Observatory a New Darling in Melbourne's Botanic Gardens
Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens has long been a place for ritual—your morning loop of the Tan, a shady spot to read, a quiet picnic under a Moreton Bay fig. Now, it has a new ritual-worthy destination: The Observatory, an all-day eatery that’s as thoughtful as it is polished, and the latest feather in the cap of hospitality heavyweights Darling Group.
The Observatory Cafe
Formerly home to Jardin Tan—a venue with Shannon Bennett’s name once attached—this site has been completely reimagined. Darling Group (of Higher Ground, Top Paddock, The Kettle Black, and Chéri fame) is no stranger to architecturally striking, design-led venues, and their second Gardens outpost (following The Terrace) cements their hold on this coveted patch of inner-city green.
True to its name, The Observatory sits in the shadow of the historic Melbourne Observatory, and its design is nothing short of cosmic. There’s a refined minimalism at play—blonde timbers, cool stone, polished plaster—but look closer and you’ll spot the celestial references: parallax etchings honouring the 1874 Transit of Venus, terrazzo constellations underfoot, and a dome-shaped pizza oven echoing its astronomical neighbour. The dining room is encased in operable glass, peeling back the walls to reveal sweeping views of the lush Gardens, native plantings and the plaza beyond. Inside and out melt together, without fuss.
It’s calm and contemporary, but there’s a wink of energy too—a signature pop of vibrant yellow punches through the neutral palette, adding warmth without shouting.
The Observatory opens daily from 7am to 5pm, catering to early birds, long-lunchers, and every sort of stroller-pusher, local jogger or out-of-towner in between. The 150-seat interior is matched by room for 200 more on the front terrace and garden courtyard, making it one of the most flexible venues in the precinct—equally at ease hosting coffee catch-ups or large private events.
On the plate, Darling Group’s Culinary Director Ashly Hicks and Group Executive Chef Chris Mitchell steer a Mediterranean-inspired menu through a distinctly Melbourne lens. There’s a rich polenta mushroom “carbonara” at breakfast, alongside smoked brisket Benedict and a mezze-style Observatory Plate piled with pickles, cheese, and Grandmother ham on focaccia from sister spot Chéri. From 10am, things expand into house-made pastas, woodfired pizzas, and grilled Dory with ajo blanco and cucumber.
Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens has long been a place for ritual—your morning loop of the Tan, a shady spot to read, a quiet picnic under a Moreton Bay fig. Now, it has a new ritual-worthy destination: The Observatory, an all-day eatery that’s as thoughtful as it is polished, and the latest feather in the cap of hospitality heavyweights Darling Group.
