Insider Pages Reviews for Secret Garden Restaurant

3 Stars: Hello (by Marla R.)

Marla R. — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:16:00 GMT

As far as evening dining, the ambiance is nice. The food is okay for the price. I am looking forward to the champagne happy hour they are beginning in December!

1 Stars: Worst restaurant ever!!! (by Jesus S.)

Jesus S. — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:44:00 GMT

I was appalled at the food served at this so-called secret garden. This restaurant was shown on FOX's Kitchen Nightmares, and no special effects were needed to clearly show that this eating establishment was in the worst condition. I ordered the seared salmon, worst I have ever had. It was poorly cooked and had the worst smelling sauce I've ever smelled. To make matters worse, that so-called chef Michel didn't make it such a pleasant experience because I could hear him screaming in the back, so I was afraid that he would take it out on the customers. This is the last time I will ever come to this mortifying hell hole of a restaurant and heaven help them (or Gordon Ramsey).

5 Stars: magical restaurant (by Sara C.)

Sara C. — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:27:00 GMT

This place is spectacular, world class food! Everything is delicious. This is a great place to throw celebrations! I went once for a work recognition event, and once to a friends daughters bar-mitzvahs! Both events were huge successes- partially because of the amazing location, and food! It truly is a secret garden, a hidden gem in the city of Moorpark!

4 Stars: A great place (by marie n.)

marie n. — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:58:00 GMT

We recently ate at the Secret Garden and while we chose an inside table, the outdoors looked lovely. The dining room gives the impression of being in someone's home. Very quaint surroundings.

The menu is varied...maybe a bit pricey, but for a special occasion, it is a good choice.

We also liked the fact they have a credit card machine that comes to you....one way to help avoid any issues of fraud, as your card stays with you.

Try it!!

3 Stars: Spoiled Lettuce with Atmosphere (by sharpsonya)

sharpsonya — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I was so disappointed with our brunch. I was looking forward to the brunch that they offered on their website. Unfortunately, the brunch listed is not what we got. Their website listed brunch as $23 which was to include fresh oj/champagne, an appetizer, an entree and dessert. Instead their brunch is now $19 and it now doesn't include the oj/champagne or the dessert. My friend ordered the salad and her salad had pieces of spring mix that was wilted and spoiled. She left those on her plate. My husband had the quiche and it also had spoiled spring mix included on the side. I was appalled because I didn't think an upscaled restaurant would permit spoiled lettuce to be served. My companions enjoyed their Seared Salmon but my Egg White Frittata was a let down. The frittata tasted like any standard fare I would find at a chain breakfast restaurant or Mom & Pop establishment. Also, the waiter had a large orange stain on his white shirt which made the general atmosphere unappetizing. His service was mediocre at best. I really wanted to like the restaurant because of its atmosphere but left dis-appointed and dis-satisfied.

4 Stars: Get the Salmon not Pate (by henrythe8th)

henrythe8th — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Place was OK. Was highly recommended to me. Service was slow. Pate
was more like liver moose, but was very very tastey. Salmon was
excellent but needed more sauce. Wasn't blown away.

5 Stars: BEST anniversary DATE (by ilovedawn)

ilovedawn — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I came here on my anniversary with my boyfriend and it was the BEST
choice. I have never seen a place like this. The servers were
EXTREMELY attentive and made me feel like I was the only one in the
restaurant. The owner came out to talk with me. They are reasonable
priced with the food being so tastey. Get the onion soup!

3 Stars: Nice atmopshere. Customer service is lacking. (by vinolvr25)

vinolvr25 — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Service was extremly slow and unattentive. The albacore was cooked perfectly, however was very salty. Still lookiing for the beets in the beet salad. The filet mignon was cooked as ordered, however the french fries were soggy and limp. The flavor of the creme brulee was nice, but the texture was a bit soft.

5 Stars: Dessert Please! (by stephandthecity)

stephandthecity — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Upscale. Wouldnt come here with my girlfriends but a great place to
come with my boyfriend or parents. Food is delicious. Coffee and
dessert were fabulous. Owner was very nice. He came to the table to
make sure everything was OK.

5 Stars: Special treat for me!! (by lizzybun)

lizzybun — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Place was great. Salmon was perfect and not too filling. Whole
restaurant is a treat. First time I came here, will make sure to come
back often. Very reasonable and close to my house!

5 Stars: Yummy 3 course meal! (by clalabasis)

clalabasis — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Filet Mignon, Onin Soup and Fondant were the best things I have had in
a while. British server was so pleasant. Would come back here ina
heartbeat...especially for a birthday.

5 Stars: Saucey! (by lavoly)

lavoly — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Always drove by this place, but never came in. Place is so
comfortable and homey. Wish I dropped by sooner. I got the chicken,
so good. Sauce was light. Had the creme brulet, was a little soft.
But everything else made up for it. Will get the Fondant next time.

4 Stars: A for Atmosphere (by angelsforyou)

angelsforyou — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Best appetizers around. Beet salad was brilliant. Great atmosphere.
Get the filet...the sauce made the whole meal.

5 Stars: WINE and dine... (by scottpierro)

scottpierro — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Best wine selection. Pork Chops and onion soup were delicious. Took a
little long to get my meal...but it was all worth it. Espcially the
Chocolate Fondant.

5 Stars: Food is almost too good. (by daniellyle)

daniellyle — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Best restaurant I have been to in a while. I got the lamb as my entree and it was absoultely amazing. I loved every bite. The ambiance is quiet and serene and you feel like you are in an elegant getaway. Great place for a date or just a good place to go with friends when you want a GREAT MEAL. Chocolate Fondant dessert was to die for. Definitely get the Beet Salad to start. LOVED IT. HIghly recimmended.