Menu of Velvet Bean Hillside in Hillside, Victoria, Australia

Menu Overview

Velvet Bean Hillside, nestled at shop 11/1-15 Banchory Ave, Hillside VIC, stands out as a friendly neighborhood cafe with a fresh approach to classic and contemporary dishes. Walking in, you’re immediately greeted by warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for a relaxed dining experience.

The menu boasts an appealing mix of hearty lunches and creative beverages. Among the highlights is the Club Sandwich and Steak Sandwich, both priced at a moderate A$26, offering generous portions and well-balanced flavors. The Grilled Calamari Salad is a lighter option, perfect for those seeking freshness without sacrificing taste. For those craving comfort food, the Fisherman’s Basket provides a satisfying seafood medley at A$29, showcasing quality and generosity on the plate.

On the beverage side, Velvet Bean Hillside shines with unique, house-crafted drinks such as the Pineapple Sunset and Mango Dream, which bring a tropical twist to the typical cafe lineup. The Ginger Beets and Banana Lovers are refreshing, healthy choices that complement the food well, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

For families, the kids’ menu deserves a mention with classic options like Fish & Chips, Nuggets & Chips, and Kids Bacon & Egg, all competitively priced at A$12, making Velvet Bean Hillside a great spot for a casual family outing.

Customer feedback highlights the exceptional service, with frequent commendations to the staff—particularly Georgia—who deliver barista skill and genuine hospitality. Ian Graf’s praise for the sweet corn fritters and perfect espresso perfectly captures the consistent quality that keeps locals returning. Dylan Tyler and Joel Callen echo this sentiment, applauding the coffee craftsmanship and hearty breakfasts featuring expertly cooked eggs and crispy bacon, with avocado and smoked salmon options adding a refined touch to traditional plates.

Adam Jacob’s experience underscores the cafe’s commitment to excellent customer care, describing a swift remake of a mistaken coffee order and high marks for the Dubai chocolate croissant—a sweet treat that delights alongside robust coffees.

That said, not every dish hits the mark perfectly. Hannah Fox’s critique of the Spanish Delight highlights an area for growth: while ambitious in its portion size and ingredients, the dish seemingly trails in flavor cohesion and balance, suggesting Velvet Bean Hillside could benefit from refining some of its more complex offerings to match the level of customer service and café staples.

Overall, Velvet Bean Hillside presents a compelling mix of comforting classics and innovative beverages, supported by exceptional service and a warm neighborhood vibe. It's a cafe that knows its strengths—in coffee, hospitality, and straightforward, satisfying meals—while still evolving, making it a valuable addition to the Hillside dining scene.