Natural Garden - Trafalgar East

Imagine this: a well lit dining area with all walks of life seated at round tables. The latter covered with snow white tables cloths; customers munching on complimentary prawn crackers and waiting in anticipation like Knights of the Round Table before a meeting. Wait staff arrive carrying a plate of volcano beef; the flames dancing and leaping as they do. Others come with platters meat and medley of vegetables the sound of sizzles audible from metres away. As soon as the plates hit the table, there’s a mad grab for rice bowls, chopsticks and cutlery only punctuated by requests for drinks or more food as the customers dive in. The wait staff are friendly and attentive to customers’ needs. That’s the Natural Garden. My family have been eating at the Natural Garden since 2013 and the above picture I’ve painted is a pretty accurate one of what to expect when one eats there. I’m pleased to say that the quality of the food has been very consistent over the years. On this occasion, we ordered Mongolian lamb, volcano beef and braised beef chow mien. Additionally, we each ordered individual entrees; mine being the seafood platter. All of the food was hot and fresh with the meat very tender; the volcano beef in particular was like cutting butter and was marinaded in a delicious sauce that was savoury, tangy and sweet all at the same time. The noodles in the chow mien had the perfect amount of crunch to add a delightful texture. The only reason for 4 and not 5 star rating: they don’t seem to sell dumplings. As someone who loves their Chinese dumplings, I would love to be able to buy these as they would really add to the dining experience.

Can't lost any of its appeal over the new owners. Tried some different dishes to my usual and wasn't disappointed. Food was fresh, delicious and reasonably priced. Service was attentive and friendly. Not disappointed at all. Pleasantly surprised if anything because I was worried the standard may have dropped. I think it's improved. Got a discount when paying because I'd booked and was promised another if I book again next time. You can't complain about that.

Whenever we come to the Natural Garden for a meal we are not disappointed. The food and service are both good and the restaurant has a great ambience and is well appointed. The staff look very professional in their black and white 'uniforms ' and are friendly and helpful. There is quite an extensive menu, which I have noted also offers Australian meals, though we come for the Chinese food which we always enjoy.

Have been coming here once, sometimes twice a month have never had a complaint, great food friendly service every time.

Only a 30 minute drive, but we don’t get here often enough. Always great food, good service from happy people, and my son gets to practice his Mandarin. Natural Garden is a really good restaurant, well worth a visit for tasty food and good value. Kim W Mirboo North