The Lilydale General

Visited just after a long-​haul flight and was really needing some amazing food and coffee.
Had a short black and iced coffee and both were delicious. Had a salad, while a friend had the breaky burger. Everything was wonderful. I only wish that they were open later in the day!

My fav java source, hmmm something has changed. The brew is way way from the old!.. had breakfast today, the quality is as was, BUT. the plate was just different, not in a good way either. I think its talent now gone from the kitchen… sad.

This place is great. It’s got the feel of an inner city café, a menu that can match it with the best, and a vibe that keeps things laid back and relaxed. The menu is seasonal and the produce locally sought where possible.
We come here often with our 1yo, they have high chairs, plastic cutlery and cups as well as a nice kids menu too. On top if that they have toys for kids to play with in the outdoor area! He loves it!
Allergy wise they are happy to help, which is a relief when so often you find places that won’t or don’t get the importance of doing so.
All up, an excellent spot for high quality food you can eat in your gym gear, beach clothes or Sunday best. Go… You won’t regret it.

Must say this place has improved upon my last visit, this time the service was super fast and the food was delicious and well worth it. I had the mushrooms with polenta and parmesan and a large flat white both of which were perfect. We sat in the springtime sun too which was awesome. Will be going again soon to try the banana pudding which also caught my eye. Plus the owner knew my name and I hadn’t even met him yet! Impressive!

As a wannabe interior designer, the Lilydale General is up there with one of my favourite fit outs in Melbourne. The green and white theme gives it a lovely rustic and country feel upon entry, particularly on a beautiful sunny day! It definitely gives a great first impression.
You can spend a rather long time reading the big menu (I wasn’t sure whether to be excited or perplexed at the choice on offer). It all looked very delicious, and I settled on the steak sandwich, despite there being so much that I wanted to order with it! It was presented very nicely, and despite the steak being slightly overcooked, was quite enjoyable nonetheless.
The only thing that lets it down is the coffee — I’ve visited it a number of times previously for a latte or two, and they have been a bit inconsistent its fair to say. I do though love the fact they have other methods of brewing other than your basic espresso, notably a decent cold drip.
The one thing that is obvious about the Lilydale General is that it is definitely one of the better thought out cafes in the Lilydale area, created clearly with a lot of care, and provides great service to match. I will definitely be back when in the area!

The décor is rustic style with a concrete floor predominately grey and white, lots of natural wood, a splash of colour provided by some lime green chairs. Superb local boutique roasted coffee, nutty with high notes and a smooth creamy after taste, brewed in a Marzocco Linea espresso machine, by an excellent Barista. A good range of fresh baked cakes, muffins, baguettes, croissants, salads are displayed in a large refrigerated cabinet, plus an extensive menu and board daily specials. We found the service excellent, making this a very popular café with the locals.

Who would have thought that in the middle of what is outer suburban industrial Lilydale one could find a café that is a very big cut above the usual chips and pie industrial estate take away shop?
The Lilydale General is brand new and it’s obvious that the creators care about good produce and know a thing or two about what the public are wanting these days. I spied products from Mount Zero and milk from Jonsey’s Dairy.
The fit out is great, though the music choice when I was there did nothing to add to the atmosphere. Metal? In the afternoon? In a café that has décor reminiscent of an American Diner meets hipster Melbourne Café? Very odd indeed.
My long black was decent enough. Any bitterness I’d chalk up to the darker style roast of Coffee Supreme, rather than the technique of the barista. It’s certainly going to be where I head when I find myself on the way out to the Yarra Valley and in need of a hit. Hopefully next time I’ll be here at the right time for breakfast as the menu has some interesting options including fish tacos and pancakes!

I was recommended this place by a friend and was really keen to check it out especially after seeing their cool logo.
I finally made the trek on my way home from uni and now I can’t wait to go back!
I pretty much had the place to myself as they were about to close so I did a bit of table hopping. I sat outside first which is fitted with some fake grass and a white picket fence. For a moment there I forgot I was in Lilydale.
I can’t wait to go back and try some food, the menu looks awesome!