Tucked away on the first floor along Rooty Hill Road, Lily’s Garden is one of those restaurants locals are delighted to stumble upon. Spacious, welcoming and refreshingly no-nonsense, it’s a dining destination that combines comforting Asian favourites with a few dishes so distinctive they’ve become signature draws.
With seating for up to 78 guests across two shopfronts, the restaurant offers a generous layout that feels airy and unhurried - add in its simple décor with a soft garden-inspired touch, and Lily’s Garden sets the stage for relaxed meals that keep diners coming back.
A Must-try Dish: Crispy Shredded Beef with Peking Sauce
When it comes to standouts, the crispy shredded beef with Peking sauce is a dish that has earned its own reputation. Sweet, tangy and perfectly crisp, it’s a creation so unique that other restaurants have tried to replicate it - without success. This house specialty is a must-order for first-time visitors, embodying Lily’s Garden’s knack for taking familiar flavours and giving them an irresistible twist.
Equally worth trying is the Malaysian chicken laksa, a recipe inspired by the legendary Madam Kwan’s in Malaysia. Its rich, fragrant curry soup broth offers a level of authenticity rarely found in Australia and for many regulars, it’s the ultimate comfort dish. Where other laksas can feel ordinary, Lily’s Garden delivers the real deal: bold, warming, and deeply satisfying.
A Restaurant That Keeps It Simple
What sets Lily’s Garden apart isn’t gimmicks or overly complex concepts - it’s the commitment to being a no-nonsense, family-friendly restaurant. The menu is packed with dishes that feel familiar yet special, designed to appeal to both adventurous food lovers and those who simply want a hearty, reliable meal.
The space itself mirrors this philosophy. With wide-spaced tables and seating spread across two adjoining floors, the dining room feels calm and open, perfect for both everyday dinners and larger gatherings. Whether it’s a casual family meal, a birthday celebration, or a private event, Lily’s Garden provides the space and flexibility to make it work.
A Local Secret Worth Sharing
Perhaps the most surprising thing about Lily’s Garden is how many people don’t yet know it exists. Despite being a local fixture, diners often remark that they’ve lived in the area for years without realising there’s a restaurant hidden just upstairs. This sense of discovery only adds to its charm: once you find it, it feels like you’ve stumbled onto a best-kept local secret.
The restaurant currently seats 68 but can accommodate up to 78, making it ideal for group bookings. With its understated ‘garden’ décor, the team plans to enhance the look further by adding more greenery to reinforce its name and atmosphere. Combined with its spacious layout and versatile menu, Lily’s Garden is a venue that adapts effortlessly to different dining occasions.
Rooty Hill’s Quiet Culinary Retreat
For those in search of authentic flavours, generous portions and a relaxed dining experience, Lily’s Garden offers something special. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can sit back, share a meal and enjoy the comfort of simple, well-loved food.
Hidden though it may be, Lily’s Garden is the kind of restaurant worth discovering and returning to again and again.
