Looking for a dinner spot that’s a little bit magic, a little bit fancy, but still totally relaxed? The Lodge, nestled lakeside in the heart of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, ticks every box for a memorable night out. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a long-overdue catch-up with your favourite people – it’s the perfect excuse to leave the kids at home and treat yourself to something special.
Once the garden gates close to the public at 5:30pm, dinner guests are personally escorted through the gardens to the restaurant. It’s quiet, it’s intimate, and it honestly feels a little bit cinematic (cue the soft lighting, twinkling trees and zero background traffic noise). It’s the kind of night that starts with a deep breath and ends with a full belly and happy heart.
At the helm is Executive Chef Tom Tilbury, who brings a love of seasonal South Australian produce to the menu. Dishes are fresh, beautifully balanced, and full of flavour – this is food that knows when to be comforting and when to show off a little.
We started with a few small plates to share: sourdough with Dairyman butter marbled with Vegemite, BBQ’d pickles in olive oil, and plump marinated Coriole olives. It was simple and absolutely delicious. The pumpkin and goat’s cheese tart was a standout, rich, silky, and bursting with herby, garden-fresh flavour. The lamb sausage, served with roasted onion and beetroot, was hearty and packed with bold, earthy depth. And then there was dessert. The Golden Gaytime parfait with shortbread crumb…just wow! Creamy, nostalgic, and ridiculously good – the kind of dessert you don’t want to share… but probably should.
The menu changes with the seasons, and the dishes strike that sweet spot between feeling a little bit fancy but not too fussy. Pair it with a local wine or a cocktail, and you’re winning.
The Lodge’s styling nods to vintage Australiana in a subtle, tasteful way, but it’s the service and setting that really steal the show. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can cosy up inside or soak up the lakeside views alfresco. By day, The Lodge is a relaxed space that’s totally family-friendly – open seven days for lunch from 11:30am to 3:00pm with a menu that’s similar and just as impressive as the dinner offering. It’s the kind of spot where you can swing by for a coffee after a wander through the gardens with the kids or stay for a laid-back lunch that feels a little bit special. By night? It transforms into something quietly magical.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the lake, splitting a bottle of local wine, or simply catching up without the soundtrack of “Mum, Mum, Muuuuuum,” this place feels like a breath of fresh air… literally.
Need to Know:
- Lunch: Daily, 11:30am to 3:00pm
- Dinner: Friday & Saturday from 6:00pm (escorted entry after gates close)
- Coffee and Cakes: 9:30am – 4pm
- Access: Best via Friend’s Gate on Plane Tree Drive
- Parking: Paid parking nearby, free on Sundays and public holidays
- Dietaries? Absolutely catered for – just speak with the team
- Location: Right inside the Adelaide Botanic Garden, just west of Restaurant Botanic
So, start planning your next date night. Round up the girls. Lock in the sitter. Throw on something that’s not activewear (we dare you). The Lodge is your go-to for a grown-up night out – no stress, no traffic chaos, just seriously good food and wine in one of the most beautiful spots in Adelaide.
Botanic Lodge
Location: Main Lake (Kainka Wirra), Adelaide Botanic Garden, Plane Tree Drive,
Adelaide, SA, 5000, Kaurna Land
Email: hello@botaniclodge.com.au
Phone: (08) 7082 0177
You might also be interested in
-
You won't ever regret taking the beautiful short stroll in to the centre of Adelaide's Botanic Garden to Evergreen Deli with your kids, where families can experience the magic of nature and exceptional café food (inspired by the gardens) combined. You'll quickly forget that you are in the heart of Adelaide City, and life will slow down for a little while. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and vivid backdrop of the Gardens, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a delightful meal or a simple coffee break! Families will appreciate the inviting, fresh air atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and savor their time together while surrounded by all things good. There is plenty of room to easily maneuver a pram and the expansive alfresco dining ensures kids can move about and explore while waiting on their food and drinks. Additionally, you will find accessible bathroom amenities here for everyone. While we love the coffee, the house made focaccia sandwiches and cold pressed juices are incredible, and last but certainly not least (probably our favourite) the granola gives 'luxe honey crackle' vibes and is so beautifully presented that it almost feels like a work of art. The kids menu is…
-
It's no secret that here at Kids In Adelaide we love somewhere free. Well, the Adelaide Botanic Garden surely has to be the ultimate FREE spot to enjoy with your kids! It's a great place to pop in just for an hour or to spend a full day. Plus it's even better now that the Tram line runs from the Adelaide Train Station straight down to the Botanic Garden gate. So forget about parking, jump onto the Tram & enjoy what the Botanic Garden has to offer! There are about five different entry gates to the Garden (check out the map here) & all will take you on a meandering path through gardens of different styles, species and purposes. Enter through the Gingko Gate & you will first come across the Garden of Health which features plants used around the world for pharmacy, medicinal & healing purposes. Be sure to lookout for the rainbow lorikeets frolicking in the water fountain! Keep wandering & you will also find gardens dedicated to roses, native plants, wetlands, dahlias & more. Make sure you quite literally take time to stop & smell the roses! Kids will love running underneath the wisteria arbours, as well…
-
Goodbye Winter and hello Spring! Looking for the perfect picnic spot in Adelaide? Whether you're after a shady spot by water, a beachside escape, or a scenic park with plenty of space for the kids to run around, we’ve got you covered! Adelaide is home to some incredible picnic locations, from hidden gems to family-favourite parks with playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and stunning views. With so many beautiful places to choose from, why not plan a new picnic adventure every weekend this spring? We’ve asked around the Kids in Adelaide team for our favourite picnic spots and have come up with the below 13 …. that is one spot for every weekend in Spring (plus a few extras). So, get your kite, your rug and start re-acquainting yourselves with the sunshine.
