Phone: 07 4661 4466
Address: 21 Albion Street, Warwick, Queensland 4370 Australia
I sometimes feel that the experience of having a meal is not only about the food itself but about the experience as a whole. Many factors can set the tone for the evening – or in this case, lunch. Warwick’s Garden Galore is a cafe that has much more to offer than just a nice meal.
Stepping in, I was immediately transported to a shoppers paradise. Giftware, jewellery and flower bouquets were spread throughout the entire entry room. I walked through, taking a moment to browse the many products they had to offer.
The dining room had a warehouse look and feel and was abuzz with the sound of customers happily chatting, talking and laughing.
The glass doors and windows all around the spacious area perfectly let all the light and outdoors in. As the day was so fine, and because this place was known for its grand gardens and nursery, we chose to sit outdoors.
The beautiful courtyard was shaded by an impressive grapevine that grew overhead like a forest canopy, giving a somewhat tropical feel.
Although, the thing that most impressed me was the menus. They were easily the most unique menus I’ve seen. Not the food but the menus themselves. Each menu was a professionally printed hardcover book with pictures of the food, the cafe and of course, the gardens.
As for the gardens, well that was something else entirely. Forget Bunnings, this place was spectacular. Featuring more plants than you could imagine, as well as live chickens running loose throughout.
The contents of the menu, meaning the food, had a good variety but wasn’t overly complicated. They had a good selection of burgers and salads and also a handful of other meals and sides.
I went with the Loaded Skins; a potato skin stuffed with pulled pork and beans and then topped with cheese and sour cream.
My mother intended to order the Beef Brisket Burger, but unfortunately, they had run out of brisket so instead she went with the Wagyu Beef Burger.
The waitress was pleasant and when the Brisket wasn’t available, made a recommendation that she promised would be equally as good.
Something to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t always expect a fast meal at Warwick’s Garden Galore, as our meals took around 30 minutes to come.
When they did arrive, however, I noticed that they looked very appetizing. They were nicely presented and looked fresh.
The Potato Skins were served in a small cast-iron skillet that it had been cooked in. They had tortilla chips and guacamole in addition to the items that were promised on the menu and both were excellently seasoned and very morish.
In fact, if I had of been served just a plate of the tortilla chips, guacamole and sour cream, it would have been faultless.
As for the stuffed potato skins, which were the main element of the dish, they were tasty and made for a nice meal, however, they weren’t anything special.
I enjoyed the dish as a whole and would be happy to return again, but the main drawcard to Warwick’s Gardens Galore is, well; the gardens. It’s the kind of place that you go to for a family outing and intend to have a leisurely day.
If in Warwick, whether passing through or a local, I would absolutely recommend taking the time to visit this place. It’s an experience that’s hard to find in the hustle and bustle that is the city life.
