Restaurant Botanica
Readers' Choice 2025 - Modern Australian
Best Known For
Three and five-course degustation menus celebrating local produce and flavours
About Restaurant Botanica
Set among rolling vineyards, Restaurant Botanica celebrates the best of the Hunter Valley with dishes crafted from local, seasonal produce and inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. The experience feels both grounded in the region and delightfully transportive. Fresh ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and a relaxed elegance make Botanica a place where simplicity and sophistication meet beautifully. Complementing the menu is a thoughtfully curated wine list showcasing the very best of the estate’s own wines, offering guests a true taste of the vineyard that surrounds them.
A few words from Restaurant Botanica
DINE
Hidden among grapevines and gumtrees just 10 minutes from Pokolbin, a Modern Australian menu has been created with a focus on freshly sourced ingredients, local cuts of protein and produce from their own garden, ensuring every dish tastes as spectacular as it looks. Showcasing the Hunter region is central to the Botanica ethos. What the kitchen can't grow, they source seasonally from a host of small-scale farmers or from the surrounding country.
STAY
Spicers Vineyards Estate is the ideal base from which to explore everything the Hunter Valley has to offer, with seasonal dishes effortlessly matched with wines from the Hunter – Australia's oldest wine region – while the onsite Spa Anise adds to the feeling of rejuvenation and appreciation of life that comes as naturally at Spicers Vineyard Estate as appreciating the latest vintage.
The Estate has just 12 luxury suites plus a separate four-bedroom Vineyard House (with private pool), each with its own fireplace and spa facilities, set among 22 glorious acres scattered with majestic gum trees, vineyards and the Brokenback Range framing the horizon.
The spacious country estate is ideal for intimate events and long, convivial days and nights enjoying some of the region's finest cuisine and wine with friends, family or colleagues.
Spicers Vineyard Estate is the perfect romantic base to experience life and explore the delights of Hunter Valley with a hot air balloon flight, or swoop over wine country on your own helicopter tour or pick up one of our gourmet picnic hampers and find your sweet spot in the shade.
Restaurant Botanica and the Estate are a two-hour drive from Sydney or one hour from Newcastle; Sydney Airport is 190km away, Newcastle Airport is 80km. Transfers are available upon request.
Restaurant Botanica Menus/Downloads
More From Restaurant Botanica
RECIPES
Kingfish Ceviche, Citrus, Finger Lime and Pickled Onion - Chef Recipe by Chris Rhoney.
This dish was originally put on the menu because it is super simple and fresh, but it has been so popular it is now our signature entrée here at Restaurant Botanica. If you can’t get hold of kingfish, or it’s not your cup of tea you can use tuna or swordfish – you could even use raw scallops or prawns.
ARTICLES
Regional Dining Gems: Culinary Excursions Worth the Drive
Explore top regional dining venues across Australia, featuring local produce and unique culinary experiences that inspire food lovers to venture beyond the city....
ARTICLES
Savouring the Flavours of Newcastle & The Hunter: A Culinary Journey
Explore the top dining spots in Newcastle & The Hunter, featuring unique venues that showcase local produce, flavours, and innovative dishes for a memorable gastronomic adventure....
ARTICLES
Luxury Christmas Dining & Festive Getaways Across the Salter Brothers Hospitality Portfolio
Discover luxury Christmas dining, festive cooking schools, long lunches and indulgent getaway experiences across Spicers Retreats and Salter Brothers Hospitality. Limited tickets available for Christm...
ARTICLES
Discover Australia’s Finest Chef Hat Dining Destinations – From Canberra to the Hunter Valley and Beyond
Explore Australia’s top restaurants, from the sleek Japanese elegance of Raku Dining in Canberra to the vineyard charm of Restaurant Botanica and Sandalford, the sophistication of Regale and the vibra...
ARTICLES
Check Out the Easter Lineup at Spicers Retreats for a Delicious Escape
Planning an escape for the Easter long weekend? Spicers Retreats have a delicious line-up of foodie experiences across the Queensland and NSW retreats for both inhouse guests and day-trippers....
ARTICLES
Plan Your Romantic Valentine’s Day at These 3 Spicers Hunter Valley Venues
You still have 10 days to organise a romantic rendezvous for your Valentine…have you considered the Hunter Valley? Here are three stunning venues with Valentine’s Day specials to put the bloom into yo...
ARTICLES
5 Venues for Your Next Private Dining Experience
Whether coming together with family, friends and colleagues, there are many venues around the country offering private dining experiences to add personalisation to your special occasion. From elegant ...
ARTICLES
Escape to the Hunter Valley for a Chef-hatted Dining Experience at these Six Restaurants.
An escape to Australia’s oldest wine-growing region – the Hunter Valley – is a treat for the senses. Expect charming vineyards, peaceful landscapes and gourmet food thrills! As we celebrate AGFG’s 202...
ARTICLES
Recreate Chef-hatted Restaurant Recipes at Home with these Three Delicious Dishes.
Ever gone home after a delicious dinner and wished you could recreate some of the dishes at home? Never fear, we have you covered with three recipes the home cook can master with a little practice – d...
Features & Facilities
Payments Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Eftpos
Seats: 60 Chef: Chris Rhoney
Opening Hours
Groups & Functions
- Up to 80 Guests
- Birthday Party
- Charity Event
- Christmas Party
- Cocktail Party
- Conference
- Corporate Function
- Dinner Party
- Engagement Party
- Hens & Bucks Night
- Product Launch
- Wedding
- Set Menu
Fantastic Food & Wine
Exceptional food experience. Service was brilliant, wine list is superb. I’d love to visit again.