
Innocent Bystander
A vibrant Yarra Valley winery and restaurant known for delicious wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, and an excellent wine selection.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Quieter atmosphere, easy parking

Innocent Bystander
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere, easy parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Yarra Valley winery and restaurant known for delicious wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, and an excellent wine selection.
"Thoroughly enjoyed, and impressed with our lunch with a couple of the Innocent Bystander wines."

🎯 Book Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, to secure your spot.
🍷 Wine Flight Option
Can't decide on a wine? Ask for a tasting flight to sample a few before committing.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wood-Fired Pizzas
Main Dining Area
Enjoy delicious pizzas with perfectly crisp bases and flavorful toppings. A must-try for a casual yet satisfying meal.

Creative Charcuterie & Small Plates
Main Dining Area
Indulge in a 'meter of charcuterie' or inventive small plates like ricotta with persimmon and pomegranate.

Innocent Bystander Wines
Cellar Door & Restaurant
Sample and savor a range of wines, including their popular Rosé and Moscato. Many visitors buy bottles to take home.

Dessert Cones
Dessert Menu
End your meal on a sweet note with fun and delicious dessert cones, perfect for sharing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Explore the Yarra Valley
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, to secure your spot.
🍷 Wine Flight Option
Can't decide on a wine? Ask for a tasting flight to sample a few before committing.
🍕 Share the Pizzas
The wood-fired pizzas are generous and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally easy, especially on weekdays, but can be more challenging during peak weekend times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, to secure your spot.
🍷 Wine Flight Option
Can't decide on a wine? Ask for a tasting flight to sample a few before committing.
🍕 Share the Pizzas
The wood-fired pizzas are generous and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally easy, especially on weekdays, but can be more challenging during peak weekend times.
✨ Try the Standouts
Don't miss the zucchini salad or the ricotta with persimmon and pomegranate if you want to try highly recommended dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Innocent Bystander is widely praised for its delicious food, particularly its wood-fired pizzas and creative small plates, complemented by an excellent wine selection. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere contribute to a highly enjoyable dining experience, though some find the pizzas could have more wow factor.
"Had a really nice dinner here. Big dining space with lots of seating. Servers were super nice. The food was very nice, we liked some more than others: zucchini salad was amazing (!!), and the steak and chicken both very nice. Would pass on the truffle chips if we returned. Overall had a great time and would definitely recommend this place if you’re in Healesville."
Kyle Rich
"We had a really good experience for lunch on a Sunday. It was four of us and we ordered the meter of charcuterie as well as two pizzas and a salad. We were hungry and the food didn’t disappoint. It was delicious! Our server was awesome as well. When I couldn’t decide between two wines, she recommended a flight and I ordered a rose as well (which I normally wouldn’t order, but it was crisp and dry). It was a perfect recommendation!"
Lisa Baker
"We kicked off a few days away at Healesville with lunch at Innocent Bystander.    Never had a bad meal here, where the menu is usually imaginative and delicious.    So, our lunch:  fried truffled polenta chips, wood fired flat bread (really good) and hummus, ricotta persimmon and pomegranate with capoccollo (an absolute stand-out so refreshing and nicely partners the flat bread), the braised cheek and casarecce, and the free range pork belly.   This was a good combination, and it was a great lunch rounded off with the fun dessert cones…we shared four with our coffee.   Thoroughly enjoyed, and impressed with our lunch with a couple of the Innocent Bystander wines.   Reasonably quiet on a Friday and parking was no issue.   We did make a booking but could have walked in but you just wouldn’t know.    Staff were great, friendly and engaging.
So, we were leaving Healesville today Sunday, and decided to try Innocent Bystander again on the way out of town just because we were so impressed two days before.    Casual easy dining with great food and a few drinks for Sunday lunch was a perfect idea but we had no booking.   And, there were no tables…doh…but we said that we were happy to wait twenty minutes and were actually seated in five…the staff are really so good.   Today’s lunch:   Fried barramundi wings crispy with lots of meat … very nice, polenta chips again-just couldn’t help having them again and likewise with the ricotta- so good.   The pickled sardines are good if you are a sardine person, and we filled it all out with a delicious cacciatori pizza.    Again, well satisfied.   The place was busy, the staff industrious but friendly, and another great lunch was had.
Worth checking out.   We will be back again."
Martin G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Innocent Bystander is located in Healesville, about an hour's drive northeast of Melbourne. You can drive via the Maroondah Highway or take public transport, which usually involves a train to Lilydale followed by a bus to Healesville.
Yes, there is parking available. It's generally easy to find, especially on weekdays. However, during busy weekend periods, it can become more challenging.
Absolutely! Innocent Bystander is a popular stop on many Yarra Valley wine tours. This can be a convenient way to visit if you don't want to drive.
While Healesville is walkable, for exploring further afield or visiting multiple wineries, consider local taxi services or pre-booked tours.
Yes, Healesville is home to the popular Healesville Sanctuary, and it's surrounded by numerous other wineries and breweries in the Yarra Valley region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need to book tickets in the traditional sense, but making a reservation for dining is highly recommended, especially for weekend lunches and dinners, to guarantee a table.
Opening hours can vary, but they are typically open for lunch and dinner most days of the week. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours.
There is no entry fee to visit Innocent Bystander. You only pay for the food and drinks you consume.
While they are known for their dining, you can often visit for wine tasting. It's advisable to confirm their tasting policies and availability, especially during busy periods.
Innocent Bystander occasionally hosts special events and tastings. Keep an eye on their social media or website for announcements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Innocent Bystander offers a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, charcuterie, and seasonal dishes. They focus on fresh, local ingredients.
The menu often includes vegetarian options, such as salads and pizzas. While specific vegan options might vary, it's always best to inform your server of any dietary requirements.
Highly recommended dishes include the wood-fired pizzas, the zucchini salad, and the ricotta with persimmon and pomegranate. The truffle chips are also popular, though some find them less remarkable.
Yes, they offer wine flights, which is a great way to sample different wines before choosing a full glass or bottle.
It's versatile! It's great for a casual lunch with pizzas and salads, but also suitable for a more elaborate dinner with their small plates and wine pairings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the dining space, the beautifully presented food and wine, and the picturesque Yarra Valley surroundings. The dessert cones also make for fun shots.
Yes, taking photos for personal use is generally fine. However, always be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
The vineyard views (if accessible), the interior decor, and of course, your delicious meals and drinks are all great subjects.
The lighting is generally warm and inviting, suitable for most photography. Natural light during the day is excellent, and the evening ambiance is also appealing.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public venues and private properties. It's best to check with the venue directly and adhere to all local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the spacious dining area allows for some movement. Consider visiting during lunch hours when the vibe is generally more relaxed. The dessert cones are also a guaranteed win for younger diners looking for a sweet treat.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
The knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through the wine list and offer recommendations that pair perfectly with your meal. Many visitors leave with bottles purchased directly from the cellar door, making it a great place to stock up on quality Yarra Valley wines.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Melbourne
Combine your visit with other local attractions like the Healesville Sanctuary or other wineries. Aim for a Friday lunch to enjoy a more relaxed experience with easier parking, or a weekend lunch for a livelier atmosphere. Remember to book ahead if you plan to dine.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Innocent Bystander Wine Experience
Beyond these popular varietals, they also offer a range of other wines, including Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Visitors often praise the staff's ability to recommend the perfect wine pairing, with some even opting for a wine flight to explore different options. Many guests enjoy their wines so much that they purchase bottles to take home, a testament to the quality and appeal of the Innocent Bystander vineyard's offerings.
Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a delightful drop to complement your meal, the Innocent Bystander wine selection provides an enjoyable experience. The Yarra Valley Innocent Bystander wines are a key part of the overall dining experience, reflecting the region's winemaking heritage.
Dining at Innocent Bystander: A Culinary Journey
Beyond pizzas, the menu shines with its imaginative small plates and charcuterie. Dishes like the ricotta with persimmon and pomegranate, and the zucchini salad have received standout reviews for their freshness and flavor combinations. The meter of charcuterie is a popular choice for groups looking to sample a variety of cured meats and accompaniments.
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert cones are a fun and delightful way to end the meal, perfect for sharing. The overall dining atmosphere is described as casual yet sophisticated, with friendly and attentive staff contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
The 'Innocent Bystander' Concept
In a broader cultural context, the term 'innocent bystander' refers to someone who is present at an event but not involved in it, often becoming a victim of circumstance. This phrase has unfortunately been used in news reports to describe victims of tragic events, highlighting the stark contrast between the name of this cheerful establishment and its literal meaning.
However, within the context of the winery and restaurant, 'Innocent Bystander' is a playful and memorable brand. It invites patrons to step away from their everyday lives and simply enjoy the pleasures of good food, wine, and company, without any pretense or obligation. It's about being present and savoring the moment.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit