Executive chef Justin James has announced he’s leaving Restaurant Botanic

The Adelaide chef behind one of the country’s top restaurants has revealed his reason for leaving the acclaimed fine dining spot.

The Adelaide chef behind one of the country’s top restaurants has revealed plans to branch out and launch his own fine dining venue.

Restaurant Botanic’s Justin James has announced he will be leaving the acclaimed establishment with his last service on June 30.

American James reopened the restaurant with a new name, fit-out and kitchen team in 2021, and has since led Botanic to a slew of national accolades, including Australia’s Restaurant of the Year 2022 by Gourmet Traveller.

James said he will always cherish his time at Botanic, a high-end diner offering a set menu at $365 per person, but the time is right to take a “leap of faith”.

“I’m feeling excited, nervous, sad... it’s a bucketful of emotions,” he said.

“I’ve had a great time here and plenty of memories but looking at my life and career, and where the next step is, now it really is the time to venture off and do my own restaurant.

“It was a tough decision to make but this is normal, people move on. I could have stayed another five years but I’m going to leap without looking.”

Botanic Gardens Restaurant executive chef Justin James will leave Botanic at the end of June. Picture: Tom Huntley

Dining room at Restaurant Botanic, Adelaide. Picture Jon Wah

James, 37, who has worked internationally at top venues such as Eleven Madison Park (New York) and Noma (Copenhagen), among others, said he loves living in Adelaide and is “exploring all his options” for a location for his new project.

“It’s early days but I want to take what I’ve been doing here for the last three years and take it to the next level... showcasing Australian flavours, ingredients and cuisine. The things I’m passionate about,” he said.

Restaurant Botanic was also named best restaurant in South Australia by delicious, and SA Restaurant of the Year for three straight years.

“One of the most rewarding aspects in life is starting with an idea and then watching that idea come to life,” James said.

“From the opening of Restaurant Botanic down to my last day will be something I cherish for the rest of my life.”

Restaurant Botanic owners Steve Blanco and Chris Horner said James’s dedication to his craft left an “left an indelible mark” on the venue.

“Justin’s dedication and professionalism have not only inspired our team but also set a benchmark in the culinary industry,’ said Mr Horner.

“What Justin has created and achieved in just three years is truly remarkable.”

The restaurant will remain open in its current format.