Botanic Gardens Restaurant - Sydney

Service was quite poor except for one person who seemed to be looking after everything. Entree was so small it was almost laughable. Main was good. Service too slow for drinks. Will not go again.

I've visited a few times recently after maybe a gap of 10 years and it's back to what I experienced before - a very relaxing place.

The food is better than good, the wines well selected and the wait staff actually seem to enjoy their work which contributes to the relaxing atmosphere.

Besides, a walk through the gardens is in itself a brilliant experience.

I think it's quite a special place away from the "busyness" of today's Sydney

The location is delightful, looking onto the Botanic Gardens and ponds below. The layout of the restaurant and its open air aspect make sure it ideal for a hot summer day. Food was good, although not exceptional, and service was reliable and friendly.

We really enjoyed the setting and the pleasant stroll through the gardens to get there. It was a hot day yet it was refreshingly cool inside.

Great spot for a nice relaxed lunch after a stroll through the gardens.

Service was very friendly and attentive.

Food & drinks were very good and I thought reasonably priced.

I must go there more often.

Delicious, well-presented dishes served by friendly efficient staff. The barramundi was excellent and the desserts, with their botanic ingredients looked and tasted superb.

The wine list should include more by the glass choices, including champagne and pinot noir. And more Australian, (Tasmanian and Mornington Peninsula especially) rather than Marlborough New Zealand, wines.

It was the 4th or 5th time we’d booked this restaurant - generally when overseas or interstate visitors are in town, so we had high expectations. Whilst the menu looked appealing the food didn’t match it, and we left slightly hungry (we ordered entrees, mains and sides) but mostly disappointed.

The food and coffee were average. I ordered a very expensive Eggs Benedicts and left the restaurant hungry, because the plate was so small.
My mum had a Acai Bowl, which was good.
The overall experience was fine, but we paid too much for what we got. Would recommend to just take to-go coffe from the Cafe and walk through the botanical gardens.

My wife and I had an excellent lunch on 27/12 and the service was excellent. The girl (can't remember her name)who served us was very good - even offered to get us an ice bucket for our shiraz!

Beautiful surroundings - botanic gardens are exceptionally lovely
Tasty food, well presented

Interesting menu with a good blend of standards and some innovative options. Wine list is reasonable in range and price. Service was slow to start - I think we fell between two waiters zones. Once we ordered service was prompt and friendly. Great outlook, smart interior made experience great overall. Our 4th visit, no duds so far - recommended.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve lunch here. The food was excellent, service so so (considering it was after the Christmas rush- they did fine). A few meals were late but this was quickly solved.
The duck pate was excellent, the prawn curry also and of course the Zucchini flowers.

Very small servings. Things tastes great, but value is very poor.

Food was nice, the service was horrible. We were the only ones there and we didn't even get as much as a smile let alone service.

The manager or owner (couldn't quite tell what his position was) was rude. I saw a poor women who must have had some disability just walk in and his response wasn't very nice.

Shame because the restaurant is beautiful in a beautiful area.

Nice place but more variety in the offer available in the menu (brunch in particular) would be appreciated. The eggs were not fantastic and you pay more for the view than for what you actually get on your plate. The atmosphere was quiet and pleasant and the service was OK. It is not bad but you would expect better.

Wonderful spot to take OS guests for lunch.
Excellent service, and a good choice of Australian fare including kangaroo and Barramundi.

Food was good and a nice space between each table gave the feeling of some privacy.

A couple of letdowns:

1. The service was very slow, there was simply not enough staff on at lunchtime

2. There was lipstick on my water glass

All good - window table, attentive staff, short but adequate wine list, imaginative and brilliant food.
No rush, guests all full and happy, then a gentle stroll through the gardens for the train home. A delightful afternoon.

We had a wonderful leisurely lunch at Botanic Gardens Restaurant. The food was magnificent, classic with unusual twists. The views were lovely, lush green lawns, tranquil lake features & tree tops from every angle. The ambience was formal yet relaxing. The service could probably have been a little more attentive. I have already recommended the restaurant to family & friends & plan to return with my husband for a Sunday lunch soon. Overall - wonderful!

Our attempt to brunch at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant with a group of 8 people was a disaster. On arrival, we were told that our booking had been cancelled because the restaurant had been booked for a private function. Staff said that someone would have attempted to advise of the cancellation -- however, we did not receive any prior advice. It appears that this restaurant has "form" in this regard. I have found an online review that says the same thing happened on August 18. Avoid this place.

I used to admire the fine dining , but was quite disappointed this time with the food. Just wondering If they have got different chefs ?
Also they put us 3 diners into a 2-people seating table even the restaurant was not packed.

We were seated at 1.00pm . Our meals came at 2.30pm after we complained that 5 tables arrived after us and had been fed before. The manager informed us the kitchen overlooked our order. I could tell the kitchen had thrown our meals together any old how because the manager got annoyed with them. I could not get a bill. The manager followed me to the toilet threatening to call the police unless I paid the bill. He threatened to call the police as I raised my voice to complain. A total disaster!!!!

We had lunch here on the most perfect Spring day so the ambience was delightful. My companion and I both had the lamb for the main - it was absolutely delicious. We finished off our meal with the Sweet Addiction dessert, beautiful. Noise level was the only distraction - a couple with a child was seated next to us and the child circled the table throughout the meal.

Unfortunately we had been previously during the week and the service and food was exceptional- yesterday was a total disappointment! It was for a special occasion and whilst the venue was lovely we had untold issues- hair in the main course which we waited 1 and 3/4 hours for and then cold coffee!
Whilst they replaced the coffeee unfortunately it was 3 strikes!

looks like it is as understaffed , staff was struggling to take orders and appeared to be stressed

Delicious meal, attentive service, beautiful setting. It made for an enjoyable Sunday brunch.

Brunch was very ordinary. Sauce on the eggs Benedict was oily and not freshly made.$24 for a bought muffin, 2 eggs, bacon and that sauce. No fresh juice available. $4.50 for juice poured straight from a bottle. Partners
Shakshuka was not baked eggs, just sauce with poached eggs thrown on top. We were served by 3 different staff. After they took our plates away no one came near us to offer coffee or anything further. I also had to get the bill myself. Very disappointing!

The setting and the food were wonderful. Set amongst the scenic Botanic Gardens it is an absolute gem. The food was delicious and fairly priced. Looking forward to returning soon.

Great atmosphere, menu choices and friendly, efficient staff. Wine and food served in a timely manner. Excellent desserts.

Fabulous food with a beautiful view. The lamb rump was superb. The service was excellent too, friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back!

Very disappointed , we had to keep asking for service , to order etc. Meals came out separately so we were all eating at different times very annoying, no apology given. Eggs Benedict and cheese n tomatoe croissant very basic and small portion for the price.?” It was my husbands birthday , restaurant was not busy at 11am ... spoilt our day actually. We were Not asked about how our meal was when I paid ...therefore no tip! Will not recommend your restaurant to friends

Absolutely superb experience, great atmosphere, food and service. Highly recommended. We'll definitely come back.

Service not overly friendly, everything feels like an effort when asked for assistance.
Menu could be more variety rather than just mainly fish on the menu.
Nice looking venue just lacked soul and passion with food.

Special occasion lunch that met expectations. Mains are smallish for the price but everyone enjoyed them. The lamb serving was particularly small for the price but tender and flavoursome. The tomato entre I had for mains was sufficient in size and beautifully presented.The oysters, charged per item were fresh. Octopus a bit tough but prawns tender. Desserts are a highlight and didn't disappoint. I would recommend the Botanic for food and the beautiful setting.

Delicious food, wonderful service, great views over the Botanic Gardens, great value. Will definitely return. Mentioned a special occasion on the reservation request and received a complementary glass of Bubbly on arrival👍

Inadequate portions and over priced

Great food and delightful service ina lovely environment . Would definitely go back. We only tried Brunch menu so not sure whether there is a wider menu or not but plan to revisit to investigate!

Great view from the balcony overlooking the botanic gardens. Food was delicious and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with friends.

The Botanic Gardens restaurant is a surprise in a beautiful setting. It has a stylish, relaxed vibe, good staff and OMG space between tables - unheard of in Sydney! There’s a little overflow of chatter from the kiosk downstairs, but overall the food was great, quick service for kids meals with activities and a beautiful setting in the gardens. Just missed a coffee and the bill being served to the table at the end, but a real surprise and would recommend for a lunch with family

Wonderful spot - perfect leisurely lunch