Over the years I have been a customer to the scented garden. Several years ago, with the new ownership, the amenities and the food improved dramatically. This made visits more enticing with my family and I giving the business considerable support. Generally the staff are basically friendly, however, a waitress (fair short hair) has an abrupt attitude. An example when asked to sit at at seat that is reserved in advance by 35 minutes, stating I am only going to be 15 minutes. Rude and abrupt response, “what if they come in early!”. Huffed and puffed at 7.30 am when a table had to be rearranged for a pram, not allowing a side of toast available for a one year old (when available on the menu) and insisting the full compliment at $8 had to be purchased. Also seen snickering with other staff when the customer arrives. Also condescending when payment received when under $10 on cc - oh that is a card 20 cents extra!! Reading other reviews, management you do have a problem with customer service. Yes customers do need a flexible approach, yes you can have that reserved seat until the people arrive. I suggest managent send a message to staff that emotional intelligence is an important part of customer service..

Another day, another lunch. School holidays and this place was pleasantly busy around lunchtime. I ordered a chai latte. It was okay but I’ve had better. But it was served hot which was exactly what I needed. Water was placed on the table quickly. My daughter chose the corn fritters with bacon. I had the chicken burger. Portion sizes were great. Taste - fabulous. It’s wonderful when people know their food and how to cook and present it. The moment the food hit the table we knew we were in for a good meal. And then we saw.....the cheesecake. With only one slice left, we snapped it up for later. This cafe has been altered so although it has an outside feel, it is enclosed from the elements. Gas heaters are strategically placed to keep customers warm. Service was fast as always with a smile. Very welcoming. $30 a head was a little steep but quality made it worth it. Notes: wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Good parking at McAdams Square. We will return. ☕️ d e b i

Disappointed that you guys don't serve food anymore- my group originally wanted to come here for brunch after seeing it on internet. Nice set up, I love the iron gates, the green leafy surrounds, the custom umbrella logos are so cute, and I especially loved that the cafe is obviously very dog friendly( and provides a free dog biscuit ) We went locally for brunch BUT had all still been looking forward to getting cakes and coffee here ( when I rang- I was told they no longer served meals but had a great selection of cakes to have with coffees/ hot chocs) When we arrived, the extremely limited selection of sweets ( mini gingerbread men, iced cookies and a few muffins- plus dog biscuits)meant that we were unable to enjoy our planned outing. So can't comment on the food ☹️ My mother tells me their hot drinks are nice...... Lots of available parking
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Food: 1
Atmosphere: 3

I have been to the Scented Garden on more than a few occasions and the food has always been excellent. I wanted to take my family for breakfast and so booked a table for this morning. It was very busy and the wait staff were run off their feet. The food again was of a high standard, however two meals arrived and the next two meals didn’t arrive until about 30 minutes after. My son had finished his meal and had his plate taken away before my husband and I were served. The waitress’ apology was a little perfunctory and when she finally put the second two plates down, she asked my son if he was waiting on food!!!! I do understand that mistakes are made, but they never acknowledged this. Also, they lost a coffee order. It makes me not want to go back.

Something smells and it is not scented. Today I ordered a toasted ham and cheese sandwich which finally arrived on a plate with salad. I said that I did not order a salad and the man took the plate away and returned the plate with just the toasted sandwich. At the checkout, my bill included the salad and the lady was insisting I pay for it. So, a waitress took my order without telling me salad accompanied the sandwich, a man took my plate away to remove the salad without telling me that I would be charged for it anyway, and now this money grabber at the counter is demanding I pay for a salad that I didn't ask for nor eat. I paid it so not to make a scene. If that is not a scam, what is? I won't return to The Smelly Garden Cafe.

Not only is this place very unique, but the people working there are very helpful when it comes to dietary restrictions I went in and asked what they had for gluten free options and they helped me pick out a delicious brownie! I also helped myself to a latte while I was there Would highly recommend, I'll be going back whenever I'm in the area
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
Very helpful for gluten free, and also had decaf coffee, which is great because I can't have caffeine
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Easy to park at!

They dont serve food anymore. We initally came for breakfast when we moved in the area, we were told they have had no kitchen since before COVID. Coffee is average at best, I gave it a go a few times purely based on how close they are to where I live, but every single time I went to buy a coffee and a crossaint the pastry was so stale I could beat someone to death with it, every time. Bad vibes, average service and very average food and drinks. I drive to get a coffee every single morning rather than the 1min walk to this Cafe.

Great coffee! Canine friendly but a shame you cant get a sit in meal like pre pandemic yet.. if ever. Other resteraunts have had dine in for a while. Could be due to post pandemic and staff shortages. But would be nice to see it open to diners indoors again as it once was. (Although then may not be able to be as dog friendly either though too which is a current bonus for locals walking their fur babies!)
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20

New ownership and boy have they done a great job on the renovation and stylish fit out. Cannot wait for the new roof and heaters too. Coffee is delicious and food is yummy. So far the breakfast omelette is my fave closely followed by the corn fritters! House made muffins have great flavour combinations and the date scones are light and fresh. Big tick for the service with a smile. All working hard to make a point of difference with their offering. Well done. Big Tick!

This cafe has a lovely atmosphere, we were welcomed with a smile. Love that they use Fair Trade coffee. I had the deconstructed hot chocolate which comes in white, milk or dark chocolate. It was decadently creamy and yummy with a generous amount of chocolate buttons (of your choice)to mix in to your hearts content yourself. I choose the milk chocolate and loved it even though it was a bit too sweet for my taste. Next time I will try the dark chocolate.

Excellent service and the owners were very generous and put the order on the house when we placed a return order for my Mocha, which was just perfect . The lady at the counter had a warm smile n had our order prepared promptly. Highly recommended place to visit for a coffee, a good snack and a hearty conversation ..You guys deserve the appreciation coz of which customers come back to you

Very slow service, coffee is very bitter and was served with a dirty spoon. Lunch was basic (eggplant focaccia $15, replaced half the eggplant with pumpkin yet was charged $3 extra). No cutlery came out with lunch, had to walk inside and ask for it. When we told the owner we were unhappy with our service and food she had little to say and didn't apologise. Used to be a nice cafe, now over priced with bad service.

The croissants here are amazing! I got the almond croissant which was nice and sweet. I really enjoyed the crunch of the almond flakes on the croissant. My friends ordered the almond, pistachio & raspberry croissant and they loved it a lot. The hot chocolate here is super good too - delicious and rich in flavour! ☕
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Stopped in here today and got a Latte and a egg and bacon Turkish roll was a late lunch for me and was so brillant ,will be heading back to here real soon for same again,very good food and friendly people,clearly they got a real clue on how to win a new repeat customer there,cheers
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

Great place for a coffee and cake or lunch. Mostly organic foods and coffee. Lovely atmosphere and great food and service. Ver friendly attentive staff. The green matcha late was really good as was the organic coffee. Meals are very generous portions and beautifully presented. My breakfast omelete was great. Look forward to returning. Can highly recommend.

A very pleasant place to eat Big Breakfast - Soft poached eggs, mushroom, bacon, firm cooked tomato, potato rosti, tasty fennel sausages and a lovely coffee. The almost out doors feel is fantastic on a sunny day and the atmosphere is very comforting. Thank you chef for making such a tasty meal and thank you front of house for being so happy.

I really enjoyed having lunch at The Scented Garden Cafe. We took baby Annie out for her first cafe visit and found that the unisex toilet adequate to change her. I ordered the eggplant focaccia and loved the olive spread and the home-made focaccia bread. It was quite busy there, however we were served in a timely manner and with a smile.

Stopped here for lunch and a coffee. Very friendly. Limited but sufficient menu. Coffee was great. Lovely atmosphere with closed in/ covered decking and heaters ( warm enough in winter!) Also had some interesting giftware and plants for sale
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–20

Excellent service. Great coffee. Young champ today did a great job with customer service. And service was quick. This place is also animal friendly. Dont be affriad to take your pets and enjoy the atmosphere. Thanks again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

Fabulous GF egg and bacon roll and even asked if I was coeliac. Great coffee. Amazing service. While I was there the owner took up a floorboard to retrieve a credit card that a little boy had dropped!! Charmingly and willingly done!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

Lovely little place that’s even better in person! Staff are friendly and accommodating, scones are great (not your typical but still ), atmosphere is very nice. Blankets supplied and plenty of indoor heating. Will be back and most likely a new local Can’t wait to try this place when it warms up as well.

Nice place but I wasn't treated very well when I asked what the origin was of a product! Customers have a right to know what they're consuming and paying for. It was a polite request that was treated with hostility! Watch your customer service skills girls! Politeness without sarcasm goes a long way!

The scented garden has a diverse and appealing menu with generous serves. After a recent renovation the whole cafe is modern and appealing with indoor and outdoor tables. The service was fairly quick and the staff very friendly, even handing out blankets when the weather turned cold.

Great coffee.. excellent staff..
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking

This is our go-to cafe for a quick coffee in the morning after a walk. Their coconut almond cake is definitely a must try!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Staff are very friendly and helpful. Lattés and cappuccinos are fantastic (some of the best I've had in Melbourne). The food is tasty and well-presented, and pricing reflects that, but in my opinion it's not overpriced. I plan on becoming a regular :)

Amazing service! Fantastic coffee! Very dog friendly with dog biscuits free.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Muffins

I love this little cafe. The staff are always friendly and efficient. The menu has a great selection of interesting meals. The Vietnamese Coconut Salad is fantastic. The Fair Trade coffee is a great choice too. What a gem of a place to visit.

Awesome spot, great coffee, specially the turmeric latte... Awesome omelette, so delicious and yum. Granola was very well presented and it was so good however it’s not my cup of coffee but loved it when I tested a little bit from my wife’s

This is one of my goto spots. Coffee is great and has a large selection of teas. The food menu has plenty of options and the meals are always very well presented. Give this place a go for your next brunch, you won't be disappointed.

Amazing food, amazing coffee and amazing service.. not much more to say tbh. I'm a local and this is my go to for Sunday brunch, but my dad lives a couple of suburbs away and this is still his go to for a cheeky eat out meal.

New find I really like the service, food, and atmosphere and it just nice joint.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lovely place to have a morning coffee
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Quaint is how I would describe it. Good to grab a quick takeaway coffee or sit down and relax after dropping kids off at the school. Not much seating space if you are a small group of people. Friendly staff.

Went this morning, the dog of the week poster was funny and cute, so was the wall of dog photos. I want to come back with a dog
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

Lovely vibe and warm and quiet atmosphere on a cold weekday. Great coffee
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent cafe, with pleasant covered area plus some outside tables. Staff are courteous and friendly. Menu caters to vegans, plenty of Milk alternatives, like soy and almond milk. Highly recommended.

They have the most beautiful selection of teas and I loved their raw caramel slice. Great atmosphere and there are vines growing all over the cafe's exterior... It really is a garden.

Absolutely love this cafe, I dont go anywhere else for my coconut chai! All the staff are so friendly and nice. We'll done team!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My go-to for a ham and cheese croissant and my "peppermint mocha" (dark chocolate lovers will be impressed). They're consistent and super friendly, highly recommend this place.

Lovely cafe, the friendliest one in the square. Good menu with lots of choices. Fabulous coffee. On cold days it can be a bit chilly but they do have blankets and heaters.

Beautiful venue, tasty food but service is hit and miss. One waitress was fantastic but another barely spoke. I asked for the toilet and she just nodded and pointed.

Beautiful little café haven in a pretty part of town. Impressive service and food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20

I love coming here with my pooch, it's easy to walk in and order a coffee and as a treat buy him a baked dog cookie. He absolutely adores them.

Nice revive of the old scented garden! Wonderful food and honest service. Portions were good and make for a perfect brunch spot.

Good service with a nice garden type atmosphere
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Beautiful outdoor sitting and lovely staffs. Good coffee and nice food …

No lunch options other than what’s in the cabinet, went elsewhere.

Excellent cafe with great staff and a relaxing atmosphere

Amazing food!!!! Definitely a hidden gem …