Ansel's Garden Cafe & Boutique

INCREDIBLE!!!! THIS RESTAURANT AND BOUTIQUE IS FABULOUS!!!! My family and I were staying at Ellis Haven campground and looked around on Google for a unique or interesting place to go out to eat. This place was exactly what we were looking for. Beautiful, cozy, unique, with an atmosphere that I can barely explain. Looking over the gorgeous gardens was incredible. We ordered our drinks ( which were fantastic.) Then we browsed in the boutique which happened to have a 50% off everything sale going on. I was in my glory. So many unique items that were priced so reasonably.... then when they took half off I couldn't believe what I got for my money. After browsing we went back to the restaurant side and got our food which was seriously incredible. Fresh, authentic, reasonably priced,. Staff was so helpful, polite, and endearing. I love this place. If it were near my home it would be the only place I would go out to eat. Go there. You will love it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cranberry Festival

Everything is made to order so it’s delicious. The chicken pesto panini is my favorite. The cocktails are delicious too. Liz and her staff are kind and accommodating. The atmosphere is sooo zen and peaceful and natural! Perfect place to treat yourself to breakfast or lunch, enjoy the beautiful garden nature, read a book and revive yourself from the rat race! And there’s a small boutique attached to the cafe to shop. Love this place!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I went here for a bridal shower and everything was amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely loved going here! Beautiful place with great food. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. We went during the fall so we couldn’t eat outside but I hope to return soon and enjoy the surroundings. Highly recommend a visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place! Amazing food and staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I absolutely love it here! I wish I could go more often! I appreciate the vegan options and can always count on my food being made with love.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love the food, people, and gardens. A nice cozy place to spend a few hours!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lavender Lemonade

This has been a go-to place for my Mom and I for well over a decade, back to when the current owner managed the former restaurant in the same location. All our experiences there (drop in lunches, Mother’s Day brunch, my private baby shower, and recent 40th bday brunch) have been wonderful. Cozy location with great service and delicious food. The garden is a must see in the summer. My mom and I were overjoyed when Liz re-opened as the owner, and we stop in whenever I’m back home for a visit <3

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ansel's is one of me and my family's favorite local places! From their quaint and beautiful atmosphere, to the gardens that bloom in the Spring/Summer there's no place like it. We held my sister's baby shower here and it was just perfect. The owner and employees are wonderful to work with, understanding and flexible. We would highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lavender Lemonade, Quiche

Love this place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love it here, one of my favorite places. The garden is on point, no notes. It's so fun to watch the birds and chipmunks while you eat. They are family friendly, and have some toys for your kids to play with, my toddler loves it there because of that. Have always enjoyed the menu, and they are consistent with how everything comes out after going there for about 6 years now, I've never been disappointed. If they have the Indian pudding on for a dessert, GET IT. And I have always loved their fun coffee drinks and their iced chai with oat milk is my personal favorite, the only thing I could drink while pregnant besides water. And three history of the Ansel Gurney house is so cool! Love the way they have turned this old house into a corner stone of the community for far longer than I've been going there. Quiet, quaint, quality food and service.

Recommended dishes: Lavender Lemonade

Ansels has a nice, somewhat unique view of a flower bed garden, which has a nice arrangement. If you're going to be a "garden cafe," I recommend getting your landscaper there... sooner rather than later. It obviously needs some work and new mulch.
The menu is very small, with a few items barely being different from each other. The specials menu is tiny. The portions are WAY too small, for anyone but an elderly marion lady. The "oatmilk" they gave me with my coffee.... I would argue that it wasn't even oatmilk... was nowhere near the thickness of oatmilk.... misadvertising this could cause serious consequences.... if you want to build a restaurant in an extension of your house.... learn the rules.
They only have ONE bathroom and it's tiny and pathetic.... had to wait for a staff member to be done using it before I could wash my hands. Prices are obnoxious for what they offer in Atmosphere and Food portions. 2 stars was me being generous.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

The setting is beautiful. I love that it's an old farmhouse and has gardens all around. Very laid back atmosphere and a cool little gift shop. The food was hit and miss some things we got were delicious and others not so much. The servicewas friendly but a little on the slow side. Definitely will go again

Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly even has a toy area for them to play

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Quiche, Waffle, Lavender Lemonade

This place is absolutely lovely. Do yourself a favor and try the cranberry chutney it’s amazing.
The outside garden is beautiful and the staff was so great and friendly. I can’t wait to take my family and friends here so they can enjoy the experience too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A hidden gem in Marion that deserves to not be hidden. Liz and her team are so sweet, the space is beautiful and the food is amazing! Highly recommended.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5