Another dreamy cafe is coming to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. Brought to you by Darling Group, the same team behind The Terrace, Chéri and Higher Ground, this lovely spot will take over the former Jardin Tan site. It takes its name from the neighbouring Melbourne Observatory, and will be a great spot for a coffee and a relaxed brunch. The Observatory will open in the Royal Botanic Gardens on May 8. It will open daily from 7am to 5pm.
The Observatory
The venue has been transformed, and has extended its footprint and layout. Take in picturesque views of the surrounding gardens, as well as the plaza, Melbourne Observatory and beyond, with the help of clear panes on three sides of the venue. The Observatory now fits 150 guests indoors, and an additional 200 guests across the front terrace and courtyard garden. At night, this space is suitable for large-scale celebrations and events.
Inside the eatery, you’ll find small nods to astronomy, with constellation charts among the terrazzo flooring and acoustic perforations referencing the Milky Way above.
As for the menu, you can expect seasonal dishes with Mediterranean flavours. For breakfast, you can look forward to comforting bites such as Polenta Mushroom ‘Carbonara’ with roasted mushrooms, pancetta and parmigiano; Brisket Eggs Benedict with smoked pastrami, rosti, mustard hollandaise and house pickles; and the signature Observatory Plate with Grandmother ham, avo, seasonal pickles, Bay of Fires cheese and chickpea hummus on focaccia. There will also be a range of artisan pastries baked and delivered daily from sister venue Chéri.
From 10am, the menu will switch to small plates, salads and mains, such as woodfired pizza and handmade pasta. Think Spicy Carnivore Pizza with nduja, ghost pepper salami and Italian sausage; Gnochetti Sardi with salsa verde and anchovy; BBQ Dory with Ajo Blanco and cucumber and more.
If you’re in a rush, there will also be a separate kiosk serving up takeaway coffee, gelato and snacks.
Opening celebrations
To celebrate their opening, The Observatory will host some community activations and giveaways during launch week, such as free coffee on May 8, $1 donuts on May 9 and a complimentary spritz with lunch on May 10.
Stay up-to-date with everything by following them on social media or checking out their website.