The General Food Store

We've been visiting The General Food Store since about 2011. It is one of our favourite local places to eat or just grab a coffee. The food is always delicious and the coffee is great. Lovely staff who are always friendly and welcoming. Lots of seating options inside, out front or at the back (dog friendly outdoors). A local institution that is well worth a visit.

Fairness and flavours that unite!

We recently dropped by The General Store in Emerald for Sunday brunch and were super impressed. Their commitment to fairness shines through in everything they do.

The cleverly designed menu is all about keeping things fresh and local, using seasonal ingredients sourced from the best spots in Victoria. The brunch options hit the bullseye, delivering tasty meals with quality ingredients that didn’t disappoint.

The crew at The General Store aren't just friendly, they're on top of their game. Knowledgeable, helpful, and with a laid-back vibe that sets the perfect mood. The service? Quick and efficient with no time wasted. You'll be in and out with a smile.

Now for the coffee. They've partnered up with the coffee gurus at Coffee Supreme in Melbourne, and the result? Pure java bliss. Seriously, their brew is top-notch and will give you that caffeine kick you need.

But here’s what truly sets The General Store apart: They walk the talk when it comes to fairness. They’ve created a workplace where everyone is treated right, paid fairly, and respected. That positive energy permeates the place and adds an extra sprinkle of goodness to your visit.

If you’re hankering for a brunch experience that combines deliciousness with a dedication to fairness, The General Store in Emerald is where you need to be. They’ve got it all—friendly staff, locally sourced goodness, and a vibe that instantly makes you feel right at home. You won’t be disappointed.

Definitely worth the visit if you're in the area! So many delicious gluten free options. I opted for the Arabesque without spinach and added avocado. It was delicious! The balance of flavours, the crunchy home made gluten free bread and the perfectly poached eggs! I purchased a gluten free loaf to take home. The environment has a community feel, staff are lovely and very attentive. Will definitely come back when I am in the area again! Thank you

Fast service, good food, lots of variety in menu and short wait times. What more could you ask for?

Nice cafe good vibe, more seating and parking at the back , good variety of food worth a visit for a relaxing brunch 😋

Cute and cosy family run Cafe with the warm personality and service to match. Ordered a magic and the Sheepish (warm) Salad (lamb based) - $38 with added poached egg and pumpkin but will defs return again for this. Fresh and quality ingredients are used! Limited seating inside (about 12 spots in the front end, more in the back) so get in when not too busy. They also have outside seating but it was too cold/windy today for that. Apparently they don't take bookings but accommodate as best as they can.

Really great food and service here. Well worth the drive out here. My partner commented on how happy I was with my food. The taste was pretty amazing. Coffee is perfect.

Great little cafe! On holiday from South Australia seeing family. Stopped here and really enjoyed the cappuccino I had. Cute and homey interior with a cute back area. The people here were super friendly but also really professional. Great spot!

Paul bent over backwards to make sure we had the best breakfast ever. Our first after lock down and it was so nice to have such great service with a friendly smile. At least I assume he was smiling under his mask 😷. Amazing breakfast bacon and egg brioche bun. My scrambled eggs were buttery and superb. Will definitely go again.

Popped in for a take away coffee and the welcome from the staff was so warm and friendly. Light bright atmosphere and food looked fresh and yum!
Coffee was excellent and I was in and out quickly.

Would love to go back when I have more time.

Possibly one of the best cafes for Gluten Free options I've been to in Melbourne in terms of the gf substitute actually being as delicious and high quality as the non gf version (no cheap gf bread swaps etc).
This is a place where you can taste the layers in the food- which can only happen when great produce is used and the staff have a passion for food- which they clearly do.
I would fone here again just for the food (and I love over an hour away!).
Thank you ☺

I love going to the General. Food is really nice and caters to my PBWF diet with ease. The staff are friendly and prepared to accomodate alternative choices. I was really impressed that they were happy to give me their recipe fir beetroot chutney...excellent

This place is amazing, easily one of the best cafes in Victoria! Everything is made fresh and seasonal, you can taste the difference. The staff are so so nice and really welcoming and accommodating. They have options for gluten free and COELIAC for almost everything, as well as other dietary requirements such as vegan etc.
The chefs made me a Coeliac version of the pork burger, plus sweet potato pakora and avocado. It was so delicious. My friends got one soba salad to share so the kitchen kindly split it into two bowls.
They also have a bunch of handmade goods which are all gluten free.
I highly recommend this place to anyone passing through Emerald or stopping by from the Puffing Billy Lakeside stop.

Went for breakfast/coffee and didnot disappoint. My avocado toast was fresh, coffee was smooth and customer service was friendly.

They offer refreshing monthly menu and I liked how they were using the ethically and sustainably sourced local seasonal ingredients found in the valley and the Dandenong ranges.

The menu offers wholesome wide range along with vegan option and easily provides for dietary requirement also. Highly recommend their almond coffee and Come and avo go breakfast.

We sat outside but interior looked pretty and spacious too. Loved the green plants vibes.

This spot is been locals fav since 2011! Glad we had the chance to check it out while we were in the Yarra Valley.

They also sell baked goods, home made sauces and more. Def worth to stop by when you are in the area and support local business!

Such a cute little place. Very friendly staff, quick service and a gorgeous menu full of local ingredients. Delicious food and coffee. We will definitely return!

I have driven past this place many times but never stopped for something to eat. Its a small boutique Cafe using local produce and house made menu items. I had the arabesque with avocado and bacon. At first the meal looked small. As I was eating I realised its bigger than it looks. The eggs were poached perfectly, and the house made beetroot relish is perfectly made. The staff are friendly and very good at what they do. If your driving through Emerald I would highly recommend stopping and having something to eat.

Amazing little place, with fantastic staff, serving incredible coffee and great food with loads of veggie, vegan and GF choices too! Can't recommend enough!

Definitely the best cafe food in Emerald in my opinion. The menu is always changing so there’s always something new and exciting to try. Awesome catering for vegans/vegetarians. Staff are so so friendly :)

This place is great! Went there for brunch on the weekend and it wasn't too packed. The food was delicious and the vibe of the place was super cute.

Great little cafe in Emerald. We've always had great food here, the iced mocha is sensational (best around - house made chocolate syrup, and premium ice-cream). The staff are super friendly and clearly love working here, and it shows in the end product!