The Topiary Cafe

I have so many fond memories of my childhood, so many lovely snap shots taken in my mind of the four of us being together and some of those memories involve the Adelaide Hills. I remember going to a privately owned cherry farm each year and mum and dad got to know the owner Alex and we would pick cherries and then come home with bags of other fresh produce including these giant lemons! So many lovely memories of going to the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, picking strawberries in Hahndorf and best of all, one of my most vivid and heart warming memories is when my parents would take us to the Topiary Cafe at Newman’s Nursery where they would order my brother and me scones with jam and cream!

As I grew up I would start to meet my friends for afternoon tea at the Topiary Cafe or if I was stressed or needed time to myself I would get in my car and drive straight there where I would look around the garden centre and then sit down in the beautiful tea rooms where I would gather my thoughts and feel so happy to be living so close to such a lovely place.

Now that I am married and I’m a mum, I take pleasure in returning to this place over and over with my husband and my little boy, hoping that they too will create fond and lasting memories of this little gem. The Topiary Cafe itself has transformed over the years from a quaint little tea room that takes me back to my childhood, to a now sophisticated cafe where seasonal produce is prepared to create an amazing experience every time. The service is always friendly and the food is delicious. Plus, the outdoor setting makes me feel like I’m in a beautiful secret garden nestled in the peaceful foot hills of the Adelaide Hills. 

The menu doesn’t have obvious dietary requirement options stated on it, however if you ask the friendly staff they are always able to let you know what they can make for you to suit your needs.

I recently went there for a date with my husband for breakfast and we were not disappointed! I was given the option of home made gluten free bread and the juice I ordered was delicious! I was able to also order almond milk to go with me tea and they provide vegan options when asked as well. The produce is seasonal and from my experience, the menu changes to suit the beautiful produce available.

When our little boy comes with us for lunch or afternoon tea he loves to order what he calls the “snack plate” which is full of lovely fresh produce and it beats the hot chips and chicken nuggets served on most other kids menus.

Yes, compared to some of the other cafes and restaurants that have a plethora of GF, DF and RSF options boldly stated on their menu, this cafe doesn’t fit in the same category but if we’re talking about fresh, seasonal, tasty and beautifully presented food in a tranquil atmosphere then I’m happy to settle for asking the staff what can be prepared for me rather than expecting the options to jump out at me. That is a compromise I’m willing to make. (and let me tell you, I don’t say that often!)

So, if you’re ever near Tea Tree Gully and you’re feeling like a look around a beautiful garden centre as well as a lovely food experience then look no further than The Topiary Cafe.