Cliffy’s Emporium

Cliffy’s Emporium has quite the history. In 1955 it opened as a corner store, the interior so full of fresh produce, bulk grains and other bric-a-brac that owner Cliffy Hauser began parking his truck out the front to fill the tray with the overflow. This hoarder mentality continued through its incarnations as bicycle and antique shops, before becoming a cafe in 2001.

Current owner Katie Gogoll took over in late 2015. She pared back the clutter somewhat, instated real menus (the old ones were handwritten on paper bags) and acquired a kitchen team.

City-dwellers have been known to make a trip to Daylesford solely for the cafe’s signature hash brown. It’s made with local spuds and aged cheddar, topped with bacon from Country Style in Ballarat; free-range eggs; and chipotle hollandaise.

Pop by in the afternoon for a grazing plate of cured meats and cheeses, pickled vegetables and bread. The cafe makes its own gluten-free loaves if you’re wheat-averse.

The wine and beer offerings are also local, featuring Captains Creek organic wines from Hepburn; Bespoke Bros from Heathcote; Passing Clouds from Musk and Daylesford Brewing Co ales. Coffee is by Moto Bean Coffee Roasters in Malmsbury.