Rubens Restaurant

Mediterranean Style Cuisine | Fireside & Al-Fresco Dining

About Rubens

Rubens is a fully licensed restaurant serving Mediterranean style cuisine in a friendly atmosphere with relaxed table service. Located on the main road between the towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs you can enjoy bush views from the al-fresco dining area or warm up inside near the log fire.

Bookings are advised. We do two seatings on weekends. Open for Lunch from Midday on Wednesday to Sunday and Dinner 7 Nights a week from 5.30pm. We may be closed on Public Holidays.

Our kitchen is open until 9pm. Take-Away (Pick-Up Only) is available 7 days. Functions & private gatherings available on selected days. BYO beverages is not available.

Opening Hours

Monday – Tuesday:
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Dinner Only

Wednesday – Sunday:
Midday – 3:00 pm Lunch & 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Dinner

Food service until 9:00 pm

Make a Reservation Enquiry

Sicillian Spaghetti

$29.00

Local Istra Hot Chorizo,chilli, fresh herbs, onion, capsicum, spinach, cherry tomatoes with spaghetti tossed in our house made Napoli sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese

Gourmet Pizzas

From $18.00

All the favourites as well as gourmet styles like Spicy Pumpkin, Greek Lamb, Prosciutto, Sweet Chilli Prawn and others

Salmon Fettucine

$32.00

onion, smoked salmon and capers in a white garlic cream sauce tossed with baby spinach, cracked pepper and pasta. Topped with Parmesan

Chicken Salad

$28.00

Grilled breast, leafy greens, sweet potato, kipfler potato, red onion, fetta, and toasted almond flakes, with a house made seeded mustard and honey dressing

Zeppoli Italian Donuts

$14.00

with orange, apple and brandy. Dusted with sugar and spice served with icecream

Rubens LimonCello Cheescake

$15.00

A twist on traditional, non bake cheese-cake, set in a glass served with a zingy lemon curd.

Liquor Affogato

$14.00

Espresso shot, ice-cream and a choice of liquer, frangelico, baileys, kahlua, tia maria, amaretto

Ruben's Tiramisu

$14.00

A twist on traditional, sponge finger biscuits. coffee, chocolate. mascarpone, amaretto and cream

*In-house dining only. Menu is subject to seasonal and pricing changes.

Starters

Garlic Bread

$9.00

2 pieces of toasted sourdough with seasoned garlic butter

Garlic Rosemary and Pepper Pizza

$12.00

garlic oil, pepper, herbs, mozzarella

Pumpkin Arancini

$16.00

6 infused with pumpkin and goats cheese, herbs and parmesan, served with a garlic aioli

Toscana Pizza

$13.00

herb oil, black olives, mozzarella, parmesan cheese

Trio of Dips for 2

$16.00

house-made dips w- toasted sourdough,

Local Anti Pasto for 2

$28.00

house-made tapenades, sourdough, Mt Zero olives, Istra prosciutto, Meredith goat’s cheese and selection of marinated preserves

Rustic Bruschetta

$15.00

toasted sourdough, with herbs, garlic, tomato, red onion and parmesan

Chilli Mussels

$26.00

steamed mussels in a chilli and tomato broth with white wine, garlic and fresh herbs. Served w toasted garlic sourdough

Salmon Bruschetta

$16.50

toasted sourdough with herbs topped wth smoked salmon, capers, onion, dill, tartare

Local Bruschetta

$15.00

toasted sourdough with herbs topped with sweet caramelised Spanish onion, local Meredith goat’s cheese and Istra prosciutto

Battered Prawns

$18.00

deep fried beer battered prawns served with sweet chilli sauce and rocket salad.

Salads

Halloumi Salad

$18

pan seared halloumi cheese served with rocket salad, roasted capsicum, red onion, pinenuts, balsamic and lemon wedge

Greek Style Salad

$12

crisp leaf salad with fetta, olives & dressing

Rocket Salad

$12

fresh rocket, parmesan, pear & walnut salad with balsamic

Fennel Salad

$12

pickled fennel, lettuce, orange & goat’s cheese with citrus dressing

Additional Sides

Seasonal Vegetables

$12

with herbs & olive oil

Toasted Sourdough

$6

with olive oil

Chips

$7.50

bowl of chips

Additional Parmesan

$.50

extra serve of parmesan

*In-house dining only. Menu is subject to seasonal and pricing changes.

Gummy Shark Fillets

$32.00

lightly beer battered fillet with chips, salad and house-made tartare

Tasmanian Salmon Steak

$35.00

oven baked with dill, served with house made tartare with choice of sides

Calamari Tiganita

$28.00

crumbed, fried and dusted with lemon pepper seasoning served with chips, salad and house-made tartare

Pollo Parmigiana

$29.00

crumbed chicken breast topped with house made napoli, shaved ham, melted tasty cheese, bocconcini and served with choice of sides

Seafood Chicken

$32.00

grilled breast with panned scallop, prawns, mussels and spring onion in a garlic cream sauce with dill and herbs and served with rice and seasonal vegetables

Dijon Chicken

$29.00

grilled breast, melted Camembert cheese and bacon, topped with a creamy Dijon sauce served with choice of sides

Chicken Salad

$28.00

Chicken salad- grilled breast,leafy greens, sweet potato, kipfler potato, red onion, fetta and toasted almond flakes with a house made seeded mustard and honey dressing

Vegetarian Lasagna

$27.00

pumpkin, zucchini, capsicum, lentils, beans, house-made napoli sauce, bechamel sauce and cheese in layers of pasta, served with a rocket salad. Topped with parmesan

Fettuccine Carbonara

$27.00

garlic cream sauce with onion, bacon, herbs, spring onion and parmesan

Sicilian Spaghetti

$29.00

local Istra hot chorizo, onion, garlic, chilli, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach tossed in napoli sauce and topped with parmesan

Smoked Salmon Fettuccine

$32.00

Tasmanian smoked salmon, onion, spring onion, dill, spinach, capers, garlic white wine and cream sauce, with parmesan

Spaghetti Marinara

$32.00

selection of panned prawns, scallop, mussels, calamari and fish in a tomato Napoli sauce w- white wine, onion, dill, fresh herbs, spring onions and olive oil (also available in a garlic cream base sauce)

Pesto Spaghetti

$29.00

Pan-seared artichoke, capsicum, sun dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and onion with homemade basil pesto, garlic, fresh herbs and parmesan

Spaghetti Bolognaise

$26.00

tomato base meat sauce with garlic, herbs and napoli sauce tossed with pasta and parmesan cheese

Housemade Gnocchi

$30.00

house made, with napoli sauce, chilli, fresh herbs, onion, capsicum, mushroom, sundried tomatoes, spring onions, spinach, olives, cherry tomatoes and parmesan

Jesse Risotto

$27.00

panned chicken, onion, garlic, bacon, white wine, cream,
mushrooms, fresh herbs, spring onions and spinach and topped with parmesan

Pumpkin Risotto

$28.00

pumpkin puree, onion, garlic, white wine, fresh herbs, spring onions and spinach and topped with Meredith goat’s cheese, parmesan and toasted pine nuts

Eye Fillet Steak

$46.00

char-grilled to your liking, served with choice of sides and sauce - creamy mushroom, pepper sauce or garlic butter. You can add creamy garlic prawn sauce - extra $5

Additional Sides

Seasonal Vegetables

$12

with herbs & olive oil

Toasted Sourdough

$6

with olive oil

Chips

$7.50

bowl of chips

Additional Parmesan

$.50

extra serve of parmesan

*In-house dining only. Menu is subject to seasonal and pricing changes. Gluten Free options available $4.00 extra.

All pizzas are 6 slice – no half half inhouse please.

Margherita

$18.00

tomato base, basil pesto, fresh tomato, herbs and mozzarella

Capricciosa

$20.00

tomato base, red onion, shaved ham, mushrooms, black olives, anchovies and mozzarella cheese

Hawaiian

$20.00

tomato base, shaved ham, pineapple, mozzarella cheese

BBQ Chicken

$22.00

tomato base, red onion, mushrooms, chicken breast, capsicum, spinach mozzarella cheese & BBQ sauce

Smoked Salmon

$26.00

herb oil base, onion, spinach, capers, Tasmanian smoked salmon, mozzarella cheese, fresh dill and creamy aioli sauce

Spicy Pumpkin

$22.00

spicy vegetable tapenade base, roast pumpkin, capsicum, spinach spring onion, onion, fetta and mozzarella and topped with rocket and pine nuts

Vegetarian

$24.00

pesto base, spinach, char grilled vegetables, red onion, garlic, mushrooms, black olives, sun dried tomato & mozzarella cheese

Artichoke

$22.00

tomato base, baby spinach, artichokes, capsicum, goats cheese, onion, fresh tomato and mozzarella and topped with fresh rocket

Rubens

24.00

tomato base, red onion, Istra hot chorizo, hot salami, capsicum, tomato, bocconcini, basil pesto and mozzarella cheese

Prosciutto

$25.00

garlic oil base, red onion, spinach, prosciutto, capsicum, mushrooms,
goats cheese, cracked pepper & mozzarella cheese

Chicken Tandoori

$24.00

tomato base, spinach, spiced chicken, onion, capsicum, mushrooms, mozzarella, topped with garlic aioli sauce

Meat Lovers

$24.00

tomato base, red onion, shaved ham, bacon, chicken breast, hot salami, mozzarella cheese & homemade BBQ sauce

Super Chilli

$22.00

chilli oil base, salami, red onion, mushrooms, black olives, capsicum, jalapeno chilli, anchovies, mozzarella cheese (*very hot)

Greek Lamb

$25.00

garlic oil base, spinach, shaved lamb, mushrooms, red onion, capsicum,
black olives, sun dried tomato, fetta & mozzarella cheese, topped with garlic aioli sauce

Chicken Camembert

$23.00

pesto base, spinach, red onion, mushrooms, chicken breast, roasted capsicum, Camembert cheese, sun dried tomato & mozzarella cheese

Sweet Chilli Prawn

$27.00

garlic base, spinach, onion, capsicum, mushrooms, prawns, mozzarella cheese, topped with rocket and sweet chilli sauce

Additions

Additional Meat or Gourmet Cheese

$4.00

Artichokes

$3.00

Salmon

$5.00

Gluten Free Base

$4.00

Additional Sides

Seasonal Vegetables

$12

with herbs & olive oil

Toasted Sourdough

$6

with olive oil

Chips

$7.50

bowl of chips

Additional Parmesan

$.50

extra serve of parmesan

*In-house dining only. Menu is subject to seasonal and pricing changes.
All desserts are hand-made on premises.

Zeppoli

$14.00

Italian mini doughnuts (6) spiced with apple, orange and brandy. Dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with ice-cream

Sticky Date Pudding

$14.00

served hot with a rich caramel sauce and ice-cream

Chocolate Mousse (GF)

$14.00

Milk chocolate mousse with dark chocolate top served with cream and house made honeycomb

Vanilla and Chai Pannacotta (GF)

$14.00

served with a honey syrup and crushed
candied pistachios

Ruben’s Lemon Cheese Cake

$15.00

a twist on traditional non bake cheese-cake set in a glass served with a zingy lemon cur

Vegan Sorbet (Dairy Free)

$14.00

2 scoops of your choice - Lemon and Raspberry (not made in-house)

Gelato Duo

$14.00

2 scoops of your choice - Chocolate and Hazelnut (not made in-house)

Affogato

$8.00

espresso shot and vanilla ice-cream

Liqueur Affogato

$15.00

espresso shot, ice-cream and choice of Liqueur, Frangelico, Baileys, Kahlua, Tia Maria, Amaretto

Coffee and Tea

$5.00

Local Roasted Coffee - Coffee Basics Castlemaine. T2 range of loose leaf tea - English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chai, Peppermint, Chamomile, China Jasmine, Lemongrass and Ginger

Hot Chocolate and Chai Latte

$5.00

Ports

$8.00

House selection Old Tawny Port

Fortified Liqueur

$10.00

Locally made by Herbal Lore - Midnight Desire - earthy and warm

Limoncello

$10.00

after dinner digestivo

Takeaway – pick up only. Takeaway wine & beer available (Please ask).
Lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12 midday-3pm.
Dinner 7 days 6:00pm-9pm.
Menu and prices are subject to change without notice.
Rubens may be closed on Public Holidays so please call us on 03 5348 2843 to confirm.

Starters & Salads

Garlic Pizza

$10.00

small pizza with garlic and melted mozzarella

Toscana Pizza

$12.00

herb oil, black olives, mozzarella and parmesan cheese

Soup of the Day

$12.00

when available

Chips

$7.50

with condiments

Greek Style Salad

$12.00

crisp leaf salad with fetta, olives & dressing

Rocket Salad

$12.00

fresh rocket, parmesan, pear & walnut salad with balsamic

Fennel Salad

$12.00

pickled fennel, lettuce, orange & goat’s cheese with citrus dressing

Pasta & Risotto (GF options available upon request)

Jesse Risotto

$26.00

pan seared chicken, bacon, mushrooms, onion, garlic, white wine, spring onion, cream, spinach & parmesan

Pumpkin Risotto

$26.00

pumpkin puree, onion, garlic, white wine, fresh herbs, spring onions and spinach and topped with Meredith goat’s cheese, parmesan and toasted pine nuts

Fettuccine Carbonara

$25.00

garlic cream sauce with onion, bacon, herbs, spring onion and parmesan

Sicilian Spaghetti

$26.00

local Istra hot chorizo, onion, garlic, chilli, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach tossed in napoli sauce and topped with parmesan

Smoked Salmon Fettuccine

$28.00

Tasmanian smoked salmon, onion, spring onion, dill, spinach, capers, garlic white wine and cream sauce, with parmesan

Spaghetti Bolognaise

$24.00

ptomato base meat sauce with garlic, herbs and napoli sauce tossed with pasta and parmesan cheese

Spaghetti Marinara

$30.00

Fettuccine Polo

$25.00

onion, panned chicken, mushrooms, bacon, spinach, spring onions in a garlic cream sauce

Gourmet Pizza (med size only 8 slices)

Margherita

$20.00

tomato base, basil pesto, fresh tomato, herbs and mozzarella

Capricciosa

$22

tomato base, red onion, shaved ham, mushrooms, black olives, anchovies and mozzarella cheese

Hawaiian

$22

tomato base, shaved ham, pineapple, mozzarella cheese

Aussie

$23.00

tomato base, shaved ham, egg, bacon, red onion & mozzarella

BBQ Chicken

$24.00

tomato base, red onion, mushrooms, chicken breast, capsicum, spinach mozzarella cheese & BBQ sauce

Vegetarian

$24.00

pesto base, spinach, char grilled vegetables, red onion, garlic, mushrooms, black olives, sun dried tomato & mozzarella cheese

Artichoke

$23.00

tomato base, baby spinach, artichokes, capsicum, goats cheese, onion, fresh tomato and mozzarella and topped with fresh rocket

Spicy Pumpkin

$22

spicy vegetable tapenade base, roast pumpkin, capsicum, spinach spring onion, onion, fetta and mozzarella and topped with rocket and pine nuts

Rubens

$25.00

tomato base, red onion, Istra hot chorizo, hot salami, capsicum, tomato, bocconcini, basil pesto and mozzarella cheese

Meat Lovers

$25.00

tomato base, red onion, shaved ham, bacon, chicken breast, hot salami, mozzarella cheese & homemade BBQ sauce

Gourmet Pizza (med size only 8 slices)

Smoked Salmon

$26.00

herb oil base, onion, spinach, capers, Tasmanian smoked salmon, mozzarella cheese, fresh dill and creamy aioli sauce

Super Chilli

$23.00

chilli oil base, salami, red onion, mushrooms, black olives, capsicum, jalapeno chilli, anchovies, mozzarella cheese (*very hot)

Chicken Tandoori

$24.00

tomato base, spinach, spiced chicken, onion, capsicum, mushrooms, mozzarella, topped with garlic aioli sauce

Prosciutto

$26.00

garlic oil base, red onion, spinach, prosciutto, capsicum, mushrooms,
goats cheese, cracked pepper & mozzarella cheese

Greek Lamb

$26.00

garlic oil base, spinach, shaved lamb, mushrooms, red onion, capsicum,
black olives, sun dried tomato, fetta & mozzarella cheese, topped with garlic aioli sauce

Chicken Camembert

$24.00

pesto base, spinach, red onion, mushrooms, chicken breast, roasted capsicum, Camembert cheese, sun dried tomato & mozzarella cheese

Sweet Chilli Prawn

$28.00

garlic base, spinach, onion, capsicum, mushrooms, prawns, mozzarella cheese, topped with rocket and sweet chilli sauce

Additions

Meat, Gourmet Cheese, Mozzarella,Gluten free base

$4.00

Vegetables, Extra Side of Parmesan

$1.00

Sauce

$.50

Salmon

$5.00

Desserts (all made inhouse)

Sticky Date Pudding

$12.00

with butterscotch sauce and ice cream (served hot or cold)

Zeppoli

$12.00

Italian mini doughnuts (6) spiced with apple, orange and brandy. Dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with ice-cream

Pannacotta

$12.00

of the week - ask staff for details

Chocolate Mousse (GF)

$14.00

Milk chocolate mousse with dark chocolate top served with cream and house made honeycomb

Drinks

Soft Drink

$3.50

Can

Soft Drink

$5.00

1.25 Bottle

Hepburn Mineral Water

$5.00

sparkling, still or organic

Hepburn Flavoured Water

$5.00

various flavours

N.B Gluten free bases contain soy & milk products. Napoli sauce contains onion & garlic. Pesto contains cashews & pine nuts.

Reviews

“Wonderful Mediterranean lunch at Rubens with great service from friendly staff, will definitely head back when we are next in town. The risotto and gnocchi we had were fantastic but the highlight was of course the zeppole (Italian donuts) which are a delight.”
Geoff DWonderful Mediterranean!

“We discovered this “pearl” of the mountain by accident. The beautiful food kept us coming back for more. This restaurant where we spent two wonderful nights gave us a very big surprise. Delicious food and super friendly service.”
Gavin CA Real Pearl!

“What a gem of a find. We were quite a large group of people, service was excellent and quick with meals, food was very fresh and tasty. I had Dijon Chicken and donuts. There were other various dishes which looked fab. Highly recommend as you can go for a drive if you’re coming from Melbourne and it’s easy to find. Staff were lovely and very accommodating. A number of gluten free options available.”
Helen FWhat a Gem!

“What can I say. Everything about this place is amazing. The ambience and the food was so yum!! The service was wonderful too. We had our anniversary dinner here and they brought our desserts out with candles. It was such a lovely touch. Thank you so much to the young man who served us, he was friendly and attended to us amazingly. Thanks again for a great night.”
Suzanne KA Great Night!

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