Garden Cafe

07/03/2008 Posted by ClassicLady

We went to the Garden with out-of-town guests shortly before closing on a hot, busy Saturday. We were seated promptly and treated to a nice window-side table in the delightfully cool restaurant. That was the end of promptness, though. We didn't see a server to even get a cold drink for at least 15 minutes. It took another 15 for the drinks to arrive, and then we waited for food. The menu provided options for everyone and offered a wide variety of beverages. My club sandwich was excellently prepared and presented. The seafood salad sandwiches were well received, although the men didn't think the Reuben sandwiches were anything to write home about. The house specialty peach lemonade was delightfully refreshing; lightly flavored and not overly sweet. Fresh rolls were delicious but seemed an odd handout during lunches of sandwiches. Lots of families and international groups were there, which was fun to see. No one rushed us, even though the restaurant closed long before we (and others) finished and were ready to leave. The staff were friendly if slow and overworked, and the ambiance made up for the wait.

Pros: Delicious lemonades; Amazing views

Cons: Slow service

09/07/2006 Posted by why_eat_at_home

Contrary to what someone else reviewed on a previous rant, I/we had a wonderful time at the garden cafe buffet. We have probably been there 5 or 6 times for brunch. The atmosphere makes you feel as though you are miles away from SLC. The decor is elegant, and the staff makes you feel like a million bucks. The food is the standard "brunch buffet" variety, with above average quality. (It was the first time I had experienced a sausage without gristle). I can't speak for the holiday buffet, but the standard Garden Cafe sunday brunch, will take you out of this world.

Pros: Atmosphere and service

Cons: can be difficult on some weekends without reservations

01/04/2006 Posted by utahcritic

We made reservations here for Christmas dinner expecting a special occasion. What a disappointment. Service was appalling.

11/07/2005 Posted by gardoodle

The brunch is unbelivable, The servers are outstanding. The brunch and lunch buffets are the best values hands down! Cant say much of dinner yet, but we will give it a try! We Love this place. Give it a try

Pros: great servers, nice decor

Cons: odd hostess

11/11/2004 Posted by ucla

Things change; some for the worse. The entree selection and taste have declined. The lamb was raw. The cheese selection was absent. The orange juice reconstituted. The shrimp is still overcooked. The desserts here look good, but taste nothing. You've got to try the Glitretind to know what real desserts are like on a buffet. UPDATE: The Sunday brunch buffet for the Holidays is done in the ballroom for $49.07 (paid up-front). This buffet has far less quality, but twice the quantity. These Holiday brunches should be totally avoided. This place does however, have the best bread in Utah (not for over-the-counter sale). Alas, the quality of taste for the cost of the Sunday Brunch has gone down-hill very fast, and is no longer recommended.

Pros: Breads, Salads, Ambiance

Cons: Dessert, Dessert, Holiday Buffet

09/18/2004 Posted by stewdogg42

Date of visit: Friday, Sept.17, 2004 7:30pm. My wife and I had the summer salad, crispy duck confit w/ puy lentils & frisse, and vanilla bean panna cotta w/ berries and mango coulis for dessert. I hated the salad. It was bitter and tasted like I was eating weeds that were pulled out of some parking lot somewhere. I really liked the duck confit with puy lentils. The duck was crispy on the outside but tender and moist on the inside. It was really good combined with the lentils. The dessert was the best part of the meal. The berries were fresh & flavorful. The service was excellent and the prices were fair.

Pros: atmosphere, service, valet parking

06/05/2004 Posted by saltcityguy

I recently visited the infamous brunch at the Garden Cafe and couldn't have been more pleased. Unfortunately, I didn't set a reservation, but the hostess was gracious and promptly made arrangements to seat myself and 3 friends. The service was quick and the server was extremely attentive. He elegantly organized and twirrled our napkins each and every time we got up for another go at the brunch. The food was and delicious. I'm a very picky eater. This brunch had everything anybody would ever want. The ambiance could use some help (a little overboard on the flower design), but the custom ice sculpture drew my attention from the flower madness. Overall, a huge thumbs up. Where else will you have a 3-5 course meal including pork loin, king crab legs, leg of lamb, elegant desserts, custom omlettes, and a barbeque at your fingertips for a measly $32? NOWHERE!!

Pros: SERVICE, food, patio

Cons: , little kids