Lakeside Cafe - Epping

A good cafe, almost an oasis at the Botanic Gardens. This is a very pleasant place to meet with people, or take a break after walking through the beautiful gard... read more A good cafe, almost an oasis at the Botanic Gardens. This is a very pleasant place to meet with people, or take a break after walking through the beautiful gardens. Not open for evening meals, but has a very good lunch menu.

I am a zoo member so I go to the zoo quite often and now that they have changed to the Lakeside Cafe it has totally transformed and I almost always stop here fo... read more I am a zoo member so I go to the zoo quite often and now that they have changed to the Lakeside Cafe it has totally transformed and I almost always stop here for lunch. I normally get one of the salads as they are super cheap and quite fresh and every now and then I will get something larger like the pulled pork bun and maybe a wine or 2. It's quite nice when it's sunny to sit outside on deck over looking the Japanese gardens, have a cold beer and relax from walking around the zoo.

I would not rush back and would recommend bringing your own food if possible as it was not that great but it was eatable. The place was a bit grotty, the coffee... read more I would not rush back and would recommend bringing your own food if possible as it was not that great but it was eatable. The place was a bit grotty, the coffee was okay. The menu was okay but service was not so great either.

Service is terrible, we got there at 1pm on a Friday and there were only a couple of meals left. Eat anywhere else is my only recommendation. The zoo is a major... read more Service is terrible, we got there at 1pm on a Friday and there were only a couple of meals left. Eat anywhere else is my only recommendation. The zoo is a major tourist attraction. This place does not show Melbourne in a positive light.

It seems like there may have been a change in management, as the menu and food quality have noticeably declined in recent months. While I am willing to pay for... read more It seems like there may have been a change in management, as the menu and food quality have noticeably declined in recent months. While I am willing to pay for expensive dishes with small portions, I don't appreciate being served reheated and bland food. I would recommend avoiding the Vietnamese Chicken Noodle dish.