When the restaurant is in the stable of a restaurateur such as Shannon Bennett, a great deal is expected. Jardin Tan, his modern, slick Vietnamese café doesn’t disappoint.

The kiosk at the front is great for bánh mì and a beer. The restaurant reflects Shannon’s French food origins extending into Vietnamese fare.

Even if the food were just OK – and it is much better than that – this is a great place to hang and to be seen. I particularly love the self-serve Asian slaw.

The atmosphere is stylish and casual but the location is sublime. Sitting in the Royal Botanic Gardens with a pinot in hand makes me glad I am not one of the poor sweaty wretches running around the perimeter.

Jardin Tan www.jardintan.com.au