Zen Garden at Careys Manor is a destination Thai restaurant in the grounds of the well known New Forest hotel, offering an immersive dining experience rooted in authentic Thai cooking.
Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant is known for aromatic dishes shaped by traditional techniques, carefully balanced flavours and ethically sourced ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan diners are well catered for, making Zen Garden a popular choice for celebrations, romantic meals and relaxed group dining.
The a la carte menu brings together classic Thai dishes and street food inspired plates. Starters include meang pla, chicken satay and fragrant soups such as tom kha made with coconut milk, lemongrass and coriander. Main courses range from mussaman lamb shank and pad Thai goong to a selection of curries and stir-fried dishes, supported by sides like Thai jasmine rice and tenderstem broccoli. Desserts keep things light and tropical, with options such as banana fritters, pineapple carpaccio and a trio of sorbets. A dedicated vegan a la carte menu ensures everyone is catered for.
Lunch is available in a shorter, two-course format, with dishes such as som tom or sweetcorn cakes to start, followed by pad Thai gai or pad priew wan. This makes Zen Garden a popular option for daytime dining, particularly for guests visiting the spa.
The dining room is calm and distinctive, designed around a circular layout with exposed beams, dark wood finishes and floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and a terrace. The atmosphere is relaxed at lunchtime, while evenings follow a smart casual dress code.