The Chef's Garden

9 Poole Cl, Empire Bay NSW 2257, Australia
+61 2 4369 1422
$$$ Cafe , Caterer
(137 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Nestled in the picturesque Empire Bay, The Chef's Garden is a delightful cafe that effortlessly blends culinary artistry with a serene natural setting. As you approach this local gem at 9 Poole Cl, the soothing sounds of cicadas greet you, setting the perfect tone for a laid-back dining experience. With a phone number of +61 2 4369 1422, it’s a place that invites you to unwind and indulge your senses.

The cafe specializes in fresh, vibrant dishes that celebrate the best of Australian cuisine. One of the standout offerings is the Big Breakfast, where two perfectly cooked eggs—poached, fried, or scrambled—are served on toasted sourdough, accompanied by crispy bacon, chorizo, a whole garlic mushroom, and a succulent squashed tomato. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that delivers comforting flavors and hearty satisfaction.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t overlook the Creamy Sticky Rice Pudding. This delightful dessert is a treat for the senses, featuring warm spices, a luscious caramel glaze, charred fruit, toasted coconut, and candied nuts, all crowned with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Just imagine taking that first spoonful—the rich flavors meld together in a way that feels both indulgent and uplifting.

But what truly sets The Chef's Garden apart is the enchanting atmosphere. With a design reminiscent of a tropical paradise, it's easy to lose track of time here. Customers like Luke Hart have praised the cafe as a "unique tropical paradise," highlighting the exceptional food quality and immaculate presentation. The lush surroundings, including a koi fish pond, create a tranquil ambiance that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable outing.

Social gatherings are a particular joy at this cafe, as Karyn Driscoll shared, noting how her group of mums thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food while basking in the beautiful forest-like atmosphere. The attentive staff adds to the overall experience, ensuring each visit is met with a welcoming smile and excellent service.

Laura Mae Kijurina even chose The Chef’s Garden for a special birthday celebration, appreciating the flexibility of the staff who accommodated her cake while she enjoyed the stunning views—even from a distance due to the weather. It’s those little touches that make this cafe a place worth returning to, time and time again.

So whether you’re stopping by for a casual brunch with friends or celebrating a special occasion, The Chef's Garden promises a delightful experience filled with flavor and warmth. Visit soon and discover why this cafe is quickly becoming a beloved staple in the community.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

137 Reviews
Charlene Jee

09 Sep 2025

Great cafe food in a naturalistic environment! In the summer the cicadas were blaring away. Thai beef salad and steak sandwich were both great. A bit on the pricey side - almost $30 each dish.

Luke Hart

04 Sep 2025

I often review with 5 stars to support a business. However on this instance the experience truly is/was 5 stars. The food quality is superb. The taste immaculate. Presentation 5 stars. The ambience a unique tropical paradise that reminded me of Nautilus in Port Douglas. Back to the food! I cannot wait to return to trial the rest of the menu. The ingredients are considerate and well thoughout. The flavour make for a superb culinary experience. I almost dont want to share this place because it is a perfect rare find gem.

Louise Raneri

03 Sep 2025

A wonderfully serene and picturesque spot to relax with friends. Staff were lovely and the coffee was good. Ordered the steak sandwich and the pancakes. OMG they were amazing! Will definitely be back!

LAURA MAE Kijurina

25 Aug 2025

I chose this place to have my birthday lunch as I had been once before. Even though we could not sit near the koi fish pond due to the weather it was still lovely. They did allow me to bring my cake and do charge a fee but were flexible with me on the that corkage as I brought all the plates and cutlery. Thank you Lorrai. Beautiful food, beautiful atmosphere,great service, what better place to be with good friends. Note: it is also BYOB and there is a small corkage fee per person.

Maria Ha

05 Aug 2025

What a beautiful gem this cafe is. The food is exceptional. A unique touch on each dish and full of flavour. The location is tranquil and very inviting. The service is great. Really looking forward to my next visit! Was worth the drive from Sydney!

Yolande Donovan

25 Jul 2025

Amazing setting for a cafe lots of lovely good choices and very friendly staff. Half an hour wait for a bit of bacon and egg was a bit much considering only a quarter of the tables were occupied but overall a nice Sunday brunch.

Yuno

16 Jun 2025

Such a great place to chill out and enjoy food. Love the business idea of combining plants & cafe. Great service, great environment.

Karyn Driscoll

14 Jun 2025

I was a part of a large group of mums who had lunch here. Everyone raved about the delicious food which exceeded our expectations. The beautiful atmosphere, making you feel like you are in the forest and the koi fish pond, really adds to the experience. I highly recommend eating here.

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