Our recent visit to Citrine Bistro & Bar in Olinda was nothing short of exceptional. This charming restaurant truly exceeded our expectations and provided a dining experience that was both elevated and authentic. The moment we stepped into the restaurant, we knew we had discovered a little gem nestled in the heart of Olinda village. The ambiance was delightful, with the venue filled with natural light and a serene outdoor seating area at the front. Surrounded by towering gum trees, we couldn't have asked for a more picturesque setting to enjoy our meal. The menu at Citrine Bistro & Bar offers a fantastic selection of fresh and contemporary dishes that showcase the best of seasonal produce. The calamari fritti with green salad and lemon aioli was a perfect start, with the calamari perfectly crispy and flavourful. The heirloom tomato and fresh buffalo mozzarella salad was a refreshing and vibrant dish that showcased the quality of the ingredients. For the main course, I opted for the grilled flat iron steak, a 250g grass-fed beef served with a layered potato cake, braised cabbage, and a delectable red wine and peppercorn jus. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, while the accompaniments added layers of flavour to each bite. To end our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in the Valencia orange creme Catalan, and it was a true delight. The creamy texture and the subtle citrus notes made it a fitting conclusion to an incredible dining experience. Apart from the fantastic food, the friendly and attentive service added an extra touch to the overall experience. With its relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality, this restaurant creates an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend visiting Citrine Bistro & Bar when you find yourself in the Dandenong Ranges. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of this hidden gem in the heart of Olinda.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Calamari Fritti, Pepper Steak with Potato Galette, Crème Brulee
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

Another great hills restaurant these are my favourite reviews one that I can be totally honest of my experience. I rung Rob the owner today and made booking for tonight good communication easy no fuss. Front of house was Michael welcoming our arrival next front of house set up the restaurant has a very classy high end feel. Today must be my lucky day it was freezing in the hills tonight with a thick fog. Guess what we got the fireplace set , now that was perfect nothing beats a real timber open fire burning at just the perfect temperature Next was Enarie on table service happy and polite. The complementary bread roll was a perfect baked sourdough roll with small amount of rock salt very tasty For a dink I had the Blue mountains cider a nice drop, my wife and me are not big eater so we shared the stuff crumbed mushrooms for entree & for mains we shared the seafood linguine I really don’t need to review that the photos speaks for themselves, we also shared a leaf salad and shoe string fries.Also on table service was Aurora a smiiley beautiful natured young lady with great customer relations. My overall rating of this fine establishment is 5✨and food was a high 6 stars ⭐️ ✨the cost for quality all round was very good shared meals 1 alcohol and 1 coffee under $100 and walked out full. City folk do yourselves a favour and drive up to Dandenong ranges and support our fine local eateries you will be very happy you did
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Stuffed Mushrooms
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Across the road there is a good size car park with plenty of parking

Came here last night (Thursday night) to have a last minute dinner. We booked an hour earlier on their website and was able to get a table. Staff were really friendly and helped with recommending the dishes below. Mains - We ordered the beef and gnocchi for our mains which came out just the right portions for us. I had the beef cooked well medium and it was well made and very delicious. The gnocchi was very flavoursome. I would totally come back for more Desserts - We had the chocolate fondant and crepes. Both were amazing, however at this point we were very full so we struggled to finish all of it. The crepes were definitely a go to if you want something more unique. However the classic chocolate fondant was just the way I would want it - perfect gooey centre! Overall, an amazing dining experience. There were two birthday dinner functions going out the back but it was nice and quiet still. We initially didn’t have the table in front of the fireplace as the restaurant was pretty packed when we arrived but upon request, the staff kindly put us in front of the fireplace after the previous guests left. I would definitely recommend this place for a romantic dinner date or if you’re craving for something fancy and cosy on a winter’s weekday night. Just remember to book ahead as last time when we walked in, it was fully booked! Review by Liv Follow me on social - Fb/IG/YT @walksofliv

We booked Citrine for our daughter’s 18th birthday celebration after a couple of enjoyable lunch visits. We could not have been happier or had a better day. It’s a nice, light filled venue with an outdoor seating area at the front, great for anyone who wants to venture outside for a bit of fresh air or stretch their legs. Perfect. Every guest we spoke to absolutely loved what they chose for each course. Some chose a different entree to their partner, so as to swap half way through and loved both choices. All of Chef Rob’s food was delicious and abundant. Rob, Leah and Michael were all so lovely, helpful, accommodating and easy to deal with from the very start to end. All the staff were great. We cannot say thank you enough for helping create a special and truly memorable day. Everyone had a lovely time and Birthday girl was thrilled. It sure is a gem in the hills and it goes without saying that we will be back and we are sure some of our guests will be too. Thank you again Rob, Leah, Michael and all staff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

Sensational, hard hitting flavours, with people dedicated to high quality is how I'm describing this jewel of the hill. Service is incredibly warm and attentive without being over the top. The food is beyond delicious! So much care taken on every dish we were served. Clearly the chef is well connected and can source quality produce. Love the decor, the wooly cow is my favourite! What an experience, thank you. Will definitely be back with a crowd. Not food related, but a huge, massive plus for this place is free private parking!!! In Olinda this is gold!! Love it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Parking
Directly across the road, they have private parking for restaurant guests only. So good.
Kid-friendliness
I saw very well behaved kids having a great time, eating delicious food.
Wheelchair accessibility
A well maintained, smooth ramp straight to the front door.

I’ve heard the place had a change over and wanted to check it out prior to going there for a pre wedding dinner. We had an amazing dinner experience tonight. The food was spectacular, compliments to the chef . Service was excellent and the ambiance was wonderful. Citrine is now on our list of fav place to dine, and we are definitely coming back for our intimate pre wedding dinner. PS: Lox entrée and the steak are a must have
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Plenty of parking reserved for the guests just across the road from the restaurant.

Citrine now has the mantle of the finest restaurant in the Yarra Ranges, in my opinion. The food is sublime, and the service is also at the highest level. The wine list is more than acceptable, and the prices are very reasonable. Book a seat near the open fire to add the perfect ambience to what will no doubt be a very memorable meal, for all the right reasons. I highly recommend Citrine and look forward to our next visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking
Parking
Large parking lot directly across the road.

We had the pleasure of dining at Citrine in Olinda for Mothers Day, we hadn’t been since it had previously been Copperfields. We had a group of 8 which included 3 under 5 and they couldn’t have been more lovely or accommodating. The waitress even set the three of them up with their own colouring table, provided them with stickers and games. The food was absolutely delicious (the mushrooms OMG), there was not on dish that wasn’t outstanding and was matched by such amazing service. We’re in no way affiliated with the business but just wanted to give them a plug as they made it such a special and stress free meal out with the kids ☺️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$80–100

We both found the bread salty. Linguine: the pasta was fresh and pleasant, but the blend of flavours were not particularly outstanding. Tortellini: pasta, again, tasted fresh but was overpowered by the spinach and garlic. Both deserts were very enjoyable. Having been offered sparkling or plain water, with no mention of charge, we were surprised at the additional charge for sparkling water. End of evening report: very pleasant place to eat but could do better with overall eating experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Vegetarian options
Limited to one dish or combination of sides.

I’ve been a couple of times because the food and service are just excellent. Last night we went for steak night. Just divine. Perfectly cooked with an exquisite jus. The service as always was impeccable. Completely looked after without being intruded on or bothered. So friendly. Why would you eat anywhere else?
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Calamari Fritti, Crème Brulee, Seafood Linguine, Crema Catalana
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Has its own car park

We had a disappointing experience here. My chicken was dreadfully burnt on the top and bottom, I ordered multiple cocktails that never arrived, there was a leak in one toilet, which staff informed us after they knew about, that my 21 week pregnant wife fell over in! Onto her hands and knees, luckily not her stomach. There was no sign, no warning, still having the toilet in use and staff were apathetic to the idea of actually doing something about it. I would avoid at all costs.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 4

I took a friend to Sunday lunch at Citrine last weekend and it was fabulous! This is an undiscovered gem that lives up to what is written about it and the good reviews. New owners told us they took it over about 5 months ago. The setting is gorgeous and the food, service and unhurried ambiance are all above and beyond. Red duck curry, pork cheek, tortellini, cheese platter - all extremely delicious. I don't leave reviews unless I can leave 5 stars, and Citrine definitely deserves it. There's also an excellent wine list. Overall a really enjoyable lunch AND excellent value.
Service
Dine in

Incredible dining experience. From the moment we walked in. We had booked the private dining area for 15, a few people couldn't attend and they didn't get cross like most other venues. A special off the menu vegan dish was created to accommodate. Banana blossom and it was so delicious. I'm not even vegan but I will never forget that meal. All the food was delicious, the service was delightful. Highly recommended to anyone and everyone.
Service
Dine in
Wheelchair accessibility
Pushed the wheelchair up the ramp. The toilet was a little tough getting into, but was manageable.

Lovely place in the hills. If you after delicious food in and atmospheric space with delightful service you are at the right spot. Everything we had was delicious and I loved that they had one of my favorite wines from Spain onnthe wine list. Happy to go back any time.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Side Salad, Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegetarian options
Ravioli
Wheelchair accessibility
There is ramp up to the entrance.

I want to make all my 5 star ratings a 4 after being here... this place is a 6/5 in my opinion. For a restaurant that's not in Melbourne, it presents itself as a fine restaurant. Staff is super friendly and I can't remember the last time someone took my jacket on entry. The lamb meatballs were amazing, the duck curry omg I want more. The steak and potato cake was so yum. I said to the waitress.... don't thank the chef, I wanna hug him. It was that good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

I ordered the Steak it took forever to arrive and on arrival I bit into and it was way over salted. It was also presented with a small hash brown and a bit of cabbage. They charged us $45. I ended up eating elsewhere afterwards I was so hungry. I don’t understand how fine dining means that smaller portion. When I go to the hills I want a hearty meal that fills this was very disappointing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Cosy little place. The food was absolutely beautiful. Service was fantastic. Highly recommend, will definitely be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pepper Steak with Potato Galette
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Parking opposite the street, directly opposite the restaurant for your convenience

We always have an amazing experience at Citrine. Friendly staff, a warm atmosphere and brilliant easy dining indulgence. Menu is fresh and elegantly elevated ☺️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Calamari Fritti, Crema Catalana, Side Salad
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Easy and abundant parking

Citrine is a true culinary treasure. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is captivating. The red sauce ragu is a meat lover's dream, bursting with flavors. The orange cream brulee (crema catalana) is a divine dessert. Citrine offers an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you wanting more.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Crème Brulee

What a delightful find in the heart of the hills. Passion and flair combine in a gorgeous French bistro menu. We had the steak with peppercorn sauce, wafer thin, golden buttery crisp potato galette and a seasonal green salad with baby broad beans, spring peas and pea tendrils. Stacks up against any French bistro Melbourne restaurant with added charm of location and service. A must go!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$120–140

A beautiful midweek dinner for our friends visiting from the UK. I had the red duck curry and two of the others had the tortellini. The food was incredible and the service was of a high standard too. Our waitress paid attention to everything (she even changed our wine glasses when we went from one style of white wine to another). She was calm and friendly. The atmosphere of the restaurant was fantastic too with just the right lighting and warmth.

Food was amazing but we were charged $12 for sparkling water. The younger woman serving us was lovely and very polite. The entrees, mains and desserts were all absolutely beautiful but when we went to pay, we discovered that they charged us $12 for sparkling water after offering water at the beginning of the evening with no mention of a charge.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent from start to finish. The service is attentive but not intrusive, which is important. The music was interesting, varied and at a volume that did not overwhelm. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and appointed. The food was perfect - fresh, rich in flavour and a good quantity. All in all a wonderful experience that we will definitely repeat.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60

My partner and I celebrated our anniversary at Citrine last night. I spoke to Andrew before making the booking and he kindly liaised with the chef to adjust a couple of items on the menu to suit our dietary restrictions. The food turned out to be delicious, the service impeccable and the whole experience the memorable occasion I had hoped it would be.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80

Citrine Bistro and Bar epitomises high-class dining with its impeccable service, sophisticated ambiance, and an intriguing menu that promises a delectable experience, truly a haven for those seeking culinary excellence in an upscale setting.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Seafood Linguine

Easy access parking across the road. The staff were welcoming and helpful, friendly without being encroaching. The tables were nicely set up with good space between them and nice views out of the windows. Service was well paced. The food was seasonal and beyond delicious!!! There was a good selection of drinks to accompany the meal. Would definitely go again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Citrine Bistro offers a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. The staff are warm and welcoming, contributing to the homely feel. The menu resonates with this feeling of comfort, featuring dishes such as cider roasted pork and red sauce ragu. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed. We had a great time and can't wait to go back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We went here to catch up with old friends of my wife who live in Tecoma. The food, I had the burger, was great and the service likewise. This is a quality restaurant, so it was not at all full when we were there, but they was great for intimate discussions.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Loved dinner at Citrine. Stuffed mushrooms, lamb shanks, tortellini were great. The pork cheek was something else, awesome. Wine is priced at wine shop prices and service was professional and friendly. Great ambience with perfect lighting and appropriate modern lounge music playing in the background. We will be back .
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$140–160

I couldn't imagine a more enjoyable birthday than the one I shared with my wife at Citrine. Our waitress, who was also the sous chef, was amazing and so informative about the food we ate. A superb restaurant with amazing staff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lucky enough to have dined on second night since renovations. Very well presented restaurant, great atmosphere, awesome food. Recommend the fresh Calamari and the Tortellini. Well looked after by staff,Kat and Michael. Chef Roberto’s recommendations for dinner were exactly as described and delicious. We will be back. Thankyou from Jo and Dean

The forest lounge is a very family friendly restaurant that feels more like you have been invited to the manager and staff’s home for a meal. The food is incredible and the staff warm and friendly. If you are looking to go out for a meal, I can’t recommend this place enough. Try it you won’t be disappointed.

Was satisfied with every item from the menu that we ordered, from starters to desserts. The service was amazing, very timely and attentive. We went on Thursday night for dinner, the place didn’t have many customers so we enjoyed the quietness and the warm atmosphere. Will be coming back again if in the area!

Had the seafood linguine - the seafood was gorgeously fresh and the sauce was impeccable (rarely does this type of dish have enough garlic for my liking – it was just right). The service was delightful and genuine. They brought us some blankets so we could comfortably eat outside on a cooler day.

Nice restaurant with a nice ambience. They had a good range of vegan options. The tortilla koftas were delicious. Would come again just for that dish. The risotto was tasty - and the sundried tomato enriched the dish. The salads were great and the truffle chips were well fried. Would come again.

A treasure hidden away in the lush greenery of Olinda. Friendly, fun yet professional staff. The food and beverages where spot on accompanied by a welcoming and warm atmosphere. A visit to “The Forest Lounge” will have you relaxed and satisfied. Highly recommend and will definitely be returning.

Wonderful service and food recommendations by waiter. Seating is spread out and comfortable. Our Meal and drinks were reasonable price. Will definitely go again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Service was very personable and prompt. We shared 4 of the entrees between us which were absolutely delicious. Main courses are very generous and beautifully executed. Excellent wine list and the blood orange Catalan for desert was a standout. Look forward to coming back
Meal type
Lunch

Food was nice, Though it was quiet busy and very loud, hard to hear my partner directly opposite me. 2 meals, 4 drinks , 2 desserts $178.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

So glad we discovered Citrine! A lovely restaurant in Olinda with a great atmosphere. The food is divine, the service is charming and flawless.
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Seafood Linguine

My husband and I were absolutely blown away at how incredible the food is at Citrine. The service was immaculate. The best steak my husband has ever had. The seafood linguine was hands down the most incredible I have ever had! An incredible dining experience!

Nice but felt like we were being rushed through dinner when entree arrived before our drinks and before the bread. Duck curry was good but could have had more kick. Steak was ok but overcooked compared to the rare I ordered and definitely not 280g More

Saturday 8th May, we had a wonderful lunch here. It was for 20 people, for a 50th wedding anniversary. The tables were beautifully presented and we were welcomed by a very gracious and accommodating host. The service was excellent and the

We dined here this evening for a birthday dinner. They have a lovely "Reopening Menu" (after COVID lockdown). It was a nice choice of mains and dessert (we didn't have any other courses ). It was reasonably busy for a Wednesday night but

We had a fantastic lunch here today. Everything we ordered tasted wonderful!The portion sizes for all of the dishes were generous. The cider roasted pork cheek entree was tender, full of flavour, and perfectly balanced with the apple and

The menu was interesting with a number of dishes available as entree or main course. Also a separate choice of mains which were a meat with choice of potatoes and choice of several interesting sauces. A very yummy selection of desserts.

Splendid and divine were the words used after our meal. The steak was almost an inspiration to quit my job and follow the chef to learn their mastery.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100

We had such a wonderful lunch at Citrine. Seated next to the fireplace while it was freezing outside made the food and wine all the more spectacular. Highly recommend!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Everything was just perfect! From our waiter to the food we ate, desert, wine, environment. I’d definitely recommend it and we’re looking forward to coming back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We came here for dinner the night before our wedding day and had an amazing experience. The food was incredible, we will definitely be back in the future.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Lovely place with friendly staff. The environment is exceptional. Food is great too, fresh ingredients and well dressed.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

Perfect service and great, fine, food. All with a good selection of wines and spirits.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lovely meal on 5/10, 3 courses…could not fault anything, everything cooked to perfection. The staff were delightful, knowledgeable and fun. A very memorable evening, Highly recommend.

5 stars all round - this place is a great night out. Delicious food with great service and a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This restaurant bats well above it's price point. I had the seafood linguine and rate it the best I've ever had. We celebrated our 29th anniversary and the staff simply wonderful.

Great staff. Good food. Nice place to visit
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Lovely meal. Very tasty and friendly people. Lovely setting. We'll be back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

We had a great dinner here on their second night after opening. Excellent service and catered well for our 8yo daughter. The chicken was superb as was the pasta. More

accidentally found this restaurant in the afternoon, they were pretty quiet in the afternoon, fully booked for dinner at saturday night so we booked on sunday instead

Amazing food, great covid safe service and a romantic atmosphere. Don't think I'll taste food quite like that again, my taste buds are changed forever

Delightful steak and nice finely layered potato cake. Nice ambience amongst large gum trees.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food. Very generous serving sizes and the service was lovely. Don't recommend the flat iron steak though, very tough for me unfortunately.

Great Lunch Experience. Highly Recommend Large Portions, Great Food and friendly Service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

Had a great experience here tonight. Service was great, food was delicious, atmosphere was perfect! Worth a visit for sure.

Nice place and great food. Service was slow but they apologized and not a deal breaker as wasn’t in a hurry. Will go back.

Fantastic food, friendly welcoming staff & a great atmosphere. We will definitely be back.

Nice ambience, friendly and attentive staff and nice food.
Service
Dine …
More

Good food, nice service
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food was excellent and service was stellar!
Service
Dine in…
More

Amazing food and service. Attention to detail was exquisite!