Dining at the Arboretum
Gil’s Elegant Catering is excited to return to the garden to provide window service at our Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace when we reopen to the public on June 1. As we open up more areas and phases of the garden, you can visit Cafe on the Green Friday-Sunday or enjoy a limited seated menu at Restaurant DeGolyer and outside on the Loggia, Thursday-Sunday from 11am-3pm. Our indoor restaurant, elegant seated teas and the Children’s Adventure Garden Cafe will be the last to open later this fall. Visitors are also invited to order food to-go and picnic anywhere on the grounds (except in restaurants).
Paid general admission is required for all who wish to enjoy any of the dining options at the Arboretum (although members always get into the gardens free.)
Top Dining Experiences
Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace
Open with service provided by Gil’s Elegant Catering.
The dining terrace offers a quick, convenient, “sandwich counter” experience for guests who want to grab something simple or a glass of wine or cold beer and enjoy it “al fresco” with a view of A Tasteful Place, White Rock Lake and downtown Dallas in the distance.
Café on the Green
Open Thursday-Sunday with service provided by Gil’s Elegant Catering.
Located along the Paseo, Café on the Green features casual outdoor dining for the whole family to enjoy, and often features live or recorded music that matches the theme of the festival or season, along with special seasonal menu items, cold beer, glasses of wine and a great selection of coffees provided by Gil’s Elegant Catering.
Restaurant DeGolyer – Outdoor Loggia
Open Thursday-Sunday from 11am–3pm.
This exceptional venue is nestled in the center of our 66-acre garden, outside the historic DeGolyer House. The exquisite menu features delicious meals inspired by the recipes of Chef James Sparks of Gil’s Elegant Catering. Seating is outside but includes fans to cool you off or heaters to keep you warm.
Seated Tea
Thursday-Sunday at 11am & 2pm.
Complete your Dallas Arboretum experience with a seasonal and delicious three-course tea menu designed by Chef James Sparks of Gil’s Elegant Catering set amid the festive ambiance of the beautifully renovated DeGolyer Tea Room. Seated Tea is only available to guests 13 and older, except during our Children’s Tea Special Event. Reservations required.
Picnic Spots
Our stunningly green grass, relaxed, tranquil atmosphere, and natural setting invite individuals, families and children to sit down and share a picnic.
Restaurant DeGolyer – Indoor Tea Room
Closed until further notice.
This exceptional venue is nestled in the center of our 66-acre garden, inside the historic DeGolyer House. The exquisite menu features delicious meals inspired by the recipes of Chef James Sparks of Gil’s Elegant Catering. Dining in Restaurant DeGolyer is only available to guests 13 and older.
Canopy Café
Currently closed.
Open during good weather in the spring and fall, this convenient snack station serves cold drinks, frozen treats and snack foods provided by Gil’s Elegant Catering and is convenient to guests at the north end of the garden.