Crest cafe is a trendy cafe hidden in the suburb of Wantirna. It has a rusty old outdated looking front but as soon as you walk in you know you found a gem. Inside was modern, clean, cozy and has a great ambiance with a cafe, kitchen, inside dining tables and also an outside dining area at the back. Crest cafe has a selected all day menu and they make great coffee using industry beans one of best Melbourne rosters. I ordered a Captains plate and my wife’s ordered Mojo Rojo one of many vegetarian options available. Captain’s plate was massive with two eggs, 3 pieces of sourdough bread, bacon, chorizo, roasted mushrooms, hash browns, grilled tomatoes and quarter of sukkah avocado. If you are hungry this is the plate to have! Friendly staff and great service too. Thumbs up and highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Recommended dishes
Captain's Plate

(6 months ago) Great family spot, playground + toys for the kids, amazing brunch dishes & coffee for the parents to enjoy! We have been here a dozen times to dine-in with our kids and kid-free, that's saying something as we are not that local. Food is always on point. My absolute favourite here is the Mojo Rojo. I have been around town ordering smashed avo dishes and this is up there with one of the best. The shelf stocked with milk bar treats is a favourite for the kids. 23/11/23 Updated to add photos. Coffee & brunch still amazing! We also appreciate that prices haven't had a huge hike like many other places. Can't wait for the next visit already!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Avocado
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

This is a regular favourite café of mine. I discovered it when I lived in that neighbourhood a few years ago. Now that I no longer live there, I still drive to Crest just for coffee. I personally enjoy their oat lattés, cold brew, and green juice. I have on a few occasions dined in and the food was good. They’ve been very accomodating when I’ve asked for vegan options. I love the old school milk bar atmosphere, and the art and inspirational quotes decorating the indoor part of the café. The staff are very friendly. In my personal opinion it’s some of the best coffee in the Knox area. There’s limited car parking out the front but when that’s busy I can usually find a spot a short walk away on the local residential streets.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20

Asked for a large cap, one sugar and was asked if I'd like an extra shot (no thanks). Staff "So that's a white with one, one sugar" (yes thanks). Later... "Here's your weak coffee." Why is it weak, is this regular? "You asked for one shot." Well, I said no extra shot. They tell me after its all made that it comes with two shots. The staff confirmed that I wanted one shot, never asking/suggesting/recommending that I was paying for two shots. I don't know, am I supposed to know your business before my first visit? You lost a customer, many actually, and need to get your product across. If it comes with something or is commonly ordered a certain way (because its weak, etc), you need to be vocal and give your customers the best possible experience, not cut them off permanently.

EDIT: **revisited again a year later and the food is SO good and service still fantastic.** I'd been meaning to try this brilliant café, a little further from my usual haunts. Very glad I did. Welcomed by the very friendly crew in a comfortable setting with lots of space indoors and out, an ice cream chest and lollies on shelves nodding in respect and functionality towards the corner milk bar origins of the venue. But then it's all modern café excellence. A perfectly executed coffee with Industry Beans' Rose e Blend, followed by a meticulously made Bircher bowl cleverly including delicately croquetted ingredients. I may have come further to get here, but I'll be back with the family. Ripper Wantirna gem!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice location but our sandwich & coffee was quite below average and perhaps prices should reflect that. It felt like a rip off and taking advantage of Melbourne pricing. Its a convenient spot and next to a school so probably a cherished cafe for locals but speaking on the basis of chef and batista capabilities; if you're charging alongside the average Melbourne pricing, your food and coffee needs to reflect that and the quality/Service needs to be there. Its nice enough to have a brunch with your mom/ dad/ parents group if you don't mind. We found it overpriced for its quality, service needs of a warmer touch and food needs more attention. Not going back. This is not a 4.5 star cafe.
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1

Food was great but there's room for improvement in other areas. The sign at the door says "please wait to be seated" but there's no one actually attending to arrivals and regulars just walk in and grab tables as they like. We decided to do the same after a while. It seemed like there's table service but no one actually gave us the menu or cleaned the table of food scraps. We decided to go to the counter to order. Luckily the omelette of the day was great. The coffee was average (a bit weak and served steaming hot). I hope they improve the overall service and provide training to the barista.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

The perfect little spot for a coffee and croissant in peace. A humble cafe with a huge homely backyard. They have a large trampoline, cubby with slide and swings out the back for kids, lots of space to run around or throw a ball and a shaded deck for parents to relax and watch. For rainy days, there is a shelf inside filled with toys and books. Plus there are plenty of treats to keep the kids seated.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Kid-friendliness
Kids menu, play area and toys, books available.

A fantastic cafe nestled amongst local suburbia. My partner and I really enjoyed our meals and the coffee/tea we ordered. While quiet at the time we went I could easily see this place heaving with customers given its proximity to local sporting clubs, schools and the fact that there is no competition around for miles. Parking is abundant nearby, they do a discount for teachers I think it was 15%. I would note that its seating area inside isn't going to host tons of people so just be aware if you have a bigger party to book ahead to make sure there is going t be space.

I don’t go to many cafes in the eastern suburbs. Mostly because they’re all disappointing. However, whenever I’m in the area, Crest gets a visit. While the food may not feature on food blogger Instagram pages, it deserves big credit. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve not once been disappointed by the food or service. Big wholesome serves of tasty, indulgent food. If you visit Crest Cafe today, it could be the best decision you’ve made all week. Chilli Eggs and Benedict are the highlight for me. Do yourself a big favour and visit this little cafe.

Went for breakfast this morning and ordered poached eggs on toast. Unfortunately all I could taste was vinegar and the toast was soggy. The coffee had a strange taste to it, can't quite explain (not sure what beans they use!) And couldn't finish it. The ham and cheese croissant my friend ordered was good though. Credit it to them, they removed the eggs on toast from the bill but unfortunately I won't be returning
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

First coffee amazing, haven't had better. Second not so still good but not as smooth and a touch of bitterness. I drink only short black and no sugar so you taste out straight away. My daughter had a amazing chai latte. Our meal was very generous and flavours well balanced. I'm vegan so when I asked for no egg my waiter realised immediately and offered a substitute with almost never happens. New little gem I'm sure will soon be a local favorite. 4 1/2 ⭐

The coffee was great. The foods are the let down. The chef can cook a perfect poach egg. However! For the Spanish egg dish I get half of a sausage and half rotten salad, hash browns, you know, those frozen mass produced packages ones. The pork ribs on the meaty Benedict were tender but very bland, which means you get the strong pork smelly smells in your mouth.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Brand new café that's just opened up delivering decent coffee that I'm sure will get better with experience, using a Synesso machine and the legendary industry beans it's a winning combo, a bit more experience from the staff on the machine and I'm sure it'll be too notch. Will have to come back here and try the food but the menu sounds delicious. I'll be back for sure.

A little gem we found in the Knox area. Super food and superb service!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
English Breakfast
Vegetarian options
Veggie options in the menu.
Kid-friendliness
Kids toy is there for the kidlets

What a little gem in the suburbs. From the moment we got there to the moment we left the customer service was amazing and the food was incredible. Nice clean toilets and a little shelf with kids books to keep them entertained. We will be coming back very often. Thank you.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

Friendly service in a suburban converted milk bar - a nice little find. Coffee is industry beans which is my favourite roaster so I knew it was going to be good. I had the crab chili scramble which was nice and my partner had the captain's plate which he enjoyed. They have a small amount of cakes on display, we took one away and shared it later on.

Amazing Service from wonderful staff. Best Food and coffee i have ever had. Variety of Drinks and foods along with deserts are available to choose from. Plenty of place in backyard suitable for children. Perfect for relaxation. Perfect place for Family and friends meet...see you soon guys...Thanks a lot Again for such a fantastic services.

This place is Wantirna South’s best kept secret! The food is amazing, staff are beautiful and it’s my favourite place! Whether you’re eating in, taking away or having it delivered through Uber Eats, this place is the best!!! Keep up the amazing work!
Service
Delivery
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

Service is good and coffee is good and nice ambience my problem with this Cafe is the uncomfortable cold chairs. They are not comfortable to sit In to have a relaxed chat. It's more like a stopover on the go vibe. Many times the place is empty and If the chairs were more comfortable I believe there would be more people hanging around.

Ordered from this cafe through uber eats. Ordered the zucchini and corn fritters - I loved the tomato relish which had with a slight zing to it and matched well with the yoghurt sauce. The fritters itself were thick and well made topped with the fresh avocado and grilled halloumi, for what was given, the price was great value.

The hidden gem of Knox. Great coffee, fun yet familiar menu and of course kid friendly being. Try the Benedict!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Crest Meaty Benedict

What an amazing little local find! Great menu bursting with flavour. Welcoming staff, kid friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We enjoyed the the crest meaty Benedict, and panko mushroom. Highly recommend!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

Hidden little gem nestled in amongst schools and houses I didn't expect the food to be so good! And the coffee was superb, totally unexpected. Will definitely be stopping in again, the service was excellent and the staff were so friendly. Highly recommend seeking this one out!

Good cafe with an outdoor setting in back as well. Limited menu but quality looks good. I had a fried chicken burger with side of chips. The chips were spectacular but the fried chicken left a bit underwhelming. Other food was good. Heard good reviews for the superfood salad.

Only had a coffee here but it didn't really hit the mark. Will perhaps try again as the service was friendly and it looked like a nice place.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lovely local place to enjoy a delicious coffee. You can tell the staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the coffee. I haven't had such a delicious long black in quite some time. If you enjoy coffee and breakfast with a friendly and welcoming vibe, check this place out!

Quality food at a decent price. Food was well seasoned and well cooked. Chorizo had a good amount of heat and bread was fresh, a good sign of the quality of food. Nothing too extraordinary or a must try but a place where you know what to expect and go there for good food.

Tucked in a quite neighbourhood , crest cafe is a hidden gem , the staff is friendly and welcoming , it’s a perfect spot to have a cozy meal and a warm cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60

Staffs are rude and unprofessional. Went in there to buy an ice cream with my 4 years old daughter and this woman with attitude on the counter was extremely rude and unfriendly. Worst customer service I've experience/expected in a local business. Would not recommend.

Nice local cafe with good food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Parking
Lots of street parking as the cafe is in a residential area
Kid-friendliness
There's a toy and book corner, and out the back there's a small playground and trampoline

Much better than the previous cafe that was here ( they have an actual kitchen ) Food is good and coffee is good! The place was a little dirty ( coffee stains and food crumbs on table) but we will see next time I go if there's still an issue and if not I'll rate 5!

Grabbed a coffee couple weeks ago. Have to come back to leave a 5 star because of the barista. she's super good at what she's doing, always wearing a lovely smile on her face . Love the cute bright blue colour theme of the Cafe! Will definitely come back☕ …

The service and staff were lovely. It's a great place for children as they have some toys and an outdoor play area. Food was good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Kid-friendliness
Great toys and books plus a trampoline and playground outside.

Very good cafe :))) coffee and drinks were most excellent and the service was fantastic. The food was delicious!!!! Will definitely come back again!!! Very nice people and ambience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40

Very friendly staff. Beautiful place. I had waffles with fruits. The taste was average and I tasted onion flavor when I had bananas and strawberries. I think they used the same chopping board to cut the fruits.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Very good place. Good food, Fast service. Often come here with friends to eat food and chat about life. The reception is very good and they have plenty of seats inside and outside to enjoy the warm sunshine. I recommend this place and I give it 10/10

Very nice Cafe, service was great and food was delicious, very nice Cafe tucked away amongst a residential area.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Visited Crest Caré for the first time. Really cute and modern design with the vibes of a Milk Bar! Very happy with the coffee, as well as the Thick shake! Chicken burger imaged, 10/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Went in for coffee only. The meals being served looked amazing and beautifully presented. In door and outdoor seating with a children's playground outside. Only downside was the coffee was not hot enough for me, though perfect for hubby.

I don’t feel comfortable coz the waiter very smelly, the food took more than 20 mint to serve I won’t come again
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Lovely small cafe, nice and quiet which I like when having a coffee and reading the paper. Genuine hidden gem portion size of food was great value and staff were really friendly and present. Will definitely be going back! …

What a little gem right near my place. I drove past everyday nor knowing its the best little cafe in Wantirna. Great coffee and the most perfect poached eggs I've had. Not to mention the whole breaky was awesome. 100% recommend.

Today had the Captains breakfast (last time had the Mojo Rojo), both great dishes! My friend had their special, Sushi bowl, looked good and was good! Friendly staff too.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Really nice little place tucked away in suburbia. A standard cafe menu with a few clever and tasty tweaks to make it interest. The coffee was great and the service fantastic.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

This is such a great little local café! You’d almost miss it when you’re driving past, but once you’re there they make fantastic coffee, dog friendly as well! The corn fritters looked delicious - will have to go back!

That is great knoxy finally got a wonderful cafe here，fantastic coffee of course foods as well，friendly customer service ，the best thing is that there is a Kids play ground backyard ，we definitely go again！ …

Such a lovely place!! Everything was delicious and super friendly service. Even better, they have a small playground, trampoline and some toys for kids
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Exceptional customer service! Amazing friendly and helpful staff. The food is amazing! If you haven't headed to this little tucked-away gem of a cafe yet, I highly recommend you do yourself a favour and visit!

We have been here a bunch of times over the last few weeks and have been thrilled with the quality of coffee, the outdoor seating and the service. I highly recommend the vietnamese beef salad!

I just love the food here so much! Never disappoints. Definitely source the best stuff. Everything is always fresh and tasty. I am quite partial to the Spanish egg.
Service
Delivery

Very good breakfast burger would definitely pop back in there when I’m in the area
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Playground in the back and a toy library for the kids. Great place for a parent meet up. Love the food here too. It's unique and combinations are always tasty and well presented.

Good ambiance and great coffee .. plating is very nice with good options .. ample seating as well
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40

I love this Cafe. Excellent coffee, always lovely staff, and I just had the most amazing eggs benedict with a siracha twist! great courtyard area out back for kids too. …

Very nice place. Variety of good food and drinks. Comfy place inside the shop. Would recommend. 5/5
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20

Nice place with outdoor setting. However some chemical are outside and it has not been very organised inside. Coffee was not bad but will try some food in the future.

Our favourite breaky/brunch stop.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent place for breakie... delicious food, kids friendly, lots of parking what else you can ask for?
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love this charming cafe. Great service and the food is always delicious.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing food loved it
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Beautiful coffee, amazing customer service and an overall great vibe to the cafe. My current go to place for coffee in the morning. Would highly recommend

Food proportion is generous. From the outside...it looks like an old milk bar place but once you go inside, it's nice. Food is delicious. Would come back

Left with a happy tummy! The food was delicious and the cafe was lovely.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40

Great place! Food and coffee was very nice.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent little cafe! Used to be our local milk bar. Delicious food but the coffee was a bit bitter (will ask for 1/2 a shot of espresso next time).

Wonderful service. Staff are so lovely and friendly. Food was delicious, generous portions & reasonably priced. Will definitely go back again soon.

Meaty eggs Benedict and calamari Salas were tasty and a scrumptious brunch, just my type of place good food tucked away from the maddening crowd.

First time there and food was delicious, staff were amazing and friendly and coffee is on point.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

I got the mojo rojo (I think that was the name). Very delicious. Hats off to the natural OJ too
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

It has a playground!!!!! Great for parents, coffee is delicious and lovely people running it.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other

Food and coffee was lovely despite the long wait while staff were busy doing their best to take other orders. Great location as well..

Pretty good the food was good only thing was the place had children running around and like it was a playground which was annoying.

I've only been here once. The food was reasonably priced and delicious. The service was excellent. I would like to eat here again..

Hidden gem, great food options with a difference to standard cafe menus. Coffee is excellent and staff are upbeat and efficient.

Good coffee
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Another wonderful coffee shop in Knox. The location is amazing, coffee smells great, wonderful staff and great service.

A nice local cafe with decent food and coffee, friendly service and very reasonably priced with fairly generous serves.

Love food, the coffee and the service - what more could you ask for? Great with kids, always a fabulous experience!

A real pleasure to have not only great coffee but great food with great service.... And its only round the corner!

Second time visiting and been very impressed each time, can’t wait to come back and try more items on the menu.

Delicious coffee, and good service! It's near where we live so we would occasionally go for the caffeine hit.

Super delicious food! Friendly staff. Generous quantities!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast

Great coffee! and Good ambiance
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20

Amazing coffee for the burbs... awesome customer service. Do yourself a favour if you're in the area!

Customer service was good, good was also yummy
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very nice brunch had at the spur of the moment
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Delicious tucker. Yummy strong coffee. Lovey hosts. Will certainly recommend and revisit this gem.

My absolute favourite cafe! So well set up for kids. Food, coffee and service are all wonderful.

Excellent for lunch, brunch or coffee. Well worth seeking out! Becoming a regular customer.

Had a stellar brunch here today. Very lovely staff and the food and drinks were fantastic.

Really loved this place, good food, good coffee, good vibes. Will definitely be returning!

A spacious cosy Cafe with polite staff. A great little cafe to enjoy brunches and coffees

Great food and service. Dog friendly. Watch out for coriander on the menu when ordering

Such a friendly and best coffee to find around the eastern suburbs. Good food as well.

Great local cafe with speedy service. Will be busy at school times due to location.

Yummy food nice ☕ friendly service
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Beautiful coffee and food ..friendly service and absolutely love the backyard

The pork Benedict was Devine. The ribs were amazing and seasoned beautifully

Very rude and unprofessional staff I ever met. This staff/She ruined my day.