The Tin Plate Cafe

Unit 1/132 Inglis St, Ballan VIC 3342, Australia
+61 3 5370 2157
$$$ Cafe , Breakfast restaurant , Coffee shop , Restaurant
(257 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

If you're seeking a delightful escape that combines the warmth of home-cooked meals with the charm of a cozy café, look no further than The Tin Plate Café in Ballan, Victoria. Located at Unit 1/132 Inglis St, this hidden gem is where culinary dreams meet rustic comfort, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike.

The café features a diverse menu that draws on both Indian and Himalayan culinary traditions, offering something for everyone. Start your meal with their Samosa, golden-fried pastry parcels bursting with spiced potatoes, peas, and herbs, perfectly complemented by tangy tamarind chutney that dances on your palate. Or opt for the Pakora, crispy fritters made from seasonal vegetables dipped in spiced chickpea batter, served with a refreshing mint yogurt dip.

As for the mains, the restaurant shines with dishes like the indulgent Butter Chicken served with aromatic Basmati rice — tender chicken bathed in a creamy tomato and buttery sauce that offers a symphony of spices. For vegetarian diners, the Butter Paneer is a creamy dream of soft paneer cubed in velvety tomato gravy. And you simply cannot miss the Himalayan Dumplings (Momo), which bring a unique flair to the menu. The Vegetarian Momo is packed with fresh veggies and Himalayan spices, while the Chicken Momo guarantees tender minced chicken and traditional herbs that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

The ambiance at The Tin Plate Café is equally inviting. With its recent renovations, the space feels open and airy, making the dining experience feel relaxed yet refined. Each table invites you in, offering a comfortable setting to enjoy your meal, whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a meal with family, or simply treating yourself to a quaint brunch. customer Rajinder K encapsulated the spirit perfectly, stating it is “a true hidden gem that offers a warm country welcome paired with high-quality, delicious food.”

The Tin Plate Café has quickly become a fan favorite, with customers raving about not only the cozy atmosphere but also the exceptional service. Customer Shrisha Dhakal highlights the café’s uniquely aesthetic environment and highly recommends the Himalayan dumplings for their exquisite flavor. Meanwhile, Bek G shared how the staff's fantastic customer service made her brunch enjoyable and memorable, with the promise of “the biggest hot chocolate I've ever seen.”

With every cup of coffee brewed to perfection and meals that envelop you in flavor, The Tin Plate Café is a true culinary retreat. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or savoring a full meal, your experience here will undoubtedly leave a mark. Go ahead and treat yourself; you won't regret it!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

257 Reviews
Rajinder K

07 Oct 2025

On a recent trip through Ballan, we had the pleasure of discovering The Tin Plate Café – a true hidden gem that offers a warm country welcome paired with high-quality, delicious food. Nestled in the heart of town, this charming café exceeded all our expectations with its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and memorable menu. We ordered a mix platter, a burger, and coffee – and every item was a standout. The burger was perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor. It came with a soft, fresh bun and well-seasoned chips on the side that were crisp and satisfying. The mix platter was a delightful surprise – beautifully presented and generous in portion. It featured a variety of items including fresh local produce, cured meats, cheeses, and dips – an ideal choice for sharing and sampling a bit of everything. It was clear that the ingredients were thoughtfully sourced and prepared with care. The coffee was smooth and expertly brewed, providing the perfect pick-me-up after a long drive. The baristas here really know their craft, and the café atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy each sip. What really stood out, beyond the food, was the warm and welcoming service. The staff were attentive, kind, and genuinely passionate about making each guest feel at home. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors alike can gather and feel part of the community. Overall, The Tin Plate Café is a must-visit if you’re in or around Ballan. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a good coffee, or just a friendly spot to unwind, this café ticks all the boxes. We’ll definitely be returning on our next visit through town!

Mark Weston

22 Sep 2025

We had dinner here the staff were so very nice and friendly, the coffee and food was fantastic and with fussy kids I'm glad they can accommodate. We would highly recommend the tin plate and suggest people give it a go with, the renovations have also made a big improvement and its nice and open Thank you for a lovely experience

Shrisha Dhakal

30 Aug 2025

An amazing cafe with delicious food, friendly staff, and a beautifully aesthetic environment. I highly recommend trying the Himalaya dumplings, they are excellent. And they serve the bestest coffee in town.

Bek G

17 Aug 2025

I came here for some brunch while out of town and it was a real treat. The customer service was fantastic, the atmosphere was rustic and beautiful, the food was so hot and fresh that I had to let it cool down before I could eat it and they had the biggest Hot chocolate I've ever seen in my life. The new owners have only just taken over the place and they're doing a great job. They've got renovations planned and I look forward to seeing them. I will definitely be back.

Hannah Pfeiffer

04 Aug 2025

Cute little Cafe with a great menu and great prices. The staff are so attentive, I think it was the new owner, such a friendly gentleman with amazing customer service skills. The food was so good, too. A new favourite place for us to stop in to have lunch. Xx

Jamie Overend

30 Jun 2025

Went here yesterday for a family catch up the staff were so fast and friendly and clear with directions Found us a table outside in shade which was perfect as I’m not keen on noise in busy cafes so huge relief for me Fast fast service of food to table brilliant The woffles and kids meals were outstanding everyone was wrapt Thanks so much guys ⭐

ENTER10 “SOVIT” WORLD

15 Jun 2025

What a wonderful day we had at The Tin Plate Café! The ambience was so cozy and inviting, and the coffee… absolutely amazing! I’ve never tasted coffee quite like it—truly unforgettable. I’m officially a big fan! Likewise, the Himalayan dumplings were bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. A delightful experience from start to finish!"

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