While just bored at home a friend suggested visiting a place at Arambol he called “heaven.” Curious, we set out — and that’s how we ended up at the Garden of Dreams Café.
📍 Getting There & First Impressions
The cafe is located near a school, tucked along a road that’s mostly smooth but with a few potholes here and there as we came from North. Parking isn’t formal — you park along an unpaved stretch by the roadside — but there’s plenty of space, mostly filled with rented scooters and bikes used by foreign tourists. The weather that day was just perfect, neither too hot nor rainy, which added to the charm.
🏡 First Impressions & Setting
At first glance, Garden of Dreams feels like a traditional house converted into a cafe. A rustic wooden doorway marks the entrance — the kind you’d want to click a picture under. Just beside it stands an idol of lord Ganpati, respectfully worshipped and beautifully maintained. Inside, you’ll find a swimming pool glistening in the sun and even a tiny idol of a cool baba that adds a cool spiritual touch.
Before stepping in, everyone removes their footwear — an unspoken gesture that instantly makes the place feel homely, intimate, and community-driven.
The seating is eclectic: cozy floor cushions with low tables, some sofas for those who prefer comfort, and wide open spaces where children of visiting families play freely. The blend of rustic architecture, spiritual symbols, and relaxed seating creates a sense of calm — like you’ve stepped into a sanctuary of peace.
🎶 The Vibe
What truly defines Garden of Dreams is its atmosphere. When we walked in, a live musician was performing. That voice carried effortlessly through the space, blending with the rustle of leaves and chatter of guests. He sang mostly English classics but also switched to Hindi songs when requested — showing his versatility and warmth.
There was laughter, soft clapping, people swaying to the rhythm — not a party scene, but a soulful, communal one. The staff added to the charm. The person at the entrance jokingly said we couldn’t enter without a reservation, only to break into a smile and welcome us warmly. That mix of humor and hospitality set the tone right away.
🥗 What We Ordered
• Naughty Pancake – Slightly omelette-like, with cut bananas on top and chocolate on the side. I don’t know if I should describe it in my middle class mind but I can’t resist myself now calling it like Dosa (Pole) 🤭. I thought it’s a veg restaurant but this had eggs.
• Vegan Burger & Asian Tofu Burger – Both were delicious, packed with fresh greens, healthy and filling.
• Smoothie – Refreshing with pineapple decorated around its side.
• Cappuccino Coffee – Smooth, rich, and well-prepared.
• Ginger Tea – too gingerly and one called like kaada.
The food was fresh, almost vegetarian, and moderately priced. I feel Okayish for the quality and ambience and vibes.
🚻 Facilities
Washrooms were outdoor and functional, though one side was open.
✨ Overall
Garden of Dreams lives up to its name. With peaceful vibes, live music, friendly staff, and tasty vegetarian food, it’s not just a cafe — it’s a place to relax and feel at peace.
⭐ Verdict: If you want a cafe that offers peace, culture, and great veg food with soulful music, to bring your loved one’s for some soulful peace time. Garden of Dreams is worth...
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Vegan food: As someone who prefers to eat vegan food, "Garden of Dreams" provides a unique dining experience with a menu that offers only plant-based dishes. This is a major plus point for us.
Fresh and tasty: The food served at "Garden of Dreams" is not only vegan but also fresh and tasty. This is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients in its dishes.
Popular with non-Russians: We noticed that most of the people dining at "Garden of Dreams" were not Russians. This could be because the restaurant offers a unique vegan dining experience that is not easily found in traditional Russian cuisine.
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Expensive: One downside to dining at "Garden of Dreams" is the cost. The restaurant is expensive compared to other dining options in the area. However, we felt that the quality of the food justified the price.
Slow service: While the food was delicious, the service was slow. We had to wait longer than expected to receive our food, which was a bit frustrating.
Limited seating: Despite the comfortable seating arrangements, "Garden of Dreams" has limited seating capacity. This can lead to long wait times for a table, especially during peak dining hours.
Overall, we enjoyed our experience dining at "Garden of Dreams." The restaurant offers fresh, tasty, and unique vegan food, although the prices are on the higher side. Additionally, the slow service and limited seating may be an inconvenience for some, but the comfortable seats make up for it. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a vegan dining experience...
Read moreThe Garden of Dreams is an extraordinary vegan restaurant that sets new standards in culinary excellence. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The vibrant colors, soft music, and warm lighting create a truly dreamy ambiance.
The menu is a treasure trove of plant-based delights that cater to every palate. Each dish is a work of art, carefully crafted with fresh, organic ingredients bursting with flavor. From their delectable starters like crispy tofu bites to the heavenly main courses like the creamy mushroom risotto, every bite is a revelation.
The attentive staff at The Garden of Dreams ensures that every guest feels pampered and well taken care of. They're knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to provide recommendations or accommodate any dietary restrictions.
The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident throughout, with eco-friendly practices and locally sourced produce. It's heartwarming to see a place that cares not only about delicious food but also about the planet.
In terms of value, The Garden of Dreams offers an exceptional dining experience that's worth every penny. Though it may be a little pricier than some other vegan restaurants, the quality, taste, and presentation of the food justify the expense.
Overall, I can confidently say that The Garden of Dreams is a vegan paradise. With its heavenly cuisine, dreamlike atmosphere, and impeccable service, it deserves a blazing...
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