Basils Farm
Basils Farm
4
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Basils Farm is situated on the majestic Swan Bay overlooking the historical town of Queenscliff. Featuring spectacular views, farm fresh cuisine and sophisticated wines set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, lush green lawns and vineyards. Wander through the stunning vegetable gardens that supply fresh produce to Basils Cafe or sit by the firepit with a glass of wine over winter. Live Music Sunday Sessions are held every Sunday from September to April, 12.30pm-3.30pm. Kids dining at Basils Farm can visit the llamas or play in the sandpit. Activity packs which include llama feed are available for purchase through the cafe. Dog friendly, please advise when booking. Christmas closure dates Saturday 23rd Dec 2023-Tuesday 2rd January 2024
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.0
234 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
81
Average
32
Poor
8
Terrible
14
apndr
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We had such a wonderful dining experience, from start to finish it was a lovely meal and definitely want to return.
We were there as a couple, and were surprised to see how many families with kids there were, but it all seemed to work great. Glad we made a reso in advance as there was a sign when we pulled up "reservations only." We arrived for weekend lunch and the place was bustling- beautiful garden tables, covered patio, many families out with their kids.
As someone with multiple food allergies I appreciated how dishes were labeled clearly with allergens, a nice bonus.
While waiting on our entree we walked through the kitchen garden enjoying a glass of bubbly. The pace of the meal was leisurely - not too rushed but didn't feel like we were waiting forever for food despite their being so busy.
The food was beautiful and delicious- we split the tiger prawns starter, risotto and chicken entrees, and potatoes, corn ribs and salad for main. The desserts looked yummy but we were so stuffed we didn't have room to try. After all that the total bill $ was reasonable (not cheap, but for the quality and venue) thought it was good value.
The staff were friendly and welcoming and helped us have a great meal.
We would definitely love to return and try other things on the menu.
We were there as a couple, and were surprised to see how many families with kids there were, but it all seemed to work great. Glad we made a reso in advance as there was a sign when we pulled up "reservations only." We arrived for weekend lunch and the place was bustling- beautiful garden tables, covered patio, many families out with their kids.
As someone with multiple food allergies I appreciated how dishes were labeled clearly with allergens, a nice bonus.
While waiting on our entree we walked through the kitchen garden enjoying a glass of bubbly. The pace of the meal was leisurely - not too rushed but didn't feel like we were waiting forever for food despite their being so busy.
The food was beautiful and delicious- we split the tiger prawns starter, risotto and chicken entrees, and potatoes, corn ribs and salad for main. The desserts looked yummy but we were so stuffed we didn't have room to try. After all that the total bill $ was reasonable (not cheap, but for the quality and venue) thought it was good value.
The staff were friendly and welcoming and helped us have a great meal.
We would definitely love to return and try other things on the menu.
Written 19 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely detailed review. Thank you so much, we really appreciate the positive feedback and look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Written 24 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ginge
Melbourne, Australia90 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I booked a table one month prior to ensure we didn't miss out (thank goodness, as it was fully booked on a Thursday). We were greeted at the gate and escorted to our table. The service was lovely, gardens gorgeous, view amazing, parking plentiful, weather was perfect. We had a table in the Pavillion, which was a little crowded with a big party of people. They were all standing and chatting on the deck area, so it felt like we had people standing over the top of us, especially when more people were trying to push past these people to exit the building. Despite that, we felt fairly relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed our meals (pork belly was lovely). We had desserts catalan, pannacotta and chocolate cake which were presented beautifully but seemed to lack the flavour punch we were after to finish our meal. Overall, it was an immensely enjoyable experience and would definitely visit again and recommend to anyone travelling in the area. I took a bottle of Shiraz home as it was smashingly tasty!
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a 5 star review. We really appreciate it.
Written 17 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken W
East Victoria Park, Australia2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Having enjoyed Basil’s Farm on several visits we booked for our anniversary. Long waits for order to be taken and to be served. Had duck; it was over cooked, parsimonious portion and costly. Apologies from staff for long waits, and cost of a glass of wine was deducted. Why are dogs allowed at restaurants?
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ken,
We are so sorry you didn't have the best dining experience with us on cup weekend. We have certainly discussed your feedback with the chefs and made some changes. Our outside garden dining area has always been dog friendly. We do have the inside dining areas for those who prefer not to be near dogs.
Written 14 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DozDoes
1 contribution
Mar 2022
The kid-friendly farm they advertise is just two llamas behind a rusty barb wire fence that almost shredded my child's arm.
The gourmet priced food was not enjoyable at all. We ordered a range of foods and no-one enjoyed their meals. Can't believe the audacity of their prices, priced very high end for food that tastes like home cooked leftovers.
The sandpit for kids was a great idea, but it was one of the few areas of the cafe with no shade whatsoever, not good for kids to be in full sun like that.
The staff were friendly enough and the cafe was a nice place, but the food and animal farm were huge dissapointments
The gourmet priced food was not enjoyable at all. We ordered a range of foods and no-one enjoyed their meals. Can't believe the audacity of their prices, priced very high end for food that tastes like home cooked leftovers.
The sandpit for kids was a great idea, but it was one of the few areas of the cafe with no shade whatsoever, not good for kids to be in full sun like that.
The staff were friendly enough and the cafe was a nice place, but the food and animal farm were huge dissapointments
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Dozdoes, we are quite taken aback by your comments. We do not promote our Café as an animal farm, but we are 100% child friendly and over the years have had many children visit Basils Farm enjoying open grassed spaces to play, a sandpit and llamas to meet. We however are primarily a Café and offer a dining experience with beautiful views over Swan Bay.
You mention shade for the sandpit, we are not a child’s play centre but have provided a place for children to play if they desire. We do offer free sunscreen which is available in a large basket at the outdoor host station. We recommend a hat be worn if it is a sunny day. Most outdoor dining tables have large market umbrellas.
Feeding the llamas is an optional extra that children can choose to do when they are dining in the Cafe. Llama food is sold as part of a self-guided feeding, so the onus is on parents to supervise. The rusty barb wire you mention is in an area where you have to go over a closed gate.
Regarding our food, our dishes are prepared freshly in house using our own grown produce and that of local suppliers. We believe we offer quality food at prices comparable to other local establishments.
Written 31 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
southerngal
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
Apr 2021
A lovely, picturesque, and laid-back dining experience, not too far from anywhere under the gum and fruit trees with a stunning Swan Bay sea view across to Queenscliff.
Apart from the inside café and pavilion I recommend the alfresco veranda and garden tables, as all dining areas overlook the vegie garden and who doesn't love a vegie garden !.
I ordered the rosemary infused Lamb Rump with garden vegetables and it didn't disappoint. Every mouthful of lamb was tender and rosemary packed and more special my vegies were grown right in front of me - what a great connection!
Make sure you go for a stroll after your meal and take in everything that Basils Farm is.
Apart from the inside café and pavilion I recommend the alfresco veranda and garden tables, as all dining areas overlook the vegie garden and who doesn't love a vegie garden !.
I ordered the rosemary infused Lamb Rump with garden vegetables and it didn't disappoint. Every mouthful of lamb was tender and rosemary packed and more special my vegies were grown right in front of me - what a great connection!
Make sure you go for a stroll after your meal and take in everything that Basils Farm is.
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi southerngal2020,
Thanks for your wonderful review of Basils Farm. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit.
The gardens are a labour of love and as you mention who doesn't love a veggie garden! - they are a favourite place for our guests to explore. Our Chefs are passionate about using our fresh produce in their dishes, so our menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons.
Hope to see you back at Basils again soon.
Cheers!
Written 2 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ccstewart26
Geelong, Australia63 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
I went here with my husband and 2x young children.
The waiters/ waitresses were lovely and welcoming.
We booked a table outside however it was really cold and they happily moved us inside.
The man out the front greeting people was on point with the covid screening. We had to check in and show covid vaccination evidence on entry. Very rarely see this occur but this restaurant really cares about the health of their staff, customers and the law which is great to see because it’s also a wedding venue.
The kids enjoyed feeding the llamas.
However my reason for rating this average was the food. I wasn’t impressed. There was only 2x small prawns on the Asian Surf n Turf. The Share Platter for Two was ordinary. The cold meats sat on some wilted lettuce. It also came with lots of bread but there was nothing to dip or spread. The slow cooked ribs - this came with only 1x rib and was heavily salted. The rib also had a lot of fat on it.
Yet the desserts were amazing. They tasted great!
This is a place you really have to visit yourself and make your own mind up.
The food and drinks are expensive but you’re probably paying for the location.
The waiters/ waitresses were lovely and welcoming.
We booked a table outside however it was really cold and they happily moved us inside.
The man out the front greeting people was on point with the covid screening. We had to check in and show covid vaccination evidence on entry. Very rarely see this occur but this restaurant really cares about the health of their staff, customers and the law which is great to see because it’s also a wedding venue.
The kids enjoyed feeding the llamas.
However my reason for rating this average was the food. I wasn’t impressed. There was only 2x small prawns on the Asian Surf n Turf. The Share Platter for Two was ordinary. The cold meats sat on some wilted lettuce. It also came with lots of bread but there was nothing to dip or spread. The slow cooked ribs - this came with only 1x rib and was heavily salted. The rib also had a lot of fat on it.
Yet the desserts were amazing. They tasted great!
This is a place you really have to visit yourself and make your own mind up.
The food and drinks are expensive but you’re probably paying for the location.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, ccstewart26
Thanks for taking the time to post a review of your trip to Basils Farm. Wonderful to hear you were welcomed warmly to Basils Farm and yes, the safety of our visitors and safe is of the utmost importance, we thank you for your understanding that this is a process we have to follow by law.
We are sorry to hear that you thought that some of the food was average, this is not the standard that we aim for and our General Manager will be addressing this with the kitchen team. (Please note the Asian Surf & Turf is an entree so is smaller in size). The desserts are popular, thanks for the positive feedback!
We appreciate your comments as they help us to make improvements.
Written 7 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ben D
Melbourne, Australia54 contributions
Mar 2021
Best winery experience we've had. Ever.
Most wineries seem to be "pay for an expensive meal, look at the vines but don't touch, pay for wine tasting, get out."
Basil's was the opposite. You can wander around the vegetable garden. Walk amongst the grape vines. Take the kids to the alpacas and sheep. There's even a sandpit for the kids to play in.
We got there on time, and the staff moved us to the best table in the place, despite others already being there.
Food was great and we ate our fill.
Most wineries seem to be "pay for an expensive meal, look at the vines but don't touch, pay for wine tasting, get out."
Basil's was the opposite. You can wander around the vegetable garden. Walk amongst the grape vines. Take the kids to the alpacas and sheep. There's even a sandpit for the kids to play in.
We got there on time, and the staff moved us to the best table in the place, despite others already being there.
Food was great and we ate our fill.
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ben,
Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Basils Farm. The garden is a highlight for many and as you mention the kids also love the sandpit and llamas. We try to offer something for everyone at Basils! Our relaxed, coastal settling invites guests to explore the grounds, enjoy the views and dine on local and our own home grown produce. Hope to see you back at Basils!
Written 12 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyn
Ocean Grove, Australia15 contributions
June 2021 • Friends
We’ve now visited Basils Farm three times and thoroughly enjoyed each experience.
When we sat down with the menus yesterday we all decided we would be happy to try any of the dishes listed. The seafood bisque is a favourite, flavoursome with beautifully fresh seafood. We were more than happy with all our choices - fish, lamb and duck. It’s the interesting touches, tamarind flavoured carrot purée, that we love. Presentation, flavour & freshness are a given.
One of our visits was during the week and another during a busy Sunday service. Service has always been spot on … friendly and professional.
We look forward to dining again, and plan to return when the weather is kinder so we can dine alfresco.
When we sat down with the menus yesterday we all decided we would be happy to try any of the dishes listed. The seafood bisque is a favourite, flavoursome with beautifully fresh seafood. We were more than happy with all our choices - fish, lamb and duck. It’s the interesting touches, tamarind flavoured carrot purée, that we love. Presentation, flavour & freshness are a given.
One of our visits was during the week and another during a busy Sunday service. Service has always been spot on … friendly and professional.
We look forward to dining again, and plan to return when the weather is kinder so we can dine alfresco.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanette
6 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
We had an outside table which took advantage of the beautiful garden and setting looking over Swan Bay. The staff were very friendly and efficient. The lunch meals however were very disappointing. The 3 people who had salmon found it undercooked. The Chicken Ballotine was unappetizing both in flavor and presentation. The serving sizes of all meals were mean considering the upmarket prices.
Written 9 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jude
Torquay, Australia597 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We dined outdoors at Basil’s Farm on an Autumn day, even though there was the occasional light shower we were well protected by the large umbrellas. While the menu is not large, it offers something for everyone. In a group of six, main meal reviews were mixed, but everyone agreed the desserts were pretty good. Lovely views, good service, reasonable prices, farm/vineyard setting. Indoor and outdoor dining options. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ashley,
Sorry for the delay in seeing this message come through. The answers above are correct. You can also book online via obee.
From December 3 you can also enjoy ‘Breakfast at Basils’.
• Egg + Bacon Rolls every Thursday & Friday from 8am -11am
• Full Breakfast Menu every Saturday & Sunday from 8am -11am
• Full Lunch Menu from 12pm
Basils Farm will also be open 7 days from 26th Dec.
(Café/Cellar Door closed 19th December to 25th December).
From 26th Dec: Breakfast Thur - Sun with Lunch Menu everyday from 12pm.
Written 21 November 2016
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