Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s has been a cherished destination in Pialligo, Australian Capital Territory, since opening its doors in 1996. Set within the lush grounds of Rodney's Plants Plus at 24 Beltana Road, the cafe combines fresh, seasonal dining with a relaxed garden atmosphere. The venue has grown into a popular meeting place for business lunches, mothers groups, family get-togethers, and casual meals with friends, all just minutes from central Canberra.

The menu is shaped by Executive Chef Nathan Kleinig, whose background includes serving as Executive Chef at Parliament House and working in several of Canberra's most respected restaurants. Breakfast, lunch, and an all-day dining menu feature homemade meals built around seasonal produce and local suppliers. Diners can expect a range of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options alongside hearty classics like the Gardeners Breakfast and Yoghurt Battered Fish Chips. A providore shop operates Wednesday to Sunday, offering take-home meals such as pastas, sauces, roast chickens, kebabs, salads, lasagnes, and casseroles, with prices starting from $5.

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s holds a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps based on 1,143 reviews. Customer feedback consistently highlights the welcoming atmosphere, the quality of the food, and the family-friendly environment. One reviewer described it as "a great spot for kids (there is a suitable playground), the food is delicious and the atmosphere fantastic." Another noted the "inviting atmosphere for a relaxed coffee break or a small snack" and praised the "super playground for children." The owner actively engages with reviews, thanking patrons for their visits and feedback.

Menu Highlights at Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s

The kitchen prepares an all-day menu that shifts with the seasons, emphasizing Canberra and regional produce. Breakfast staples include the popular Gardeners Breakfast, while lunch features standout dishes such as Yoghurt Battered Fish Chips. The cafe is also known for its house-baked cakes, biscuits, slices, and Devonshire Teas, best enjoyed in the garden courtyard.

• Gardeners Breakfast — A long-standing favourite on the breakfast menu.
• Yoghurt Battered Fish Chips — One of the most talked-about lunch options among Google Maps reviewers.
• Cappuccino and Chicken Sandwich — Frequently mentioned pairings for a light lunch or snack.
• Pancakes — A popular choice for families and casual brunch-goers.
• Providore Take-Home Meals — From $5, the weekly-changing range includes lasagne, casseroles, roast chicken, kebabs, and pasta sauces.

The Dining Experience

The setting is central to the Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s experience. The cafe offers indoor seating as well as an expansive outdoor area with sandstone paving, potted plants, and lush green spaces. A covered courtyard with sandstone pillars creates an intimate alfresco feel, while couches tucked into private nooks suit relaxed, longer visits. The grounds include herb and vegetable gardens that supplement the kitchen at certain times of year, and guests are welcome to wander through parts of the garden.

Families are particularly well catered for. A children’s playground is set among large trees, with dining tables positioned underneath so parents can supervise comfortably. Reviewers consistently advise booking a table near the playground when visiting with young children. Live music plays every Sunday, and a weekend BBQ operates alongside the main menu, adding to the convivial weekend atmosphere. A coffee cart provides additional service during busier periods.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 4.3-star rating across more than 1,100 Google Maps reviews, Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s enjoys strong community approval. Positive themes in customer feedback revolve around the family-friendly playground, the quality and flavour of the food, and the garden atmosphere. One reviewer praised it as "a great spot for kids" and added "the food is delicious and the atmosphere fantastic." Another highlighted the "inviting atmosphere for a relaxed coffee break or a small snack" and specifically recommended requesting a table near the playground when booking. Feedback on pricing occasionally describes the food as being on the higher side, though reviewers generally acknowledge the quality as fair for what is served.

Why Guests Recommend Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s

• The children’s playground keeps families returning, especially for brunch and weekend visits.
• Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are clearly available and catered for.
• The setting—gardens, sandstone courtyard, and herb beds—offers a break from standard indoor dining.
• Live Sunday music and weekend BBQ create a lively, event-style weekend mood.

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s in Pialligo

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s is located at 24 Beltana Road, Pialligo ACT 2609, within the garden retail precinct of Rodney's Plants Plus. Pialligo is known for its plant nurseries, rural-urban character, and easy access from Canberra's central and eastern suburbs. The cafe is situated between the airport and the Parliamentary Triangle, making it a convenient stop for both travellers and locals. Free on-site parking is available, and the outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways through most of the grounds.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s is open seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the kitchen closing at 3:00 PM. To guarantee a table, especially on weekends, advance booking is strongly recommended and can be made via the online booking portal on the website. The cafe also keeps tables available for walk-in guests each day. Dining options include dine-in and takeaway; delivery is not currently offered.

• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (kitchen closes at 3:00 PM)
• Reservations: Online booking at kitchengardenrodneys.com.au; walk-in tables also held daily
• Phone: (02) 6257 5822
• Takeaway: Available for menu items and providore take-home meals
• Delivery: Not currently offered

What Sets Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s Apart

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s enjoys a rare combination of nursery garden setting, full cafe service, and family amenities. Its function rooms are available for private events, and the on-site Pialligo Food Emporium stocks a curated selection of locally made and international food products. Together with the playground, weekend barbecue, live music, and providore shop, the cafe functions as much more than a place to eat—it operates as a community destination where dining, gardening, and socialising intersect.

Common Questions

Does Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s take reservations?

Yes, reservations can be made online through the booking portal on the official website. The cafe also holds back a number of tables for walk-in guests each day.

Is there a children’s playground on site?

Absolutely. The playground is a major draw for families. Tables are placed under large trees around the playground, allowing parents to monitor children while they dine. Reviews suggest requesting a playground-side table when booking.

Does the cafe cater to dietary requirements?

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s caters to dietary requirements where possible. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals appear on the menu. Contact the cafe with specific dietary questions before visiting.

What are the opening hours?

The cafe is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The kitchen takes its final orders at 3:00 PM.

Is delivery available?

Delivery is not offered. Guests can order dine-in or takeaway, and the providore shop provides take-home meals for collection.

What kind of parking is available?

Free on-site parking is available at the Rodney's Plants Plus complex. The grounds are wheelchair accessible via paved paths.

Does Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s host private functions?

Yes, function rooms are available for hire. Enquiries can be made via the website or by calling (02) 6257 5822. Catering menus, including high tea and canapé options, are available for events.

Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s continues to bring a distinctive garden-to-plate cafe experience to the Canberra region. Whether it's a working lunch, a family weekend outing, or a quiet morning coffee among the plants, the team at 24 Beltana Road delivers seasonal, honest food in one of Pialligo's most inviting settings. Compare Garden Cafe listings and other dining options on Ilistify to find the perfect spot for your next meal.