Welcome to The Gardens Restaurant
At The Gardens Restaurant, nestled in the heart of State College, PA, we celebrate American cuisine with a delightful twist. Our story is rooted in a commitment to quality and flavor, showcased in our diverse offerings—from our legendary roasted corn and crab cakes to decadent brunches featuring poached salmon and custom omelettes. Guests rave about our attentive service, which elevates every meal into a memorable experience. Located in the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, we invite you to explore our inviting ambiance and vast buffet selections, where every visit promises to be an adventure for the palate. Join us at The Gardens, where culinary excellence blooms.
- 215 Innovation Blvd, State College, PA 16803 Hotline: (814) 863-5090
Welcome to The Gardens Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of State College, Pennsylvania. Located at 215 Innovation Blvd within the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, this American eatery offers a delightful escape into the world of flavor and comfort.
The Gardens Restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite buffet options, particularly during Sunday brunch, which has earned rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Guests have praised the remarkable variety, from crab imperial and poached salmon to mouth-watering Belgian waffles adorned with berries. The impressive selection doesn't stop there; the buffet also features scrumptious desserts including Berkey Creamery ice cream and apple crumble, making it a true feast for all tastes.
Reviewers like Maryanne G. highlight the “stunning variety of food” that embodies the restaurant’s commitment to quality and satisfaction. The attentive service, exemplified by staff members like Amy, ensures that each meal is complemented by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bob F., a satisfied guest, described the flavors as "excellent and often surprising," noting particular favorites like the lobster bisque and sesame crusted tuna.
What sets The Gardens apart is not just the food but the overall experience. The ambience is designed to be both elegant and comfortable, making it the ideal venue for any occasion, whether it’s a special brunch with friends or a more intimate dinner. Diners can enjoy a range of choices from appetizers such as spiced cranberry and walnut baked brie to hearty soups like cheddar and ale soup with bratwurst.
Moreover, the beverage selection adds an extra layer of indulgence—imagine savoring a cup of perfectly brewed coffee or refreshing Penn State Creamery Chocolate Milk alongside your meal. This attention to detail does not go unnoticed and is a significant part of why The Gardens receives such high praise from its patrons.
In conclusion, The Gardens Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination where flavors converge and memories are made. Whether you're enjoying the abundant Sunday brunch or a quiet dinner, each visit promises delicious food, exceptional service, and an inviting atmosphere. Don’t miss out on experiencing the delights of this top-tier American restaurant!
- Address: 215 Innovation Blvd, State College, PA 16803
- Phone: (814) 863-5090
- Highlights:
- Stunning buffet variety, especially for Sunday brunch
- Exceptional service with a focus on guest experience
- Eloquent American cuisine, perfect for any occasion

My experience was top tier. Not only was the food amazing, but the service topped it! The service exceeded all expectations and I'm very grateful I was able to experience it. Shout out to the coffee, brewed to perfection. 5/5 stars for this amazing restaurant!

We had the American Bounty buffet this past weekend and absolutely loved it! The selection was great, the flavors were excellent and often surprising in the best ways (cornbread stuffing with spicy sausage? swordfish with watermelon and feta? lobster bisque? sesame crusted tuna? apple crumble with Creamery ice cream? 100% yes, please!), and every item we tried was terrific. I am usually not a steak person but the steaks were incredible.

I would rate this a very good buffet on quantity and variety of choices. The staff is very attentive also. The restaurant may want to improve its advertising because it was difficult to find it online. Again I would recommend this venue for its Sunday brunch!

Dang that brunch is crazy good! First time here two days ago. We made reservations (you really must) for Sunday brunch. Stunning variety of food - and everything was fabulous! Crab imperial, poached salmon, smoked salmon (and caviar!), yummy bread pudding, Berkey Creamery ice cream (and tons of other desserts), Irving's bagels, lamb chops, roasted veggies and potatoes, cheese selection, pate selection (never expected that!), a rainbow of fresh fruit, custom omelettes, salad bar, great soup, traditional breakfast foods (eggs/sausage etc.) plus a million other things. The value is unbeatable and the quality of the food is fantastic! We had a lovely server (Amy) who was super kind, attentive and positive. She clearly likes where she works. Cannot wait to go back!

Our favorite Sunday brunch spot in town. Large buffet, Although I usually stick with Belgium waffles covered with berries and smoked salmon, I am tempted by many other choices. $22.50 per person included a mimosa. Our waitress told us that a regular size iced latte would be $7 and I skipped that. Their Friday and Saturday dinner buffets are also very good.

Gardens is located on the ground floor of the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. This is the fancier sit down restaurant compared to Legends with its Tavern/Sports Bar look. Large restaurant with lots of seating, the buffet area is in the front when you enter. Offers a breakfast buffet that is reasonably priced, but I prefer to order from the menu. Serves a nice breakfast that I've enjoyed the last few times I've ate here, portions are fair sized. Home Fries are wedged potatoes and the bacon is good. Serves Ketchup with breakfast, something I find a little odd at times. Sunday they do not have a breakfast menu and it's buffet only. Serves a lunch and dinner menu that I have no experience with. Overall, nice place for breakfast.