One of Melbourne’s best-located cafes has a new lease on life.

Overlooking the Ornamental Lake at the inner-city oasis that is the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Terrace has been a longstanding fixture in Melbourne. But in December, the iconic daytime diner reopened under new management – and with a new look.

It’s the 10th venue for hospo collective the Darling Group, which in 2018 snapped up three quintessential Melbourne cafes (Higher Ground, Top Paddock and Kettle Black) and recently reopened Stringers in Sorrento. It also owns Darling Cafe in South Yarra, Dundas & Faussett in Albert Park, and Bambu in South Melbourne.

We think you might like Access. For $12 a month, join our membership program to stay in the know.

SIGN UP

“The Royal Botanic Gardens is a location that’s been ingrained in Melbourne’s culture and history for generations,” Darling Group director Nick Seoud said in a press release.

“Having grown up nearby, my brother and I were lucky enough to walk through the gardens on our way home from school, often picking up a homemade scone from The Terrace cafe. I hold such fond memories of the space, so to be able to completely reimagine it and create a place for others to create their own memories is so exciting.”

The scones have stayed put, but now you’ll also find the group’s well-known ricotta hotcakes, as well as Turkish-style eggs, fragrant fattouche, club sandwiches and more. It’s fully licensed too, so you can park yourself outside with a spritz. Or if you’re picnicking, grab a Terrace-To-Go box with a sanga or salad, a juice, and something sweet.

The refurb of the indoor-outdoor cafe was done by Techne Architecture & Interior Design. It features lush green tones, tiled stone benchtops and geometric furnishings.

There’s also a stunning events space with lake views and room for up to 300 people.

The Terrace
Royal Botanic Gardens, corner of Alexandra Avenue and Anderson Street, South Yarra (enter through Gate A)

Hours:
Daily 8am–4pm

theterrace.melbourne