Dining | The Botanist - Kirribilli


On the corner of Willoughby and Broughton Streets sits The Botanist, an unassuming building from the outside, so quaint and quiet you might walk right past it. But don’t let its charming appearance fool you – step inside and you’ll find a rollicking, lively after-work crowd.

The restaurant itself is located downstairs, below street level, which means the windows are alongside the footpath. There may be a few awkward moments when someone will walk past, bend low and take a peek through the window.  Not unnerving, but definitely a little odd.

The patrons are a mixed bunch, locals or friends and colleagues of locals. You may find a boisterous crowd of young professionals at one table sharing a meal, right next to another table where an older couple is enjoying a quiet drink, while at another table a group of women may be holding their regular gossip session over a few cocktails.

The establishment takes it name from Gerald Fothergill, the botanist who once ran a bookshop here until his death in 1932.  The restaurant looks and feels like a botanist’s workspace. Large, bench-like tables in the centre remind you of a science lab set-up, or at least a place where work in the field is brought back for analysis.  The menu is even made to look like a botanist’s notebook, complete with field notes and illustrations.

The menu was designed to be shared with your group, but before you start on the food, you should do what the locals do and start your visit with a drink.  Try the To Emily ($18), made with Zubrowka, Puco, Lime, Ginger and Fresh Apple. Named after a hottie who was (or probably still is) popular with the staff, you can imagine her being quite the looker, if this cocktail is anything to go by. The apple flavour is very prominent and the hint of ginger gives it a little zing. You may even want it in in a larger glass – it’s a refreshing drink.

You could also try the “female friendly” Long Melon ($17).  A new addition to the cocktail menu, this was made with Ketel One Vodka, Pomegranate liqueur and watermelon puree.  It’s served in a tall glass and is proving to be quite popular. That agave nectar is a sweet surprise!

After you’ve had your fill of cocktails for the time being, you should move onto your starters.  Try the amazing Sashimi kingfish crudo, with chives, avocado and jalapeno ($19). This might not sound like a substantial starter plate but the kingfish and the avocado make it “weighty” without it feeling too heavy, and it’s served with bread.  The jalapeno is also fairly light, so it won’t burn you or take away from the taste.

If you want a little more to eat, try the Slow Roast Lamb Sliders ($20 for four pieces), made with grilled eggplant and minted yoghurt. Sliders also come in the beef and southern-fired chicken variety.

If you haven’t already chased your cares away with the cocktails and starters, try the Pork Belly ($20), seasoned with fennel and a hint of orange, for your main meal. Look out – this meat is so tender you may not want to share this with your table. The pork crackle was also spot on.

You may want to end the night on a (sugar) high, in which case the Banana Donut Sundae will fit the bill nicely. Made with bananas, marshmallows, pears and banana ice cream, this may just extend your stay. It’s also covered with hazelnut butter – a “melted Nutella” concoction made in house. You have been warned.

The Botanist is an ideal spot for locals and their friends to enjoy the area, and it’s definitely worth the trip for those coming from other parts of the city. Think of it as a tasty way to begin your harbourside outing.


The Botanist
17 Willoughby Street, Kirribilli.
Brunch and group bookings are also available.
For more information visit thebotanist.com.au