Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander
When Mr and I visited Yea a few months ago to catch some big-ass monster yabbies, we thought it might be best to have a big lunch first. You know, in case we had lousy luck and didn’t catch anything. As it turned out we really didn’t have to worry about going hungry. But I am glad that we stopped by at Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander Winery and Bistro in Healesville before we got down to business.
This was the third time that Mr and I had tried to have lunch here. The first time we had a booking we ended up having to cancel. The second time we dropped in with my parents who were only looking for a quick lunch, so we ordered baguettes. Third time lucky! Except this time, we hadn’t booked. When we arrived at 11am we were told that there was a table free, but they would need it back at midday. ‘Sure!’ we said.
Little problem: we were there for wood fired pizzas. When we went to order, the waitress kindly informed us that they were still serving the breakfast menu, and that pizzas weren’t available yet. We must have looked terribly crestfallen, as she very quickly said ‘let me just check with the kitchen’. A minute later she returned and told us that we could order our pizzas bang on 11.30, be first in line and have them by 11.40. YES! So Mr and I ordered some coffees and stared at our watches.
Both times I’ve ordered coffee at Giant Steps it has been excellent. Not surprising considering that they roast their own coffee beans.
Waiting a little while to place our orders gave me plenty of time to wander around and explore the place. The artisan bakery (fresh bread and cakes handmade every day) was absolutely packed with people buzzing around trying to buy bread and pastries:
The staff were run off their feet trying to keep the shelves stocked!
There is also a drool-inducing cheese room where they age local and imported cheese:
Social media and free WIFI FTW:
Finally 11.30 arrived! As promised, our pizzas were ready in no time. I ordered calabrese salami with san marzano tomato, oregano and buffalo mozzarella:
Pizza porn.
Yeah. It was as good as it looks. But I have to say that I preferred Mr’s choice of roast mushroom, asiago, black truffle oil, garlic and parsley:
I tried to steal as much of his as possible. On both pizzas the 100% organic sourdough base was fantastic. Chewy and full of flavour.
While we gobbled our lunch we were able to watch the pizzas being made in the open kitchen:
Action shot!
Obviously we couldn’t finish two pizzas in one sitting, but we were able to bring our leftovers home in a takeaway pizza box. Very handy considering we were about to try and catch our dinner. On our way out we couldn’t resist stopping for a wine tasting:
And picked up a dozen ’09 Moscato 375ml for $60. Bargain!
All in all we enjoyed a lovely coffee, pizza lunch and wine tasting at Giant Steps, and still managed to be out by midday. The service in the bistro and throughout the tastings was excellent and the pizzas were great value for money ($19-$24). Especially considering the long list of fresh ingredients that go on each pizza.
As we were leaving at midday the bistro was completed booked out. So if you would like to pay a visit for lunch, I would advise making a booking to avoid disappointment.
And I can pretty much guarantee that you will walk out the door with more than just your lunch in your belly. Cakes, cheese and wine? Who could possibly resist?
Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander Winery 336 Maroondah Highway Healesville, Victoria 3777 (03) 5962 6111
Food gobbler. Wine lover. Kitteh keeper. Gen-Y. Fiancée. Twitter addict.
Fighting the war against Leggings As Pants one fashion victim at a time... 
3rd time lucky hey! Sounds like it is a place to be. I think there is an animal farm near by. So I guess we would try this place out for a family outting. perhaps a weekday!
Thanks for the find.
meow…
Yeah for sure! You could take your family down to the creek to go fishing too. Or drag them around to do wine tastings :D
Glad you’ve been there (after I got you onto the IB Shiraz ;)). Love the food at IB/Giant Steps….and yes, the pizzas are awesome. Did you try the pink moscato sorbet and/or Turkish delight? If not…fourth trip….
Turkish delight you say? Oh man. Will go back for sure. And yes, thank you for the rec. Winner.
gr8 photos & i luv the pizza porn :D
Thank you!