Maria’s Trattoria

Seasonal meals served fresh from the garden

Seasonal closure

Reopening 26th December

Step inside the cobbled courtyard and you’ll find the beating heart of Lavandula’s hospitality, Maria’s Trattoria.

With its red-checked tablecloths, rustic stone walls, and fragrant kitchen garden just beyond the gate, you are instantly transported to the traditional trattorias of Italy. The menu changes with the seasons, but always champions simple, honest food made from scratch with ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally.

It’s the kind of cooking that speaks to the land, the region, and the heritage of the farm. Part Italian, part country Victoria, part love letter to the garden.

Gather with family, sip something crisp, and settle in under the vines. You won’t want to rush.

A seasonal table

Fresh produce, good wine, and a slower pace of lunch

Maria’s Trattoria is a relaxed indoor-outdoor dining experience where the menu is inspired by what’s growing, blooming, or freshly baked. Set lunches are designed with the seasons in mind and always include something from the garden, plus a touch of our signature lavender. Our set-menu lunches are available to book between 11.30am and 2.30pm for parties of two and up.

Plan Your Visit

Other ways to savour your time at Lavandula

A long lunch under the wisteria. A spritz in the sun. Our famous lavender scones. There’s more than one way to enjoy good food here, and the best part is you don’t need to choose just one. From sit-down meals to shady picnic spots and quick bites in the garden, it’s all made to be slow, seasonal, and thoroughly enjoyed.

Tinetti’s Wine Bar

Picnic Baskets

Post Office Deli & Larder

Need to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a table in advance?

Yes, bookings are essential. You can reserve online or by phone.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

Yes—our set menu changes with the seasons and always includes options for various dietary needs. Just ask!

Do you offer private dining?

Yes, the trattoria can be booked for private functions and celebrations. Download our event info pack to learn more.

Is the menu kid-friendly?

Children are welcome to dine at Maria’s under the supervision of adults, but we do not offer a separate children’s menu. Guests are charged per head for the set menu and this includes children over 12.

Can I bring a celebration cake or bottle of wine?

No outside food or alcohol is permitted in the restaurant. But please let us know if you’re celebrating—we may have something special for you.

Plan your trip

Visit Lavandula Farm

Located just ten minutes north of Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is nestled in the picturesque farmlands of Shepherds Flat. Our 100-acre property offers a delightful blend of European charm and rural beauty.

350 Hepburn Newstead Rd, Shepherd's Flat.

Get directions ⤴

Lavandula is a working farm, historic property, and family-friendly destination tucked in the hills of Daylesford.

For over 30 years, we’ve been sharing the beauty of our gardens, food, lavender paddocks, and old stone buildings with locals and visitors alike.

We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Lavandula stands. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, and community.