
Adelaide’s dining scene has received a delicious dose of nostalgia with the opening of The Botanic Lodge, a charming restaurant, in the historic, completely reimagined, and much-loved Simpsons Kiosk space.
Helmed by the ever-talented Tom Tilbury, the menu at The Botanic Lodge digs deep into the garden’s memory.
Dining here you are delighted with an offering that is at once, completely contemporary, but also tastefully imbued with a faded sense of whimsy.
Designed by Williams Burton Leopardi with a nod to Australiana, The Lodge features a marble-topped open kitchen, a woodfired hearth, and stunning views of the gardens.
It’s a space that embodies warmth and charm, bringing the outdoors in, through its muted colour palette and natural textures, making it the perfect backdrop for Tilbury’s culinary offering.
The bright and airy fit-out seats 50 indoors with another 80 seats dotted outside along the lakefront.
Drawing heavily on his deep knowledge of Australian native flora and fauna, SA icon Tilbury, who made a name for himself with Gather Food and Wine and Press Food and Wine, is gunning to get as much of South Australia’s renowned produce across the pass as he can.

For the renowned chef, the Adelaide Botanic Garden has always held a special place in his heart.
Creating an everyday Australian dining experience that draws inspiration from this environment and the state’s incredible local producers brings it all full circle.
Tilbury’s playful side shines through with a nostalgic nod to his childhood – a revamped version of an Aussie classic he first discovered as a kid sliding back the dull Perspex lid of the ice cream fridge at the old kiosk.
Wander past the Lodge and it will be difficult to say no to the semifreddo riff on the Golden Gaytime.
The Lodge is all about celebrating South Australian produce with a menu that changes with the traditional seasons.
Dishes that are both indulgent and casual, from the occasional to a sneaky hot office crush lunch.
From a quick coffee and house-made lamington to a leisurely long Sunday brunch, there’s something for everyone.
Highlights include Barramundi cooked over coals, citrus glaze and coastal greens, Mussels and native “curry”, myrtle oil and finger lime and Cheese and garden greens pasty with mushroom preserve.

With a beverage list put together by Restaurant Botanic’s Beverage Curator Alma Pasalic, and Head Sommelier Elle Foster, you won’t be short of a quality drink either.
For those wanting to dive into Alma’s award-winning temperance offering, the clarified orange juice with kefir lime is a good start.
With its focus on warm customer service and a delicious touch of nostalgia, The Lodge has turned the kiosk into an all-day dining haunt for an entire new audience.
Whether you want to pop past for oysters and champagne, a more long and leisurely lunch or for a family outing, this reimagined space delivers on all fronts.
Find The Botanic Lodge at 170 Plane Tree Drive.