Botanica Vaucluse

The Botanica Vaucluse has just changed what it means to ‘eat green’

Nestled in the quiet eastern suburb of Vaucluse is a restaurant offering unpretentious, ‘farm to fork’ produce, ethically and sustainably sourced from Jamberoo Valley, which is two hours south of Sydney.

Botanica Vaucluse dining room

The executive chef at The Botanica Vaucluse, Perry Hill explains the philosophy behind his food has come about due to his long-time appreciation and interest in ethical and sustainable practices when it comes to sourcing local produce.

And Hill’s love for quality, sustainable produce certainly shines through in his final product. The defining moment was when the first course came out and guests sitting at the table – who were minutes ago deep in conversation and laughing – suddenly went quiet. As they began to try a little tasting from each dish, heads started nodding with approval. But still no time for words.

Botanica Vaucluse wall

Entrees included slow roast butternut pumpkin, tahini, sunflower seeds with sumac; warm spanner crab salad, pomelo, lemon olive oil with plantain chips; and wagyu beef bresaola, pickled beetroot and horseradish. The combination of the creamy pumpkin and the tahini, coupled with the texture of the sunflower seeds is guaranteed to turn pumpkin-sceptics into lovers of this underrated vegetable.

Moving onto mains, it was a spectacular feast of seared kingfish, grilled capsicum with romesco dressing; sweet potato gnocchi, soft goats cheese, pesto and baby leeks; roast dry aged lamb rump, smoked eggplant, rosemary with feta; and roast duck breast, radicchio, fennel and preserved orange salad. For one who tends to steer towards traditional dishes such as lamb, the sweet potato gnocchi blew me out of the water! It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Botanica Vaucluse food flat lay

Dessert was just as impressive, with a line up of dark chocolate and date cake with orange creme fraiche; lavender and citrus panna cotta; and blueberry, rhubarb and goats cheese meringue tart. The goats cheese meringue tart had guests talking about it, even before it hit the table. However, it turned out the meringue tart was the unexpected favourite, proof that you should never judge a dish until you try it.

All this in a beautiful, yet relaxed space makes for a great choice for that special girl’s night out, date night or lazy weekend brunch. Oh, and don’t forget to ask about the gin cocktails! No more words needed. They had me at gin cocktail.

The Botanica Vaucluse is located at 2 Laguna Street, Vaucluse and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Botanica Vaucluse table

Botanica Vaucluse food 3

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