L'auberge - Kurunjang

If you are taking a trip to the Yarra Valley area this is a wonderful hidden gem for coffee or genuine rustic French cuisine...Situated in an old Methodist church ..from French onion soup, fromage charcuterie boards.. to Duck confit.. finished of with coffee and French pastries while sitting on the couch in front of the large open fire. Lovely food.. Great Staff .. Excellent ambiance...What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon... Recommend Highly

According to my authoritative linguistic source (Google Translate), L’Auberge means restaurant, and this venue is undeniably so. But it is a special one, as it resides in a charming refitted former church, of magnificent early 20th century architectural design. Entry is via the church’s vestibule and the interior features lots or timber fittings, exposed beams, and arched windows, and the large dining space includes a mezzanine level. The décor incorporates an abundance of ephemera, blending church relics with French flavour. Decorations include miniature Eiffel towers, coloured bottles, candles, antique wooden chests of drawers, and an old set of bellows beside an inviting open fireplace. The table settings utilise some old pews, as well as colonial style timber chairs, and small French flags sit proudly on each table. On my visit, some pleasant folksy music played quietly in the background. The menu, of course, focuses on French cuisine, but with plenty of choice, from pastries, to a range of tarts, and some well-known French standards. The menu included sufficient vegetarian choices, and I opted for the onion tart which came with a salad and relish and was attractively presented and very tasty. The coffee was very good, well extracted, and served at a good temperature. The serving staff are attired in smart black uniforms, and they were welcoming and attentive. This establishment speaks class from the moment one steps in, so when you next visit Lilydale, I would recommend you visit the “French end” of the township.

A lovely cafe in a really beautiful old church conversion. The interior still retains the original structure of the church, and you can sit on two levels. The big open fireplace is great, and you can sit on chairs in front of it. It gives the place great atmosphere. The cakes are amazing, and some are very original. The staff are very happy, friendly and attentive, knowing when to come and check if you require anything.<br/ <br/

What a lovely little cafe. We dined here today for lunch. The menu is small but the food was well executed.<br/ <br/ Hubby had the carrot and coriander soup and a ham and cheese toastie with a fried egg. By all accounts it was tasty and fresh but a bit too much food for one person for lunch. Master nine had the kids ham and cheese toastie which he devoured and for just $5 a bargain. I had the duck terrine which was really lovely and a very different choice for me for lunch.<br/ <br/ The decor has a quirky feel with French touches. Set in a church...and lets just put it out there that I adore churches (We even owned one a few years ago) and this is a lovely example of repurposing a church into a great little cafe in Lilydale.<br/ <br/ Give it a go. You won't be disappointed. We will be back.<br/

Nice little hidden gem with great atmosphere. Big fireplace that kept the place cosy and warm. Small menu but that was okay with me. Food was yum and the service was friendly and attentive. I'd go back.