Cafes

Cafe Giardino

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

143Victoria St, Taree NSW 2430, Australia $20–40
4.4
460 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Taree at 143 Victoria St, Cafe Giardino is not just a cafe; it's an enchanting escape where the spirit of Italy meets the vibrant culture of Australia. This charming establishment offers a delightful blend of classic Australian fare infused with Italian flair, creating dishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.

As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, adorned with beautiful decor that transports you to a sunny European piazza. The friendly staff, always eager to chat and recommend their favorites, elevate the dining experience with their warmth. Whether you're here for a hearty breakfast or a leisurely lunch, the ambiance is perfect for unwinding and savoring the moment.

Customers rave about the enticing menu, which features a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. Indulge in the garlic prawns, a tantalizing starter that promises succulent shrimp sautéed to perfection, or savor the halloumi sticks and falafel, which are simply irresistible. If you're in the mood for something hearty, don't miss the lamb burger—a mouthwatering option that combines juicy lamb with robust flavors. And for a sweet finish, the authentic cannoli offers a delightful crunch and creamy filling that is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Customer experiences highlight the cafe's strengths and weaknesses. Lyndon Blok's review expresses joy over discovering a gem in Taree, particularly praising the "fantastic" meal offerings and house sodas. Conversely, a review from J P mentions a recent price increase and notes that while the food was decent, it lacked a unique touch. However, Duncan McArdle found joy in the breakfast menu, emphasizing the delicious coffee and generous portions for children—proving there’s something for everyone here. Dale Hamlyn also confirms the cafe's charm with a delightful early morning visit filled with scrumptious granola and friendly chatter with staff.

Cafe Giardino stands out for its ability to create an experience that resonates with both locals and travelers alike. Whether you're looking for that perfect espresso to kickstart your day or an inviting space to relax with friends and family, this cafe makes for an ideal stop. So, if you find yourself passing through Taree, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the culinary delights and welcoming vibe that Cafe Giardino has to offer. You'll leave with a full belly and a happy heart!

03 Notes from regulars

460 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.4
Based on 460 verified notes
5 382
4 64
3 28
2 17
1 33
All Lamb Sandwich Eggs Benedict Outdoor Seating Mussels Mediterranean Plate Gluten Free Options Calamari Courteous Staff Prawn Rigatoni Lamb Shoulder
Lyndon Blok.
6 month ago
What a surprise. We weren’t expecting to find anything special in Taree. We love our Italian restaurants and it’s easy to say Cafe Giardino is one of the best. Olives, falafel, halloumi sticks, garlic prawns, caprese salad and the cannoli to finish off. Fantastic. Oh, we also had 2 of the house sodas. Highly recommended.
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J P.
7 month ago
Cafe Giardino was regarded as a hip and trendy cafe in Taree, with their distinctive and pretty atmosphere. But they have greedily raised their price over the years. Don’t get me wrong, their food is not bad. We ordered lamb burger and halloumi chips, which were yummy enough but salty. Nothing super special though, it’s just regular cafe food. The serving size wasn’t big and there is no salad or chips come with, it’s not tiny but ordinary.. 3 deep fried halloumi sticks with garlic aioli sauce for $16. What’s excellent is their drinks, especially house made cold drinks, worth what I paid for. The service was great. Staff is friendly and attentive, and quick service. The decor is pretty with green and flowery themes, which is very exotic. Hence I would say eating in there is pleasant experience.
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Duncan McArdle.
7 month ago
Really great breakfast spot where classics Australian food meets an Italian twist. The food was really good, and the children's meals were very generous portions. Price wise it was expensive, including a Sunday surcharge. Coffee was delicious! Really great taste and excellent latte art too. Highchairs were available, but no baby changing even though there was plenty of room for a table in at least the women's toilet. Plenty of on street parking right around the corner, or down by the water. Staff were mostly friendly but a little abrupt at times.
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Alexander Howen.
7 month ago
I am always curious when I see lots of positive and some negative reviews. Any restaurant can have a bad day or maybe the customer is the one having a bad day. I like to find out for myself. Just yesterday I was travelling south on the Pacific Highway. My wife and I decided a rest stop was in order. We did not expect much in Taree on a Sunday afternoon however we had a pleasant surprise. Courtesy Google maps we chose Cafe Giardino and these guys are serious about catching the trade being open with a full menu offering mid Sunday afternoon. The fee of this cafe is charming - a slice of Southern European cafe vibe. The outside seating is nicely shielded from the Victoria Street traffic. You can find the menu elsewhere on this Google entry. There were plenty of interesting choices. My wife reported the salt and pepper calamari was deliciously tender and flavoured. My Nana’s Falafel was slightly crispy with a tasty moist falafel mix inside. I thought I chose well. The pictured cool drinks were a hit. Described as home made sodas, the pink one is strawberry/mint and the green one is called Persian cucumber and mint. Both were so much better than commercial soft drinks. I recommend them. The exciting surprise for me was the coffee. I ordered my usual macchiato (my barista test) and my wife a strong small long black. She reported positively straight way. I was not so enthusiastic until about half way through my macchiato. Because the flavour was not bland, it grew on me until suddenly the rich, caramel flavours hit me. I had the most pleasant coffee after taste for an hour. These Amanti beans combined with their barista were a winner. I can now say the coffee was a 9/10 for me. I do not normally review toilets. I have seen a lot of terrible toilets. The male toilets were OK however I loved the antique tap - hence the photograph. Now I know this place exists, I might just ensure I detour to Taree when I normally give it a miss. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed a our visit to Cafe Giardino. The service was attentive and quick. Could not ask for more.
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Dale Hamlyn.
8 month ago
What a delightful find early Sunday morning You could think you were in Europe. My Granola & coffee were fantastic. Staff very friendly & chatty. Loved it all
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Amanda Pratt.
8 month ago
Absolutely stunning delicious brunch - enjoyed immensely… travelling with a celiac and nothing was a problem. Server was kind friendly, happy and was quick. Will definitely be back when travelling through Taree again from Sydney A must visit!
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Ann Kirkwood.
9 month ago
Devine little surprise in our journey to Sydney. Atmosphere, music, decor, coupled delicious, fresh food, great coffee and such a lovely waiter named Harry. Perfection
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Jane Zerafa.
9 month ago
Cute little cafe, that was open on New Year's Day! As we were passing by the little town. The staff were accommodating and there was a toilet inside. The hot drinks were very nice and smooth. The food was quite delicious and flavourful. The atmosphere was quite awesome had a lot of trinkets around and decorated with flowers hanging everywhere. Would recommend.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Friday 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Sunday 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Finding the door

143Victoria St, Taree NSW 2430, Australia

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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