Welcome to our House
A historic place, a family story and warm hospitality at the heart of it all.
La Maison is more than a restaurant. It’s a place where people come together over beautiful food, good wine and life’s most meaningful moments.
Set within Wodonga’s historic Customs House on Gateway Island, La Maison brings together the character of the past with fresh, inspired food and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Our Story
The story of La Maison stretches back more than a century. From its early role on the border to its life today as a family-owned restaurant and event venue, this historic property has always been a place where people pass through, meet and connect.
1850s
When Victoria separated from New South Wales in 1851, goods moving between the two colonies were treated much like international imports are today.
Customs began operating in Albury in 1853 and Wodonga in 1854. Travellers crossing the Murray River were required to stop and declare the goods, parcels and livestock they were carrying, with duties charged in both directions.
The Wodonga Customs House stood on the Victorian side of the border, where La Maison welcomes guests today.
The late 1800s
The border was a hive of activity as people, goods and livestock moved between the colonies.
Customs duties raised significant revenue, but they also inspired plenty of creative attempts to avoid them. Liquor, tobacco, opium, horses and other goods were regularly smuggled across the river, with customs officers and disguised revenue detectives patrolling the area.
It’s a colourful chapter in the property’s history and a reminder of just how important this crossing once was to the region.
1947
A photograph shared by the Albury & District Historical Society shows the old Customs House on the Victorian side of the border in 1947.
By then, the days of paying duties to cross between the colonies had passed, but the building remained a familiar local landmark and a lasting link to Albury-Wodonga’s border history.
2007
Wassim and Marcia Saliba took ownership of the historic property, drawn to its character, history and potential.
La Maison began as a small café, shaped by their love of beautiful food, generous hospitality and bringing people together.
The years that followed
Over the years, Wassim and Marcia carefully restored and expanded the property while preserving the character that made it special.
The Bluestone Cottage was transformed into an intimate private function space, while new indoor and outdoor dining areas created more room for guests to gather, dine and celebrate.
As La Maison grew, so did the number of occasions celebrated here.
What was once a place people passed through has become a place they choose to come together.
Today
While building La Maison, Wassim and Marcia were also raising their family.
Today, their children work alongside Mum and Dad, helping carry La Maison into its next chapter while continuing the family’s commitment to beautiful food, thoughtful service and genuine hospitality.
More than a restaurant...
La Maison has grown from a small café into one of Albury-Wodonga’s most distinctive dining and event destinations, but its heart remains the same.
It’s still a place where meals are shared, milestones are celebrated and every guest is made to feel at home.
Because when you visit La Maison, you’re not simply going out for a meal. You’re coming into our house.