The French Lettuce

Unit 2/794 Heidelberg - Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge VIC 3099, Australia
+61 406 335 196
$$$ Cafe
(120 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

The French Lettuce in Hurstbridge operates as a cozy café that naturally draws in locals and visitors looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy fresh, thoughtfully prepared breakfast and lunch fare. Situated just off Heidelberg - Kinglake Road, it strikes a balance between casual comfort and a touch of rustic charm, with a quiet outdoor seating area and an inviting space inside that works well for solo catch-ups, family outings, or meeting friends halfway along the route toward the north.

Locals seem to appreciate the café’s steady focus on fresh ingredients and straightforward, comforting dishes. The menu’s highlights like vanilla slice, New York cheesecake, pepper steak pie, and waffles with banana showcase a mix of classic café treats and heartier options, while the range of teas and iced drinks makes it a flexible spot for various cravings throughout the day. Coffee drinkers can expect specialty options including almond milk lattes and alternative milk choices, paired with well-executed breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs and their signature croissant-based dishes, like smashed avo or mushroom toast. These are the kind of thoughtful touches that appeal to those who stop in for a relaxed brunch or a casual weekday catch-up.

The atmosphere is friendly and attentive without feeling rushed, with staff who notice details that enhance the visit, like loose leaf teas served with refills and food brought out promptly. The presence of a little waterfall out back and a dog-friendly area adds to the charm, making it a practical choice for pet owners wanting to relax while their furry friends enjoy a bit of outdoor space.

The French Lettuce seems especially suited for weekend brunches or a relaxed weekday morning, catering to a crowd that appreciates well-seasoned, fresh food accompanied by good coffee and the option to linger. The casual environment supports a range of visitors: from regulars meeting friends, families with children, to those passing through seeking a solid meal without fuss. Early afternoon or just after the morning rush might be the best times to fully appreciate its quiet, easygoing vibe.

Highlights
Fireplace
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Healthy options
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

120 Reviews
Anna T

04 Jan 2026

Loved it. We ordered their smashed Avo (which was fresh and crsip. They severed it on their croissant which gave it a slight sweet taste. Nice) And, their mushroom toast. Served once again on their croissant and was very flavoursome. A shout out to the pot of tea. (Not all pots of tea are totally enjoyable as was this, plus refill if requested). Loved the loose leaf blend they used. And to our server who's name I wish I jotted down. You're amazing.

Emma Valley

30 Dec 2025

Enjoyed our meals here. The steak sandwich was really nice, the meat was tender, and the chips were hot and beautifully seasoned. Would like to see some more lunchtime options on the menu like a chicken parmigiana, etc. Meals came out super fast!

Eric Holton

15 Nov 2025

Always a fresh tasty Breakfast order how you like it. Great coffee. Relax out front or by water fall. Nice to have our dog out the back.

Grace Ball

18 Oct 2025

I come here pretty regularly for brunch as it’s a great halfway point to meet friends who live north. This time we got a couple of croque monsieur’s, steak sandwich, pear and walnut salad, lemon meringue pancakes, two rounds of coffees, a scrambled egg on the side for my daughter, plus a box of pastries and cakes each to take home. The attention to detail is always great by the front of house and kitchen staff, I never ask for a high chair, they just bring it over! They also heard us talking about sharing the salad when ordering and offered to plate it with our meals. My pregnant friend shared her pancakes with my daughter as it’s quite a generous serving (two larger pancakes) the chef left the meringue off as per our dietary request and swapped it for a scoop of homemade gelato, he also asked us if we wanted the scrambled egg well done for my daughter which again speaks for the attention to detail. Over all we have been coming here for a few months now and have always had a warm experience, it’s easy to get inside via the side entrance if you have a stroller and there is a baby change available. The kids love the waterfall pond and there are many fish to look at and enjoy. I recommend trying the ice blended coffee, we love the croque monsieur but also the french toast and chicken sandwich. Definitely take a box of treats home for later!

Cher C

01 Oct 2025

What a wonderful, welcoming, beautiful food and staff experience. 3 adults, 1 child. Pies spinach roll Banana bread, baby chino Rudolph cake Wagon wheel slice/lemon cake Coffee iced and FW Very clean, attentive, welcoming service. Highly recommended. $79.02

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