LOCATIONNestled on the south-eastern flank of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on Domain Road. About a 10 minute drive from the CBD.
DETAILSHaving just undergone major refurbishments, the Botanical is once again thriving amongst Melbourne’s unique culinary culture, having created an all inclusive venue combining a variety of unique interlinked spaces catering for every occasion.
The main dining room has an air of sophistication, accentuated by the chocolate oak tables, chestnut-leather upholstered chairs, and modern artworks by Melbourne artist Janenne Eaton that hang elegantly around the space. The stylish main drinking sanctuary with its long Petro Grigio marble bar is the perfect place to catch-up with friends or converse with colleagues over a craft brew, fine wine or cocktail.
Stone-topped tables placed strategically around the room are accompanied by tall auburn-coloured bar stools, where you can take the weight of your feet and nibble on a varied selection of delicious bar snacks. The expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlook the olive-tree lined courtyard, which is a desirable hang-out on a sunny day. In the colder months take a coveted seat around the chateau-style fire place at the end of the room, whilst you sip on a glass of mulled wine.
FOOD & BEVERAGEUnder the skilful guidance of executive chef Cheong Liew, the Botanical has crafted and sustained its highly regarded reputation as one of Melbourne’s most innovative contemporary fine dining restaurants. Liew’s ‘cuisine sans frontières,’ a border-less approach to cooking, truly encapsulates Melbourne’s chic cosmopolitan style. All dishes are hearty in flavour and make use of locally sourced fresh seasonal produce. Dine on the likes of fried prawn and pork plums served with “1000 year old egg” and pickled ginger or Victorian Loligo squid, with a chilli, lemongrass and
curry leaf marinade for entrée. For more serious eats entice your palate with pan-seared Moreton Bay bugs, accompanied by avocado puree, bean sprout and salted dry fish flakes salad with a mango dressing. Or treat yourself to the wood grill and indulge in full-blood Mayura Station Wagyu sirloin in a black cardamom pepper crust. A glass of cognac and a delectable warm chocolate tart served with honey and lavender ice cream is a popular choice to end a fine meal.
With a 39 page wine and drinks menu, diners are spoilt for choice with the large selection of local and imported wines on offer, hard liqueurs, dessert drops and cheeky cocktails. A wine store is also located on site and offers a large range of boutique and mainstream wines, which can be purchased to accompany your meal.
FUNCTIONS This spacious venue can cater for a variety of functions from private cocktail parties, to weddings or product and media launches. There are three main private rooms on offer including the Archer Room, Chef’s Table & Main Bar. The Archer Room can accommodate up to 70 guests cocktail style and 50 guests for a seated function. The Chef’s table can cater for up to 18 guests and the Main Bar for up to 250 guests. The Botanical provides degustation menus with matching wines for all occasions, and can supply other material necessary to fashion the perfect function.