The General Food Store is a welcoming café and restaurant destination in Emerald, offering a relaxed place to enjoy great food, excellent drinks, and friendly service.
Conveniently located at 377 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, VIC, Australia, this well-loved spot has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency, reflected in its impressive 4.70 out of 5 rating from 588 reviews.
Whether you are stopping in for breakfast, settling in for lunch, grabbing a quick bite, or planning a casual catch-up, The General Food Store provides a warm, comfortable setting that makes every visit feel easy and enjoyable.
Guests are drawn in by the café’s standout coffee and thoughtfully selected tea range, along with a menu that caters to a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences. From healthy options and organic dishes to vegan choices, small plates, and generous brunch favorites, there is something here for everyone.
The General Food Store is also known for its breakfast, brunch, lunch, catering, dessert, seating, and table service, making it a versatile choice for everything from solo dining and laptop-friendly work sessions to shared meals with friends and family.
With alcohol, beer, and quick bites also available, it strikes a great balance between casual convenience and quality dining.
The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, creating the kind of café experience people return to again and again. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services, with the added convenience of accepting reservations for planned visits.
Accessibility is also a priority, with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and seating available to help more guests feel comfortable and included. Practical touches such as gender-neutral toilets, restrooms, Wi‑Fi, and free Wi‑Fi make the space even more inviting for relaxed meals, remote work, and extended stays.
Payment is simple and flexible, with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments accepted. For those looking for a dependable café experience with quality food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere, The General Food Store offers a place to unwind, connect, and enjoy every visit. Contact +61 3 5968 3580 to learn more.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The General Food Store
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Fresh Belgian waffles, poached quince, vanilla custard, quince jelly, mascarpone
Coconut granola, poached pear, rhubarb, shiso, house-made coconut yoghurt
Toasted with Bill's of Belgrave smoked ham and our three cheese blend
Toasted with our three cheese blend
Warmed with our house-made jam or local Beewise honey
Bill's of Belgrave smoked ham, our three cheese blend
Toasted with our three cheese blend
Full of good things and served with butter
With Beewise Honey / House-made Jam / Peanut Butter/Vegemite
Free-range eggs: poached, fried, scrambled on sourdough, or our gluten free bread
Beef patty, red onion, pickles, our burger sauce, shredded iceberg, Swiss cheese, toasted milk bun
Chunky sourdough toastie, mushroom duxelle, our three cheese blend, roasted red onion, spinach
Toasted milk bun, Bill's of Belgrave bacon, free-range fried egg, our tomato jam
Fresh baguette of Bill's of Belgrave smoked ham, Cheddar, our tomato jam, spinach
Fresh baguette of roasted pumpkin, coriander zhoug, pumpkin hummus, za'atar, spinach
Served with sourdough toast and olive oil
Poached free-range eggs, grilled halloumi, our famous beetroot relish, baby spinach, hazelnut dukkah, toasted sourdough
Welsh rarebit, buttered leeks, poached egg, herb salad
Mushroom duxelle, fondant potato, crispy fried enoki mushrooms, poached eggs, wilted greens
Smoked cod and brown rice kedgeree, peas, coriander, spring onion, poached egg, lemon, spicy crunchy seeds
Casablanca roasted vegetables, pumpkin hummus, coriander zhoug, confit garlic, za'atar
Roasted pumpkin, broccolini, hazelnut dukkah, our famous beetroot relish, spinach, toasted sourdough
Hear from our valued guests
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.
The General Food Store in Emerald is a beloved local cafe known for its friendly staff and great atmosphere. Situated in the heart of Emerald, Victoria, this cafe offers a warm and welcoming environment that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The staff are consistently praised for their friendly and attentive service, creating a pleasant dining experience for every customer. The atmosphere at The General Food Store is cozy and inviting, with a charming interior that blends rustic and modern elements. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing meal, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The cafe's menu features a variety of delicious and thoughtfully prepared dishes, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The General Food Store in Emerald stands out for its exceptional service and inviting ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
Is this really the first time I've rated here? C'mon Google, pick up your game in suggesting what I rate. This is a must visit breakfast or lunch. In fact, you should squeeze brunch in. Oh and definitely look out for any dinners they do. Or don't, maybe I didn't rate before so it's not booked out for me... haha
Great little cafe. Popped in for lunch and there was a great variety in the cabinet and the dine-in menu. Prices were reasonable. Fantastic gluten free (and nut or dairy) options too. Tables out the front were good for our dog and there was a water bowl for him too.
Lovely food and caters for food allergies. Nice to have somewhere that is gluten and lactose free and staff who understand the difference between coeliac and gluten intolerance. Tables outside cater for dogs. Plenty of parking across the road. Prepares their own spice mixes
We came up to the General Food Store for brunch, with a toddler and newborn. The shop front itself is quite small, but there is also seating out in the back. This is a fairly open addition, but there are some very effective heaters to keep it cosy in the cooler months. We had the Arabesque and Colonial Crunch, as well as some coffees, which were all excellent. There is a kids menu, too, which has some excellent options. I've included a picture of this, as it isn't readily available online. Overall, the food was fresh and delicious, and the service friendly and efficient. Really recommend it if you're in the area!
I frequently come to the general for breakfast/brunch sometimes with friends and sometimes with my kids (they love the food). Today i went by myself, I was seated fast like usual, ordered my coffee and arabesque with avo. Food was served quickly. I was just sitting there by myself, enjoying the vibe and thinking how bloody good the coffee and food was. Honestly the coffee had to of been the best coffee I have had in a long time and the arabesque was just spot on. The service was amazing like usual, they are all so happy. Ill be back in the morning to get another coffee.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I really enjoyed the savory tart. The long black was especially excellent!
(Update) I returned here for brunch today and tried the “Layer Slayer” croissant. Wow! Absolutely amazing - most delicious croissant variation I’ve ever had. It’s a must try if you come to The General and you love Chorizo. Fantastic cafe with a long history of excellent food and coffee in the local area. I’ve been here multiple times off and on over many years and it never disappoints. Excellent range of menu options, most using local produce. Meals served fresh & hot with super friendly and efficient service from the cafe team. I had the “Fire In The Hole” breakfast with corn bread and a side of halloumi and it was amazing - tasty and filling accompanied by delicious coffee. This venue is highly recommended!
OMG the coffee OMG! The service is also top notch and the food is exceptional. This place is a local secret and has loyal following for excellent reasons. If you are in Emerald don’t waste time at the Bakery come here. By far the best cafe in Emerald.
Common questions about The General Food Store
The General Food Store is located at 377 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia, 377 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, VIC, Australia.
You can reach The General Food Store by calling +61 3 5968 3580.
The General Food Store has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 588 customer reviews.
The General Food Store features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating.
The General Food Store features the following from the business: Identifies as women-owned.
The General Food Store features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
The General Food Store features the following highlights: Great coffee, Great tea selection.
The General Food Store features the following popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Solo dining, Good for working on laptop.
The General Food Store features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Coffee, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Quick bite, Small plates, Vegan options, Vegetarian options.
The General Food Store features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The General Food Store features the following amenities: Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
The General Food Store features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
The General Food Store features the following crowd: Family friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, Transgender safe space.
The General Food Store features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
The General Food Store features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
The General Food Store features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
The General Food Store features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
The General Food Store features the following pets: Dogs allowed, Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
Request a table and we'll confirm your booking shortly.
