The Independent Gembrook

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The Independent Gembrook

The Independent Gembrook is a modern Argentinian restaurant located on Main Street, serving up delectable dishes such as crispy calamari with hummus and aioli. Chef Patron Mauro Callegari and Head Chef Manuel Santeiro lead the kitchen and offer both dine-in and takeaway options for customers. For group bookings of 8 adults or more, a set menu is required and inquiries can be made via phone or email. Restaurant bookings are essential, and they even offer event catering for weddings and Mother's Day celebrations.
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Recent social media posts

26/09/2026

Donuts
Cinnamon doughnuts, dulce de leche

21/09/2026

We’re open Grand Final Eve from 12pm.

Make a reservation and enjoy a long lunch or a relaxed dinner with us.

Prefer takeaway?
Order ahead and enjoy The Independent at a local park, at Motorist Distillery , or from the comfort of home.

Please note, as this is a public holiday, a 15% surcharge will apply to all bills.

17/09/2026

Online ordering is back!

Pre-order now for a quick and easy Friday dinner, or for the weekend.

Ordering from The Motorist Distillery ?
Please select the Motorist menu or add a note to your order, and we’ll bring it to you when its ready

16/09/2026

Make the trip to Gembrook and discover The Independent

Just over an hour from Melbourne, it’s the perfect spot for a long lunch, relaxed dinner or weekend escape.

Open Friday to Sunday from 12pm
Make a reservation or order takeaway

15/09/2026

Calamar

On the menu since we first opened — evolving over the years, but still as delicious as ever.

Photo 1 - 2026 Calamar: crispy calamari provençal with aioli.
Gluten free & dairy free.

12/09/2026

Mejillones
mussels, herbed broth, house made focaccia

dairy free & gluten free adaptable

10/09/2026

Make an afternoon of it.

From 12pm Friday to Sunday, enjoy food and drinks at your own pace — we stay open throughout the afternoon.

Bookings are strongly recommended, but walk - ins are welcomed

03/09/2026

This week is a special one.
Not only are we celebrating all the wonderful father figures on Sunday — we’re also celebrating The Independent’s 12th birthday.

We opened during Father’s Day week back in 2014, and what a journey it has been.

To every customer who has dined with us, ordered takeaway, celebrated a wedding, engagement, birthday, baptism, or simply joined us for a meal — thank you.

To our beautiful locals, who we have the pleasure of serving and chatting with week after week — thank you. Your kindness, loyalty, and support mean more than we can say. Without you, we would not be here.

To our incredible team, past and present — thank you. The Independent would not be what it is without your hard work, care, and dedication.

And to the man behind it all — Mauro Callegari.
Mauro has helped so many of us grow, been a shoulder to lean on, and shown us that a dream in a small town really can become something truly special.

Thank you for 12 unforgettable years, Salud!

01/09/2026

There are still a few reservations available for our Father’s Day Lunch Set Menu.

Sunday, September 6th | Father’s Day Lunch
12pm – 4pm
$87 per adult | $15 per child

Can’t make it to lunch?
Our à la carte menu will be available from 5pm.

Reservations are essential — book via the link in our bio or through our website.

31/08/2026

We will be closing early at 4:00 pm this Saturday, 5th September, to host a very special event — our team member Taylah’s 21st birthday celebration!

Take away will still be available to order until 9pm

Planning a celebration?
We’d love to host you. Contact
[email protected]

Address

79 Main Street
Gembrook, VIC
3783

If you are traveling by public transport, take the train to Gembrook Station and walk up Main Street until you reach the restaurant. Alternatively, there is a bus stop nearby where you can catch a local bus.

If travelling by car, take the Monash Freeway towards Gembrook and exit at Gembrook-Launching Place Road. Follow this road until it intersects with Main Street and turn left. The restaurant should be located on your right-hand side.

Parking can be found on Main Street or in nearby parking lots. Be sure to check for any time restrictions or fees before parking.

Opening Hours

Friday	12pm - 11pm
Saturday	5:30pm - 11pm
Sunday	12pm - 11pm

Website

https://www.theindependentgembrook.com.au/

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What people say

The Independent Gembrook is a must-visit for anyone who loves Argentinian cuisine. This modern restaurant, located on Main Street, offers a unique dining experience that will leave you wanting more. The Chef Patron-Mauro Callegari and Head Chef-Manuel Santeiro have created a menu that is both innovative and delicious.

One of the standout dishes at The Independent Gembrook is the ZANAHORIA - smoked maple carrots with chilli, coriander, and peanuts. This dish perfectly showcases the restaurant's ability to take traditional ingredients and elevate them to new heights. Another must-try dish is the CERDO - crumbed, smoked pork belly log with chipotle. This dish is bursting with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.

The restaurant also offers takeaway options for those who want to enjoy their food in the comfort of their own home. However, we highly recommend making a booking to experience the full atmosphere of this wonderful establishment.

Overall, The Independent Gembrook is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Argentinian dining experience. With its innovative menu, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere, it's no wonder why this restaurant has become such a popular destination in Gembrook.