Discover

Our Story

Mondegreen Cafe is the vision of Kris Payne and Peter Dawson, two qualified chefs whose friendship and years of working together inspired them to open their own cafe.

The name Mondegreen was born from the pair constantly mishearing each other, a light-hearted joke that ultimately became the perfect name for their café. It reflects the personality behind the business - relaxed, creative and never taking itself too seriously.

Today, Kris and Peter continue to do what they love most, creating memorable food, welcoming every guest and building a place that brings people together.

Where thoughtfully crafted food meets playful personality

Awards & Recognition

From local competitions to business achievements, Kris, Peter and the Mondegreen team are proud to have their passion for food, creativity and hospitality recognised.

  • 2025 Ballarat Hot Choc Showdow

    2025 Ballarat Hot Choc Showdow

    WINNER

    We are the proud winners of Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown 2025. Our handcrafted hot chocolate bombs took out the top spot, with the community voting them the standout creation of the competition. Designed to bring a little fun and indulgence to winter, they reflect our passion for creating memorable experiences for our guests.

  • Ballarat's Best Pie 2025

    3RD PLACE

    Our Apple Sty Pie placed 3rd in Ballarat's Best Pie Competition 2025. Taking inspiration from the classic apple pie, we created a unique sweet and savoury twist that challenged expectations and celebrated our love of creative flavour combinations.

Ballarat Business Excellence Awards 2026

Being recognised as finalists in the 2026 Business Excellence Awards is a proud moment for Kris, Peter and the entire Mondegreen team. It celebrates the journey we've built, the community we've created and the passion that goes into everything we do.

Stoke Design Newcomer Award 

FINALIST

Nevett Wilkinson Frawley Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs Business Award

FINALIST

Power FM Young Business Person of the Year - Peter Dawson

FINALIST

Featured In

From local stories to industry features, we’re grateful to have Mondegreen Cafe recognised and shared by publications that celebrate great food, hospitality and the people behind it.

  • Chef-Owned Hidden Gems: Small Restaurants with Big Culinary Talent
    → Read Article

    Best Breakout Brunch Cafés in Australia – Coastal Views, Retro Charm & Local Favourites
    → Read Article

    Breakfast Reinvented: Five Culinary Spots to Start Your Day Right
    → Read Article

  • Business Excellence Awards finalists announced
    → Read Article

    80+ photos as 2026 Ballarat Business Excellence Awards finalists revealed
    → Read Article

    Sweet hot chocolate showdown a winter warmer
    → Read Article

    Ballarat’s biggest community conversation returns for 2026
    → Read Article

  • This year's Ballarat Winter festival has been deemed a major success…
    → Read Article

    How do you like your hot chocolate? Follow Alex along the trail for Ballarat Winter Festival's Hot Choc Showdown
    → Read Article

    Pie lovers are getting ready to take a bite out of Ballarat's Best Pie competition
    → Read Article

    A regional money spinner's back, with the Ballarat Winter Festival to again frost up the city this month
    → Read Article

    Ballarat's reputation is old, cold and full of gold. This year's Winter festival's ready to embrace the mantra
    → Read Article

  • "From our 10 Day Holiday in Ballarat Mondegreen was the one cafe that stood out against all others, The food here was absolutely Incredible, we tried a bit of everything as this was our favourite spot..."

    C. | 2025

  • "OUTSTANDING coffee and service is on point. Glorious food, plating, delicious fresh and scrumptious. Get here now and experience the coffee and food"

    C.C | 2025

  • "Great food, great atmosphere. Excellent service by the two incredibly talented chefs/owners (+ their team) creating a lovely personal and welcoming experience. Will be back"

    L.D | 2024

  • "Cosy cafe with a real fire in winter. Food was great, as was the coffee. Visiting from Melbourne and we would return. We were a walk-in and were lucky there was a free table as lots were booked. Clearly a popular spot!"

    T.N | 2026

  • "Mondegreen Cafe is a delight in Ballarat. … The Mondegreen pictures on the walls (misheard song lyrics) are a cool and entertaining touch! … I definitely recommend Mondegreen Cafe for a lazy breakfast or delicious lunch. P.S. Puppies are welcome if you're dining outside!!"

    S.H | 2026

  • "I wish I could spend my whole day here. Went there with my friends last week. The staff were friendly and helped my friend with her wheelchair. I got a hot chocolate with baked cheesecake, perfect for rainy day"

    U.S.R | 2026

Moments at Mondegreen

Explore the flavours, creations and moments that make Mondegreen unique. From seasonal specials to behind-the-scenes glimpses, see what’s happening inside our café.