Sometimes, the best dining experiences are found where you least expect them - behind hedges, beyond bustling streets, or nestled within heritage buildings. Whether you’re in the heart of Sydney, the Gold Coast, or the countryside of Victoria, these hidden courtyards offer an oasis of serenity. Let’s take a look at five venues where great food meets breathtaking ambience.
Tucked away within the Island Emporium, Greendays is a lush paradise of palms, Parisian-style bistro settings and twinkling glassware. Located on Ashmore Road in Bundall, this café is a world away from the city’s buzz, inviting guests to linger over long lunches, high teas or romantic brunches. With abundant gardens and a relaxed, melodic atmosphere, this is the kind of place where time slows down and indulgence takes centre stage.
The menu changes regularly to highlight the freshest seasonal produce. Whether you're starting the day with eggs Benedict featuring smoked salmon, wilted spinach and silky Hollandaise on sourdough or settling into lunch with a glazed duck leg salad drizzled in orange dressing and dukkah, every dish sings with flavour. For a signature experience, order the Jack’s Creek Black Angus, perfectly cooked and served with a decadent truffled potato galette and rich red wine jus.
Caldermeade Farm & Café – Caldermeade, Vic
Hidden behind century-old hedges in Gippsland, Caldermeade Farm & Café offers a rustic yet refined dining experience on one of the region’s historic dairy farms. A favourite stop for those en route to Phillip Island, this family-friendly café brings the best of country hospitality with indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks rolling pastures, an animal nursery and the charm of a classic working farm.
The menu embraces fresh, hearty fare that suits the farmstead surroundings. Indulge in a comforting smoked chicken and pesto pasta salad with semi-dried tomatoes and rocket, or enjoy the simplicity of a cheeseburger in a brioche bun with housemade burger sauce. The highlight? The Fisherman’s Lunch - a bountiful spread of salt and pepper calamari, crumbed prawns, beer-battered flathead, tempura scallops, chips and garden salad, served with a tangy tartar sauce.
The Royal Leichhardt – Leichhardt, NSW
A Sydney institution with a secret garden twist, The Royal Leichhardt blends old-school pub charm with a leafy, contemporary courtyard. Located on Norton Street, this two-level venue caters to both traditionalists and those seeking an elevated dining experience. While the main bar exudes classic pub vibes, the upstairs Botanical space is a sanctuary of lush greenery, natural light and stylish décor, making it an unexpected urban retreat.
The menu strikes a balance between refined and hearty, featuring fresh seafood, gourmet pasta and indulgent burgers. Start with delicate tuna tartare, served with avocado, cucumber, coriander, sesame, ginger and crispy wontons. For the main event, the roast pork loin steals the show - stuffed with spinach, Parmesan and sun-dried tomato, then plated alongside roast baby carrots, mashed potato and a creamy black pepper sauce.
Art Reach Gallery Café – Beech Forest, Vic
Surrounded by rainforest and waterfalls in the heart of the Otways, Art Reach Gallery Café in Beech Forest is a hidden gem celebrating both art and gastronomy. This unique venue doubles as a gallery showcasing local artists, where guests can admire original watercolours and handcrafted gifts before settling into the courtyard for a cosy bite to eat.
The café menu is as charming as its setting, offering freshly baked scones with jam and cream, homemade cakes and a rotating selection of warming soups, including pumpkin, minestrone and pea and ham. On cooler days, hearty options like spicy lentil pies and classic toasted sandwiches - think roasted chicken with cheese and mayo or ham and tomato - make for the perfect fireside fare.
Local Burleigh – Burleigh Heads, Qld
A coastal retreat in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Local Burleigh blends laid-back charm with a buzzing atmosphere. Whether you're soaking up the sun from the front terrace, catching up over drinks in the main bar or lounging in the shaded beer garden, this venue captures the essence of Gold Coast dining - casual yet effortlessly stylish.
Early risers are treated to standout breakfast options like crab Benedict with miso Hollandaise, rocket, togarashi and chilli oil. Later in the day, the menu leans into fresh and bold flavours, with highlights like kingfish ceviche served on crispy corn tortillas and crispy skin salmon accompanied by char-grilled zucchini, peas, roast chat potatoes and ponzu mayo. For those craving something classic, the steaks and parmigianas here are some of the best in Burleigh.
There’s something magical about discovering a hidden courtyard - a place where great food meets tranquillity, where leafy surrounds offer a break from the everyday and where every meal feels like an escape. Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat, a family-friendly oasis or a lively garden setting, these five venues prove that sometimes, the best places are the ones tucked away from plain sight.
So go ahead - step through the hedge, wander past the palms and uncover your next secret dining destination.
