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Restaurant

The Chocolate Dragonfly Cafe

1317 Mountain Hwy, The Basin VIC 3154, Australia

Recommended by 72 people

Updated

Find The Chocolate Dragonfly Cafe

1317 Mountain Hwy, The Basin VIC 3154, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9762 0416
HoursMonday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Chocolate Dragonfly Cafe

Perched at the base of the Dandenongs, this roadside pitstop fuels hikers and regulars with serious comfort food and oversized coffees. You come for generous brunch plates like the loaded chicken panini or Danny Burger—a proper chonka—served up by owners who know most orders before anyone sits down. Outside in the rear courtyard, tables catch the sunshine away from Mountain Highway traffic. Save room for the counter showcase: the custard-heavy vanilla slice comes topped with passionfruit seeds for a tart snap.

  • Passionfruit Vanilla Slice: House-made custard slab finished with a sharp passionfruit seed glaze.
  • Oversized Portions: Plated with hefty paninis, towering burgers, and mugs well above standard cafe sizing.
  • Sunny Rear Courtyard: A sunny outdoor space tucked away from Mountain Highway traffic.
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What's On at The Chocolate Dragonfly Cafe

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Reasons to Visit

Why visitors and locals stop by The Chocolate Dragonfly Cafe

  • Hearty and Substantial Portions

    Generous meal portions and oversized drinks provide substantial nourishment, from jumbo toasties to hefty lunch plates.

    I had the chicken Parma, which is a huge serving and is probably the best meal I’ve had in the 2 weeks I’ve been in Melbourne.

    Malcolm Burge

  • Uncompromising Drink and Refuel Sizes

    Large coffee servings and hearty fuel make the cafe a reliable pitstop before or after tackling the nearby Dandenong Ranges.

    When you ask for a large coffee you get a LARGE coffee. Love it!

    Regine

  • Destination-Worthy Vanilla Slice

    The cafe's signature house-made vanilla slice is topped with passionfruit seeds, creating an indulgent and memorable dessert experience.

    Best vanilla slice I think I've ever had. It has some passionfruit seeds on top that took it to another level

    Andrew Duong

  • Sunny Rear Courtyard Retreat

    A dedicated rear outdoor courtyard lets diners enjoy sunny open-air meals in comfort.

    We all sat in the sunshine in their rear courtyard- a very pleasant experience.

    Lyn Kosmer

  • Warm Regular-First Community Culture

    The attentive owners and staff know regulars by name and remember their preferences, establishing an authentic neighborhood hub.

    We noticed a lot of regulars coming in and the staff all knew them and their orders.

    Niki

  • Familiar and Connected Service

    A welcoming, first-name basis relationship with local customers makes newcomers quickly feel like part of the neighborhood.

    The actual cafe is modern and cosy with a good community feel as the staff were on a first name basis with customers.

    Jacqueline J Battle

Hearty signatures and famous house-made favourites

  • Vanilla Slice

    Best vanilla slice I think I've ever had. It has some passionfruit seeds on top that took it to another level

    Andrew Duong

  • Grilled Chicken Panini

    Fantastic jumbo grilled chicken toastie - arguably the biggest one we have been served. This is one to share and so yummy.

    Martin Boettcher

  • Chicken Parma

    a huge serving and is probably the best meal I’ve had in the 2 weeks I’ve been in Melbourne

    Malcolm Burge

  • Danny Burger

    I had a Danny Burger, and it was magnificent. Just look at it! What a stonking chonka.

    Greg Nimbus

Other favorites

Lighter fare, breakfast favourites, and cafe classics

  • French Toast

    Super yummy!

    Regine

  • Salmon Bagel

    generously filled, fresh and delicious

    Fran O'Sullivan

  • Mushroom Bruschetta

    I thoroughly enjoyed the mushroom bruschetta

    Felicity Fasola

  • Granola Bowls

    Their granola bowls are delicious!

    Katie Scotland

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches that make a stop at the base of the Dandenongs memorable.

  • Passionfruit-Topped House Vanilla Slice

    The kitchen crafts its signature vanilla slice with light, fluffy filling finished with real passionfruit seeds on top.

  • Oversized Mug and Drink Portions

    Takeaway and dine-in coffees are served in noticeably oversized jumbo formats exceeding conventional cafe sizes.

  • Sunny Rear Courtyard Retreat

    Guests can dine away from Mountain Highway road noise by sitting in the sunny outdoor rear courtyard.

  • First-Name Recognition and Local Order Delivery

    Owners and team members actively learn returning guests' names and regular orders, even delivering to neighboring village shops.

Before you head over

Practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to The Chocolate Dragonfly Cafe.

  • Check oversized portion sizes

    Drink and meal portions run notably larger than typical cafes, so check cup and plate sizes before ordering if you prefer standard proportions.

  • Plan your arrival and parking

    Street parking outside can become tight during busy periods, and turning around on Mountain Highway is difficult, so take care when pulling in or consider walking.

  • Choose the rear courtyard

    The cafe sits on a busy road which can get noisy, so look for a table in the sunny rear courtyard for a quieter setting.

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