There’s nothing like chilling out at your favourite café or restaurant where nature creates the perfect garden oasis for memorable meals with family and friends.
Many venues around the country set the scene for lingering over a coffee or wine with your bestie in a setting that takes you to your favourite garden with roses in bloom and floral scents wafting in the air. Here are five of our faves that are perfect for destination dining:
Surrounded by National Park
Those lucky enough to find themselves on picturesque Magnetic Island, make memories by visiting Amaroo on Mandalay resort to indulge in a meal at the resident restaurant and bar Up the Garden Path. Surrounded by 52 square kilometres of National Park, the restaurant has been styled with a coastal interior of slate tile floors, washes of blue, seascape murals and heavy-set dark timber furniture; or perhaps enjoy a cooling breeze from one of the relaxed, family-friendly alfresco areas.
A Mod Oz menu has been created to showcase local produce, offering starters like salt and pepper squid with chips and tartar sauce, before delving into mains such as sticky BBQ pork ribs served with sweet potato chips, slaw and BBQ sauce; those seeking international plates, opt for Sri Lankan chicken curry with natural yoghurt, fruit chutney, papadums and steamed basmati rice.
Chirping Birds and Calming Water Fountain
Experience fresh wholesome food complemented by natural scenery as loved ones come together at The Vintage Secret Garden on Galston Road in Galston. Escape the city and enter this secret garden to hear birds chirping and the calming sounds of the water fountain in a unique setting at this cute Sydney café, whether dining indoors at white-clothed tables or alfresco among the lush grounds.
From early until late, dine on tempting plates like za’atar and avocado for breakfast with rocket, cherry tomato and labneh, on toasted sourdough; or join a lively lunch crowd for a Thai lamb salad, with rocket, pumpkin, red cabbage, beetroot, Spanish onion, tomato, feta, pine nuts and sweet chilli Asian dressing. Pasta lovers opt for linguine with prawns, mixed seafood, cherry tomatoes, chilli oil and Parmesan.
Tranquil Outside Garden
Find all the flavours you know and love made fresh in-house to create Thai-riffic taste sensations presented unexpectedly at Tuk Tuk Restaurant on Park Road in Milton. Step into an eclectic vibe of glowing cane lanterns, fairy lights, mismatched furniture and high stools which complement traditional accents along with a tuk tuk in pride of place.
Perhaps escape to the tranquil outside garden where you can enjoy delicious Thai cuisine amidst lush greenery and peaceful surrounds – start a relaxed meal with crispy corn fritters with Thai herbs, sweet chilli and crushed peanuts, or roasted pork belly and housemade tamarind sauce. For the main, delve into confit duck leg curry with lychees, pineapple, cherry tomato and sides of steamed rice and roti bread.
Sensory Delight of Lavender
Enjoy the sensory delight of lavender at Nannup Lavender Farm Café and Campground on Graphite Road in Nannup. Discover handmade lavender products as well as preserves, a range of homeware and plants in the farm shop, while the lavender field is in full bloom in December and January when you can cut a bunch of flowers to take home.
You can even try lavender ice cream, soda and milkshakes while the Secret Garden café offers delicious meals along with morning and afternoon tea. Devonshire tea with scones, jam and cream is always on offer as well as housemade tender beef and red wine gourmet pies, served with tomato relish and salad; perhaps opt for a farmhouse toastie of ham, mozzarella and relish, on sourdough, enjoyed with a glass of local wine and gin, or choose from a selection of beers.
Hidden Gem and Garden Oasis
Discover a hidden gem and oasis in the heart of Rhodes at Maestria Restaurant on Homebush Bay Drive. Located in Rhodes Corporate Park, this Sydney dining destination boasts a restaurant and cocktail bar designed for hosting memorable meals, functions and special events; a casual café by day, Maestria transforms at night into an ambiently lit space, ideal for family gatherings and romantic rendezvous.
Start your culinary journey with crunchy salt and pepper squid and tartar sauce, or wrap your hands around slow-cooked pulled lamb tacos with cabbage, tartar and housemade salsa; for the main, think pasta plates of mafaldine with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, lemon zest and cherry tomato, or sizzling chicken shawarma with Lebanese mixed spice and a side of garlic and chilli sauce.
