Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Botanic Lodge

Main Lake (Kainka Wirra), Adelaide Botanic Garden, Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Recommended by 72 people

Updated

Find Botanic Lodge

Main Lake (Kainka Wirra), Adelaide Botanic Garden, Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 8 7082 0177
HoursMonday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Botanic Lodge

Set directly on the edge of Main Lake, Botanic Lodge delivers reimagined South Australian dining framed by botanic gardens flora and wildlife. Diners head here for a serene break from garden walks, trading standard kiosk fare for set menus under umbrellas while water birds skim the lake. The kitchen showcases regional produce through dishes like fresh kingfish with saltbush, tuna mornay croquettes, and sourdough with molasses-whipped Barossa butter. Beyond the local wine list, the house temperance selection pours small-batch sodas infused with native botanicals like Bunya pine and thyme.

  • Lakeside garden setting: Relax under lakeside umbrellas overlooking Kainka Wirra, watching ducks and water birds while dining in the heart of Adelaide Botanic Garden.
  • Native-inspired regional menus: Reimagined South Australian classics and multi-course set menus spotlighting regional ingredients, from Barossa butter sourdough to kingfish with saltbush.
  • Botanical temperance program: House-crafted non-alcoholic beverages featuring small-batch sodas blended with native Bunya pine and thyme.
RestaurantAustralianRestaurant

What's On at Botanic Lodge

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Botanic Lodge

Discover why diners choose Botanic Lodge for lakeside dining, botanical beverages, and milestone gatherings in Adelaide Botanic Garden.

  • Relaxed Lakeside Dining in the Gardens

    Tables overlook the peaceful lake and gardens, allowing diners to unwind beside resident waterfowl and lush greenery.

    The lakeside outdoor seating is incredibly relaxing with umbrellas, surrounded by lush trees and overlooking the peaceful pond with ducks swimming around.

    Hatsumi A

  • Reimagined Regional South Australian Flavours

    Dishes reimagine regional South Australian classics by infusing seasonal produce and native botanicals grown steps away.

    The restaurant specialises in nostalgic South Australian dishes, thoughtfully reimagined with seasonal produce.

    Boris Stojanovic

  • Effortless Multi-Course Celebrations

    The venue hosts celebratory gatherings with curated multi-course feed-me options that accommodate diverse dietary needs seamlessly.

    We visted for a family celebration and enjoyed the large feed me menu, the food was plentiful and delicious, the venue gardens are stunning

    Emma Cadd

  • Picturesque Milestone and Wedding Lunches

    Couples and families host private milestone gatherings and intimate wedding lunches in a memorable garden setting.

    We had the small wedding lunch of our dreams at Botanic Lodge and it was sensational.

    Adelaide

  • A Serene Pause from Garden Strolls

    Offers an elevated sit-down escape for garden visitors looking for refined refreshments rather than standard park kiosks.

    If you're going to the Botanic Garden, come here for a much more serene and enjoyable break.

    Hatsumi A

  • Crafted Native Temperance Pairings

    Features an artisanal non-alcoholic temperance list showcasing small-batch botanic sodas infused with native ingredients like Bunya pine and native thyme.

    Produced under the BTNC beverages label by the Restaurant Botanic group, these non-alcoholic, small-batch sodas are a delightful local offering.

    Boris Stojanovic

Standout South Australian dishes savoured alongside the lake

  • Sourdough Bread

    The chunky, warm sourdough sourced from a local bakery was perfectly soft and absorbed the rich Barossa Valley butter, which had been expertly churned and blended.

    Boris Stojanovic

  • Steak

    I had the steak and not only was it cooked perfectly, it melted in the mouth.

    David Maddison

  • Pumpkin with Goat's Cheese

    Another highlight was the pumpkin dish, paired beautifully with goat’s cheese, a vibrant pepita salsa, and a walnut vinaigrette, delivering an exciting mix of textures and flavours.

    Boris Stojanovic

  • Quiche

    Respect to the kitchen for preparing and presenting our quiches so beautifully and elegantly.

    Sharleen P

Other favorites

Botanical refreshments, starters, and nostalgic desserts to complement your meal

  • Bunya Pine Cola

    This unique beverage blends the familiar taste of cola with the roasted, earthy notes of native Bunya pine and the aromatic hint of native thyme.

    Boris Stojanovic

  • Tuna Mornay Croquettes

    Completing our trio of treats were the tuna mornay croquettes, which proved to be just as scrumptious.

    Boris Stojanovic

  • Golden Gay Time

    their take on an Australian classic a ‘golden gay time’ to finish.

    KCS

  • Finger Lime Spritz

    The finger lime spritz was a sharp and playful drink perfect for a summer’s day.

    David Maddison

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and distinct parkland touches that elevate your garden dining experience

  • Attentive Botanical Pairings & Menu Guidance

    Servers provide extensive dish descriptions detailing native herbs and curate tailored recommendations from house non-alcoholic botanical sodas.

  • Careful Dietary Customization across Set Menus

    Chefs and front-of-house staff carefully accommodate complex dietary needs across set tasting menus, including diabetics, vegetarians, and specific dietary restrictions.

  • Dedicated After-Hours Lit Private Entry

    A separate illuminated, flat pathway provides access to lakeside evening dining and after-hours celebrations when the main botanic garden gates close.

  • Immersive Lakeside Wildlife Viewing

    Outdoor seating sits right beside the lake, where diners can watch waterfowl, turtles, and dusk flying foxes amidst umbrellas and garden greenery.

Before you head over

Practical advice on reservations, garden entry, and menu options to ensure a smooth visit.

  • Book Ahead for Indoor Dining

    Indoor seating fills up quickly during peak lunch services, making advance reservations essential if you want a table inside rather than outdoor patio dining.

  • Note After-Hours Gate Access

    The surrounding botanic garden gates close around 5:00 PM, so evening dinner guests should use the dedicated private entrance path to reach the lodge after hours.

  • Explore House Botanical Sodas

    If you prefer non-alcoholic pairings, skip conventional soft drinks and explore the house temperance menu featuring small-batch sodas infused with native botanicals.

Explore more places in Adelaide

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Adelaide.

Discover more in Adelaide

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Adelaide venues