Overview
Restaurant Botanic is one of Australia’s most acclaimed fine dining experiences — a gastronomic journey that blurs the lines between nature, innovation, and hospitality. Tucked within the lush greenery of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the restaurant is led by Executive Chef Justin James, whose vision has redefined what it means to dine sustainably, locally, and experientially.
The restaurant offers a single, immersive multi-course degustation menu, often comprising more than 20 meticulously crafted courses. Each dish showcases native Australian ingredients, many foraged from the surrounding gardens or sourced from ethical South Australian producers. You might encounter flavours like paperbark-roasted marron, smoked kangaroo with wattleseed, green ants, or lemon myrtle ice cream — always surprising, beautifully balanced, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Chef James and his team guide diners through a narrative-driven experience that explores place, season, and emotion. Every element, from the dishware to the soundtrack, is carefully curated. The drinks list features rare Australian wines, minimal-intervention selections, and inventive non-alcoholic pairings designed to complement the ever-changing menu.
Inside, the dining room is serene and light-filled, with panoramic views of the Botanic Gardens and a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor design. The space feels intimate, despite its prestige, with warm service and storytelling that adds richness to each course.
Globally recognised and consistently ranked among Australia’s top restaurants — and #34 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2023 — Restaurant Botanic is a destination venue that invites diners to slow down, connect, and be truly surprised by what South Australia can offer on a plate.
Last update April 2024
