Immerse Yourself in the Historical Charm of Como Lane Café, Melbourne for Adults, Friends & Family

Step into a world where history and hospitality meet. Nestled within the grounds of Como House & Garden, Como Lane Café offers more than just a café stop; it invites you to slow down, savour each moment, and connect with the beauty of the gardens, the charm of heritage, and the simple joy of shared experiences.

High Tea Memories at the Stables of Como

I still remember the day my daughter and I wandered into the Stables of Como for high tea. Stables carried a quiet charm, steeped in stories of a bygone era. We sat at a little table set with delicate china, the teapot steaming gently between us. Tiered trays arrived, stacked with golden scones, tiny cakes, and pastries so pretty it almost felt wrong to eat them.

There was a hush in the air, broken only by our laughter and the soft clink of spoons against cups. I can still taste the scones: warm, crumbly, and softened with cream and jam, with the sweetness of the pastries lingering, making the whole afternoon feel like a celebration of mother-daughter time.

That memory is stitched into my heart: just my daughter and I, slowing down, letting time fall away over cups of tea and shared delights.

Como Lane Café Today

The space where we once enjoyed high tea is now the Como Lane Café. While I haven’t visited since the transformation, the café invites visitors to pause and savour. You’ll find a menu that blends breakfast, fresh lunches, and pastries with drinks to match every mood: aromatic teas, chai lattes, hot chocolates, and brewed coffee.

The café hums with gentle energy, offering a place to linger, connect, or enjoy a quiet moment amidst the gardens. From sun-dappled tables to the soft murmur of conversation, it seems like a continuation of the same calm spirit my daughter and I experienced on that rainy high tea afternoon.

Como Lane Café: Travel Essentials

📍 Location: On the grounds of Como House & Garden
🧭 Region: Melbourne, Victoria
🅿️ Parking: Accessible via Lechlade Avenue; nearby on-street options
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon to enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch
🐢 Slow Travel Tip: Order a drink and sit outside to enjoy heritage buildings and garden views; linger over pastries and savour each bite

Exploring Como House and Garden

After a meal or a cup of tea, the Como House and Gardens beckon. Meander through the manicured lawns, rose gardens, and quiet groves. Each path offers something new: a fragrant bloom, the rustle of leaves, or a play of sunlight on ancient stone.

We arrived with time to spare, my daughter and I, wrapped in the hush of early-afternoon overcast daylight. We wandered off, drawn by the quiet pull of the gardens.

The air was soft, tinged with the scent of damp earth and bright pink hibiscus. Como House stood nearby, elegant and still, its windows catching glimmers of light like whispered secrets. I let my steps slow, brushing past hedges and gravel paths, the crunch beneath my shoes grounding me in the moment.

Birdsong threaded through the trees, and the breeze carried hints of lavender and lemon balm. I paused beneath a canopy of green, letting the calm settle into my chest. Time felt gentle here, unrushed, like a story waiting to unfold.

Como House & Garden: Travel Essentials

📍 Location: Corner of Williams Road & Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra, Melbourne
🧭 Region: Melbourne, Victoria
🅿️ Parking: On-street parking available along Lechlade Avenue and nearby streets
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for vibrant gardens and mild weather
🐢 Slow Travel Tip: Take your time to pause at each garden corner, smell the flowers, and capture moments in your journal or camera

Best Choice for Girls’ Get-Together

Como House, Gardens, and Como Lane Café are ideal for:

• Girls’ afternoon catch-ups
• Mother-daughter bonding
• Grandmother-granddaughter celebrations
• Mother’s Day & Grandmother’s Day treats
• Romantic or casual date
• Gatherings with friends and family

High Tea at the Stables of Como: A Mother-Daughter Afternoon

There’s a certain magic in slowing down with someone you love, and that Saturday afternoon my daughter and I spent at the Stables of Como is a memory I still savour. The sky was soft with rain, the cobblestone driveway glistening underfoot as we walked through the gates from Lechlade Avenue. The incline was gentle, the tarred path easy to navigate, and even on a quiet Saturday, we found parking without fuss.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The soft murmur of conversation blended with the delicate clink of cutlery and the scent of fresh pastries. Every detail, from the polished table settings to the carefully arranged tiered trays, made the experience feel special, almost ceremonial.

🔗 RELATED POST: Mother’s Day or Grandmother’s Day Ideas: Thoughtful experiences and indulgences in and near Melbourne.

The Delights of Stables of Como High Tea

Our booking ran from 3 pm to 5 pm, giving us plenty of time to linger. I chose the non-alcoholic high tea, and we indulged in a feast that balanced classic favourites with subtle surprises:

• Dill and Cucumber Sandwiches: crisp, fresh, with just the right touch of dill
• House-Cured Salmon Gravlax, Crème Fraiche Crumpet: silky, savoury, and perfectly balanced
• Prawn Brioche Slider: the prawns were tender, though the sauce was a little spicy for me; my daughter happily shared the sauce
• Duck and Quince Pithivier: rich and fragrant, with a delicate pastry crust
• Lemonade Scones with Bonne Maman Jam and Clotted Cream: warm and crumbly
• Ginger Brûlé Tartlet: a gentle spice paired with a creamy top
• Petit Paris Brest: our absolute favourite, light and airy, a pastry worth lingering over
• Red Velvet Tea Cake: velvety, sweet, and indulgent
• Lyonville Mineral Water and English Breakfast Tea: perfect accompaniments

As an extra touch, I was offered orange juice, and my daughter enjoyed apple juice, which wasn’t listed on the menu, a small but thoughtful detail.

We shared bites, laughed over the croque monsieur my daughter devoured for its cheesy goodness, and passed the prawns back and forth. Every taste, every sip, and every shared smile reminded me why these slow, simple moments matter so much.

I first experienced the high tea at my expense at the Stables of Como, before it became Como Lane Café, and those memories remain dear. And I wandered through the Como House gardens, soaking in the blooms, scents, and gentle hush of the grounds, reflecting on the layers of history and the quiet joy of revisiting this special place. All reflections and impressions are my own.

Como Lane Café: Continue Your Melbourne Slow Journey

After savouring the quiet charm of Como Lane Café, you might want to keep exploring Melbourne at your own pace.

• Embark on a Mystery Picnic in the Dandenong Ranges and discover hidden nooks, breathtaking views, and delicious treats along the way
• Mother’s Day Melbourne Experiences: curated for slow simple connections
• Grandmother’s Day Celebrations: heritage experiences & indulgences
• Explore Melbourne’s museums and galleries for indoor adventures, where art, history, and stories invite you to linger in wonder
• Uncover more Melbourne activities perfect for slow walks, slow afternoons, and special moments
• Dive into my Melbourne travel guide for a curated collection of experiences, from secret gardens to cozy laneways, crafted for slow simple adventures

Each suggestion is designed to help you pause, savour, and make memories, just as you would over a warm cup of tea at Como Lane Café.

Reflective Pause

After visiting the café and gardens, take a moment to wander and reflect. Let the fragrances of flowers and native blooms drift around you, the sunlight warm your skin, and the gentle rustle of leaves guide your steps. Just as I did with my daughter during that high tea, this is a place to slow down, savour the present, and carry a little serenity with you.