The Botanist Kirribilli

You couldn’t ask for a better location. You’re practically under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It was my friend who had heard of the restaurant, living in the nearby area, and decided we should go check it out. February is that time of year when students book last minute trips, before university starts back up again; and hence the reason a couple of my girls and I met for a goodbye dinner in The Botanist in Kirribilli a couple of weeks ago.

We went quite early, around 5.20pm on a weekday, however the restaurant was booked for the night. We were lucky the staff were accommodating and slipped us in before a later reservation made their way over.



The waitress informed us that the menu is designed to share, with a mixture of dishes, most notably the sliders and tacos. With the tacos there is an option of trying two of the three flavours, having two of each on a plate of four (4 pieces for $20, extra piece $5). Try the chipotle chicken with fennel and tomatillo slaw, or the mixed bean with salsa lettuce and cheese. Delicious.



They’ll give you great deals on cocktail jugs too. Most notably the spiked Ice Tea ($38), which is Tanqueray Gin, Ketel One Vodka & Pampero Blanco Rum mixed together with lemon, house made ginger syrup, chilled Irish Breakfast Tea and ginger ale. Are you salivating yet?

This restaurant was named after Englishman Gerard Fothergill, who was born in 1868. At the request of Queen Victoria, he travelled through Africa and India. He also lived in the Middle East. He is the inspiration behind the menu. The restaurant pays homage to Fothergill with the adventurous menu and exotic spices.



Undoubtedly the best dish for all of us at the table was the spanakopitas ($14), which is a fried pastry stuffed with pork, apple and mascarpone. I want to head back there purely for this dish. So yummy.



The interior decor was great - full of green plants and high black chairs that are bar stool-esque, combined with thick wooden tables. The restaurant leaves you with a very ethnic, holiday, Caribbean vibe. The cucumber, watermelon, goats cheese and mint salad ($17) perfectly matches this vibe. It was a light starter, and a nice gluten free/vegetarian option.



We went for a bit of a stroll after dinner, to walk off the calories. A simple one minute walk, and we were directly underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge which was very cool. From this vantage point there are great views of the harbour, the bridge itself, and the Sydney Opera House. Next to the train station is a park, so you can sit down and chill. There are a few exercise and yoga groups who meet there during the evening.



It’s in an unbelievable location, directly opposite Milsons Point train station. As you step off the train, walk towards the Ennis Street exit and cross at the pedestrian crossing.

Rating: 9/10

Where: 17 Wiloughby Street Kirribilli NSW (Entrance via Broughton Street)
Why: Great location and view
Cost: Reasonable
When: Night out with a group

Good for kids: Yes
Take away: Best to eat in

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