Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Garden Cafe

    4.5 (670 reviews)
    Closed • 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Order Garden Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Garden Cafe Photos

    GARDEN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Garden Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Chorizo hash
    Eddi-ray C.

    Once you're here and inside its got a cute outdoor garden aesthetic, people are nice and the service is relatively quick. My biggest problem was one of the waiters touching random people to ask if they're doing good? This was a dining room filled with mostly women so it felt really flipping awkward after. Don't touch people, they don't like that, I didn't even know you were coming up to touch me. Anyways the chorizo hash was fine but it probably should've had diced instead of sliced bell peppers. The salsas it came with were fine, nothing extraordinary. I'm mostly bummed out because this was one of the higher rated diners here and I was looking forward to it.

    Menu
    Claudia D.

    Looking for a place to eat for a Sunday morning and so glad we came. They do offer reservations so if you do plan to go a little later in the morning it is a good idea because it got really full. We went earlier and were seated right away with no reservation. They offer indoor seating, patio seating, and outside seating. Everyone was so nice, welcoming and cheery. It is very busy and nicely decorated and colorful. We ordered and the food came out quick and hot and a lot. It can out even before our smoothies. All the food was very good, flavorful, and delicious. I would say the only thing I can say is I wish there was a little more chorizo in my breakfast tacos. Other than that I would gladly go back again.

    Breakfast Burrito
    Stephanie H.

    Driving through San Rafael, I decided to get something from Garden Cafe to go. I ordered the Breakfast Burrito and thought I had ordered the Garden Scramble, but I guess accidentally ordered the Veggie Scramble instead...which didn't come with eggs. Oh well, it had good flavor and I haven't been eating many veggies these days, so it worked out. The breakfast burrito was very good! The hot sauce that was served with it had a good amount of heat, and I really enjoyed it. The variety of fruit served with the burrito also pleasantly surprised me. I ordered a juice with my meal as well. When I called to order, the employee said they had recently renamed their drinks, so she listed off ingredients for a few of them and I just picked based off what she said was inside. The juice was good, but so small! I think it was around a 6oz cup; I was expecting more than that for the price. I also went into use the restroom when I picked up the ordered and employee glared at me, which I thought was weird. I guess he assumed I wasn't a customer and was just wandering in? Overall, good quality and tasty food. However, I do think the price point is a slightly higher than it should be.

    Chorizo Benedict
    Melissa H.

    We tried this place on a busy day. About noon for a late breakfast. The wait wasn't bad, about 10 min to sit anywhere, but we waited 20 min to sit in the patio, worth the wait! It was the day before 4th of July so they were packed. I ordered a Tequila sunrise and my husband the fresh OJ. Both came fast and were excellent!! Food took about 35-40 min but the staff were all working hard and super courteous. They were super busy. That being said we were starving when the food came. I had the chorizo Benedict with avocado. My first time trying eggs Benedict and it was made to perfection! Cooked with the yoke a little runny middle. I had to try it when it had chorizo and egg. My husband had the Daddy Scram which he inhaled and said it was really good. Can't wait to eat here again someday.. Oh.. and don't park in the Safeway parking lot... we saw people getting tickets!

    B.L.T.A., where's the bacon?

    Came here in a Sunday with my daughter. I had the Chorizo Hash, it was as expected. Good but nothing to write home about. My daughter order a B.L.T.A. that was lacking on the bacon. You'd expect more for a $21 BLT (w/ sweet potato fries). It was mostly everything but the B. Service was good, I wouldn't go out of my way for the food. Outdoor seating is nice but faced the Safeway parking lot which made for interesting people watching.

    Michelada
    Michell H.

    Absolutely loved our visit! We had a bomb breakfast here -- the crab cake Benedict was rich and perfectly cooked, and the breakfast tacos were packed with flavor. We washed it all down with Micheladas, which were on point, and the lemon water was incredibly fresh and refreshing. Portions were huge, so come hungry! The real highlight, though besides the excellent service, was the garden seating -- super cute, cozy, and such a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a meal. Amazing food, great drinks, generous portions, and a beautiful atmosphere. Can't wait to come back!

    Fish tacos they must try
    Calvin N.

    This spot is an absolute must-visit. The breakfast alone is worth the trip--massive portions and incredible flavor. Do yourself a favor and order the cinnamon roll pancake. No syrup needed; it's perfectly sweet all on its own. The salmon burger is another standout. It's a real salmon fillet, grilled just right and served on a soft, delicious bun. Total yum. Don't skip the fish tacos, either. Honestly, this menu has it all--from hearty breakfasts to filling lunches. Great sandwiches, tasty omelettes, flavorful tacos... whatever you're craving, you'll find something you love here. You won't be disappointed. This place absolutely belongs on your San Rafael restaurant bucket list.

    House Chilaquiles Eggs, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
    Kimberly A.

    Loved having my birthday breakfast here ! Such great food and even greater people ! Compliments to the chefs they need their ass ate !! And my waiter Franklin such a great guy deserves to get eaten as well ! He knows how to make a conversation going and constantly offering us refills ! He deserves a big round of applause and maybe a pancake or two ! Love it here

    5 Hour Robert's Corned Beef with eggs over easy
    Chandra H.

    Food was really good and fresh. The 5 Hour Robert's corned beef special was really good. I had it with eggs over easy. The dish comes with O'Brien potatoes. Definitely a hearty breakfast. The restaurant is in a sketchy area and parking can be a challenge.

    Banana Pancakes
    Carole B.

    The motto on the sandwich board says "Come Hungry and Leave Happy!" No lies detected. Came here for breakfast when I needed to break my fast after a medical procedure that required I abstain from food for over 24 hours. What a fortuitous find! The banana pancakes were fluffy and moist with a lovely whipped cream to top it off along with a decorative orchid. We also shared the garden omelette which is just a twist on the scramble. It was chock full of delicious asparagus, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes and myriad other delights along with feta cheese. The service was friendly and fast, and the decor of the patio was sweet and homey. The only less than perfect menu item was the biscuit that was a bit dry. Also, a few more strategically placed heaters out on the patio would have been nice. Minor quibbles for such a great place -- my new go-to for breakfast in San Rafael!

    Wake Up Scram
    Mark B.

    Had a delicious brunch on Saturday at 12:30. 17 minute wait but worth it. I had Wake-up Scram and GF had Chilliquilies. Amazing sauce and flavors. Strong coffee and amazing smoothie. Had to wait for sourdough toast but they were super-busy. Will be back to try other food options. Everything we saw looked fantastic. 5 star!

    Lornalyn B.

    We had such a lovely time at Garden Cafe with my favorite people--it made the whole experience even more special. We ordered a little bit of everything: the bacon scramble, cinnamon pancakes, burger, chorizo Benedict, and corned beef hash--and honestly, every single dish was delicious. Everything came out flavorful, well-prepared, and satisfying. The vibe was cozy and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal with people you love. Definitely a spot we'd come back to again!

    Cinnamon Roll Pancakes - soooo fluffy and amazingly delicious. Comes with cinnamon roll frosting on top and maple syrup on the side
    Ariana I.

    Came here for a holiday work brunch and we were seated in their covered, heater filled, patio. The patio even had a water fountain. Super cute. The menu is huge and reasonably priced (about $15-$23 an entree) from several different types of Benedict's, pancakes, French toast, and lots of other specials. They had it all! The portions were also generous so I totally understand why this place is so popular. The service was friendly and efficient too. Parking can be a bit tough but you can snag a spot in the Safeway lot or do street parking (2 hour max on the meter tho).

    See all

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike O.
    3
    41
    10

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alexander G.

    Alexander G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    28 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 6
    Love this 14
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Du N.
    125
    12
    2

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chandra H.
    30
    38
    196

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lornalyn B.
    343
    131
    96

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark H.
    0
    31
    14

    2 months ago

    Great breakfast, reasonably priced, great service, easy to Walt to from almost anywhere downtown.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alma O.
    56
    27
    0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed M.
    0
    21
    32

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Natalie
    0
    17
    24

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Todd R.
    22
    31
    71

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 17

    Garden Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Garden Cafe

    I stopped by to have breakfast and the restaurant is closed. It's under construction, anyone know when they plan to reopen?

    It's open!

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    State Room  - State Room Brewery (coming soon)

    State Room

    4.2(734 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$

    This place was such a fun surprise. The location is really accessible, with street parking…read moreavailable, which made getting there easy. I honestly didn't realize how much I'd enjoy playing pinball until coming here--there aren't many spots that have that kind of unique feature anymore, and it really added to the experience. I went for a Yelp Elite event, and it was great. The owner was there and super welcoming, and his staff were genuinely nice and attentive. We were given bracelets that gave us access to two drinks, which was a fun self-pour experience. That said, it would've been helpful to get a quick tip on pouring (like tilting your glass) beforehand--foam can sneak up on you fast , especially with so many people around. Because it was busy, we were also given a card that allowed unlimited access to the games, which was awesome and made the night even better. I definitely enjoyed my time here. The owner also mentioned that you can rent individual tables or even the whole venue for events, which is something I'd absolutely consider in the future. I'll definitely be back.

    Visited a friend in San Rafael and her first recommendation was State Room! Nothing like an ice…read morecold hazy IPA on a hot summer day. Staff was friendly and reservations were easy to make. They had huge tvs playing sports which entertained the kiddo quite a bit. Breakfast Bravas ($19): The crispy potato coins + pork + runny egg + avocado + chipotle cream = elite combo!!! Stateroom Burger ($20): Cheese is not included and is an extra $2 (???). It was stacked though and hubby could only eat half before he was stuffed! I will absolutely be back for the bottomless mimosas ($25) and I'm curious about the dirty iced chi tea ($14). My daughter also loved all the magnets on the fence in their mini play area :)

    Photos
    State Room
    State Room  - The new bar

    The new bar

    State Room  - Beer menu

    See all

    Beer menu

    Gott's Roadside - California Burger and Texas Avocado Burger with Cheese Fries and Fries. Cookies and cream shake and chocolate vanilla shake

    Gott's Roadside

    3.2(497 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    •$$

    This Gott's location has been around since 2018, but I just stopped by for the first time last…read moreweek. The inside of the restaurant was huge, clean, and well-lit, with tons of seating. There was also plenty of outdoor seating, which seemed to be dog-friendly. The clerk who rang me up seemed friendly and up-beat. Unfortunately, none of their fall specials appealed to me. The specials were a mushroom Swiss burger (I don't like mushrooms), a pumpkin shake (I'm not a big fan of pumpkin), and fries topped with fried shallots (who wants a huge pile of a fried thing topped with a huge pile of another fried thing?). So, I ended up ordering the avocado tacos, to go. Per the menu description, these are: "Crispy fried avocados served in soft, blue corn tortillas with green cabbage & cilantro slaw, Cotija cheese, salsa verde, red onions, lime & chipotle mayo. 3 tacos per order." The tacos were made correctly, with the lime and red onions packaged on the side. Each taco had exactly one slice of fried avocado, which altogether, added up to slightly less than half of an average-sized avocado. To be fair, the tacos are one of the cheapest things on the menu, but, idk, thirteen dollars for half an avocado still seems a little ridiculous. I felt like they should have been called "cabbage slaw tacos with fried avocado," since they were mostly cabbage slaw. On the bright side, at least, the cabbage slaw was really good. It was as crispy and fresh and clean-tasting as it could possibly be. None of the ingredients showed even the slightest sign of spoilage. The blue corn tortillas were also pretty good, and tasted like they could have been house-made, although the menu didn't state this. The cotija cheese and chipotle mayo were good, but sparce. Personally, I don't like my tacos this dry. If I ordered them again, I would ask for extra sauce on the side. Or... I wondered how these tacos would taste with fresh avocado added. Would the contrast between the fresh and fried avocado be fire? Too bad this didn't occur to me before ordering. Maybe next time. Overall, Gott's is a bit on the pricey side for what you get, and their specials aren't the most innovative, but they do serve reliably high-quality food. Although I'm not always as impressed as I was with my first few burgers in Napa, I still thought it was pretty good. Would definitely eat here again, although I think I'll stick with the burgers next time.

    I think the food is spectacular, in particular the Kim-Chi burger. I have the nagging suspicion I…read moream visiting Gott's tonight. I want to reward myself for a tough week. I do miss Fifi's, which vacated when Gott's bought the land. Their fries are fantastic.

    Photos
    Gott's Roadside - Bar with TVs and draft taps: Full bar, beer and wine, soccer on

    Bar with TVs and draft taps: Full bar, beer and wine, soccer on

    Gott's Roadside - Soft shell crab special

    Soft shell crab special

    Gott's Roadside - Outdoors

    See all

    Outdoors

    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart - Shacks with crispy onions

    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart

    2.9(646 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    •$$

    So, it has been a while since we were here, and things have changed - overall, for the better…read more We came at lunch time (about noon) but the place was not at all busy. A few folks outside some inside. This made ordering quick and easy, and the food was prepared quickly; a benefit for us, perhaps not for the business. The place is still attractive and clean, with plenty of tables outside and inside. I did not that, as my last visit, there is no shade really provided for the outside seating, save ONE small umbrella. Ugh - not sure what the issue is, and being it was a sunny day, we opted to sit inside as much as the patio called to us. The inside is nice, too, though, and there is easy access to the soda fountain machine and condiments. There are still self-ordering kiosks, large digital menus, and of course, you can also order through the app (even if standing inside!) or at the counter. We ordered a bit of each - side, main, and dessert! There was a portabella "'Shroom" burger (with a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun), cheese fries, a mac 'n' cheese, chicken bites, and a Key lime shake, a special offering! Damn the calories, full taste ahead! The food was indeed prepared quickly and served hot. The Shroom burger was my favorite last time, and for taste and texture this time was also delicious and good. The cheeses inside were melty-gooey, and the mushroom crispy. It was, though, much smaller than I remember - it fit within my hand! A con, against the price, for what is a nice option for veggies or anyone wanting a change in their burger. The chicken bites were smaller than expected in size, more like nuggets, but tasty. The mac 'n' cheese was also tasty, but also a bit small for the price. The fries are always good, and in this case, you need to dig to the bottom early on to scrape some of the melted cheese that dripped down back onto the fries. Very yummy. But the best part was the Key lime shake, a flavor I just love (cheesecake is my favorite iteration of this flavor) but this milkshake satisfied me greatly. A little pricier than their everyday shakes, but how often so you find a unique flavor like this! A win! Overall, a solid 4-stars for food flavor and quality, and also for ambience and environment. Price wise, it was about $40 for two of us, so not a great bargain, but given the economy today I have the same financial shock at other places as well. Still, a nice treat and we left happy.

    The food and staff here are great but I have to say the dining room is always sooo filthy…read moreIt makes us not even want to eat here, every time we have gone it's always gross it sucks because we love everything else

    Photos
    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart - Inside, soda fountain machine and condiment counter.

    Inside, soda fountain machine and condiment counter.

    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart - Key lime shake. Oh myyyyy!

    Key lime shake. Oh myyyyy!

    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart - 'Shroom burger and the back-up mea!

    See all

    'Shroom burger and the back-up mea!

    Pond Farm Brewing - Roasted half chicken and Cilantro lime salad. NA porter on the side.

    Pond Farm Brewing

    4.4(187 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    •$$

    A year ago our next door neighbors invited is to join them to Monday Trivia at Pond Farm. We had…read moresuch a great time that this has become a weekly celebration for folks on our street. Greg is a great Trivia host and it feels like home going each week. Come and see for yourself.

    This place is popular, but I do not see why. The beer is just fine like any beer you get anywhere…read more You have to order by standing in line. The prices aren't any lower, even though there is no waiter coming for your table, just the opposite. There is no host to see you, and you can share tables, so it's quite uncomfortable in some situations. The other issue is there are kids running around that is not the fault of the restaurant but the clientele. Kids are running in and out the door playing on the sidewalk out front and overall just make an uncomfortable experience to have adult beverages, unless you're the kind of parent who likes to speak inappropriately and drink inappropriately in front of your children. None of this is really the biggest issue, which is the food is absolutely terrible. They should just serve crackers and cheese or something premade somewhere else. Lastly, the parking is terrible as there is none. It's a dangerous area of fourth Street with people speeding up right where the front doors are to enter Mericle mile. Please be careful especially with your children. It's strange to me why people think a place is good or cool just because they serve alcohol. This place is not good, but especially I can tell you that it is not cool. The clientele are very trendy, dorky, yuppies trying to be cool!!! one piece of advice for the restaurant and the customers is you can't try to be cool. Either you are cool or you're not and then most cases you're not! It's just because a place has beer doesn't make it cool, and just because you go there with your kids doesn't make you cool! Again, the real problem with the place is simply lack of originality and terrible food, as well as boring people who are spoiled brats!

    Photos
    Pond Farm Brewing - Window seat bar area

    Window seat bar area

    Pond Farm Brewing
    Pond Farm Brewing - Bar area

    See all

    Bar area

    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda - lamb burger w/kale salad

    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda

    3.9(197 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    •$$

    Located in Terra Linda near Scotty's Market, this restaurant has plenty of parking. We stopped in…read morefor lunch around 1 p.m. on Saturday, and it wasn't very busy, so we were seated promptly. It's a large space with indoor and some outdoor seating. We ordered two smash burgers: one with the included house-made chips and the other with a side of fries. I opted to skip the "special sauce" because I'm not a fan of Thousand Island dressing. The included pickles were also a little too sour for my taste. The burgers were delicious! The potato buns were soft, toppings were plentiful, and the 3-ounce size was perfect for lunch. Service was fast, and everyone was very helpful and friendly. I will definitely return!

    Monk's Kettle is well known in the Bay Area and beyond, but since their SF location has…read moreunfortunately closed, I did not have a chance to try it out. This location in greater San Rafael is a bit out of my way, but a recent trip to Marin was an opportunity to make up for the lost. Located in a business center, parking here is not an issue and they were not particularly busy on a Sunday night. We were seated immediately, noticing how clean and modern the two-story gastropub looks. The food menu is more or less pub food, executed well. Mango-habanero wings were crispy and came with two dipping sauces, both delicious. We also tired the pretzel, which is on a smaller size, so next time I'll take our server's suggestion and order two. It also came with mustard and cheese for dipping. All their burgers are more or less a la carte: no fries, but chips and house pickle on the side. The burgers were fine though, with smash being smaller, but a bit tastier than their signature Monk's burger. Simplicity is sometimes the best. The beer list is expertly curated with focus on other styles besides IPA, but I assume that Russian River's Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig are always on the menu, in addition to ultra-local options. For pub fare, Monk's Kettle is a bit pricy, which is not totally unexpected in today's economy-especially knowing the area. However, elevated food, drinks, and service quality usually comes with the elevated price tag. We might not be back next time in Marin, but this was surely not the last visit to Monk's.

    Photos
    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda
    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda - Lamb burger

    Lamb burger

    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda - New favorite place

    See all

    New favorite place

    Garden Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...