Restaurant
Fondata 1872
150 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd, Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097, Australia
Find Fondata 1872
150 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd, Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Fondata 1872
Tucked into Kangaroo Ground, Fondata 1872 pairs rustic Italian dining with valley views and the warmth of a crackling open fireplace. Diners gather for leisurely lunches and celebratory milestones, from private gatherings in The Weller's Room to relaxed dinners overlooking the rolling countryside. Plates lean generous and grounded—think slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rich lamb jus, crispy pork belly, and lemon pepper calamari, accompanied by regional Pinot Noir or espresso martinis. Dietary requests receive dedicated care rather than simple omissions, with kitchen substitutions extending to dairy-free sweets and vegan cheeses. Dinners often wrap up over dark chocolate crème brûlée alongside house chocolate ice cream.
- Dedicated event space: The dedicated Weller's Room hosts weddings and milestone gatherings with hands-on event coordination.
- Countryside fireplace setting: Expansive valley scenery frames the dining room alongside a glowing hearth and free on-site parking.
- Dietary accommodations: The kitchen adapts dishes with thoughtful replacements like vegan cheese and dairy-free desserts.
What's On at Fondata 1872
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Guests Choose Fondata 1872
Discover why guests choose Fondata 1872 for milestone celebrations, scenic dining, and thoughtful Italian hospitality.
End-to-End Coordination for Milestone Events
Organizers booking milestone celebrations and weddings receive dedicated oversight from event manager Sam, ensuring table styling, timing, and day-of execution run seamlessly.
From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey right through to the big day, she was responsive, supportive, and an absolute joy to work with.
Rowena Alvarez Dedicated Private Venue in The Weller's Room
The dedicated Weller's Room offers private dining groups an exclusive setting designed specifically for milestone gatherings, intimate receptions, and family celebrations.
I loved celebrating in The Wellers Room; it was the perfect space for my special occasion.
Charlotte Quarmby Reassurance of Seamless, Stress-Free Occasions
Hosts experience calm and confidence knowing on-site floor staff and coordinators handle every detail without stress or logistical friction.
Everything came together seamlessly, and we couldn't have been happier with how the day unfolded.
Assunta Valentini Genuine Consideration for Individual Needs
Diners with strict allergies or pregnancy requirements feel valued and respected through proactive care and equal attention to their culinary experience.
Even the considerations they took for pregnant patrons were genuine and thoughtful.
Clare Mica Dedicated High-Quality Dietary Replacements
The kitchen crafts purposeful dietary substitutes—such as soy-free vegan feta and dairy-free desserts—instead of merely stripping key ingredients off the plate.
They didn’t just take ingredients off the dish as most places do, but actually replaced non-vegan products with high quality vegan products
Sigalit Spector Countryside Comfort with Fireplace and Parking
A tranquil Kangaroo Ground destination pairing open fireplaces, sweeping valley vistas, and effortless on-site parking for relaxed regional dining.
Nice atmosphere, good food, and very friendly service. The location is great with plenty of free parking, which was a bonus.
Udara Sampath
Most popular items
Guest favorites and signature Italian dishes
Steak
best steak I have ever had. Backed by pretty much everyone else who had the steak too.
Maximilian Laguda Slow cooked lamb shoulder
My slow cooked lamb shoulder was so masterfully cassoulet-ed that I will never forget it.
Char Weeks Crispy pork belly
crispy pork belly with lentils, poached quince, red wine jus
Frantastic Foodie Finds Lemon pepper calamari
The lemon pepper calamari was a stand out .
Amber C.
Other favorites
Decadent desserts, savory sides, and handcrafted cocktails
Dark chocolate crème brûlée
dark chocolate crème brûlée with chocolate ice cream was a standout finish
NT Tiramisu
Tiramisu×2 (2 die for )
missshitwolf Duck fat kiffler potatoes
Duck fat kifflar potatoes
missshitwolf Espresso martini
Never had a better amaretto sour or espresso martini in my 21 years
Maximilian Laguda
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful gestures and attentive touches that elevate celebrations and private dining
Personalized Birthday Welcomes
When guests let the staff know in advance that someone is celebrating a birthday, waitstaff greet the celebrant by name at the door with a personal birthday greeting before seating the group.
Bespoke Dietary & Vegan Substitutions
Rather than simply omitting prohibited components, the kitchen sources and integrates dedicated allergen and vegan alternatives, such as vegan and soy-free feta and dairy-free chocolate mousse.
Considerate Accommodations for Expecting Guests
During wedding and milestone reception dinners, service staff proactively monitor and provide genuine, thoughtful dining considerations tailored specifically for pregnant guests.
Last-Minute Kitchen Rescue for Celebration Cakes
When an outside celebratory cake arrived incomplete for a 21st birthday event, the kitchen team stepped in with last-minute additions to repair and complete the presentation.
Before you head over
Helpful recommendations on table placement, dining pacing, and dietary planning for your visit.
Request table placement relative to the fireplace
While the open fireplace creates wonderful countryside warmth, seating placed directly alongside it can get overly warm for some guests. When reserving, note your table preference if you prefer dining away from direct hearth heat.
Allow extra time for a relaxed course pacing
Dining courses are unhurried and paced leisurely, with guests noting pauses of 30 to 45 minutes between starters, mains, and desserts during busy services. Plan for a relaxed meal rather than a tight schedule.
Provide dietary and allergy details in advance
The kitchen stocks dedicated substitutes—including soy-free vegan cheese and dairy-free desserts—rather than merely removing elements. Note any severe allergies, vegan preferences, or pregnancy restrictions when booking so courses are tailored seamlessly.
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