Everything we do at The Independent is influenced by my own heritage, travel experiences and a childhood spent in Argentina.

Mauro Callegari

Illustrations by Mauro's father, Jose Callegari

“Everything we do at The Independent

is influenced by my own heritage,

travel experience and a childhood spent in Argentina.

I aim to share simple, deep, and colourful flavours with you every time you dine here

I hope you enjoy the experience!”

MAURO

THE INDEPENDENT

In Main Street Gembrook, an hour South East of Melbourne’s CBD, a modest door leads to a spacious dining room with an open kitchen and sounds of tango.

The heritage listed building was once a motor garage. Its retro-industrial interior -designed by Gordon & Henry Architecture- is the setting for chef-patron Mauro Callegari’s modern Argentinian cuisine. His Argentinian, French and Italian roots are exemplified in his menu, most of which is sourced from nearby growers and suppliers.

OUR MENU

"Great food is about family and friends. At The Independent I have created a menu inspired by the seasons, the best local ingredients and my Argentinian heritage."

view menu

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS

Whether it's a milestone birthday, a romantic wedding, or a corporate event. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.

ENQUIRE NOW

At the Independent we take great pride in sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. It goes without saying that supporting your local community is vital for building a stronger, more vibrant place to live, fostering a sense of belonging, and contributing to a more prosperous and resilient area. We proudly shop for all of our fresh fruit and vegetables with the local Emerald Fruit barn. @emeraldfruitbarn has been servicing the community with the freshest produce, from local farms for many years. Each dish you have at the Independent has been crafted with care from the farmer to the plate; Emerald Fruit Barn are an important part of this process.

#supportinglocal #modernargentinian #localsuppliers #fruit #vegetables #qualityingredients #theindepenedentgembrook #maurocallegarichef #gembrook #emerald #easterndandenongranges

Open for dinner tonight.

Bookings online. Link in bio. Or www.theindependentgembrook.com.au

#sundaydinner #restaurant #gembrookrestaurant #theindependentgembrook #pasta #gnocchi #easterndandenongranges

“I started cooking when I was 11. I would cook with my mother and grandmother every Sunday, for the whole family. Then I began to cook more and more at my mum’s restaurant in Buenos Aires. I found the whole hospitality experience entertaining, through cooking I was entertaining people”. - Head chef and owner, Mauro Callegari.

Bookings for dining available through link in bio.

#familyofchefs #modernargentinianrestaurant #restaurant #gembrookrestaurant #theindependentgembrook #chefmaurocalligari #easterndandenongranges

A life filled with desserts is a life well-lived, wouldn’t you say?

Bookings available for this weekend Sat-Sun. Open 12pm-late. Link in bio.

(Still bookings available for Friday’s Spanish Night too- should that take your fancy).

#desserts #dessertsmaketheworldgoaround #donuts #easterndandenongranges #theindependentgembrook #gembrook #maurocallegarichef

Here is a very pretty array of desserts for your eyes to feast on…..featuring Pastafrola (Blueberry tart).

We are open Thursday-Sunday. Bookings via the link in bio.

#blueberrytart #tart #dessert #theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #restaurant #weekendplans #gembrookrestaurant #easterndandenongranges

We are a Modern Argentinian restaurant located in the township of Gembrook. Be great to see you this week.

Open Thurs-Sunday.

Bookings via our website are encouraged.
www.theindependentgembrook.com.au or Link in Bio.

#modernargentinian #gembrook #easterndandenongranges #modernargentinianrestaurant #maurocallegarichef #comefortheexperiencestayforthevibe #gnocchi #pasta

Our House Sangria - No matter which way you look at it, it is very, very pretty.

“As we share what we like to eat, the beverage menu reflects what we like to drink.” - Mauro.

#drinks #sangria #theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #maurocallegarichef

A beautiful image of Mauro Callegari’s parents from many, many moons ago. Mauro’s parents Jose and Zulema, were instrumental in shaping his career as a chef, with his Mum running a restaurant in Argentina for 15 years.

In addition to the restaurant, Mauro grew up watching Zulema make meals from their family home to supply local factories and businesses. Cooking is in his blood.

His father Jose practised as an Architect for his entire working life. Jose has had a hand in the restaurant as his illustrations and artworks form part of the Independent’s DNA.

#family #argentina #callegari #maurocallegarichef #modernargentinean #theindependentgembrook

Here’s a little selection we have put together for you…perhaps you might like to try this later in the week (open from Thursday-Sunday)

Chico (Small)
Credo - Crumbed, smoked pork belly log, chipotle (GF)(DF)(OGA)

Grande (Large)
Asado - Grilled beef rib (600g), chimichurri, roasted potatoes (GF)(DF)

Postres (Desserts)
Bombe Alaska - Strawberry ice cream, meringue, strawberry coulis (V)

All cleverly crafted by @maurocallegarichef

#modernargentinianrestaurant #gembrook #theindependentgembrook #easterndandenongranges #desserts #dessertsofinstagram

Let us entertain you today for lunch or dinner. Please call to book. Bookings can also be made online. Link in bio.

Swipe 👉🏻 for snapshot of updated menu.

And a gentle reminder to reserve your tickets for Spanish night on the 21st March. Link in bio.

#theindependentgembrook #easterndandenongranges #spanishnight #tapas #maurocallegarichef

Chef Patron Mauro Callegari travelled the world before coming to rest at The Independent Gembrook.

Born in Argentina, Mauro’s kitchen skills developed early under the watchful eye of his mother in the Callegari family restaurant in the Buenos Aires suburb of La Paternal (notable for being home to Maradona’s first professional team).

After serving a long apprenticeship in five-star Argentinian hotels and restaurants, Mauro moved to London to be part of the opening team of Conran’s Almeida Restaurant in 2001, under Michelin star chef Chris Galvin. A Melbourne resident since 2003, Mauro’s skills have been honed in the kitchens of the city’s most respected chefs including Marcus Moore at Sofitel and Raymond Capaldi at Fenix.

At The Independent Gembrook, Mauro has designed a modern Argentinian menu with the sophistication and flair harvested from working in highly regarded kitchens in Melbourne, London and Buenos Aires.

#modernargentinian #chefmaurocallegari #Independentgembrook #cheftalk #gembrookrestaurant

Ñoqui; Hand rolled ricotta gnocchi, beef & pork ragu, parmesan.

And may we politely suggest a pre-dinner drink?

Pear Margarita; 1800 Coconut Tequila, Pear, Cinnamon, Lime.

Open for takeaway all weekend. Spots available for lunch or dinner Sunday.
Link in bio to order or book.

#theindependentgembrook #gembrook #modernargentinian #gnocchi #margaritas

Here’s a photo of our very own, house-made @theindependentgembrook Sangria - to remind you that life is short - drink good drinks, eat great food….enjoy yourself..

As Benjamin Franklin once said; “Do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.”

Please book online, as that makes everything easy. Don’t forget, Takeaway is also available, if you really want the night off!

Link in bio

#nightoffit #enjoygoodfood #lifeisshort #theindependentgembrook #sangria

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS
Whether it's a milestone birthday, a romantic wedding,
or a corporate event. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
Contact us today to discuss & start planning your celebration.

+ Customised Modern Argentinian menu
+ Catering for dietary requirements | allergies
+ Sit down dining or cocktail party
+ Various floor plan options available
+ Courtyard area with children's cubby house
+ Intimate events in our Private Dining Room from 14 to 26 guests
+ Exclusive use of venue from 50 to 100 guests

Event enquiries:
functions@theindependentgembrook.com.au

#theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #gembrook #easterndandenongranges #dandenongranges #caseycardinia #puffingbillyrailway #whatsoncardina #weddingreceptions #foodieweddings #birthdays #babyshowers #family #friends #love #celebrations #corporateevents #supportlocalbusiness

Here’s the gorgeous wedding of Michelle and Andrew, as captured by It’s Beautiful Here Photography - from a few moons ago.

Here at the Independent we pride ourselves on creating the most perfect venue; for a balance of picturesque, bespoke and unique weddings. We focus heavily on a Chef-led feast, with each Wedding treated to a one-of-a-kind menu creation by @maurocallegarichef The surrounding area of Gembrook lends itself to a beautiful backdrop to any nuptials. Perfect place to get hitched, wouldn’t you say?

Get in touch today, if you are seeking the perfect balance for your up-coming wedding.
Functions@theindependentgembrook.com.au

#theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #gembrook #easterndandenongranges #dandenongranges #caseycardinia #puffingbillyrailway #whatsoncardinia #theindependent #getmarriedwithus

Scallops and white wine go well in this kind of weather, wouldn’t you say?

VIEIRAS :
lime cured scallops, shallots, green chilli

Make a Booking | Order Takeaway :
https://www.theindependentgembrook.com.au
Bookings are essential.

For groups of 8 adults and above please contact us
via phone or email as a set menu is required :
(03) 59681110 | hola@theindependentgembrook.com.au

#theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #gembrook #easterndandenongranges #dandenongranges #caseycardinia #puffingbillyrailway #whatsoncardina #limecuredscallops #availabletakeaway

Open today for lunch through to dinner. It’s going to be a beautiful day and the outside garden is looking particularly lovely.

#sitinthesun #comehaveadrinkwithus #theindependentgembrook #gembrook #whatsoncardinia #modernargentinian #goodfoodgoodpeople #eatmelbournefood

Hot off the press is our NEW MENU. Swipe to take a look.

Pictured here -
CALAMAR :
crispy calamari provenzal, aioli

Make a Booking :
link in bio
Bookings are essential.

For groups of 8 adults and above please contact us
via phone or email as a set menu is required :
(03) 59681110 | hola@theindependentgembrook.com.au

#theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #gembrook #easterndandenongranges #dandenongranges #caseycardinia #puffingbillyrailway #whatsoncardina #calamari #glutenfree #dairyfreeadaptable

Head Chef and owner, @maurocallegarichef has been working in kitchens for a very long time…..39 years to be precise…

#theindependentgembrook #modernargentinian #gembrook #easterndandenongranges #dandenongranges #caseycardinia #puffingbilly #whatsoncardina #bookonline #takeawaymenu

We’ve got something special coming soon…..

#modernargentinian #theindependentgembrook #veganglutenfree #easterndandenongranges #bookonline #whatsoncardina #dandenongranges #dinnerdate #caseycardinia #comingsoon #wewillkeepyouposted

Looking for a wedding venue? Give us a call.

Tag a friend who is on the lookout for a unique venue to host their wedding.

#weddingvenue #modernargentinean #theindependentgembrook #weddings #dandenongranges #gembrook #gembrookweddings

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@theindependentgembrook

THE INDEPENDENT

OUR MENU

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS

​

Follow us on Instagram