The website for Tomah Gardens Restaurant boasts "The restaurant sits perched on a ridge overlooking an endless vista stretching as far as the Hunter Valley across the Wollemi National Park" This sounds idyllic setting for a lunch or dinner does it not?
Well they have one thing right, there is a beautiful view from the deck, but the view is free. The restaurant itself is far from an idyllic experience.
While boasting seating for 60 outside we were forced to sit inside because of a lack of suitable seating outside. There was only one section of the “terrace” in shade. The wisteria which was providing cover for the entire deck had been cut out leaving the rest of the deck about 2/3 of available seating exposed to direct sunlight. It was over 30° outside and while this is very unseasonably warm for the Blue Mountains we would have expected some alternative arrangement being made, but this was the least of their issues.
On arrival we were told there was no available seating outside because it was just simply too hot on the deck, while there were empty seats these where apparently reserved though we did not see anyone take seating in these the entire time we were there. We arrived just after noon which is the opening time for lunch; the “restaurant” was far from busy.
We chose our seat and were given menus. Water was supplied on the table, the problem with this was being a hot day the water was also hot. I would have thought being so hot the water would have been put in the fridge or at least a cool spot till it was to be served but this seemed to be just another over sight. Surprisingly our order was taken quickly, while it did take about 10 minutes for us to receive our drinks it was nothing compared to the 45 minutes we waited for our lunch.
There were only two staff on floor and the “restaurant” was not at all busy when we arrived there was maybe 2 small tables ahead of us, no more than half a dozen other patrons waiting. So we sat and waited… at first it was nice sitting looking over the view but that turned to watching the clock… in 45 minutes none of the waiting staff came in our direction; there was no explanation or apology when our food finally came…
At first both meals looked well-presented all be it small. I chose the “Murray cod fillet, steamed on creamed corn with fennel salad and kippler potatoes” ($36 on the website menu, $39 at the restaurant)… The skin was crispy probably only because it was cooked separate to the cod, which I would like to say was well cooked but I can't. A large portion was grey and a congealed grey blob had formed under my fish. I had assumed by kippler potatoes I would be served potatoes… wrong again this no more than 4 undercooked and thinly sliced slices of potato. While it tasted fine, this was a small meal and definitely not worth $39.
My husband chose the “Lamb Rack”… the interesting thing about this was it was PINK on the outside and cooked on the inside. Now I am no chef, but I've only ever seen lamb pink in the middle and well rendered on the outside. It was as though the lamb was first cooked in a microwave and then “cooked” again. The fat was not at all rendered and again while it tasted alright it was still a small meal and well over priced.
Once we'd finished our meals we got up, we had other plans and we had already wasted a lot of time waiting so we just wanted to pay and leave. There was another couple ahead of us waiting to pay they had already been there some time. When someone finally did come, we were told “I'll just fix these people up and be right with you” well she took their payment and then walked off leaving us standing there without saying a word. She came back again a moment later, offered no apology just took my card, gave me a price and asked if I would like to give a tip… What for I thought? The 45 minutes wait and the crap service?
2 LUNCHES and 2 Lemonades = $90, to put this in perspective we had a 2 three course meals and drinks for $107 the next night… with a hell of a lot better service and quality. This was only lunch!
Bottom Line: The view is free; the restaurant is an overpriced cafe with poor service. Take in the view for free and if you want to eat while visiting the Botanic gardens, pack a lunch or take advantage of the picnic and barbecue facilities provided in the garden.

Approximate cost: $20-$40