About Us

A celebration of our heritage and travels.

At Lilijana Eatery, we offer a continental menu, with a focus on Eastern Europe and the Nordics - celebrating simple comfort foods made with heart. We have a range of sandwiches, salads, house-baked pastries and deli snacks available to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or a house-made soda.
 

Named after our late Nonna - Lilijana was born in current day Slovenia. As war broke out, she fled the war to France and then, joining her family, moved to start a better life in Australia. Along the way she learned Italian to communicate with our Nonno who she met on the “love boat” en route to Melbourne. Arriving in Melbourne, she worked in establishments such as the San Remo Ballroom and Slavonija Deli at the Preston market. Of her nearly 80 years on earth, she dedicated her life to spreading the warmest love and most delightful food to those around her.

Our Head Chef Chris spent a lot of time abroad playing ice-hockey in both Sweden and Finland, picking up Nordic techniques in pickling and fermenting, baking and cooking which has influenced our menu at Lilijana.
 

We intend to continue Lilijana's legacy - a dedication to her journey in bringing many cultures together, but adding our own experiences. We warmly welcome you to  Lilijana just as she would have.