attentive service and very generous portions for the price. Plenty of options for ceoliacs too!

A. v. C.

Amazing food, great for sharing. Lovely staf and great atmosphere. No baby change table.

N. N.

It was very good service and the food was unbelievable. We'll definitely be back, one day 😏🍷🥂

S. S.

Amazing restaurant. Excellent food and very friendly, top class service.

K. P.

Had my 80th birthday celebrations at the restaurant with my family and loved every minute of it, from the ambience, the food, service - magnificent.

J. W.

It always a great experience visiting The Independent. Great for small groups. And love the slow roast Lamb. Always a highlight.

J. G.

Cool venue, Experienced friendly staff and very good food. Will certainly visit again.

M. M.

High end restaurant well worth the drive. Excellent customer service and amazing desserts!

S. M.

One of my favourite places to eat, worth the travelling to get there!

A. T.

Excellent food and great service. I am never disappointed at this place.

K. B.

Super tasty food, great service, and reasonable prices.

J. T.

We went to the independent a year ago for our anniversary and were so suprised to find it in Gembrook. AMAZING! Thinking about making the trip from melbourne again for this years anniversary!

J. G.

Service was fast, even on a busy Friday night, quality food and friendly staff. A credit to the chef Mauro and staff

G. L.

What a gem. Truly extraordinary floor staff, excellent food, great pricing and a charming ambience!

J. B.

Favourite restaurant in the Cardinia/Gembrook area. Staff are great and the food is top notch. Highly recommend!

J. A.

Food and service is amazing. This is one of those restaurants that you have to put on your todo list....

M. C.

Delicious argentinian inspired cuisine. The sharing plates allow you to try a bit of everything. Nice service

C. O.

A quiet Friday winter celebration at a favourite pallette pleaser. The special was laden with flavours as light as feathers on our lips teamed of course with Malbec from Mendoza! Hip hip hooray for birthdays in Winter.

A. S.

Great restaurant, brilliant and witty service, can highly recommend the set menu 👌

N. V.

Staff did a great job, nothing was to hard.

T.

A one of a kind fine dining establishment in a beautiful old brick building amongst the hills. Perfect for a night of fun and indulgence

J. D.

Probably the best food and the best service I’ve ever had. Will be coming back for sure.

M. R.

Food always amazing! And service is great!

L. G.

Very interesting restaurant with wonderful and delicious menu. Well worth a visit.

J. B.

Food was amazing and the staff were lovely!

P. P.

great food, service is good, a little pricey, only bar in gembrook since the pub died

C. H.

Amazing find - great food, wine list and service. Loved it all

J. H.

“Back again, sensational again” Have been here many times now and loved it every time. On this visit I brought my parents and my brother and his wife. …

S. B.

Great food good service. Well worth a visit

H. B.

Attended for a work party and was so happy with the food *vegans dream

M. B.

The best 50th birthday lunch. Nothing more to say

S. R.

Excellent service, food and atmosphere. Will be back soon!

T. N.

Dinner with good friends. Service and food was bloody good. Will be back for sure.

E. H.

Love this place, great atmosphere, fantastic service and the staff are wonderful.

m. h.

The food was simply stunning with well trained and very friendly staff. Many Vegan options which was great!

A. F.

Delightful food, great service.

J. T.

Great food, atmosphere, and a little bit of Argentina in idyllic Gembrook.

L. D.

Excellent. Food and service fantastic. Will definitely be back and highly recommend.

H. J.

Great place ! Food was awesome. Was worth the hour trip to tge independent

B. I.

Really enjoyed the experience, great service, great food, great atmosphere.

G. F.

Excellent food. Their vegan menu is delicious!

j. f.

Great food . Well priced. Excellent service

M. H.

Interesting and delicious food. Wine good but a little pricey.

S. R.

Excellent service, food and atmosphere. Will be back soon!

A. B.

Outstanding food and great service. Child friendly. A gem in the hills.

m. c.

Amazing food friendly staff and a fantastic atmosphere

K. D.

One of the best meals we have ever had.

N. L.

Beautiful food, very noisy

A. J.

Amazing place in Gembrook. Great food and range of good wine and beer.

E. S.

Loved carrots and scallops! This place is little gem 👌

A. E.

The cosy and casual setting and also the Argentinian theme menu is very delicious!

C.

This was a mad as restaurant 😍, if you come you have to order the chicken gnocchi with parmesan.

A. W.

Amazing food everytime! Highly recommend eating here!

A. K.

Amazing food, loved it. Will be back soon!

F. L.

What a terrific place. Great service and super good food.

J. L. (.

Unique food that tastes amazing, lovely staff

G. M.

Food was amazing service was great lovely atmosphere

P. O.

Great

H. B.

Attended for a work party and was so happy with the food *vegans dream

D. D.

Great service and marvelous food a very pleasant experience

T. N.

Dinner with good friends. Service and food was bloody good. Will be back for sure.

D. C.

Vegan night (all vegan menu) was great... will go back again for sure

P. B.

Beautifully presented food and great tasting menu

B. H.

The food was amazing!!! Definitely try out the specials

Z. M.

Excellent meal. Very tasty. Thoroughly enjoyed

N. C.

Always amazing food!

S. B.

Great food good service. Well worth a visit

J. S.

Perfect place to share a few small meals between friends and lovers alike

P. H.

Great venue, good food and top service

J. S.

Absolutely beautiful, fabulous service and impeccable food.

2. R. 3. Ř.

Good nice relax place.. good food and staff was really friendly

K. B.

Absolutely sensational delicious food

L. R.

Excellent restaurant, great food and service

C. P.

Great food and great friendly service.

A. F.

Delightful food, great service.

P. v. d. L.

Fantastic service and magnificent food highly reccomend

D. C.

Best restaurant in the hills! Top food and service.

L. M.

Always fantastic! Excellent service and friendly staff. So happy this is our local!

R. T.

Really cool venue in old garage. Delicious food.

A.

Set menu was amazing, great evening out.

E. H.

Love this place, great atmosphere, fantastic service and the staff are wonderful.

G. A.

Fast service. Very friendly staff. Amazing flavours.

J. D.

Has some of the best food you will ever have.

E. D.

Great food and Jess was lovely

K. M.

Great food matched by great service.

a. c.

Smashing, purely amazing. Look forward to visiting again!

J. S.

Best restaurant ever hands down.

A. P.

Another wonderful meal. Never disappoints.

B. G.

Very nice food.

r. k.

Great meal well worth the trip

J. C. (.

Set menu was a bit too out there for most. But didn't go home hungry.

C. N.

Great food, friendly staff.

E. P.

The most incredible food I have eaten in years.

M. B.

The best 50th birthday lunch. Nothing more to say

W. J.

Top notch food, one of my favourites

H. P.

Gorgeous restaurant with amazing food and service

K. P.

Brilliant. Can’t fault! Real gem of a place. Thanks Mauro.

R. T.

Incredible food and service!

N. C.

Wonderful food great staff

M. M.

Lovely service and food amazing

M. S.

Fantastic, great service and food.

R. D.

Lovely staff.. but rather expensive

A. S.

Good eatery but pricey.

j. m.

Attended vegan night, and it was great!

S. P.

Try the flan, marvellous. Great staff.

A. P.

Excellent food and atmosphere

N. S.

Great food great staff

M. G.

Delicious food and eccentric staff

I. G.

Needs a parrilla to be anywhere near an Argentine restaurant.

A. F.

Top class food in the hills

S. D. H.

Expensive but good.

g. r.

Something different , 1/2 of Argentinian style .

b. k.

Great service great food

J. S.

Great hidden Gem away from the hussle.

D. A.

slow cooked meat superb

C. P.

Food never tasted this good.

S. C.

Amazing food and service.

M. E.

Holy chimmi churri, V delicious

m. c.

Excellent food & service.

M. T.

Eat all the food, the food is amazing!!!

A. L.

Fantastic food never disappoints

M. H.

Great food and great service

T. E.

Simply gorgeous lamb shoulder

R. L.

Fantastic food

J. C.

Excellent food and service

J. H.

Hands down the best restaurant in Gembrook

C. B.

Great food and service.

L. K.

Excellent food and service

M. M.

Excellent food and service

B. P.

Oh my god the flavours.

L. P.

No words can express the delicioisness.

M. A.

Unbelievable food and drinks

K. G.

A real treat for Gembrook!

M. p. S.

Good food

z.

Amazing Argentinean food

B. S.

Amazing 👌

J. A.

Great food!

P. P.

Just go there :)

m. g.

Simply a must see!

A. C.

Great food.

R. P.

Amazing food!!

A. T.

Good service & ambiance😊

D. V.

Delicious food!

R. W.

Excellent food.

B. S.

*chefs kiss*

A. B.

The food is GREAT!

S. i. y. #. c. V. S.

Food is phenomenal

J. G.

Great food

T. M.

Excellent everything!!

M. H.

Awesome

J. v.

Brilliant food

j. t.

What an hidden gem this place is.

M. E.

Awesome food

R. M.

Great

m. a.

Superb

A. B.

Awesome food

S. M.

great feed'

H. S.

Delicious and interesting

C. M.

Reupholstry Pakenham

A. C.

Quality tapas

R. F.

Fabulous food

c. d.

Great place

S. S.

Nice place.

N. E. H.

Nice place

C. B.

Excellent food and service with generous serving sizes too!

R. H.

Absolutely amazing food, could not recommend it enough and the staff are so lovely, great sense of humour and very attentive. 10/10 for sure, definitely going back every chance we get.

D. M.

Thanks so much Mauro, Jess and the team for making our valentines dinner dining experience super special. Food was delicious and can’t wait to come back. If you are after a fabulous night out, with exceptional services and the yummiest food, give this little gem a try. ❤️

J. S.

(Translated) Impeccable service, friendliness and great food. Is to go back and try other dishes. (Original) Serviço impecável, simpatia e comida óptima. É de voltar e experimentar outros pratos.

J. C.

(Translated) Great traditional food !! (Original) Buenisima comida tradicional!!

M. G.

J. R.

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G. F.

C. C.

V. H.

D. K.

C. P.

A. W.

K. v. M.

D. R.

M. L.

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