Erected in 1889 as a bakery and shops, the two level rendered brick structure was originally known as "The Jackson's Building". With its decorative facade and bullnosed awnings, it is typical of many commercial properties built in the late Victorian era.

The original owner, John Jackson, sold the property in 1920 to the Sandgate Masonic Hall Company for 1600 pounds. Whilst the Masons used the upper floor for meetings, the lower floor was rented out as a cafe, which was run for many years by the Lubach Sisters. During World War II, General Douglas Macarthur is said to have frequented the cafe to enjoy the Lubach's Blueberry Pie. Over the years the cafe changed hands several times and in 1984 became "Raphael's Restaurant".

One particularly unkind renovation to the building was completed in the late 1940s. This included the removal of the balcony and consequent "bricking up" of the three French doors which lead onto it, leaving only small windows. Windows on the sides of the building also received the same treatment.

After seventy-one years of meetings on the upper level, the Masonic Hall Company sold the property to the current owners in 1991 and this saw the renovation of the Masonic Hall building commence. This included the restoration of the building's original external appearance and the conversion of the upper level meeting room into a private residence.

With 22 years of trading history, Raphael's Restaurant has changed ownership for only the fourth time in May 2006 when Susanne Knowles and James Dyer bought the business. Since its inception, Raphael's Restaurant has been renowned for its award-winning, fine dining experience. Over the years, Raphael's Restaurant has won many state and national awards for its innovative modern Australian cuisine. However, some things remain the same; for example, the famous 'Chicken Raphael' and 'Traditional Creme Brulee' have never left the menu and continue to be a popular choice of diners.

The 118 year old building is one of Australia's most iconic and historical landmarks.