Calendula Cottage Cafe & Gardens (Glenbrook, New Zealand)

by Raymund · Published April 30, 2019 · Updated May 23, 2019

There are many unexpected places in New Zealand and this was one of them, literally tucked in the middle of nowhere, located in Glenbrook this restaurant is surrounded by farms on every side. An oasis in the middle of lush farm greeneries this place surprised me. I dined in here on a Saturday lunch and was never expecting it to be packed with diners specially in a far-away place like this, a place that is really nice for families where there are countless picnic tables and gazebo dining area as well as the main restaurant. With a nice garden feel, you are shaded from the sun by trees regardless what time of the day you dine in. To simply put it in words, they have a lovely setting, a cool little spot out of nowhere.

Menu was quite simple, when I visited there were only 24 selections from the menu, choices like burger, pasta, salad and all-day breakfast items, they also have a specials board where Seafood Chowder was on offer that day and a baked goodies cabinet that will make you drool, selections like quiche, pies, cakes and different kinds of slices.

Since we had a buffet breakfast that morning was still not that much hungry when we stopped over here but I was craving for something salty so I had some Bacon and Mushroom Fettuccine (NZ$18.50), basically a Fettuccine pasta served with Sautéed Mushrooms and Bacon served in a creamy white wine and Parmesan sauce. This thing was rich, creamy, definitely delicious, serving size was huge and I love it.

I paired that with a Thirst Mango Smoothie (NZ$8.00), this too was amazingly delicious, thick, tangy and creamy, it’s hard to believe that it was 97% fat free.

I love it here, quiet, peaceful, a perfect place to stopover and relax, it is definitely good for families, in fact most of the ones I saw dining in here were families with young kids. Food was great, as well as its serving, all were freshly made (apart from the ones on the cabinet) and ample serving size. I would definitely stop by here again in the future if I pass by this place.