Compared to the business which took residence in the old bank premises prior (no names mentioned) I was so pleasantly surprised to see how the owners of Banks has transformed the space into a really nice, clean, ambient space. But one would expect nothing less from the owners of sista cafe Barclays in Heathmont.. Similar menu to Barclays, but a bit fresher and newer.. If you can get a possy on the little couches in the tinted windows, you can almost pretend that you are not in the outer Eastern suburbs... ;) This cafe is a fav!

Approximate cost: $10-20

If you love handmade chocolate then this is the place to go! In a time where Melbourne has gone chocolate crazy with Chocolatiers popping up all over the place, Xchocolatl is one of the first and one of the best. Nothin but chocolate on the menu and fair trade coffee.. What more could you ask?

Really nice coffee, Lots of easy parking, friendly staff and good value for money food. A good place to feel at home or to grab a quick T/A bite.. The greek/Mediterranean flavored food will ensure you always have creative specials for a very reasonable price. Coffee is rainforest alliance which is also good- Nearly as good as Fair trade!!

Approximate cost: $6-12

A good and comfy little place. Possibly the only place to get good coffee in Box Hill, and the only European food style cafe in Box Hill (not that that is bad- Box Hill is awesome for Asian food!). Good service. Very homey... I always enjoy this little cafe. Especially with some live music on a Sunday

Approximate cost: $8-$15

I love this place!! Atmosphere is lovely (although sometimes a bit cold). You know you can guarantee an original and creative menu. Nice Melbourne based coffee.. Friendly staff (mostly) and local produce.. Just make sure you get there before 11 on weekday for breakfast- It is worth it !!

Approximate cost: $8-15

This is a local haunt- so nice and easy to get to. One of the best cafe's in Heathmont/Ringwood area.. Due to this fact though they can up the price a bit and get away with it..I find the meals a bit pricy, but when there is little to choose from in this area.. It is nice to know you will always get a good coffee and smiling service..

Approximate cost: $10-15

We stayed for a long weekend for our 5th wedding anniversary. To be honest, if we weren't part of an Accor loyalty program we would not have even thought of this hotel. It was really lovely though. Good location, close to public transport and Ethihad Stadium. I think these sorts of hotels are a bit expensive for what they offer- no breakfast, no spa etc- especially in relation to some BnB experiences we have had- But that the high flying life I guess.. Nice for a treat once in a while

Approximate cost: $250 p night

I never knew what this place was having driven past many times..From the outside..it is grand, like an art gallery or Museum.. But once inside, the space is intimate, trendy and inviting. You realise as you look through the big glass walls at the back that the enormity of the building provides space for what these guys do so well- Self sustained business.. They make their wine, beer, bread.. everything that sets them apart. The food is really lovely,although limited, the wine is lovely, the staff are always friendly, efficient but laid back also. For a special treat, I really like this place.

Approximate cost: $up to $30

You can miss the the Firehouse if you don't know what you are looking for. But nestled in between officeworks and other random shops on franctic Maroondah hwy is a little space of solace. Great coffee (one of the only places in Ringwood for good coffee) Lovely food (especially breakfast!) and good ambience. What a relief to find some culture in ringwood..

Approximate cost: $20-30 dinner $10-20 Breakfast/Lunch