The Garden House

26 Heenatigala Rd, Unawatuna 80600, Sri Lanka
+94 912 251 626
$$$ Cafe
(124 Reviews)

Welcome to The Garden House, a delightful café nestled in the heart of Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, at 26 Heenatigala Rd. This charming spot invites you to unwind and indulge in a culinary haven that feels like a home away from home. With its warm atmosphere and lush greenery, The Garden House is a perfect escape for anyone looking to relax with friends or savor some quiet time alone.

The café is renowned for its vibrant brunch and lunch offerings that cater to a variety of palates. Imagine starting your day with the Super Breakfast Sarnie, praised for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, providing a delightful kick to your morning. Or perhaps, you’re in the mood for the famous coconut butter toast, celebrated for its exceptional crispiness and lightness, reminiscent of gourmet treats found in upscale bakeries. Add alongside a bowl of chia pudding and granola, and you will find yourself savoring a guilt-free and delicious meal that pleases both the senses and the soul.

The Garden House is more than just a café; it’s an experience filled with laughter and joy, especially for families. One delighted customer, Brienne Gabathuler, described it as an “oasis in Unawatuna,” perfect for families wanting a break from the beach while still enjoying an engaging environment for their kids. The café features a fantastic play area that keeps the little ones entertained, allowing you to sip that rich and creamy cappuccino in peace while watching them enjoy the fun. It's a place where memories are made and cherished, just as Artül Andopé experienced when celebrating his son’s birthday there.

The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a spacious layout that fosters a relaxing vibe. Families can connect and unwind, with ample opportunities to catch up over delicious meals. From the taste of the food to the joy of watching your children play, every moment is crafted with love and care.

The Garden House isn’t just a meal; it’s a gathering spot where every dish is crafted to delight, leaving you with cherished moments and satisfied taste buds. Don't miss the chance to experience what other delighted patrons are raving about—this café is certainly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!

So, whether you're a local or a traveler seeking culinary delights, make your way to The Garden House at +94 912 251 626 and see why it has captured the hearts of so many. You’ll leave with a heavy heart but a full belly, promising to come back for more.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Coffee
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Sunday

08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

124 Reviews
Max

04 Oct 2025

This cafe is truly a hidden treasure! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. The cappuccino was absolutely amazing—rich and creamy. And the avocado toast? Easily the best I’ve had in Sri Lanka! Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for great coffee and delicious food.

Nishan Buddika - Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

25 Sep 2025

We had breakfast here today and I ordered the Super Breakfast Sarnie. The taste was really good — fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. The portion was a bit on the smaller side , but overall, everything was great. I also really loved the location; it’s such a nice spot to start the day. Definitely looking forward to coming back again!

Brienne Gabathuler

05 Aug 2025

This place is an oasis in Unawatuna! We are 5 adults and 4 kids (ages 3 months, 3, 4.5, and 6) and visited twice to give our kids a break from the beach but allow them to play while we could relax. The facilities are SO fun for the kids. They took endless rides on the zipline, loved the water table, and race track. They also really enjoyed the inside covered area. There was so much for them to play with they couldn't even cover it all! The owners are very kind and even had a large baby cot for my baby to lie in while we enjoyed our meal and coffee. Because there is staff in the kids area you can also relax and enjoy your meal while they play which is a BIG deal as a parent to have a moment to yourself! After we finished though the area was so fun we always wandered over there ourselves to watch them play (some chairs in the shade are available). My kids enjoyed the peanut butter banana toast and smoothies and we liked the panini, croissant, and coffees. The brownie is also AMAZING! Definitely make a stop here on your vacation! We'll for sure be back next time to what my children now call the "kids cafe".

M.R.B

01 Aug 2025

THE most amazing and gorgeous cafe/ lunch spot in Unawatuna. We went three times in a row as it was so good. The coconut butter toast is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend you order it if you like french toast. SO crispy and light, very similar to Arome bakery in London! The best I’ve ever had. The chia pudding and granola is also really healthy and delicious. We also tried the ricotta tomato toast (very good!) and the earl grey pancakes (also fantastic). Their coffee is fresh and great and they even have authentic Japanese matcha. I wish this cafe was in London as I’d be there every week! Thank you so much

Artül Andopé

25 Jul 2025

The Garden House is a rare gem where families can truly connect, unwind, and make memories. The café and overall area are spacious and also quiet enough to get some remote work done on your laptop while the kids play safely in the indoor play area or outdoor playground. We celebrated my son’s birthday here, and I’ll never forget the look on his face—pure joy! He said it was the best birthday ever, and as a mom, that means everything to me. From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with genuine warmth and care. They went out of their way to make our day extra special, which we’re so grateful for. The outdoor space is stunning; lush greenery, Karting track, water play area, slides, climbing logs, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay forever. Meanwhile, the indoor play area is every kid’s dream, giving parents a rare chance to relax while the little ones play safely. The food? Absolutely delicious. The guests’ favorite was grilled cheese panini with tomato and basil , while the kids devoured their pancakes with treacle, bananas & pineapples. Every dish felt like it was made with love. What truly sets The Garden House apart is how it feels like a home away from home. It’s a place to bond, celebrate, and relax as a parent with your child(ren). Thank you for giving us such a magical experience. We can’t wait to come back!

Sumaya H. Haibeh

22 Jul 2025

On our first day in Sri Lanka, our children spent at least four hours playing at The Garden House. It’s a very child friendly place, with one or two staff members present in the play area to keep an eye on the kids, but parents remain responsible for their children at all times. The toys and games are mostly made from sustainable materials, and most are open ended, keeping the children entertained for hours. There’s a spacious indoor and outdoor playground, perfect for sunny days, and a lovely garden where parents can enjoy food or drinks, or visit the café. The menu is delicious and varied, and the ice cream , especially the Belgian ice cream was a real treat. The place is beautifully decorated, sparkling clean, and the staff are kind and well trained. It’s truly unique and perfect for parents who just finished a long journey a place where kids can play endlessly while adults can relax. We highly recommend The Garden House!

Peter Glaser

19 Jun 2025

This place is great and serves some really good coffee, maybe the best we had during our trip. It's a bit away from the main road and therefore quite and tranquil. We stayed for a good couple of hours and tried some cake and a yummy main (velvet scramble eggs with mushrooms & avocado toast) and both were really excellent. It's worth a stop and maybe the best cafe & playground in Unawatuna if you're travelling with kids.

Rishad Akram

16 Jun 2025

Garden House is an amazing place to spend the day with your children. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, making it an ideal spot to relax while the kids play. There are plenty of activities to keep children entertained, including go-karts and more, so they’ll be busy having fun while you enjoy your meal. Speaking of food—the food here is excellent! Fresh, delicious, and served in a cozy setting. Whether you’re coming for a family lunch or just a snack while the kids play, Garden House delivers a great experience for everyone. Highly recommended for families looking for a fun and stress-free day out.

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