Garden Cafe — Restaurant in Torch Lake Township

Love love love this spot.

It’s located in a garden center between Petoskey and Traverse City, which is convenient for anyone passing through. The menu was quite comprehensive, with many veggie and meat-eating options. I got the tomato basil soup and veggie wrap, both of which were unbelievable. The service was very friendly and chatty, with lots of knowledge of the area, plans, and the menu. Their wine selection was also quite comprehensive, and since it was a summer Sunday I opted for a glass of Pinot grigio. Mmm.

Our waitress mentioned that they have wood-fired pizzas and live music, which is definitely something I’m excited to check out in the near future.

There’s also an adorable little gift shop, with small knickknacks and furniture. Definitely worth poking...

We have been there twice for the brick oven pizza and entertainment (loved both) however the service is terrible. Super nice staff- but they can’t service the guests. We thought first time was just an understaffed night but second time prob worse than first. Our server never came back to the table once pizza was served. We placed our beverage orders at the cashier desk and our dessert order. Two servers and one hostess is NOT enough from 5:30-7:30. One server even told us she doesn’t know when she will be able to return to us with our drinks because she has other tables. (We were willing to drink & eat). Pls pls add another server to make 3 and not including the hostess for Friday and Saturday nights. It’s such a wonderful concept but really...

We got hungry after getting to Torch Lake and setting up camp so we Stopped here. The look of the patio was excellent. plants and backyard landscaping giving the play a very welcoming vibe. The food was excellent and the presentation was beautiful. We got a spinach artichoke pizza and a beyond burger. the veggies seemed to be straight from the onsite garden. Food took a little time getting to us but was expected. Service was good. Limited menu but the well Thought out dishes make it appealing for anyone. Smoothies, salads, wraps, stone fired pizza, grass fed burgers, beyond burgers. A small but excellent selection of MI craft beer and wines. This was all in all a 2 thumbs...