What should I order at The Secret Garden?
The Secret Garden
Nachos bowl with meat and sour cream
Mentioned multiple times as a must-try dish that provided a flavorful and festive experience, described as a 'fiesta for taste buds' and 'not-to-be-missed.'
Wet Burrito
Highly praised as the best wet burrito ever tasted, with excellent flavor and portion size, making it a standout Mexican dish at the restaurant.
Tacos
Frequently highlighted for their delicious taste and authenticity, with several reviewers noting them as a top item alongside other Mexican dishes.
Quesadillas
Described as 'de-li-cious' and recommended by multiple guests, quesadillas are noted for their great flavor and are part of the popular Mexican offerings.
Classic barbacoa burrito
Specifically mentioned for its excellent flavor, with one guest upgrading to a wet burrito, indicating satisfaction with the burrito options.
Chargrilled pepper and tomato quiche
Recommended for brunch; praised for being delicious and paired well with a tropical green smoothie, offering a tasty alternative to Mexican dishes.
Pizza
Noted as 'on point' and among the most delicious pizzas ever tried at the venue, indicating a strong secondary menu item beyond Mexican food.
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 and is also known for breakfast items like scones and brunch dishes, along with cocktails, coffee, beer, wine, and desserts. Reviewers consistently praise the food, especially burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and seafood bowls, as well as the lush garden setting and live music. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, with outdoor seating and space for groups, tourists, and solo diners.
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, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas, plus live music in a tropical garden setting. Reviewers repeatedly mention generous portions, fast service even when busy, and a laid-back vibe that feels like a hidden garden.
What dishes are most recommended at The Secret Garden?
The wet burrito is called out as a standout, along with pork burritos, seafood bowl, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas. Breakfast reviewers also mention custard lemon curd scones, spicy hot chocolate, and the chargrilled pepper and tomato quiche with a tropical green smoothie.
Is The Secret Garden good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is NZ$20 to 50, and reviewers say the portions are good and the prices feel fair for the amount of food and drinks. People also note that the food comes out quickly and that the cocktails, beers, and Mexican plates make it a solid value for a meal in Waihi Beach.
When is the best time to visit The Secret Garden?
Reviewers say it can get very busy on Saturday nights and during events, but the kitchen still tends to move food out quickly. If you want a calmer visit, breakfast or brunch is a good option, and the garden setting and scones are often mentioned in the morning.
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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