Surreal Cafe and Heavenly Gardens, West Harbour

By PHOEBE FALCONER for canvas

The name Surreal Cafe and Heavenly Gardens implies herbal teas, floating tie-dyed dresses and mind-altering substances. This is not the case.

The cafe is in a house which in turn is set in large, park-like grounds dotted with oaks, liquidambars and other deciduous beauties. The tables are set on a screened veranda outside under olive trees and beside a fishpond, or indoors if the weather so demands.

We were greeted at the door by a friendly waitress and offered a table on the terrace. A waiter quickly appeared with menus, announced that we looked famished (we were), took drink orders and ran away. The next waiter appeared within three minutes with drinks and took our food order. We walked in double-quick time around the gardens and under the wisteria- and rose-festooned arcade, and lo and behold, the food was on the table.

We were not the only people in the cafe. All the above happened in about seven minutes. This is a true story. We ate up, paid up, and were out in 20.

And the food was good. Bill's pancakes with bacon, banana and syrup ($14) were huge, light and fluffy and drenched with syrup, although the bacon was a little overcooked. My mushrooms on toast ($10) were standard fare, but acceptable. The rest of the breakfast menu offers all the old faithfuls, such as the full monty, eggs every way and vegetarian options.

It is a nice place, despite the name. The gardens would seem to lend themselves to weddings and other such functions, and frequently do. The staff, when they do pause for breath, are chatty and informative, the coffee is hot and strong, the food tasty. Everything you need, in fact.

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm

Service: Pleasant and prompt

Ambience: Relaxed, but the place is busy

Parking: Yes

* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, party places and entertainment in canvas magazine, part of your Weekend Herald print edition.