Botanic Gardens Restaurant : Sydney

Lunch at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant was more than delicious. It was a real surprise. To be honest I did have a preconceived idea of the venue and was totally amazed at the beautiful seasonal menu that I thoroughly enjoyed well above my expectations. Head Chef Hamish Watt has created a marvellous classical international menu filled with contrasts, but never overstated. Each dish was truly a delight. With fantastic food and excellent service, the Botanic Gardens Restaurant can hold its head high in Sydney.

The surprises started before I even arrived. As I was running a moment late, I asked one of the garden’s staff the way, to make sure I didn’t take a longer path around the gardens. Tottering in my heels down the path, I was offered a lift (instead of directions) by Ranger Johnny and so I arrived in grand style.

When I saw quail on the winter menu, it was my obvious choice. The quince that accompanied it provided sweetness, with saltiness and heat from the green chilli salsa. I could have this dish again tomorrow, and enjoyed it so much that I’m going to recreate it at home.

bread
olives, house made dip

braised chicory
almonds, fresh goats curd

grilled quail
roast quince, green chilli salsa

braised morrocan octopus
quinoa & preserved lemon

mirror dory
roast tomatoes, puy lentils, olives, egg & parsley

palmer’s island mulloway
mussels, kipfler potato, asparagus, saffron and cumin

duck fat chats

custard and quince tart

We both chose mains of fish then swapped our dishes halfway, so I did get to enjoy both. How lovely to have two fish on the menu with such different treatments. Other mains of the menu include a lovely vegetarian option of fettucini, mushroom ragout, macadamia nuts, through to heftier carnivore options such as braised lamb shoulder or sirlion with cafe de paris butter and hand cut chips. There’s a nice choice of six sides from cauliflower cheese to green beans, bacon, sour cream.

Maybe it was a bit much my having a second go at quince, but how could I resist? Quince is so gorgeous and such a crown of the season that the chance to have a savoury then a dessert course of quince was just too tempting. The dessert, custard and quince tart was offset beautifully by the slight touch of anise.

My last of the three surprises was just how few people there were on a Friday lunch at this really lovely restaurant. Great food, great service, and highly recommended.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant
Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW Australia
+61 2 9241 2419