I’ve found a hidden gem in Canberra – that is Rodney’s Garden Cafe in Pialligo (near the airport). The cafe is located within a plant nursery, Rodney’s Plants Plus, so this isn’t exactly on everyone’s radar.
The doors into the cafe are a bit run down, but I love the cute mosaic sign on top.
The inside looks a little cafeteria-like. The glass display cabinet holds a few yummy looking cakes for dessert. It’s table service so one of the friendly wait staff will take you to a table.
Being a garden cafe, I wanted to sit outside and was impressed with the lovely set up in the garden. A terracotta tiled courtyard square with smooth pillars holding up wooden frames that are covered with shade sails, with a fountain in the middle of it all. There are also plenty of outdoor umbrellas to protect diners from the sun. I arrived around 1.30pm so most people had finished lunch and were leaving. I loved sitting outside, listening to the trickling of water from the fountain and hearing the birds chirping.
There are green plants and shrubs in large pots dotted everywhere.
Now onto the food. The pulled pork burger ($23) sounded the most appetising to me. It came out served on a long wooden chopping board with a side of beer battered chips. There was so much heaped onto the burger! The menu states the pork has been slow cooked for 18 hours. A whole pile of pulled pork sat on another pile of apple slaw, sandwiched in a brioche bun. There was also some crackling to top it off. The pork was soft and tasty. I love how the apple slaw had grated beetroot in it to give it some extra sweetness and vibrant colour to the meal.ย The beer battered chips were delicious – crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I was blown away by the whole thing. A bit expensive for a burger, but worth it.
I also ordered the fresh juice of the day ($6.50) consisting of watermelon, pineapple, rockmelon and orange juice. This was served in a large milkshake glass and went down very quickly.
As people were leaving the cafe, I overheard their comments as the wait staff asked how their meal was. 100% of the other diners (I stopped counting after 5) were all happy and loved their meals. Now that’s saying something. I found the wait staff were very attentive and friendly, and always wore a smile. I was provided with cold tap water and a glass as soon as I sat down. The wait staff also checked on me to see how I was liking the meal and if I needed anything else.
After lunch, I took a stroll through the nursery – it’s huge! There is playground behind the dining area for the kiddies too.
They also sell skincare products, clothes, jewellery, shelves and outdoor furniture.
I must admit I wasn’t expecting this kind of awesome food located in a nursery.ย The combination of the gorgeous weather and blue sky, sitting there with great food and such a wonderful atmosphere, I felt sheer bliss and contentment. Though a little out of the way, I think this is a great place to meet up with friends for lunch and then pop over to find some gardening goods.
I’d love to try out brunch here. I think Rodney’s is a hidden gem and plan on going back soon.
Foodgasm 9/10
