Secret Garden Eatery

Monash University Clayton Campus, 13 College Walk, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
+61 401 786 280
$$$ Cafe
(184 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to Secret Garden Eatery, a delightful cafe nestled within the Monash University Clayton Campus at 13 College Walk, Clayton VIC 3168. This inviting spot is not just a place to grab your daily caffeine fix; it’s a vibrant part of the university community that stands out for its exceptional service and warm atmosphere.

Imagine stepping into a cozy garden, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the whispers of friendly conversations. At Secret Garden, the highlight is undoubtedly the coffee, crafted by the talented barista, Vincent, who has become a beloved figure among students and faculty alike. With a rich, velvety espresso and expertly frothy cappuccinos, Vincent consistently delivers coffee that is not just a drink but an experience. As one loyal patron, Alexandra Boffa, quipped, “I have ordered coffee from Secret Garden most days for the last 3 years, and it is by far my favourite in all of Melbourne.”

This cafe is more than just excellent coffee; it’s the heartwarming service that makes it a favorite. Customers rave about Vincent's kindness and his ability to make genuine connections, turning every coffee run into a pleasant social interaction. Tracy McCaffrey cherishes her chats with Vincent during quieter moments, emphasizing the welcoming environment that Secret Garden cultivates. Moreover, Mariyah Hussein affectionately refers to Vincent as her “go-to coffee person,” reflecting the camaraderie that is fostered here.

Secret Garden Eatery also prides itself on its commitment to supporting the campus community, including pantry services to help students find nourishment during their studies, ensuring they never have to compromise on quality while juggling their academic responsibilities.

The secret truly lies in the blend of delightful coffee and the warm-hearted service that has amassed a loyal following. With every cup served, patrons feel not just satisfied but cherished, something that is often hard to find in busy university life. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best part of a hectic day is a friendly face and a fantastic brew waiting for you—just like what you’ll find at Secret Garden Eatery.

So next time you're on campus, make a point to visit this little sanctuary. Whether you're rushing between lectures or taking a well-deserved break, Secret Garden is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy some of the best coffee Melbourne has to offer.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

184 Reviews
Alexandra Boffa

26 Sep 2025

I have ordered coffee from secret garden most days for the last 3 years and it is by far my favourite in all of Melbourne. The whole team is so amazing and Vincent is the best at making coffee and is always so kind. Beautiful place with beautiful people.

Jingzhe Xu

07 Sep 2025

Vincent serves me great coffee and tea for 3.5 years, constantly. He is trustworthy. He even suggests me what’s the best tea bags could be gotten from the market. They support pantry services around the campus. So, yeah, no doubt, they are one of the best.

Tracy McCaffrey

07 Sep 2025

Great coffee on campus. Especially love chats with Vincent (barista) as I arrive at time when it’s not so busy.

Courtney Butler

25 Aug 2025

I've been a regular at Secret Garden for the past four years, and I can confidently say that Vincent and the team are some of the most welcoming, professional, and consistent people in the business. From day one, Vincent has gone out of his way to greet customers with kindness and a smile, even during the busiest rush hours. He makes a fabulous coffee every single time and genuinely cares about getting it just right. It's disappointing to see a review that doesn't reflect the experience so many of us loyal customers have come to value. This place is a gem, and Vincent is a big part of what makes it special.

Mariyah Hussein

06 Aug 2025

Vincent the barista is so great, he’s my go to coffee person on campus!! I always enjoy his coffees and he is always so nice and sweet. Definitely recommend his coffee!

Mayur Katariya

28 Jun 2025

Best cafe on Clayton Campus I think. The coffee is consistently amazing, easily the best on campus, and the food options are fresh, delicious, and cater to a variety of tastes. The staff are always incredibly friendly and welcoming, which just adds to the wonderful atmosphere. ​Whether you need a quiet corner to get some work done, a beautiful spot to catch up with friends, or just a quick coffee break, this is the place to go. I can't recommend it enough. Five stars!

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