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

The Tin Plate Cafe in Ballan offers a warm, inviting spot for anyone seeking a relaxed breakfast or lunch in a small-town setting. Primarily a café with strong breakfast and casual dining options, it ticks many boxes for locals and visitors who appreciate good coffee paired with hearty meals that go beyond the usual café fare.

The atmosphere here leans towards cozy and rustic, touched with a friendly neighborhood vibe that makes it easy to linger over a morning coffee or a midday catch-up. Given the multiple mentions of attentive and welcoming service, including a recently changed ownership that’s brought fresh energy to the place, it feels like a community hub where regulars and newcomers can mix comfortably.

Coffee is clearly a highlight at The Tin Plate Cafe. The impressive quality and richly brewed cups attract those who take their caffeine seriously—perfect for a slow morning or a casual work break. The size of the hot chocolates and specialty drinks like chai lattes and cappuccinos suggests they don’t hold back on delivering satisfying, well-crafted beverages.

Food-wise, the menu is diverse, straddling café classics and more substantial plate options. Breakfast staples such as Eggs Benedict, French Toast with maple bacon and berries, and Nutella waffles sit alongside more substantial fare like beef burgers and Himalayan dumplings. This variety allows the cafe to cater equally well to those after a quick morning bite or a solid lunch. Portions are generous, making it a good choice for anyone fond of filling meals without a fuss.

Visitors looking to drop in during weekdays or weekend mornings will find the atmosphere particularly fitting for casual dining, whether stopping by solo with a book or in groups wanting to share a wholesome meal. The indoor seating offers a quiet refuge, while the small location keeps everything feeling intimate rather than bustling.

In the context of Ballan, The Tin Plate Cafe stands out amid a limited local café scene, providing a dependable option notable for its friendly service, reasonable prices, and the kind of food and drink quality often expected only in bigger towns. It’s a place where locals might regularly grab their caffeine fix or weekend brunch, and where visitors can experience a slice of the town’s everyday rhythm.

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
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

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
Jayanath Amaranayake

23 Dec 2025

Lovely little gem of a cafe in a small town. Great atmosphere, reasonable price and staff with smiles.

ENTER10 “SOVIT” WORLD

06 Dec 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!"

Hannah Pfeiffer

26 Nov 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

Stephen Duns

14 Nov 2025

Pretty good little cafe. Great coffee. Pretty good food with generous portions. Service friendly and all good. Prices reasonable. Significantly better than other options in Ballan (especially the place next door that is worth avoiding).

Bek G

14 Nov 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.

Jamie Overend

08 Nov 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 ⭐

Mitch Lang

10 Oct 2025

Travelling through back to SA, best option for the day to stop in Ballan for a short break. The coffee and hot chocolate were the best we have tasted in a long time. The egg and bacon rolls were so delicious that we wanted to eat them hence we forgot to take a photo Good friendly service Defiantly will come again when in Victoria.

Rajinder K

26 Sep 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!

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