What a gem of a place! So accommodating and delicious! I will be back! This is a special place to wine and dine with friends and family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vanessa Tignanelli
The owner Naida is the sweetest person! She made us teas even as she was closing up for the evening. Fresh, delicious, authentic. A very cool spot run by incredible people! Check it out!!
Service: 5
Ali Mahmoud
It truly pains me to write this review, especially given the restaurant's claim to serve halal food—a rare and cherished offering for many. But the experience I and my hiking group of 20 endured was so disappointing, it simply cannot be ignored.
First impressions were ominous. We were greeted by the sight of alcohol in a supposedly halal establishment, which already gave us pause. Despite calling two days in advance to ensure they could accommodate our large group, nothing was prepared when we arrived. The outdoor seating area wasn’t arranged, and we were forced to move the tables and chairs ourselves. While this wasn't a huge deal, the attitude we encountered was. The waitress, cigarette in hand, stood over us, directing how we should arrange the furniture rather than lending a hand. It felt like we were at boot camp, not a restaurant.
After finally sitting down, we hoped the service would improve. But instead, the waitress vanished, and the new server was utterly clueless. We received random appetizers with an insufficient amount of bread—just half a pita per person! Anyone familiar with Mediterranean food knows that bread is a staple, especially with mezze. When we requested more, we waited so long that it finally arrived when we were ready to leave.
The main course was the final nail in the coffin. The food arrived lukewarm, and worse, the meat was undercooked, still bloody in some places. It was devoid of seasoning, as if no one in the kitchen had touched a single spice. Any semblance of flavor was missing, leaving us all disappointed and hungry.
Then came the shocker—a $200 increase on our pre-negotiated bill. For what? Certainly not for drinks, since the only liquids on the table were six glasses of water for 20 people. To top it off, the bill wasn't even a proper receipt but a handwritten note with prices scratched out and increased, bringing the total to nearly $800. Oh, and they had the audacity to warn us that using a credit card would tack on an extra $40.
As if the raw food, disorganized service, and inflated bill weren’t bad enough, the manager’s aggressive attitude was the grand finale. Instead of addressing our concerns, he was ready to argue and insisted we were in the wrong while not having a clue what we ordered and the arrangements we made prior. The entire experience was disheartening and left a sour taste—figuratively and literally.
It’s hard to fully capture the strangeness of the entire experience, but one particular moment stands out for its sheer absurdity. While we were still trying to settle in after rearranging the furniture ourselves, the bar attendant, clearly drunk, approached our group with the oddest interaction I’ve ever experienced in a restaurant setting. His only words were, “Hey, do you know Shakira?” followed by stifled, drunken laughter.
At first, we were baffled, but it quickly became uncomfortable as we realized his comment seemed directed at the women in our group wearing hijab. Perhaps he was trying to make some bizarre connection between Shakira’s Lebanese heritage and our group, or worse, attempting to mock us in some racist or inappropriate way. The entire situation felt unsettling, adding another layer of discomfort to an already disappointing night.
I still can't figure out the connection he was trying to make—whether it was ignorance or something more sinister—but it certainly didn’t help the tone of the evening. Instead, it only reinforced the overall lack of professionalism and respect at this establishment.
If you're a local in the area and in the mood to drown your sorrows in alcohol and forget the meal you just had, this might be your spot. Otherwise, steer clear. I’m glad I don’t live nearby because I won't be returning. This place is a letdown, especially considering the community it claims to serve. What a shame.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
S M
I was disappointed by my experience at this limited halal Arabic restaurant. Our group of hikers had contacted the restaurant in advance to coordinate a dinner plan, and we were optimistic about our visit. However, the experience fell short of our expectations.
Upon arrival, the owner greeted us while smoking a cigarette, showing a lack of courtesy, especially since we had children with us. The family-style mixed meat entree was served cold, and the lamb was rare, the kofta tasteless, and the chicken dry. Additionally, the portions were inadequate for the number of people in our group.
We waited a long time for our salads, which seemed forgotten until we reminded the staff. There was also insufficient water for our group. To make matters worse, we were charged extra for items we did not order, and the owner was rude, claiming we needed to order more appetizers despite the already inadequate portions.
Overall, I would recommend avoiding this restaurant. It did not provide the quality dining experience one would hope for from an Arabic establishment.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Mohamed Mohammed
This was hands down the worst food experience I've ever had in my life. Food was so dry, service was horrible, and food was overpriced. DO NOT GO THERE!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anne Kuppinger
Wow did we feel lucky! Fresh off a day of bike riding at Minnewaska and looking for something yummy for dinner, we somewhat randomly picked the Garden House and were delighted by delicious, fresh food. Highlights included lemony Jordanian soup (just try it!) and hot, fresh gluten free falafel.
Dietary restrictions: Many gluten free options!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Janice F
Quirky Mediterranean tucked on the Main Street with a large garden and bar out front, plus a porch and indoor tables as well. Extensive, inviting menu. We loved our falafel salad and roasted cauliflower and walnut salad.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
O Fedak
Here on a Sunday afternoon- Labor Day weekend. Should have left instead I stayed. Nobody was here but still took forever. Food was good but probably wouldn’t come back. Expensive too for lunch.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Ranjeet Saxena
Summering near Rosendale, NY and delighted to find Naheda and her absolutely wonderful Garden House Restaurant on Main Street. Have dined there 3 times and every time was superb. It's the place to wind down after a day with outdoor dining and even a bar! The food was EXCELLENT! From kabobs to vege/vegan fare. Haven't tasted hummus so light and fluffy, it's like whipped cream. And don't get me started on her take home goodies: hummus, tahini, baklava, halawa and so much more...all made with care and love. This place is worth putting in the calendar and repeat visits! Thank you Naheda!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
joe cassidy
My husband and I went on a Friday evening in August. The restaurant was empty at 6 pm. I noticed that things did not seem especially clean, and that the flowers on all the tables were almost dead, but we decided to stay and give the place a try. We ordered a chicken kebab, falafel and hummus. I asked the server, who seemed to be the owner, if the salad that came with the kebab could be served with a plain oil and vinegar dressing (since I am allergic to one of the ingredients in the dressing); she said that was not possible. She said she made the dressing herself, insisted that it was good, and she would put it on the side. Not wanting to insult her dressing, I figured I would just eat dry salad. The food came quickly, in 10 minutes or so. The kebab was blackened and dry; my husband said the hummus and falafel were good but nothing special. After reading so many positive reviews of the Garden House, I was surprised by how poor our experience was.
Bohemian place to grab a drink while on the nearby trail. Slow though charming service. They had nice looking Mediterranean cold foods although we didn't try those.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
gabe debadu
This place is so sweet, the atmosphere is unassuming and pleasant. Sorta like Dining at a dear friends house. The server/owner couldn't have been more of a sweetheart. The cuisine was very well done and abundant in portion. This place is not fancy, showy, snobish and or overwhelming in anyway. I plan to go back soon!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nate Atkins
Wonderful and high quality Mediterranean food made with local ingredients and lots of love. And a lovely outdoor patio and bar to enjoy. Don't miss this spot if you're in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carol Reingold
Best grape leaves, warm with wonderful spices. The food has gotten even better than it was and the service (the one weak area) has definitely improved.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
r rmann20g
Best fresh salads ever!!! My new best stop on the Empire State bike trail
What a gem of a place! So accommodating and delicious! I will be back! This is a special place to wine and dine with friends and family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The owner Naida is the sweetest person! She made us teas even as she was closing up for the evening. Fresh, delicious, authentic. A very cool spot run by incredible people! Check it out!!
Service: 5
It truly pains me to write this review, especially given the restaurant's claim to serve halal food—a rare and cherished offering for many. But the experience I and my hiking group of 20 endured was so disappointing, it simply cannot be ignored.
First impressions were ominous. We were greeted by the sight of alcohol in a supposedly halal establishment, which already gave us pause. Despite calling two days in advance to ensure they could accommodate our large group, nothing was prepared when we arrived. The outdoor seating area wasn’t arranged, and we were forced to move the tables and chairs ourselves. While this wasn't a huge deal, the attitude we encountered was. The waitress, cigarette in hand, stood over us, directing how we should arrange the furniture rather than lending a hand. It felt like we were at boot camp, not a restaurant.
After finally sitting down, we hoped the service would improve. But instead, the waitress vanished, and the new server was utterly clueless. We received random appetizers with an insufficient amount of bread—just half a pita per person! Anyone familiar with Mediterranean food knows that bread is a staple, especially with mezze. When we requested more, we waited so long that it finally arrived when we were ready to leave.
The main course was the final nail in the coffin. The food arrived lukewarm, and worse, the meat was undercooked, still bloody in some places. It was devoid of seasoning, as if no one in the kitchen had touched a single spice. Any semblance of flavor was missing, leaving us all disappointed and hungry.
Then came the shocker—a $200 increase on our pre-negotiated bill. For what? Certainly not for drinks, since the only liquids on the table were six glasses of water for 20 people. To top it off, the bill wasn't even a proper receipt but a handwritten note with prices scratched out and increased, bringing the total to nearly $800. Oh, and they had the audacity to warn us that using a credit card would tack on an extra $40.
As if the raw food, disorganized service, and inflated bill weren’t bad enough, the manager’s aggressive attitude was the grand finale. Instead of addressing our concerns, he was ready to argue and insisted we were in the wrong while not having a clue what we ordered and the arrangements we made prior. The entire experience was disheartening and left a sour taste—figuratively and literally.
It’s hard to fully capture the strangeness of the entire experience, but one particular moment stands out for its sheer absurdity. While we were still trying to settle in after rearranging the furniture ourselves, the bar attendant, clearly drunk, approached our group with the oddest interaction I’ve ever experienced in a restaurant setting. His only words were, “Hey, do you know Shakira?” followed by stifled, drunken laughter.
At first, we were baffled, but it quickly became uncomfortable as we realized his comment seemed directed at the women in our group wearing hijab. Perhaps he was trying to make some bizarre connection between Shakira’s Lebanese heritage and our group, or worse, attempting to mock us in some racist or inappropriate way. The entire situation felt unsettling, adding another layer of discomfort to an already disappointing night.
I still can't figure out the connection he was trying to make—whether it was ignorance or something more sinister—but it certainly didn’t help the tone of the evening. Instead, it only reinforced the overall lack of professionalism and respect at this establishment.
If you're a local in the area and in the mood to drown your sorrows in alcohol and forget the meal you just had, this might be your spot. Otherwise, steer clear. I’m glad I don’t live nearby because I won't be returning. This place is a letdown, especially considering the community it claims to serve. What a shame.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
I was disappointed by my experience at this limited halal Arabic restaurant. Our group of hikers had contacted the restaurant in advance to coordinate a dinner plan, and we were optimistic about our visit. However, the experience fell short of our expectations.
Upon arrival, the owner greeted us while smoking a cigarette, showing a lack of courtesy, especially since we had children with us. The family-style mixed meat entree was served cold, and the lamb was rare, the kofta tasteless, and the chicken dry. Additionally, the portions were inadequate for the number of people in our group.
We waited a long time for our salads, which seemed forgotten until we reminded the staff. There was also insufficient water for our group. To make matters worse, we were charged extra for items we did not order, and the owner was rude, claiming we needed to order more appetizers despite the already inadequate portions.
Overall, I would recommend avoiding this restaurant. It did not provide the quality dining experience one would hope for from an Arabic establishment.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This was hands down the worst food experience I've ever had in my life. Food was so dry, service was horrible, and food was overpriced. DO NOT GO THERE!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Wow did we feel lucky! Fresh off a day of bike riding at Minnewaska and looking for something yummy for dinner, we somewhat randomly picked the Garden House and were delighted by delicious, fresh food. Highlights included lemony Jordanian soup (just try it!) and hot, fresh gluten free falafel.
Dietary restrictions: Many gluten free options!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quirky Mediterranean tucked on the Main Street with a large garden and bar out front, plus a porch and indoor tables as well. Extensive, inviting menu. We loved our falafel salad and roasted cauliflower and walnut salad.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Here on a Sunday afternoon- Labor Day weekend. Should have left instead I stayed. Nobody was here but still took forever. Food was good but probably wouldn’t come back. Expensive too for lunch.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Summering near Rosendale, NY and delighted to find Naheda and her absolutely wonderful Garden House Restaurant on Main Street. Have dined there 3 times and every time was superb. It's the place to wind down after a day with outdoor dining and even a bar! The food was EXCELLENT! From kabobs to vege/vegan fare. Haven't tasted hummus so light and fluffy, it's like whipped cream. And don't get me started on her take home goodies: hummus, tahini, baklava, halawa and so much more...all made with care and love. This place is worth putting in the calendar and repeat visits! Thank you Naheda!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I went on a Friday evening in August. The restaurant was empty at 6 pm. I noticed that things did not seem especially clean, and that the flowers on all the tables were almost dead, but we decided to stay and give the place a try. We ordered a chicken kebab, falafel and hummus. I asked the server, who seemed to be the owner, if the salad that came with the kebab could be served with a plain oil and vinegar dressing (since I am allergic to one of the ingredients in the dressing); she said that was not possible. She said she made the dressing herself, insisted that it was good, and she would put it on the side. Not wanting to insult her dressing, I figured I would just eat dry salad. The food came quickly, in 10 minutes or so. The kebab was blackened and dry; my husband said the hummus and falafel were good but nothing special. After reading so many positive reviews of the Garden House, I was surprised by how poor our experience was.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Bohemian place to grab a drink while on the nearby trail. Slow though charming service. They had nice looking Mediterranean cold foods although we didn't try those.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
This place is so sweet, the atmosphere is unassuming and pleasant. Sorta like Dining at a dear friends house.
The server/owner couldn't have been more of a sweetheart.
The cuisine was very well done and abundant in portion. This place is not fancy, showy, snobish and or overwhelming in anyway. I plan to go back soon!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful and high quality Mediterranean food made with local ingredients and lots of love. And a lovely outdoor patio and bar to enjoy. Don't miss this spot if you're in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best grape leaves, warm with wonderful spices. The food has gotten even better than it was and the service (the one weak area) has definitely improved.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best fresh salads ever!!! My new best stop on the Empire State bike trail
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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