The Gardeners Cottage Restaurant

🌳 Nestled in the heart of Montebello Design Centre, The Gardeners Cottage is a charming escape from the city buzz — with its lush garden setting and serene atmosphere, it’s ideal for a tranquil breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. 🍽️ Food: The menu leans toward wholesome, fresh ingredients with a good variety of options — from classic eggs benedict and homemade scones to more refined dishes like trout salad or their famous French toast. The portions are generous, and presentation is elegant without being pretentious. I had the spinach and feta omelette — light, flavourful, and perfectly cooked. ☕ Drinks: Their coffee is decent, though not spectacular. A nice range of teas and fresh juices. The carrot and ginger juice is especially refreshing. 🌿 Atmosphere: This is the true highlight. Tables are tucked under trees and umbrellas in a leafy courtyard that feels like a secret garden. You’ll hear birds chirping, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the resident cats lounging nearby. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and makes for a great spot to unwind or catch up with friends. Indoor seating is also available but the garden is definitely where the magic is. 👩‍🍳 Service: Warm and polite, though it can be a bit slow during peak hours. Staff are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Expect a relaxed pace rather than rushed efficiency. 💰 Price: Fairly priced for the setting and quality — you’re paying for the experience as much as the food, and it’s worth it. 🅿️ Parking: Available on-site and usually sufficient, though it can get tight on weekends. ⸻ 🌟 Would I return? Absolutely. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet breakfast or brunch, especially on sunny days. Ideal for solo visits with a book, or intimate catch-ups with close friends. Don’t rush it — this place is made for lingering. 📸 Don’t forget to snap a few photos — the ivy-covered walls and garden setting make it Instagram-worthy 📷🌸

Love the atmosphere, friendly staff. Nice coffee. The waiter recommends the chicken in folds of puff pastry. The seasonal vegetables were nice and tender. There was a good portion of chicken stacked. I would've like some more sauce on the side. Coz at the end there was not enough sauce and chicken itself didn't have enough flavor on it. The carrot cake was disappointing for me. I went especially for a slice of carrot cake. But it was not moist. My first bite, everything fell on my plate. It was too dry and I couldn't finish the cake. Every time I took a bite, I was scared the cake would just fall off my fork, and I didn't enjoy it. I should've ordered the cheesecake. It looked really delicious. Maybe next time.

The Gardener’s Cottage is a charming little gem tucked away in the heart of Newlands. The garden setting is peaceful and beautiful — perfect for a relaxing breakfast or lunch under the trees. It feels like a little escape from the city without having to go far. The food is fresh and well-prepared. Their breakfast options are always a hit (especially the omelettes and croissants), and the lunch menu has a nice variety of light meals and heartier dishes. Portions are generous, and they cater well to dietary needs. Service is friendly, although it can be a bit slow when it’s busy — but the setting makes up for it. It’s a great spot for a quiet catch-up, family outing, or even a casual business coffee. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys good food in a beautiful, laid-back setting. Let me know if you want a version with specific dish recommendations or a more casual tone!

The lunch was good, it is sandwiches and burgers, nothing extraordinary, however, it is a nice spot with some shops around, including a nursery.

This is a charming little gem perfect for a catch-up with friends. It's rustic and relaxing and engulfed by trees with rays of sunshine seeping through the branches and umbrellas. The service is fantastic and the food simply delicious. It's definitely worth a visit.

Very friendly professional staff. A simple but well priced menu. Great situation and value for money. Bonus, plenty free parking.

The Gardener's Cottage is a hidden gem at the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands. Nestled among ancient camphor trees, this charming restaurant exudes warmth and character. The moment you step inside, you feel like you're part of the family. The food is deliciously good, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that showcase the best of the region. The atmosphere is serene and immersive, with nature playing a starring role. Whether you're a local or just visiting, The Gardener's Cottage is a must-visit destination. It's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy good food, good company, and the beauty of nature.

Great staff. Good service and delicious food 😋. Toilets available. Ample seating but place tends to get full really quickly due to it being quite popular. Definitely a must if you're in the area as there are loads of local shops and a market on the same plot.