The Hidden Kitchen

4.3(477)

77a Mathis Ave, Tootgarook, Victoria, 3941

“99.47% handmade & homemade! Award winning pies, sausage rolls and other goodies!”

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Services:Custom Cake OrdersCateringTakeawayDine-In

Known for PiesFriendly Staff

Known for

Vanilla sliceSausage rollsBacon and egg rollTakeawayDine-inKerbside pickupCoffeeVegetarian options

Why Choose The Hidden Kitchen?

The Hidden Kitchen is known locally for house-made pies and sausage rolls that keep customers coming back, the vanilla slice and chicken and leek pie are standouts. Service and atmosphere are consistently praised, with staff going out of their way to look after families and late arrivals alike.

About The Hidden Kitchen

If you're after a pie in Tootgarook, The Hidden Kitchen is a name locals tend to bring up. It's a neighbourhood cafe that leans hard into house-made baking, and its own tagline says almost everything is handmade and homemade, with the pies and sausage rolls as the main event. We've heard the chicken and leek pie and a flaky sausage roll come up more than once.

Beyond the pastry cabinet, there's plenty to choose from. People talk about the vanilla slice (one visitor said a single bite had them hooked, and they'd be back every weekend if they didn't live so far away), the bacon and egg roll, and the muffins. The bacon and egg roll earns praise for being properly toasted rather than a limp soft white roll. Sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats fill out the menu, and there are vegetarian and vegan options too. Custom cake orders and catering are available if you've got an occasion coming up, and takeaway, kerbside pickup and dine-in are all on offer.

It's a relaxed spot, with cosy indoor seating, outdoor seating and a dog-friendly courtyard. Families get a warm welcome, with high chairs and a play table with toys, which one parent with a toddler called a lifesaver. The staff come across as friendly and accommodating, and one visitor even had the team ring ahead to the hot springs after leaving a bag behind.

To be fair, not every visit lands. We've heard the odd grumble about slow service when the cafe is short-staffed and busy, and one or two people found a dish a bit bland. If you're heading in with a group, a little patience helps.

They're open daily from early morning through to mid-afternoon, so it suits breakfast, brunch or lunch. Check the hours before you head in, especially on a public holiday.

If pies are what you're chasing, ask what's fresh out of the oven and grab a vanilla slice for the road.

Location

What Customers Say on Google

Pastries

“One bite of that vanilla slice and I was gone. This little café is almost too cute for words. If I didn't live 70km away, I'd be there every weekend without question.”

Bread

“A gorgeous little gem tucked away in a lovely neighborhood, full of locals and visitors alike. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and we enjoyed a perfect and flaky sausage roll, the chicken and leek pie and the loveliest avocado toast with bacon!”

Staff

“Came there on public holiday... 10 minutes before closing. As someone working in hospitality I double checked with them if it's ok to order so late (I know it can be annoying when you're about to close!) but they were so lovely about it. GREAT customer service!”

Source: Google Reviews

Community Comments

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Hidden Kitchen

: The Hidden Kitchen is best known for its pies, with the chicken and leek and the Beef Burgundy among the favourites mentioned by visitors. It also turns out a well-liked sausage roll, a vanilla slice that regulars rave about, and a bacon and egg roll. Its own tagline describes the food as 99.47% handmade and homemade, reflecting its focus on house-made baking.
: Yes, alongside its pies and sausage rolls it runs a full cafe menu with breakfast, brunch and lunch options, including a salmon bagel, avocado toast with bacon, salads and a corned beef toaster. Coffee is served too. It also offers custom cake orders and catering for those planning ahead, plus takeaway, kerbside pickup and dine-in seating.
: The cafe is set up for families, with high chairs, a kids' play table near some seating and both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menu alongside the usual pies and brunch items, making it workable for mixed groups wanting something different.
: Yes, custom cake orders and catering are both offered. Given the handmade approach behind its pies and sausage rolls, it's worth contacting The Hidden Kitchen directly to discuss what you need and current pricing, especially if you're planning ahead for an event.
: Most visitors describe the staff as friendly and the vibe as a cosy, cute neighbourhood cafe in Tootgarook. Service has been praised as attentive, including for families with toddlers, though a few visits have noted slower service when the cafe is busy with only limited staff on. It's best to check hours before visiting given the limited seating.