Stella's Kitchen

Stella's Kitchen sits within The Orchard at Montague at 18 Horswood Rd, Lysterfield, offering farm-to-fork breakfast, brunch and coffee with unobstructed views across a working apple orchard. The defining reason to bring your dog here is the combination of ample lawn space and a relaxed alfresco setting that makes a post-walk meal genuinely practical.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome on the sheltered deck and alfresco dining area as well as the surrounding lawns and garden. They must stay on a leash at all times, both at the table and on the orchard grounds. Dogs are not permitted inside the main indoor restaurant area. Staff are generally welcoming, but bring your own water bowl, especially during busy weekend brunches when demand is high.

Known for. Stella's draws crowds for its Jazz apple scones, mushroom breakfast, gnocchi, creamy garlic prawns and sticky date pudding, backed by a solid coffee and wine menu. The outlook over the orchard and surrounding hills is the real draw, and the casual, scenic atmosphere makes it a favoured spot for a quiet breakfast or lunch. Live music features on occasion, and kangaroos are sometimes spotted near the grounds.

Getting there & parking. Ample free on-site parking is available at The Orchard at Montague. The venue is a short drive from Rowville or via Belgrave-Hallam Road, and closing time sits around 4pm seven days a week.

Nearby with the dogs. Lysterfield Park and Lake sit immediately adjacent, though some areas have conservation-zone restrictions on dogs so check signage before you set off. The Horswood Road area also offers scenic country lane walking on-lead. For another sit-down option, Stamford Park Homestead in Rowville is a short drive away.

Aim to arrive before 9am on weekends for a quieter table on the deck, or try a weekday morning when the orchard views are at their best and the brunch rush is manageable.

Sources

• Stella's Kitchen - The Orchard at Montague · stellaskitchen.net.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.