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

A beautiful space and a retreat from the busy world outside a log fire for the cooler months, artistic flourishes throughout and welcoming, friendly hosts.

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.

Underrated little cafe on the back streets of Lilydale! Being an old church this place has that charm that newer places just don't have. Staff were very welcoming and efficient. The coffee was strong and hot just how I like it. The charcuterie board was surprisingly good and excellent value for money!!! Well worth the visit. Defs need to return on a winters day when that massive fireplace is roaring.

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.