Set in a revamped colonial building, you’ll find Botanico at the Garage along the Botanic Gardens trail. With many fusion creations on the menu and a sleek minimalistic interior, I was intrigued. Expecting the waiter to show me to my seat I was puzzled when led outside. To my surprise, we had a table at the loveliest outdoor hidden bar. While we were able to enjoy the fresh air, natural sunlight pouring in and a peak into the flora of the gardens, the air-conditioning ensured that the sweltering heat of the tropics did not compromise on our experience. With regards to food, I tried to order the less meat heavy recommendations and also the more exotic sounding ones. Perhaps that was the wrong move as food was good but not as spectacular as the ambiance made it to be. Would I return? Probably for the beautiful space to hang out in and to try the other dishes! But will not order these few again... (read below) —

Slipper Lobster Tagliatelle: thought the pasta was really fresh and had a good bite to it but the XO sauce base was far too diluted and watery... it was seriously lacking a punch in spice or umami. Felt like it had so much potential! esp w the super succulent sous-vide lobster 🦞 —

Jalapeño Ice cream was a wacky mishmash of flavours that did not go together. It was basically spicy pickle juice with vanilla ice cream... why... quite nauseating actually... would 10/10 recommend the Ondeh Ondeh w kaya ice cream or Lemongrass pannacota instead #regrets —

Cauliflower was delicious. Mushroom soup latte was too frothy and not as poignant as I like it to be. Scallop ceviche was good but pretty darn pricy. —

Food 6.5/10. Ambiance 10/10.