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Restaurant

Zest Licensed Cafe

1/130 Inglis St, Ballan VIC 3342, Australia

Recommended by 75 people

Updated

Find Zest Licensed Cafe

1/130 Inglis St, Ballan VIC 3342, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5368 2740
HoursMonday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Zest Licensed Cafe

A quick detour off the freeway into Ballan lands you at an airy village cafe serving scratch-cooked fare and proper Campos coffee. Customers make a point of pulling in for the house burgers stacked with local butcher's bacon, crisp chips, and eggs cooked to order in plain sight of the open kitchen. The counter covers dietary bases with ease—turning out gluten-free strawberry custard tarts alongside vegan and custom-made plates—while a licensed drink list lets you pair lunch with a glass of wine.

  • Local Butcher Cuts: Burgers and breakfast plates feature thick-cut bacon sourced directly from the local butcher.
  • Open Kitchen & Full Bar: An open line lets diners watch dishes cooked to order alongside pours of Campos coffee and wine.
  • Considerate Dietary Care: Kitchen staff readily adapt savory dishes and pastries for gluten-free, vegan, and oil-free dining.
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What's On at Zest Licensed Cafe

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Reasons to Choose Zest Licensed Cafe

Why regional travelers and Ballan locals choose Zest Licensed Cafe for fresh meals, restful breaks, and personalized hospitality.

  • Accommodating Severe Dietary Needs and Allergies

    The kitchen caters attentively to severe allergies and dietary requirements, preparing tailored dishes like oil-free meals and vegan fare with ease.

    To our surprise the staff were super accommodating. They worked out a lovely meal for her

    John Kellow

  • Quality Cooking with Local Butcher Sourcing

    Freshly prepared dishes incorporate local butcher bacon and locally sourced produce cooked to order in an open view kitchen.

    The BLT with Avocado was ample with plenty of the local butcher's bacon.

    George Lewandowski

  • Convenient Road-Trip Stopover Off the Freeway

    A convenient stop directly off the Western Freeway offering prompt coffee, filling lunches, and clean amenities for travelers breaking up journeys.

    great little stop on way out of melbourne on our way home to SA

    Bearandbug

  • Thoughtful Rest and Care for Traveling Families

    Staff provide thoughtful assistance for travelers with young infants, offering booth seating, baby changing support, and fast hospitality.

    Came in to feed my baby after a long car trip, and the staff were super friendly and accommodating.

    Cat Gibson

  • Unhurried Village Respite and Calm Atmosphere

    A tranquil small-town atmosphere where guests can unwind with well-crafted chai, specialty coffee, and an unhurried, gentle pace.

    Time slows down here — not stops, exactly, but… stretches. Kindly.

    Steven Sheeley

  • Licensed Daytime Dining with Wine and Specialty Coffee

    The cafe pairs comfortable indoor seating and Campos coffee with a sensible selection of wine and beer for a relaxed daytime visit.

    serving food cooked to order with Campos coffee along with a sensible selection wine.

    Kevin Harper

Hearty burgers and lunchtime classics made fresh to order

  • Zest Burger

    Worth driving out there just for the Zest burger.

    Ian David

  • Fish and Chips

    Lovely food - I had a Zest burger, my wife had the fish and chips.

    Graham Abbott

  • Fish Burger

    We love the fish burgers!

    Ashley Nicholls

  • BLT with Avocado

    The BLT with Avocado was ample with plenty of the local butcher's bacon.

    George Lewandowski

Other favorites

House-baked treats, tarts, and savory sides for a light bite or sweet pause

  • Caramel Slice

    Amazing caramel slice and lovely staff serving us.

    Libby Wales

  • Strawberry Custard Tart

    The strawberry custard tart was a delightful not-too-sweet treat for this gluten free gal.

    Patrizia Bordignon

  • Monte Carlo Biscuit

    Had a good coffee and a Monte Carlo biscuit. Yum.

    Terry Sherwell

  • Chips

    Chips were delightfully crisp and nicely seasoned.

    Graham Abbott

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches that make stopping in Ballan a welcoming pause

  • Attentive Family Road-Trip Care

    When travelers stop to feed an infant, staff offer booth seating for comfort, provide a clean baby change mat, and even assist with repacking nappy bags.

  • Custom Allergy & Dietary Accommodations

    Kitchen staff tailor meals directly around rare and restrictive constraints, such as formulating dishes without oil or providing gluten-free and vegan alternatives.

  • Local Village Butcher Sourcing

    Breakfast plates and burgers incorporate thick-cut bacon sourced directly from the local village butcher rather than commercial distributor cuts.

  • Open Kitchen & Licensed Day Service

    A visible open kitchen invites guests to watch meals prepared fresh to order, complemented by a daytime beer and wine selection alongside Campos coffee.

Before you head over

Practical guidance for making the most of your stop at Ballan's licensed village cafe

  • Customise for Complex Dietaries

    If you're managing coeliac disease, plant-based diets, or complex sensitivities like an oil allergy, ask the staff directly—they readily modify dishes and cater with smiles and ease.

  • Ideal Pit Stop for Families and Drivers

    Whether you need a baby change mat, high comfort booth seating, or a clean roadside restroom break off the Western Freeway, stop in without rush.

  • Explore Licensed Drinks and Daily Bakes

    Complement your lunch or breakfast burger with a drink from their curated wine list, or choose takeaway Campos coffee and sweet treats from the display fridge.

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