Restaurant Botanic has firmly established itself as one of Adelaide’s finest dining destinations, a true gem that embodies the art of luxury dining, where every detail is crafted to perfection. In just four short years, the restaurant has garnered an impressive list of accolades, but the recent recognition at the 2024 Australia Wine List of the Year Awards has undoubtedly solidified its place among the nation’s elite culinary establishments.
Restaurant Botanic has received two prestigious awards that are a testament to the skill and dedication of its team. It was honoured with the title of Australia’s Best Food & Wine Matching List, a reflection of the exceptional curation and thoughtfulness behind its wine program.
Alongside this, the restaurant also won Best Non-Alcoholic Pairing, showcasing its inclusive approach to dining that ensures every guest feels catered for, regardless of preference.
At the heart of these accolades is the restaurant’s Wine Director, Elle Foster, whose passion for wine and commitment to excellence has transformed the dining experience at Botanic.
“I absolutely adore what I do,” Elle says with genuine enthusiasm.
Raised in the UK, Elle’s familiarity with European wine regions has helped shape the restaurant’s wine program, offering a broad selection that spans from celebrated global regions to lesser-known hidden gems.
“I love showing people different varieties, especially when they are more familiar with Australian wines,” she explains, always eager to share her passion for wine with her guests.
Elle’s approach to wine pairing is an experience in itself. With four distinct pairing options available, guests are treated to wines that evolve with the changing seasons and the innovative dishes crafted by the talented chefs.
While many patrons opt for the expertly curated pairings, Elle’s work goes beyond simply matching wine to food—it’s about creating a journey.
“The food and wine paring experience can take anywhere from three to three and a half hours, depending on how much you want to talk to me,” she says, revealing how deeply she enjoys engaging with guests and offering them a true exploration of the wines.
The wine program at Restaurant Botanic isn’t static; it’s ever-changing.
“The wines always change. I’m always working on the menu, and the wines will change much more than the dishes,” Elle shares.
With such dynamic pairing options, there’s always something fresh to discover, and this flexibility helps keep things vibrant for both the team and the diners. Elle’s work isn’t just about choosing wines that taste good with the food; it’s about crafting an experience that tells a story with each glass.
“I don’t want it to feel robotic. I want it to be fresh and energetic for me and for the guests,” she explains, underscoring her commitment to keeping each pairing unique and exciting.
Winning these awards is not simply a recognition of a well-curated list; it’s a celebration of the hard work, the passion, and the thoughtfulness that goes into each bottle served.
As Elle reflects on the accolades, she humbly notes, “I don’t have to beg for wines anymore. When the restaurant’s reputation speaks for itself, it’s much easier to find the wines that will elevate the dining experience.”
In addition to the wine pairings, Elle’s commitment to non-alcoholic options has been a standout. With the rise in demand for non-alcoholic beverages that don’t compromise on flavour or complexity, Restaurant Botanic’s non-alcoholic pairings have become just as carefully considered as their alcoholic counterparts, ensuring that every guest has a complete and enriching experience.
“I take the non-alcoholic pairing just as seriously,” Elle insists, reinforcing her belief that every guest, regardless of their preference, should be able to enjoy the full spectrum of the restaurant’s offerings.
Restaurant Botanic offers something truly special, a place where guests can immerse themselves in a sensory journey, where each dish and each wine pairing is designed to create an unforgettable experience.
These latest awards are simply the icing on the cake for a restaurant that continues to set the standard for creativity, and innovation in the Australian dining scene.
For those lucky enough to secure a reservation, dining at Restaurant Botanic is not just a meal—it’s an indulgence all the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Restaurant Botanic
Where: Adelaide Botanic Garden
For more information, click here.
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