The Calyx

The Verdict

PSA: You can score yourself a bowl of pasta, salad and Italiano soft drink for only $25 every day of the week at The Pavilion Restaurant right now! Yes, we’re serious and yes, it’s tasty AF.

Spending a day in the Royal Botanic Gardens is never a bad idea. Boasting some of the best views in Sydney (and plenty of Insta opportunities), whether you come alone or with a group, you’ll feel instantly relaxed amongst allllll of that greenery.

No trip to the Botanic Gardens is complete, though, without a pit stop at The Calyx. With the largest green wall in Australia (think six metres high and 50 metres wide!), it’s basically a living art gallery. The wall alone features over 18,000 plants and flowers, and there are all sorts of other displays that change on a regular basis. The best part? The team at The Calyx Café serves high tea every Friday through Sunday, so you can scoff down freshly baked scones and sip on bubbles while taking it all in.

If scones won’t cut it (read: you’re hangry AF), seat yourself at the Botanic Garden Restaurant for a full on feast. Dishing up kangaroo tenderloin tartare, roasted lamb rump and charred cauliflower steak (droooool), you’re tastebuds will be treated no matter what you order. Hot tip: take a group so you can try one of everything, and don’t go home without ordering one of their floral inspired desserts.

When your toots are tired from all of the exploring and there’s no room left in your belly for food, sit back at Busby's Bar @ Victoria Lodge and watch the sun go down over the harbour. With a curated cocktail list dedicated to Bombay Sapphire botanicals, it’s the perfect place to end your day in the Gardens (or the working week if you’ve been desk-bound).

Ideal for a Sunday outing or laid back date, there’s something for everyone at The Royal Botanic Garden–but you need to put The Calyx at the top of your hit list. 

Image credit: The Calyx