Jan and Paul Phillips arrive at Friars Cafe.
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Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
Friars Café has become a beloved dining institution in the Goulburn Valley, with deep ties to the local community.
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It began its journey about 1987 as a fine dining restaurant named The Abbey, initiated by David Varney and building owner Roger Furphy. Jo Hanson and Annie Dowdle took over the business, ran the restaurant and also introduced the Vestry, a charming, intimate space with a parachute adorning the ceiling, creating a cosy and unique ambience.
After a couple of years, Annie moved on, and Jo transitioned the restaurant into a more casual setting, renaming it Tuscany’s. For nearly a decade, Jo successfully ran the café, turning it into a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Over time, the café changed hands multiple times, with each new owner leaving their mark while preserving its iconic status. It became Fryers St Café under Julie Jackson and later evolved into Friars Café. Mat Innes-Irons was the then proprietor for nine years. Mat infused the café with his own style, solidifying its reputation as one of Shepparton’s top dining destinations.
Throughout its history, Friars Café has been a place of joy and connection, with each proprietor contributing to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. From its early days as The Abbey to its transformation into Tuscany’s, and eventually Friars Café, the venue has hosted countless memorable moments, from lively dinners to intimate brunches, and celebrations of all kinds — birthdays, anniversaries, casual meet-ups and with Mat’s influence, it became a great place to meet for all bike riders, but particularly lycra-clad cyclists.
The café’s charm, evolving menus and genuine hospitality have made it a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Whether offering fine dining or a more relaxed, community-centred experience, Friars Café has always been a gathering place where people come together to enjoy great food, local wines, coffee and the sense of camaraderie that has only deepened over time.
Today, Friars Café continues to be a cherished local fixture, known for its welcoming atmosphere, locally sourced ingredients and commitment to serving Shepparton’s diverse community. The current owner Darshana and her family have upheld the tradition of exceptional hospitality, introduced new and innovative dining experiences while maintaining the café’s unique charm.
Just last Saturday, we enjoyed one of their new buffet-style dinners. It was a delightful evening complemented by local wines and excellent service. The buffet, a fresh and affordable concept, that Friars Café is trying out, featured a variety of spring rolls as an entrée, followed by roast beef, lasagne and a lovely selection of vegetables. The highlight of the meal was dessert — freshly made pancakes with a range of toppings, alongside a fresh fruit platter. It was a fun, satisfying experience that perfectly reflected the café’s dedication to great food and its community-focused atmosphere.
Normal hours are 7am to 2.30pm with the buffet style offering being trialled on Friday and Saturday nights.
Food pricing for Friars Cafe, rated by Jan and Paul: $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $)
The team at Friars Cafe, pictured left to right, Harman, Amnee, Drusty and Darshana Prajapati.
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They are queuing up for the buffet.
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Spring rolls are fresh, crispy and ready to roll.
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Comfort on a plate, beef with rice, fresh veggies and a rich, hearty gravy.
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Roast beef paired with a medley of potatoes and vegetables.
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Fresh fruit, pancakes with ice cream.
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