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Restaurant

Watts River Cafe and Store

197 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia

Recommended by 69 people

Updated

Find Watts River Cafe and Store

197 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5962 2289
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Watts River Cafe and Store

Slip through a gift store on Healesville's main strip to discover Watts River Cafe, pairing Japanese fusion with relaxed veranda dining overlooking rear parkland. Visitors consistently point out the kitchen's flair—serving plump, generously rolled sushi and comforting pumpkin katsu curry alongside classic bacon, tomato, and French brie quiche. Out back, the covered deck invites road-trippers and their dogs to linger over coffee, complete with warm blankets on crisp Yarra Valley afternoons.

  • Japanese Fusion & Cafe Classics: Pairs freshly rolled sushi, katsu curry, and teriyaki dishes with traditional cafe quiches and burgers.
  • Park-Facing Veranda: Covered rear deck overlooks park greenery, complete with blankets for cooler days and dog-friendly seating.
  • Integrated Gift Shop: Front entrance features retail shelves stocked with cute dinnerware and handmade crafts.
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What's On at Watts River Cafe and Store

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Watts River Cafe and Store

Discover what sets Watts River Cafe and Store apart for dining, resting, and shopping in Healesville.

  • Inventive Japanese & Western Fusion Menu

    Combines inventive Japanese staples like sushi, katsu curry, and bento bowls alongside Western quiches and sandwiches.

    It is a Japanese fusion with a classic brunch menu and succeeds in this unique category.

    Jass Sheanon

  • Fresh and Generous Specialty Plates

    Dishes showcase delicate execution with fresh ingredients, from generously sized sushi rolls to rich braised mains.

    Salmon sushi roll is huge, heaps more ingredients than any sushi chain and the sushi roll is very fresh.

    Mel K

  • Serene Park-Facing Veranda Seating

    A covered back veranda looks out across open parklands, providing a peaceful escape from the busy main road.

    There is a delightful and serene back veranda which is covered.

    Lauren May

  • Relaxing Stop on Day Trips & Road Trips

    Positioned conveniently in town, making it an easy place to refuel and recharge during a Yarra Valley excursion.

    All in all, a great place to stop by on your day out or road trip, refuel yourself and relax.

    Kimberley Stone

  • Integrated Gift & Dinnerware Store

    The front of the cafe features curated retail displays of lovely ceramics, dinnerware, and artisan gifts.

    The front of the store has lots of cute handmade items to buy.

    Lauren May

  • Dog-Friendly Comfort on the Deck

    Outdoor dining welcomes dogs warmly, offering water bowls and cozy blankets for chilly regional mornings.

    the deck at the back is dog friendly and quiet.

    Sarah Primrose

Signature Japanese fusion dishes and cafe favorites

  • Sushi rolls

    The sushi rolls were delish

    Lauren May

  • House-smoked Atlantic salmon

    The house-smoked Atlantic salmon was a pleasant surprise. It was fresh, full of flavour, beautifully balanced.

    Gayee Maino

  • Miso braised lamb shank

    The Miso braised lamb shank was incredible, served with a really complex deeply flavoured jus.

    Sophie Classon

  • Japanese curry

    The Japanese curry I had was delicious, I'd never had it before but it immediately tasted like nostalgic comfort food.

    Nicky Silver

Other favorites

Sides, desserts, and specialty beverages to complete your visit

  • Smoky citrusy edamame

    The smoky citrusy edamame were so yum

    Elena Prisco-durst

  • Kumquat sponge cake

    After our meals we ordered the Kumquat sponge cake. This was delicious with another great combination of sweet and sesame and a perfect texture blend between the sponge cake, wafer and accompanying wafer.

    Hewey H

  • Creme brulee

    For dessert, we had the creme brulee and I have to say it was one of the best I have ever had and I highly recommend it.

    Arlene Doidge

  • Warm sake

    We accompanied it with warm sake. Perfect on a wintry day.

    Stephen & Lisa Allsopp

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches that make dining at Watts River Cafe and Store feel cozy, welcoming, and distinct.

  • Veranda Blankets for Cool Days

    Blankets are provided inside for diners on the covered back veranda to rug up and stay comfortable on colder days.

  • Thoughtful Pet Hospitality

    Staff proactively fetch water bowls so visiting dogs can hydrate comfortably on the outdoor deck.

  • Curated Artisan Gift Boutique

    The cafe pairs dining with an integrated front retail shop featuring cute handmade gift items and dinnerware for sale.

  • Warm Sake Service for Cold Weather

    Warm sake is available on the drinks list to pair with Japanese fusion dishes on wintry days.

Before you head over

Practical tips for planning your visit to Watts River Cafe and Store

  • Book ahead for groups and dinner

    The cafe can get busy during peak lunch hours and group visits, and bookings are required for dinner as well as larger lunch groups to secure a spot.

  • Opt for the back veranda when bringing dogs

    If you prefer dining outdoors with your dog or enjoying the garden views, head to the covered back veranda where staff provide water bowls and blankets on chilly days.

  • Browse the front retail store

    Take a moment to browse the entrance area when entering or exiting, as the front store features curated handmade gifts and dinnerware for sale.

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