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.More

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.More

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 disappointedMore

We drove over an hour to have dinner at the Independent Gembrook, which had been highly recommended to us. We were not disappointed, the food was amazing and the service outstanding. Highly recommend the Chef menu and the Pear Margarita.

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.More

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.

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.More

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.More

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.More

I visited this Restaurant in November and came away disappointed after what l have read.. Yes the food was amazing...BUT very little of it.. I had the 7 course tasting plate.. as we all did..and we were embarrassed at the tiny portions.. Am l a...huge eater...NO.. but if I'm paying very good $$$ for this...dont and me home hungry.. The response to my email was not handled well and didnt address my concerns. Sorry guys... maybe l was there in an off night.More

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.More

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!!