THE INDEPENDENT GEMBROOK

Does this restaurant have private dining rooms?

Yes

No

Unsure

Details

About

The Independent is a casual restaurant and bar found at Puffing Billy’s last stop- Gembrook. It’s a food hub- with menus designed by Argentinian chef- Mauro Callegari. Produce is sourced as local as possible, for guests to enjoy a seasonal sharing menu. Mauro’s dishes are influenced by his upbringing in Argentina, and passion for Spanish, Italian, Creole and North African flavours.

CUISINES

Argentinian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Family style

Contribute

Write a review Upload a photo Ask a question

We perform checks on reviews.

Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews

Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.

When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.

Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.

Learn more about our review moderation.

4.5

264 reviews

Excellent

194

Very good

52

Average

9

Poor

6

Terrible

3

Cherie H

29 contributions

OUTSTANDING IMPECCABLE

Feb 2020 • none

The lamb could feed 4 easily at roughly $17 ea. Probably the best lamb shoulder ive had in my LIFE. Will be back for sure. Seeing the chefs so professionally preparing the meals just adds to the whole dining experience!!

Written 14 February 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.

Warwick D

31 contributions

A most wonderful experience

Aug 2022 • none

We had the most fabulous lunch there on Saturday. I had heard on social media that The Independent was a good place to go, but it's just that little bit far on windy roads from Warburton. But as it was my wife's birthday, I thought we would try it for lunch. Well, everything about the experience was just so good. The food, the service, the atmosphere. The shared dishes were wonderful, we really loved the specials lamb shoulder and asado ribs which were cooked to perfection, plus all the other dishes we ordered were great too. My wife loved the explanation (by the owner?) that the salt dishes were hand-made by the children of the staff.

Written 7 August 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.

Andrewsgang

Melbourne58 contributions

Highly recommended

Oct 2021 • couples

The welcome was friendly and polite - handling the request to see our vaccination certificates really well. The service was great and the food even better! I’m not usually a fan of sweet potatoes but the dish was zingy on the palate and an absolute delight. The scallops were another highlight and the empanadas were too.

Written 24 October 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.

Geraldine S

5 contributions

Disappointed

Jan 2022 • family

Thought would try this restaurant as the reviews were positive. I feel I must have gone to a different restaurant! We ordered the seven course feed me for 3 of us ( wish I had'nt). First course baked cheese with some type of sauce squirted on it average, then a sour tasting salad which I found unpleasant and the one thing we requested not to have (califlower) was all through it , even though waitress said she had sorted it. calamari on smeared blob of hummous and cucumber cut over the top unremarkable. The worst was the beef pastries , pastry thick and inside a horrible bitter filling with some red sauce in a bowl that looked like out of a bottle. I was beginning to get fearful of what was next as I felt forcing food down.However finally come a serve I enjoyed the beef cheek which was tender , flavoursome and had a nice matching salad. The dessert was a joke a cookie and cream macaroon each, a small shortbread with some sort of caramal filling , whilst they were ok not sure a proper dessert just a few bikkies on a plate the third thing on plate was a vegan chocolate (bizarre we are not vegan) that was so horrible my daughter and partner had to spit out. The 17 dollar tropical cocktail I ordered come out in a normal glass no mango etc as promised but appeared like a glass of lemonade with mint in it and some type of fruity liquor nothing like suppose to be 17 bucks?? The whole night the three chefs stood there and appeared to be doing nothing ?? Never seen that before figured the food is all pre prepared one bloke all he seemed to do was open and shut oven door checking pastries with Thermometer. I also figure the meals not complicated ie smear some hummos on plate deep fried calamari and cut up cucumber (could do that at home) cost us 250 and damn well disappointed

Written 8 January 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.

Audrey E

Berwick355 contributions

Excellent food and service

Apr 2021 • friends

We went for the chef's choice menu which was amazing. A continuous stream of delicious tapas followed by a beef cheeks main to die for. Desserts followed but the staff kindly gave us a break first. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Helpful but not overly attentive. Had wanted to come here for ages and wasn't disappointed. Portion sizes were good, leaving us full but not uncomfortable. Very happy and will definitely be back.

Written 6 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.

dianep2552015

Yarra Valley22 contributions

Consistently good

Jan 2021 • none

It's been over a year thanks to Covid, but it was great to be able to return. Mauro's food is consistently good. I have my favourites, so choosing was easy - the lime cured scallops, the provolone and the calamari. The bread rolls really count as an extra course so the food was just the right amount. We apprecited the attentive service.

Written 13 January 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.

imjusthungryman

Melbourne8 contributions

Sharing is caring

Jan 2021 • friends

The fitout and polish of this place is great. It makes for a fantastic atmosphere and mood. Visited for a mid-week dinner with a friend. We shared the beef brisket main and chorizo side. The brisket was tender and full of flavour, will definitely need to repeat that. The chorizo was nice, but I had my eye on the lime scallops... Next time. I had a coffee before the drive home, I swear it was one of the best lattes I've ever had. A big, very welcome surprise for a person who works in the city. Service was generally good - happy, friendly waitstaff. I say generally as I felt our flow of conversation was a bit more interrupted than usual. But really, that's so minor and some folk like the distraction anyway! All in all, I will certainly be back and will be singing it's praises.

Written 14 January 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.

Lyndylou18

Augsburg537 contributions

Good to try a new cuisine

June 2022 • couples

Laura the waitress was fantastic. The restaurant catered for our dietary requirements. We had the chefs menu and each dish came out with an explanation. We sat snuggled by the fire on a freezing cold rainy day and the meal and ambience didn’t disappoint. Definitely a fun thing to do if you’re in Gembrook. Be sure to book as they get very busy.

Written 10 June 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.

Anne H

Cardiff15 contributions

Amazing lunch

May 2024 • family

Probably the best meal I've ever had. We had the Chefs menu. beef cheeks meltingly tender, with golden beetroot, rhubarb, pomegranate, kept the plate back to finish off the sauce. Also on The menu were beef empanadas,chorizo sausage, roasted potatoes, pumpkin with macadamia nut garnish,Brussel sprouts ( not just your normal Brussel sprouts!) and the Dulche de Leche dessert was just astonishing. Lovely place,great staff, wonderful chef. This was our wedding breakfast and they made it very special

Written 5 May 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.

Birdee

Emerald130 contributions

Never disappoints !!

May 2021 • couples

Always a great experience....staff friendly and efficient....food absolutely delicious.....great wine list and great tasting cocktails. Good for casual dining or special occasions.

Written 20 May 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.

BigAlister

Bayswater215 contributions

Friday lunch in Gembrook.

Dec 2020 • couples

Friday lunch in Gembrook. Bit of a drive but I’v been wanting to go to The Independent for a long time. All the way thinking don’t have expectations because you will be disappointed. Only no disappointments. Service excellent, staff with personality behind the mask. Went with the seven course menu and three matching wines. Fabulous value at $89 for the quality, quantity of food and wine. It was a delight to enjoy food and wine as it should be.

Written 10 December 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.

David

Hurstbridge12 contributions

Sunday Lunch

Feb 2023 • friends

Sunday lunch was an awesome experience. Had the Chef’s choice banquet and enjoyed it immensely. From the outside you would not know the Pearl that is inside. Staff and venue are great. Highly recommend the trip to Gembrook.

Written 25 February 2023

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.

Michael O

2 contributions

A hidden dining gem in Gembrook

May 2024 • family

An Argentinian restaurant located opposite Puffing Billy station in the heart of Gembrook. My wife and I had a wonderful lunch. Delicious. Not too filling. Complemented by excellent service and a great ambiance.

Written 19 May 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.

Christine P

1 contribution

A wonderful experience all round.

Nov 2023 • couples

Delicious food, amazing staff. A very special place. Thank you for a wonderful evening. The beef cheeks were to die for.

Written 18 November 2023

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.

Julie

Melbourne251 contributions

Book now got special occasions. Or just visit to spoil yourself. Go on, you’re worth it

June 2023 • friends

Beautifully prepared and tasty food served in dishes to share. The menu didn’t blow me away but when the food arrived! Talk about tantalising your taste buds. It was delicious and made ti savour. This is one of the best vegan dishes I have tasted. I had the mushroom pasta, our table ordered roast potatoes and carrots which we shared. They had pork also. I will definitely be adding this to my list of places to visit more than once! Highly recommend. Vegan and vegetarian friendly. Wine and cocktails are on the menu and children are welcome with a cute little play area outside. Don’t be misled from the facade of the building, step inside and prepare to have your tastebuds delighted.

Written 10 June 2023

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.

2

…

Showing results 1-15 of 263

Best moderately priced restaurants

See all