Vanilla Lounge

A major player in Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall, Vanilla Lounge conquers up Greek and international favourites from dawn til dusk. But it’s with the kitchen’s stunning cabinets of Cakes, Pastries and Slices that the real magic happens.

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Location: Eaton Mall, 17-21 Eaton Mall, Oakleigh, VIC 3166 Ph: (03) 9568 3358

If you love Greek food and have yet to visit Eaton Mall in Oakleigh, then you really are missing out.

As the heart of the Greek community in Melbourne – ‘Little Athens’ as many call it – is buzzing with restaurants and cafes knocking out favourites from old school Souvlaki to Yemista and everything in between.

And an undoubted jewel in the suburbs Hellenic crown is Vanilla Lounge. Set across 2 generous levels, this bustling eatery has something for everyone. You can enjoy dinner up on the first floor on the open terrace, or choose to sit downstairs and eat in the sleek cafe. If you’re hosting an event, the team can both accommodate and feed you. If all you need is a personalised Celebration Cake, the kitchen have you covered.

Although Vanilla Lounge has many facets, its arguably best known for its stunning array of Cakes. If you have any kind of sweet tooth, you definitely need to pop this spot on your ‘to-try’ list.

The Space

Sitting proudly on a corner block, Vanilla Lounge Oakleigh is impossible to miss.

Firstly, it’s big compared to most of its neighbours. With an expansive street frontage, its lit up from the inside with warm, welcoming lighting and initially looks more like a fashionable store than a restaurant. Sleek and modern, it’s absolutely teeming with life. Even on a Monday evening when we visit.

On a warm evening, there are tables outside Vanilla Lounge on the pedestrian strip of Eaton Mall, and all are packed. It’s similarly busy up on the balcony terrace above the crowds.

Step inside and you are immediately facing one of the finest cake cabinets in Melbourne. To the right of the display counter lies a large dining space, full of tables, each of which seats happy diners, hoeing into Pastries of every description.

The Food

As you might expect from an establishment that is open from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week, the menu at Vanilla Lounge is varied.

Meals

Drop by early in the morning and you can order breakfast. Our pick is the Salmon Royal ($25.5) – Smoked Salmon on 2 Poached Eggs topping Muffins, dressed with Homemade Hollandaise. That said, special mention goes to the smart decision to offer a Half Serve of their Classic Homemade Pancakes ($12). What’s more, there are to-go tubs such as Bircher Muesli and Fruit Salad for breakfast on the hoof.

If you’re in Oakleigh around lunchtime, the kitchen has you covered with numerous Pites, Wraps, Panini & Baguettes. And if you have the ankle-biters in tow, there are Kids’ Meals including Lightly Battered Fried Fish & Chips ($15.5).

Vanilla Lounge - Vegetarian Panini Close

Swing by in the evening and the choice for dinner is almost overwhelming.

We adore the Halloumi Chips ($18.9). The drizzle of Honey and Sesame Seeds balances the salty savouriness of the Cheese beautifully. If you feel like a Burger or a Chicken Parma, no problem. Pasta or Risotto? The crew have 9 variations for you to choose from.

However, as is Oakleigh, so it would be rude to ignore the pull of the Greek dishes on the menu. The Moussaka ($28.5) is as good as you could hope for. Meanwhile, the Warm Chargrilled Calamari ($38.5) – served with Chips and a simple Fennel-based Salad – shows true Greek respect for Seafood. If you are dining with a true carnivore, then the Meat Platter for Two ($89.5) should please the most devoted of meat-eaters. With marinated Beef, Lamb, Pork & Chicken alongside Chips, a Garden Salad and Pita, it’s a genuine feast.

Vanilla Lounge - Takeaway Meals & Panini

Lastly meal-wise, if you wander down the strip after work and don’t have the energy to plonk yourself down at a table, the crew at Vanilla does a selection of Takeaway options. Conveniently placed in the cabinet for customers to peruse, all you need to do is pop them in the microwave or a pan once home. Perfect.

Cake & Pastries

Despite all the delicious food that we’ve already mentioned, ask anyone who knows what Vanilla Lounge is best known for and we bet they wax lyrical about the Dessert and Sweet options. After all, the eatery describes itself foremost as an Oakleigh Patisserie.

But where to start?

Vanilla Lounge - Flourless Hazelnut & More

Dazzled by so much to choose from, we ask our charming server for her recommendation. Her pick is the Flourless Hazelnut Heaven and we ask appreciate why. With Hazelnut Mousse and Caramel Panna Cotta between a Chocolate Hazelnut Sponge and Chocolate Glaze, it’s a decadent, rich wonder.

Another must-try is the Kormo. Featuring an Almond Meal Roulade spread with Vanilla Custard-Cream and Pistachios, it might look like a humble Swiss Roll, but tastes extraordinary.

And these are just the tip of the confectionary iceberg.

There are individual Tiramisu Pastes, Mars Bar Slices, Vegan Carrot & Walnut Cakes, glossy Fruit Tarts and more Greek Pastries than you can imagine.

As we gaze, drooling, at the hundreds of Pastries in front of us, we are aware that many of the patrons in the dining room have clearly come in simply for Coffee and Cake and a chat with a friend. It’s a very Mediterranean way to finish up an evening.

In addition, the skilled bakers at Vanilla Lounge also turn out a tempting range of Celebration and Birthday Cakes. If you have an event coming up, you can order ahead on their website, whether you want Whole Cakes, Biscuits or a tray of their Greek Specialities.

The Drinks

Even when it comes to the Drinks Menu, Vanilla Lounge doesn’t disappoint.

The caffeine hit comes curtesy of Duke’s Coffee and is organic, whilst the Tea (including Greek Mountain Tea) is by Tea Drop.

There’s a big selection of Frappes, Milkshakes, Juices and bottled drinks.

Of course, as a fully fledged restaurant, Vanilla Lounge also has a liquor licence. There’s a small, but neat Wine List and a run of Cocktails and a selection of Beers. And in a nice nod to Greece, there’s an Ouzo & Tsipouro on offer too.