Woonona School Of Arts - NSW
Nestled at the end of a narrow driveway behind the historic Woonona School of Arts building at 479 Princes Highway, Woonona lies a hidden gem that north Wollongong locals have enjoyed since it opened 12 months ago – The Woonona Secret Garden Café.
Luke, a proud Illawarra native, has designed a menu that celebrates the simplicity of healthy eating intertwined with the flavours of the Mediterranean. Drawing inspiration from his years spent working in bustling kitchens in Brisbane as well as local establishments like Master Builders, Wests Illawarra, and Ciao Mediterranean, Luke has taken all of the things that excited him during the past two decades and injected them into a project he can call his own.
The Woonona Secret Garden Café, celebrating its first year of operation, has quickly become a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. Tucked away in a sunny courtyard behind the Woonona School of Arts, it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Customers can choose to bask outside in the sun’s warmth or sit in the sunroom, which can also double as a private area for small groups.
The seeds for Secret Garden Café were sown during the challenging times of COVID-19; Luke launched the Illawarra Private Chef Service to cater to people seeking restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their homes. An interest in healthy eating led him to explore the world of nutrition, which can be seen in the Café’s menu. Post-COVID, Luke was keen to expand on his ideas and have a workspace he could call his own – that’s when the opportunity to open the Woonona Secret Garden Café presented itself.
The relaxed nature of the café also resonates with Luke after spending many years working in busy kitchens in large establishments. “I certainly prefer to be here,” he explains. “I do things differently here; it’s not your everyday café, and that’s what I like about working for myself; I can do things my way.”
The menu boasts a diverse array of options, from classic café fare made to order to homemade cakes and refreshing salads. Vegan options and organic ingredients add to the appeal.
“I find the simplicity of healthy eating attractive,” Luke reveals. I found I had a real interest in it, and that led me to grow my own ingredients, which I inject into the menu.
Lukes’s menu offers a wide range of eating options, much of it with the Mediterranean influence that inspires him. “Much of it also has nutritional influence,” he adds. I try not to target just one type of crowd; I like to make food to order and make my own products.”
Homemade cakes are one of the most popular items on the menu, with salads coming in a close second. “The ambience of the place really lends itself to a coffee and cake break,” he adds. “I also do open grilled sandwiches and light meals; the Café has also given me a workspace to grow other areas of my business, including catering and custom orders.”
Luke also provides catering services for nearby businesses and locally organised gatherings. “Word of mouth has really been the best marketing for the café and the catering business,” he reveals. “Here in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, people are friendly; they share advice and tips with each other, so spreading the word about the Secret Garden Café has happened organically.”
For those seeking a relaxed culinary pit stop on their next ride through Woonona, the Secret Garden Café is highly recommended.
