What should I order at The Secret Garden?
The Secret Garden
Wet Burrito
Most frequently praised dish in the reviews; multiple people said it was the best they’d ever tasted, by far the standout item among the burritos.
Nachos
Repeatedly recommended as delicious and outstanding, with one reviewer saying they blew them away; the nachos bowl with meat and sour cream was also singled out as a highlight.
Burritos
Mentioned several times as very tasty, including a pork burrito that was still delicious and a general burrito order that was part of an excellent meal.
Quesadillas
Called mouthwatering and enjoyed as part of the Mexican spread; reviewers clearly highlighted them as a flavorful item worth ordering.
Tacos
Recommended as part of the restaurant’s standout Mexican food, with reviewers saying the tacos were full of flavor and among the best they’d had.
Seafood Bowl
Specifically mentioned as yum and delicious, making it a notable non-Mexican-style dish that got strong praise.
Ceviche
Described as the freshest ever had and packed with flavor, making it one of the most enthusiastically praised dishes.
Pizza
Mentioned positively as part of a varied meal and described as pretty nice, showing it’s a solid option beyond the Mexican dishes.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 4 to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
About The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is a restaurant, live music venue, and tiki bar in Waihi Beach, New Zealand. It serves Mexican food, along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and also offers drinks, desserts, and small plates. Reviews consistently praise the food, especially burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and scones, as well as the lush garden setting and live music. Guests also frequently mention the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Secret Garden known for?
It is best known for Mexican food, especially burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, served in a tropical garden setting in Waihi Beach. Reviewers repeatedly mention the live music and the relaxed, hidden-garden atmosphere as part of the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at The Secret Garden?
Reviewers most often highlight wet burritos, pork burritos, seafood bowls, nachos, and quesadillas. For breakfast, custard lemon curd scones, spicy hot chocolate, and the chargrilled pepper and tomato quiche also get specific praise.
What is the atmosphere like at The Secret Garden?
The vibe is described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, with a lush tropical garden layout and lots of unique seating areas. It suits groups, couples on a date night, and solo diners, and several reviews mention that live music and events make it feel lively and busy.
Is The Secret Garden good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is NZ$20 to 50, and reviewers often say the portions are generous and the food comes out fast even when it is busy. Several comments also mention that the prices and portion sizes make it feel worth the trip.
When is the best time to visit The Secret Garden?
Breakfast and brunch are popular for items like scones, quiche, and smoothies, while evenings are known for live music and a busier event atmosphere. If you want a calmer experience, reviews suggest it can get crowded on Saturday nights and during events.
Is parking available at The Secret Garden?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Secret Garden have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Secret Garden offers vegan options.
Is The Secret Garden kid-friendly?
Yes, The Secret Garden is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Secret Garden in Waihi Beach
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