King Henry’s Restaurant, formerly known as King Henry Arts Cafe, operates at the same Sassafras address, 320 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Set in a former guest house dating from 1902, it combines a Henry VIII theme, indoor dining and a deck overlooking gardens and ponds. British comfort food is a feature of the menu, with weekend breakfast and selected evening services giving visitors more options than a daytime cafe stop.
The guest house, dining rooms and deck
The historic building provides the setting for the restaurant’s old-world style. Fireplaces and indoor seating make it an appealing place to pause on a cool day, while the deck offers a different perspective on the grounds when the weather suits outdoor dining. The 1902 date relates to the guest house, rather than meaning the current cafe has traded continuously since that year.
Choose your seating according to your visit. If you are celebrating an occasion, want an outdoor table or need a quieter position, explain that when booking. Garden views and the themed interior are part of the experience, but table requests remain subject to availability. Allow time for a full meal rather than scheduling it as a short stop between fixed appointments.
British dishes and weekend breakfast
The restaurant highlights traditional fish and chips, bangers and mash, roast dishes and Devonshire tea, alongside international choices. It is licensed, with wine and beer available. The menu changes, so choose from the current selection rather than arriving for a specific dish seen in an old review.
Weekend breakfast is advertised on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 11am. If breakfast is the reason for your visit, book within that service window; weekday opening is later and should be planned as lunch. High tea and group occasions can also be discussed with the restaurant, with the format and availability confirmed directly.
Current opening hours and reservations
Standard hours are Monday 11:30am to 3pm, Thursday and Friday 11:30am to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm. The restaurant is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ask about last kitchen orders and any changes for a public holiday before organising a late meal.
The operator distinguishes ordinary table reservations from group enquiries for ten or more people. Larger gatherings need their own discussion about menus, timing and payment arrangements. Call (03) 8400 6004 or email booking.kinghenry@gmail.com; use these current contacts when arranging your visit.
Dietary needs, parking and special occasions
Gluten-free and vegetarian choices are offered, but the kitchen also handles common allergens. Explain an allergy before ordering and ask whether a dish can be prepared appropriately. The operator notes that alterations may be restricted during busy services, so a special request is best raised before arrival.
Private parking is listed for the restaurant. Allow extra arrival time if your visit coincides with a busy service. If you need step-free access, confirm the route to the particular dining area rather than relying on the building’s general accessibility listing. Dogs are listed as welcome; check outdoor seating arrangements when booking with a pet.
The operator lists a 15% public holiday surcharge and a 1.5% card processing fee. Confirm the applicable charges when booking a celebration, together with any deposit or cancellation conditions. For a group occasion, make sure the person organising the table has communicated the final guest count and dietary requirements.
King Henry's Restaurant FAQs
Is this the former King Henry Arts Cafe?
Yes. The venue is now presented as King Henry's Restaurant at 320 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Sassafras. Use the current name and (03) 8400 6004 when reserving, while recognising that older listings may still use the cafe name.
Is it open every day?
The restaurant is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Standard opening is Monday 11.30am-3pm, Thursday-Friday 11.30am-9pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-9pm; confirm holiday changes and kitchen orders before planning a late visit.
When can I have breakfast?
Weekend breakfast is advertised Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 11am. Reserve within that window if breakfast is your reason for visiting; weekday opening is later and is better planned as a lunch stop.
Does it serve evening meals?
Regular hours extend to 9pm Thursday-Sunday, giving visitors an evening dining option in the hills. Check availability and last food orders when booking, and include enough travel time to reach the restaurant comfortably.
How do I arrange high tea or a celebration?
Discuss high tea directly and use the operator's group enquiry for ten or more guests. Confirm the menu, timing, deposits, cancellation terms and dietary needs before inviting the group, rather than assuming an ordinary table reservation covers a function.
Can I bring a dog or request accessible seating?
Arrange appropriate outdoor seating with the restaurant before bringing a dog. For mobility needs, ask about the route from parking to the particular dining area and bathroom, as a general venue listing does not describe every part of the historic property.
Does the 1902 date describe the restaurant's trading history?
It dates the former guest house that houses the restaurant. The building and gardens shape the present dining setting, but the date should not be read as evidence that the current cafe or restaurant has operated continuously since 1902.
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